SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW DEC 7-8 2019

This week my children's Christmas book reviews include a beautiful  retelling of Russian Folk tales, a pop up picture book following the Christmas Star, a very festive but greedy unicorn and a selection of winter animal tales for young readers.

Perfect presents for Christmas

Also in the Weekend section of The South Wales Evening Post. Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

KOSHKA'S TALES BY JAMES MAYHEW

CHILDREN 9+

Meet Koshka, the extraordinary storytelling cat. She spins dazzling tales of enchanting snow maidens, sea princesses, firebirds and the witch Baba-Yaga who lives in a house on chicken legs. This stunning collection of stories is an imaginative retelling of famous Russian folk-tales. The exquisite illustrations decorate and frame each page in bejewelled colours like a stained-glass window. The lyrical and creative storytelling matches it. A book to treasure and a beautiful gift.

Graffeg HB £12.99

FOLLOW THE STAR BY ANDY MANSFIELD

PICTURE BOOK 3+

Follow the story of the Christmas Star as it travels from Bethlehem to the top of the iconic Christmas tree. Children will marvel at the beautifully engineered pop up spreads on each page. The block colours add to the lavish and intricate scenes which feature a foil star with simple rhyming text. A delight to share some peace and love while exploring each page. A lovely festive gift for young children.

Templar HB £14.99

OSCAR EATS CHRISTMAS BY LOU CARTER & NIKKI DYSON

PICTURE BOOK 4+

It's Christmas Eve and Oscar the Unicorn is hungry. He's already eaten the Christmas tree and the stockings! But what will happen when he eats all the magic reindeer food enabling them to fly? It's up to Oscar to make amends and help Father Christmas. The second hilarious story about this greedy unicorn is full of festive cheer and silliness. I love Oscar's bored expression and his grumpy feline sidekick. Children will gobble this up and keep wanting more.

Orchard PB £6.99

WINTER TALES BY VARIOUS

CHILDREN 5+

A magical collection of snowy tales for young readers by much-loved authors including Holly Webb with adorable illustrations by Alison Edgson. Children will fall in love with the polar bear who wants to be a penguin, explore with snow leopards and a reindeer girl or enjoy a magic show. A charming stocking filler to curl up with at bedtime over the holidays. Perfect for early and reluctant readers as well as animal lovers.

Stripes PB £5.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW NOV30-DEC 1 2019

This week my children's book reviews include a fabulous introduction to classical composers, a purrfect picture book retelling of A Christmas Carol, A handbook guide for Father Christmas and little ones plus a festive middle grade adventure sequel with dinosaurs and witches.

Perfect presents for Christmas

Also in the Weekend section of The South Wales Evening Post. Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

JAMES RHODES' PLAYLIST

CHILDREN 9+

Discover seven of the worlds' greatest composers. The rebels and revolutionaries of sound that were the original rock stars. From Bach to Mozart, Shubert to Ravel. Discover the influences they still have on your music today. A visually exquisite celebration of classical music in a stunning slipcase. It also features a large fold-out poster and an online playlist of the pieces discussed. Martin O'Neill's avant-garde illustrations are real show-stoppers. A lovely introductory gift for music lovers to enjoy.

Wren & Rook HB £24.99

A CAT'S CHRISTMAS CAROL BY SAM HAY & HELEN SHOESMITH

PICTURE BOOK 3+

It's Christmas Eve, and Clawdia the department store's security cat is on the prowl. She doesn't believe in silly festivities! When three lonely visitors arrive, they teach her the true meaning of Christmas. Can seeing her past, present and future make Clawdia into a friendly kitty? The playful illustrations capture Clawdia's quest in the store. A heartfelt and entertaining retelling of A Christmas Carol for all the family to enjoy.

Simon & Schuster PB £6.99

SANTA'S CHRISTMAS HANDBOOK

CHILDREN 8+

Santa Claus is highly accident-prone and a bit clueless, so his elves have written him a helpful handbook. It contains all he needs to know, including reindeer tips, present prompts and useful tools like Santa Nav. Inspired by the Ology series, this is packed with flaps to lift, mini-books to read and a fun game at the end. Stuffed with colourful and entertaining illustrations, this is the perfect gift for children over Christmas.

Templar HB £16.99

THE CHRISTMASAURUS AND THE WINTER WITCH BY TOM FLETCHER & SHANE DEVRIES

CHILDREN 9+

One year after William Trundle's adventure with the Christmasaurus he is swept back to the magical North Pole to meet a mysterious icy witch! She controls time and helps Santa deliver all his presents on time. Now William and his dinosaur must help the witch save Christmas. The lively illustrations bring the festive family story to life alongside the clever use of different text. An enchanting read to gift and share over the holidays.

Puffin HB £12.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW AUG 31-1 SEPT

This week my children's book reviews include a middle grade adventure in Snowdonia, a picture book about going to school for the time, a return to Enid Blyton's classic Mallory Towers and a charming romance for young adults set on a train going across America. 

Great books for going back to school and university!

Also in the Weekend section of The South Wales Evening Post. Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

MAX KOWALSKI DIDN'T MEAN IT BY SUSIE DAY

CHILDREN 9+

Max is an 11-years-old boy who is always in trouble. But when his father disappears he must take responsibility for his siblings. They hide in Snowdonia where Max discovers new friends and a dragon that must be defeated! A heartwarming and emotional story about Max and his imperfect family that will make you laugh and cry. It is ideal for discussions about masculinity, dealing with unfair expectations and why it's okay to be yourself.

Puffin PB £6.99

THE COLOUR MONSTER GOES TO SCHOOL BY ANNA LLENAS

PICTURE BOOK 4+

The Colour Monster is preparing for his first day at school with his friend. Together with the new pupils they paint pictures, read and play. Despite making some mistakes they thoroughly enjoy and can't wait to go back. A wonderful and reassuring story for children who feel nervous about their first day at school. A great way to start a conversation about what children will expect in school as well as being very funny.

Templar PB £6.99

NEW CLASS AT MALORY TOWERS BY ENID BLYTON & VARIOUS

CHILDREN 9+

The definitive boarding school series returns with four new stories by various authors including Patrice Lawrence. New girl Marietta wants to go back to her home in the circus. When a dormitory argument reveals something unusual about her braided hair will she find friends at last? The tales are full of fun, friendship and midnight feasts with a feminist spin. The diverse and strong female cast will inspire a new generation of readers.

Hodder PB £6.99

FIELD NOTES ON LOVE BY JENNIFER E. SMITH

YOUNG ADULT 12+

Before starting university Mae and Hugo meet through the internet to become travel companions on a cross-country train trip across the USA. Despite being strangers and dealing with family drama they start to fall for each other. An endearing romance about living in the moment, learning to be independent and trusting your instincts. An intimate and atmospheric love story that speeds along to a satisfying climax. For fans of Stephanie Perkins and Jenny Han.

Macmillan PB £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW JUNE 15-16 2019

This week my children's book reviews include a swashbuckling adventure for independent readers, an introduction to legends of rock for the very young, a picture book posing a very important question and a modern day coming-of-age drama for teen. Some great books to share on Father's Day

Also in the Weekend section of The South Wales Evening Post. Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

THE JOLLEY-ROGERS AND THE PIRATE PIPER BY JONNY DUDDLE

CHILDREN 6+

The pirate series returns with an adventure full of swashbuckling and dastardly deeds. When Dull-On-Sea is infested with rats the town employs a strange piper to dispense with them. But when the greedy Mayor refuses to pay the piper he takes his revenge. Can pirate children Matilda, Jim Lad and their dog Nugget save the day? This richly illustrated chapter book, based on the Pied Piper is a rip-roaring adventure which will capture the imagination of independent readers.

ISBN 9781787415133 PB Templar £6.99

THE STORY OF ROCK BY NICOLA EDWARDS & LINDSEY SAGAR

BOARD BOOK 1+

Rock-loving Dads will love sharing this introduction to the legends of rock with their little one. From Elvis to Beatlemania, Bowie to Nirvana, children can shake, rattle and roll with this sturdy rhyming board book. The entertaining illustrations are hilarious and I especially loved Slash's top hat! If the family's tastes lie more with Jay-Z The Story of Rap is also available. It's never too early to inspire a new generation of music lovers!

ISBN 9781848578296 HB Caterpillar Books £5.99

WHY ARE THERE SO MANY BOOKS ABOUT BEARS? BY KRISTINA STEPHENSON

PICTURE BOOK 4+

The animal professors of science and literature in Mollusc College, Oxford are debating an Impossible Question. Why are so many books about bears? Adorable illustrations accompany the cheerful text and clever twists on names such as William Snakespeare and Albert Swinestein. Children will love guessing who's their mystery guest banging on the door. Maybe the answer is under their noses in the double spread fold-out at the end? A charming book to read out loud.

ISBN 9781444946017 HB Hachette £12.99

THE GIFTED, THE TALENTED AND ME BY WILLIAM SUTCLIFFE

YOUNG ADULT 12+

When fifteen-year-old Sam's family become rich and they move to London he is forced to attend an Academy for the Gifted and Talented. But Sam just wants a normal life. A witty satirical take on an aspiring modern family and the pitfalls of trying to fit in. As Sam and his family crash from one well-meaning misadventure to another, you will cry with laughter. Adrian Mole meets Absolutely Fabulous. I'm still giggling...

ISBN 9781408890219 PB Bloomsbury £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW MAY 25-26 2019

This week my children's book reviews include a contemporary and engaging drama promoting understanding of autism, a factual and fun board book about animals of the Savannah, an rip-roaring adventure book explaining Baroque Opera and an inspiring middle grade contemporary quest about a ballet loving asylum seeker.

Also in the Weekend section of The South Wales Evening Post. Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK

CAN YOU SEE ME? BY LIBBY SCOTT & REBECCA WESTCOTT
CHILDREN 9+
Tally is autistic but she tries to hide it because when people don't understand something they can be cruel. But sometimes when somebody views the world differently they can help to make it a better place. Interspersed with diary entries by eleven-year-old Libby based on her own experience of autism, this coming of age drama will strike a chord with children who feel differently or misunderstood. A gripping drama which promotes understanding and empathy about autism.
ISBN 9781407195674 PB Scholastic £6.99

HELLO, MRS ELEPHANT! BY SAM BOUGHTON

BOARD BOOK 2+
A fun and fact-filled board book with lift-the-flaps that explores the animals of the Savannah. Say hello to elephants, zebras and lions amongst other African animals. Did you know a baby hippo is called a calf and that zebra can sleep standing up? Young children will love the colourful jaunty illustrations and tongue in cheek humour. Equally entertaining in the series and perfect for little paws is Hello Mr Dinosaur.
ISBN 9781787414143 HB Templar £8.99

THE ACADEMY OF BARMY COMPOSERS: BAROQUE BY MARK LLEWELYN EVANS & KARL DAVIES

CHILDREN 8+
When Jack and Megan find an old magic trunk it takes them back to 1597 to meet the inventor of opera, Professor Peri and a host of famous composers such as Perfect Purcell. But can they save opera from Cruel Cromwell? Children will be introduced to musical terms, voice types and instruments in this richly informative and hilarious romp through 500 years of Baroque. It will help cultivate an appreciation for this uplifting and emotionally rich art form.
ISBN 9781912213863 HB Graffeg £12.99

NO BALLET SHOES IN SYRIA BY CATHERINE BRUTON

CHILDREN 9+
Dance lover Aya is an eleven-year-old Syrian refugee seeking asylum in Britain with her family. Will Aya be allowed to stay in Britain and apply for a prestigious ballet scholarship? This ballet filled drama is combined with a sensitive and insightful portrayal of the plight of refugees. Dance lovers will adore the ballet details woven in and relate to Aya's ambition and sense of freedom and expression when she dances. For fans of Eva Ibbotson and Noel Streatfeild.
ISBN 9781788004503 PB Nosy Crow £6.99

CHILDREN'S HALLOWEEN BOOK REVIEW FOR THE SOUTH WALES EVENING POST OCT 27-28 2018

This week my children's book reviews include the grand finale of Goth Girl, a little ghost desperate for attention, a young witch's further adventures and two friends who must save their gargoyle-infested school!

Happy Halloween

Also in the Weekend section of The South Wales Evening Post. Enjoy!

HALLOWEEN BOOK OF WEEK

GOTH GIRL AND THE SINISTER SYMPHONY BY CHRIS RIDDELL
CHILDREN 7+
The fangtastic finale of the Goth Girl series is a real treat. Lord Goth is holding a music festival but who will be the 'headline' act? This satirical tale is liberally sprinkled with contemporary references that will appeal to both adults and children. It is full of witty puns and a play on words, such as Tailor Extremely-Swift, which are woven in between Riddell's masterly illustrations. Monstrously good for Halloween that is perfect to share and read aloud.

ISBN 9781447277965 PB Macmillan £6.99

THE RIGHT ONE BY VIOLETA NOY
PICTURE BOOK 4+
Roderic is the smallest ghost in his family and is continually ignored. He doesn't want to wear a white sheet like all the rest so how can he stand out? The vibrant, bold illustrations capture the endearing little ghost as he tries on different hats, scarves and various patterned sheets to make himself look different. Children will relate to being the smallest in a family. A friendly, funny ghost story for Halloween.
ISBN 9781787412705 PB Templar £6.99

WISH FOR A WITCH BY KAYE UMANSKY & ASHLEY KING
CHILDREN 7+
Elsie is excited to return to Magenta Sharp's magical tower for her second adventure. The witch needs her help to save her magic license and to deal with a grumpy genie. This adventure is a cauldron of excitement, bubbling with wit, wishes and witchcraft. The endearing illustrations cast a spell with their characterful detail and will leave children bewitched. I especially loved Nuisance the loyal stray dog and Corbett, the irascible raven. A charming Halloween tale.
ISBN 9781471160936 PB Simon & Schuster £6.99

TREASURE OF THE GOLDEN SKULL BY CHRIS PRIESTLEY
CHILDREN 8+
Mildew and Sponge must save their gargoyle-infested school from closure. If they can find the buried treasure, avoid a pirate pretending to be a teacher and deal with the mysterious new boy they might save the school. This caustically funny, deliciously creepy quest will make kids cackle with laughter. The scratchy illustrations creeping through the text add to the enormous fun making it perfect for Halloween. The Munsters meet Roald Dahl.
ISBN 9781408873106 PB Bloomsbury £6.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW JUNE 16-17

This week my children's book reviews include a boy who grows dragons, two picture books featuring a dinosaur daddy and a Tiger daddy that are both perfect for Father's day and a scarily funny adventure in which a young boy must ask for some ghostly help.

Also in the Weekend section of The South Wales Evening Post

Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE BOY WHO GREW DRAGONS BY ANDY SHEPHERD
CHILDREN 7+
Tomas is shocked to discover a strange tree at the bottom of his grandparents garden which hatches dragons! Flicker, the first dragon is an excellent pet but like all baby's very unpredictable. He eats everything, and even his poo is highly flammable! An hilarious rip-roaring adventure complemented by Sara Ogilvie's lively illustrations which will fire the imagination for independent readers. An alternative way to encourage children into the garden. Perfect for fans of Roald Dahl and Cressida Cowell.
ISBN 9781848126497 PB Piccadilly £5.99

I LOVE YOU DINO-DADDY BY MARK SPERRING
PICTURE BOOK 3+
It's not easy being dino-daddy but it's a lot of fun. Whether it's a trip to the park or playing games at home he always has time for his two roaring little dinos... This funny and endearing story show the lengths dads will go to entertain their little ones. This delightful padded board book is a celebration of a father's relationship with his children and is the perfect gift for Father's Day.
ISBN 9781408893449 Bloomsbury HB  £7.99

RAJ AND THE BEST DAY EVER! BY SEB BRAUN
PICTURE BOOK 4+
Raj and Dad are going on an adventure, and they have big plans. But then Dad leaves his wallet at home and Raj thinks their day will be ruined. But all they need is their imagination and each other's company. This is the perfect celebration of a father and son relationship and how being together is more important. The energetic and colourful illustrations really bring their escapades to life. A great gift to share on Father's Day.

ISBN 9781787412347 PB Templar £6.99

EMBASSY OF THE DEAD BY WILL MABBITT
CHILDREN 9+
When Jake opens a box containing a severed finger he accidentally summons a reaper who is determined to drag him into the Eternal Void. To escape his grim fate, Jake must ask for protection from the Embassy of the Dead, but it comes at a price. This illustrated adventure is full of excitement, friendship and ghosts! A great combination of funny and scary perfect for fans of Skulduggery Pleasant and Who Let the Gods Out?
ISBN 9781510104556 PB Orion £ 6.99