SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW JAN 18-19 2020

This week my children's book reviews include two epic fantasies for teens, a beautiful picture book about the price of freedom and a fascinating middle grade book full of strange but true football stories. 

Perfect books for the New Year!

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

A THRONE OF SWANS BY KATHARINE & ELIZABETH CORR

YOUNG ADULT 12+

Seventeen-year-old Aderly inherits a kingdom ruled by those who can transform into a bird and fly. Aderly is a swan who since witnessing her mothers murder can no longer take flight. Can she save the kingdom from her cruel uncle? Who can she trust? An intriguing fantasy richly woven with magic and a duplicitous cast, a flawed but courageous heroine and an unexpected twist. For fans of Leigh Bardugo and Melinda Salisbury.

Hot Key Books PB £7.99

STARBIRD BY SHARON KING-CHAI

PICTURE BOOK 3+

The Moon King gifts his daughter the legendary Starbird. But one day it stops singing. When his daughter notices how sad the caged bird is she sets it free. The King is furious. Can he understand the price of freedom? A stunning book with foiled pages. Children will be entranced by the twilight images and looking for the Starbird within the silhouettes. A beautiful original folk story about love and freedom that would make a stunning and sensitive gift.

Two Hoots HB £12.99

UNBELIEVABLE FOOTBALL BY MATT OLDFIELD

CHILDREN 8+

A collection of entertaining and fascinating stories about the beautiful game. Have you heard of the psychic octopus who could predict the winner? The Lancashire Lasses who became footballs best-kept secret? The dog detective who saved the world cup trophy? The world-class manager who survived a war? The perfect gift for football-mad kids. The short accessible stories are perfect to dip into and share with friends and family.

Wren & Rook PB £6.99

A HEART SO FIERCE AND BROKEN BY BRIGID KEMMERER

YOUNG ADULT 12+

Harper has freed Prince Rhen from a curse but a rival heir lies in wait. Grey the prince's best friend has fled the castle with a terrible secret. Who will betray whom? Told from alternating points of view this fantasy sequel brims with excitement, devious plots and bold new characters that will sink its claws into you. An exciting new spin on a tale as old as time which forges its own path. A must for fantasy lovers.

Bloomsbury PB £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS'S BOOK REVIEW OCT 14-15

This week my children's book reviews include an extraordinary futuristic adventure, a picture book about a grumpy bat, an enchanting new series for early readers and an alternative take on classic villains. Perfect for Halloween.

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE EXTRAORDINARY COLOURS OF AUDEN DARE BY ZILLAH BETHELL

CHILDREN 9+

Moving to his deceased uncle's house Auden makes an extraordinary discovery. Under the garden shed he finds a human-like robot called Paragon, but what is he for? Will he help Auden see colour again? Paragon leads him on a thrilling journey of discovery set against a totalitarian society which is fighting over water. A captivating, futuristic adventure about friendship, family and hope. A wonderful gift and perfect for book club discussion. Artificial Intelligence meets ET.

ISBN 9781848126084 PB Piccadilly Press £6.99

I AM BAT BY MORAG HOOD

PICTURE BOOK 3+

A simple, charming story about a little bat who loves cherries but does not like sharing. When his cherries keep disappearing Bat must find out who is taking them. A pertinent story about the pros and con's of coveting and sharing you possessions. Despite all his failings, children will love this grumpy, little bat. The bold, luminous illustrations add layers and humour to the story about learning to share.

ISBN 9781509834617 HB Two Hoots £11.99

WITCH FOR A WEEK BY KAYE UMANSKY ILLUSTRATED BY ASHLEY KING

CHILDREN 7+

When Elsie offers to house-sit for the local witch, Magenta Sharp, she doesn't expect a talking raven, some very high-maintenance neighbours and a box of magic, with a sell by date. A spellbinding new series for young readers who will be absolutely charmed by the hilarious story of mishaps, mayhem and magic. This cauldron of endearing characters, adventure and laughs reminded me of Shrek but with witches!

ISBN 9781471160905 PB Simon & Schuster £6.99

BECAUSE YOU LOVE TO HATE ME EDITED BY AMERIIE

YOUNG ADULT 12+

An alternative anthology of short stories from the point of view of famous villains. Featuring the biggest names in young adult fiction, they have written their own spins on classics, inspired by well known BookTubers. Stories that have inspired them include King Arthur, The little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast, amongst others. Thirteen morsels of wickedness to feast on for Halloween, if you dare?

ISBN 9781408882764 PB Bloomsbury £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEWS FEB 4-5TH

This week my pick of childrens books for The South Wales Evening Post include a gothic dystopian fantasy fiction for teens, a new adventure with The Storm Whale, two very different queens finding friendship for early readers and a contemporary thriller based on true events for dyslexic and reluctant readers.

My column can be found in the Weekend supplement of The South Wales Evening Post on Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK

INK BY ALICE BROADWAY

In an unforgiving world where your life story is tattooed onto your skin Leora must make sure her father’s memories are preserved when he dies. Posthumously a persons tattoos are made into a Life Book so why are parts of her fathers book missing? Who was he really? A dark dystopian novel with gothic overtones that mixes myth with memory and the meaning of life. A richly imagined world that will leave it’s mark.

ISBN 9781407172842 PB Scholastic £7.99

THE STORM WHALE IN WINTER BY BENJI DAVIES

PICTURE BOOK 3+

When Noi’s father doesn’t return from a fishing trip Noi braves the arctic weather to find him. But who will find Noi when his little boat is lost on the freezing sea? Will the Storm Whale he saved last summer return the favour? The superbly atmospheric illustrations perfectly capture their snowbound escapade using beacons of light and colour in a cold wintery setting. A heartwarming story of friendship, family and faithfulness.

ISBN 9781471119989 PB Simon & Schuster £6.99

QUEEN MUNCH AND QUEEN NIBBLE BY CAROL ANN DUFFY

CHILDRENS 5+

Queen Munch likes noise and fun, Queen Nibble likes quietness and making jewelry from raindrops. Can such different queens ever be friends? A wonderfully lyrical fable by Poet Laureate Duffy with bright and bold illustrations by Lydia Monks. Beautifully observed about how we can learn from other peoples differences. Great for reading out loud and early readers.

ISBN 9781509829262 HB Two Hoots Books  £12.99

THE LIAR’S HANDBOOK BY KEREN DAVID

CHILDRENS 13+

River is a liar. It is the only way he can find out the truth. That is why when he meets his Mum’s new boyfriend he knows he’s a fraud. Can River prove it before it’s too late. A super readable psychological thriller that has huge appeal. Inspired by real life events the story challenges our perceptions of identity, truth and family. A cracking plot with an explosive finale. Accessible reading for emergent , reluctant and dyslexic readers.

ISBN 9781781126806 PB Barrington Stoke £6.99