SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW NOV 9-10 2019

This week my children's book reviews include for Rememberance Sunday an inspiring second world war drama and a stirring illustrated middle grade novel about the importance of truth set in the First World War. My column also includes a picture book about learning to cope with bereavement, and lastly for the holidays a return to the Shadowhunters world with a fan favourite. 

The two World War books are perfect to learn about that period and start a conversation in class. They are also inspiring and insightful.

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE TATTOOIST OF AUSCHWITZ BY HEATHER MORRIS

YOUNG ADULT 12+

1942 Lale is imprisoned in Auschwitz just because he is Jewish. His job is tattooing numbers of fellow victims. When he meets Gita it's love at first sight. Will they survive the horror of war? Based on real events, this pulsates with courage, friendship and daring. A deeply moving and inspiring story that should be a must for every school. Information and points of discussion are in the back. A story never to be forgotten.

Hot Key Books PB £7.99

WAITING FOR WOLF BY SANDRA DIECKMANN

PICTURE BOOK 4+

Fox and Wolf spend a perfect day together, talking, laughing, playing and watching stars. One day Wolf is gone. How will Fox cope? A stunningly illustrated and lyrical story about friendship, loss and grief. A perfect story to start a discussion with children about learning to cope with bereavement by remembering treasured memories. The magical illustrations capture the emotion of the scenes from happy to sad and ends with a positive heartwarming message.

HB Hodder £12.99

CAPTAIN ROSALIE BY TIMOTHEE DE FOMBELLE & ISABELLE ARSENAULT

CHILDREN 8+

Rosalie is five, and she is on a secret mission to learn to read. Her father is at war, and her mother reads his letters to her until one day she stops. Can Rosalie find out the truth? A moving story that reveals the tragedy of war through a child's eyes. The story is complemented by the atmospheric ink drawings and flashes of Rosalie's red hair against the darkness. It illustrates the importance of truth and togetherness and a pertinent conversation starter about Remembrance Day.

Walker Books PB £6.99

THE RED SCROLLS OF MAGIC BY CASSANDRA CLARE & WESLEY CHU

YOUNG ADULT 12+

A welcome return to the Shadowhunters world with fan favourite High Warlock Magnus Bane in the lead role. Magnus is on holiday with his boyfriend, Alex Lightwood. But before long they are chasing the evil leader of a demon-worshipping cult. A fun romp through the most glamorous European cities plus ladles of adventure, magic and romance. This is suitable for fans and newcomers who will love the diverse cast and sense of loyalty and honour at its heart.

Simon & Schuster PB £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW JULY 6-7 2019

This week my children's book reviews include a middle grade First World War mystery in a country estate, a picture book sensitively explaining memory loss, a picture book adventure with best friends Mouse and Mole a contemporary teen romantic drama. Perfect for the holidays.

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE GARDEN OF LOST SECRETS BY A.M HOWELL

CHILDREN 9+

When Clara is sent to stay with her Aunt and Uncle on a country estate during World War One she becomes entangled in its secrets and intrigue. What is in the locked room? Who is the strange boy who appears at night? This is a gripping and evocative mystery with family at its heart. For fans of The Secret Garden and Emma Carroll and ideal for book clubs with questions at the back and web links to follow.

ISBN 97814749 59551 PB Usborne £6.99

THE TIDE BY CLARE HELEN WELSH & ASHLING LINDSAY

PICTURE BOOK 3+

A family are going for a day out at the beach but Grandad is becoming very forgetful. Can his granddaughter help? A sensitive way to explain the difficult subject of dementia to young ones without upsetting them. An empathetic story full of sunny playful pictures that use the tide as an analogy to understand memory loss. It is full of charm, comfort and heart that is ideal to share with family or in the classroom.

ISBN 9781788810852 HB Little Tiger £11.99

MOUSE & MOLE BY JOYCE DUNBAR AND JAMES MAYHEW

PICTURE BOOK 5+

Join Mouse and Mole, the best of furry friends on their adventures. Whether it's planning for a picnic or toasting muffins or tidying their chaotic house, children will be charmed by the series of gentle and witty stories. Children will recognise the familiar ups and downs of friendship and immediately relate to their breakups and makeups. The richly illustrated book is perfect for fans of Wind in the Willows and Brambly Hedge.

ISBN 9781912050406 HB Graffeg £12.99

TULIP TAYLOR BY ANNA MAINWARING

YOUNG ADULT 11+

Fifteen-year-old Tulip is a make-up vlogger who finds herself on a 'survival' reality TV show. Can she prove to an annoyingly cute fellow contestant, her momager and herself that she is not just a pretty face? A hilarious contemporary tale of the pitfalls of living in the digital age where so much of life is on social media. The family dynamic is pitched perfectly to those with annoying siblings! An entertaining modern-day romance.

ISBN 9781910080979 PB Firefly Press £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW JUNE 8-9 2019

This week my children's book reviews include a riveting middle grade drama commemorating D-Day full of fascinating historical facts, two picture books perfect for Fathers Day including a farty bear and a time strapped Fox and a football middle grade  drama for girls just in time for the FIFA Womens World Cup. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

D-DAY DOG BY TOM PALMER

CHILDREN 8+

While Jack is visiting the D-Day landing beaches with his school his soldier Dad is called into action. As Jack begins to question the point of war he uncovers a story about a paratrooper and his dog and is determined to discover their fate. An accessible and thought-provoking read commemorating the 75th anniversary of D-Day. It's a revelation to read the heroic animal war stories at the end who went beyond the call of duty.

ISBN 9781781128688 PB Barrington Stoke £6.99

DADDY FARTYPANTS BY EMER STAMP & MATT HUNT

PICTURE BOOK 4+

Daddy Fartypants is a very windy bear which he never apologises for much to the embarrassment of his son! But when he meets his son's fragrant new teacher can she teach him a lesson about lying and blaming others? The explosive illustrations will make children laugh their pants off! This is the perfect gift for Father's Day, especially if he's a little gassy and likes to blame others!

ISBN 9781408356357 PB Orchard £6.99

FIVE MORE MINUTES BY MARTA ALTES

PICTURE BOOK 4+

A young fox gives his time-starved Dad sage advise about what time really means. Many Dad's and children will relate to how the young want everything NOW while Dads just need a few more minutes to rest, sleep and read...An observant and poignant story to share on Father's Day about how children and adults experience time in different ways. Dad's will especially relate to Daddy Fox's resigned expression as opposed to his child's expectant one!

ISBN 9781509866021 HB Macmillan £12.99

LILY AND THE ROCKETS BY REBECCA STEVENS

CHILDREN 9+

It's 1918 and fourteen-year-old munition worker Lily loves to play football with the factory's female team, The Rockets. But what will happen when the men return from war? This emotionally charged coming-of-age drama is inspired by true events with girl power at its heart. The postscript at the end is inspiring, infuriating and ultimately hopeful. Girls will be galvanized to follow their dreams, break boundaries and play football! For fans of FIFA's Women's World Cup and historical drama.

ISBN 9781912626120 PB Chicken House £6.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW NOV 10-11

This week my children's book reviews commemorate both the First and Second World Wars. They include a moving middle grade book of love and loss in World War One, a sensitive picture book about a young girls dad returning from war, a middle grade adventure mixing World War Two history with myth and a true story of a young protegee fleeing the Nazi's to London. These books are all not only really enjoyable but inspiring and educational. Perfect for Remembrance Day. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

EVIE'S WAR BY HOLLY WEBB
CHILDREN 9+
It's 1914 and Evie's brother has gone to war however she is comforted by her adored dogs. But when her father insists one be sent to War Dog School how will Evie cope? A moving and enlightening story of life in Britain during the First World War seen through the eyes of a young girl. It also highlights the little-known role of dogs during the war. For fans of Michael Morpurgo and Emma Carroll.
ISBN 9781407170862 PB Scholastic £6.99

RUBY IN THE RUINS BY SHIRLEY HUGHES
PICTURE BOOK 5+
A classic story of family love, set in post-war London. When Ruby's dad returns from the war she hardly recognises him. How will they reforge their bond? A thought-provoking tale of returning soldiers and their difficulty in settling into everyday life. The illustrations are really evocative of the time and place and are sensitively told through Ruby's eyes. It will give young children an idea of what it was like to live in that time.
ISBN 9781406375893 HB Walker Books £12.99

THE BURIED CROWN BY ALLY SHERRICK
CHILDREN 9+
During World War Two George is evacuated to the countryside to avoid the London bombings. But he finds himself in danger while trying to protect a priceless Anglo-Saxon crown from the Nazi's. A fast-paced historical adventure that is cleverly interwoven with myth. It is in part inspired by the Sutton-Hoo treasure and Hitler's fascination with mystical objects which is explained at the back of the book. An absorbing and exciting story with lots of twists and turns.
ISBN 981910655320 PB Chicken House £6.99

THE CHILDREN OF WILLESDEN LANE BY MONA GOLABEK & LEE COHEN
CHILDREN 10+
When Hitler threatens to invade Vienna Lisa, a musical prodigy is sent to London for safety. But she must leave her parents and sisters behind. Written by Lisa's daughter Mona it is about courage, survival and the power of music to uplift the spirit and bring people together. An inspirational and riveting true-life story. It shows the difficult life choices people were forced to make in times of war but also the power of hope and dreams.
ISBN 9781445161303 PB Franklin Watts £7.99

CHILDREN'S BOOKS FOR REMEMBRANCE IN THE SOUTH WALES EVENING POST

A selection of childrens books for Remembrance reviewed for The South Wales Evening Post. Including the World War I bear who inspired Winnie the Pooh, a Narnian adventure set against World War II, the true story of the First World War's Footballs Battalion and a picture book explaining the concept of war and peace to the very young,

This review can be found in the weekend section of The South Wales Evening Post Nov 12-13th

BOOK OF THE WEEK

FINDING WINNIE BY LINDSAY MATTICK
PICTURE BOOK 4+
The real life story and inspiration of Winnie the Pooh. When soldier and vet Harry finds a real bear cub at a station in 1914 he decides to keep her and takes her to war where she becomes a much loved mascot. This delightful story, charmingly illustrated by Sophie Blackall, describes their wonderful relationship and later how Christopher Robin met Winnie in London Zoo. It is made especially poignant with photos of the 'real Winnie' at the end.
ISBN 9781408340240 PB Orchard Books £5.99

GREEN LIZARDS VS RED RECTANGLES BY STEVE ANTONY
PICTURE BOOK 4+
An accessible way to explain to children about war and peace. Green lizards disagree with the red rectangles which escalates, through lack of communication, into a terrible and long fight. The strong colourful visuals cleverly symbolise the power struggles between both sides until they call a truce when someone questions their actions. It shows the futility of war and how it is better to talk however different the opposite sides are. An excellent book for class discussion.
ISBN 9781444920116 PB Hodder Childrens £6.99

THE SECRET HORSES OF BRIAR HILL BY MEGAN SHEPHERD
CHILDRENS 8+
When Emmaline, alone and traumatised, is evacuated to a countryside hospital during World War II she discovers a secret. There are winged horses living beyond the mirrors and only she can protect them. Reminiscent of C.S. Lewis's Narnia and Michael Morpurgo books it explores friendship, love and loss. Wonderfully illustrated by Levi Pinfold his atmospheric paintings of horses and war time life will captivate history, art and animal lovers alike and make a wonderful gift.
ISBN 9781406367584 HB Walker Books £12.99

OVER THE LINE BY TOM PALMER
CHILDRENS 9+
Jack is about to live his dream as a pro footballer but its 1914 and soon is heading to the front line. This movingly true story of the Footballers Battalion paints a vivid picture of life in the trenches including the filth, the rats and loss. It also tells of courage, friendship and honor. A gripping read for those interested in history and football as well as reluctant readers. There are also teacher resources for class discussion to accompany.
ISBN 9781781125861 PB Barrington Stoke £6.99



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Childrens Book Review: Return To The Secret Garden by Holly Webb

SYNOPSIS

Return to Frances Hodgson Burnett's timeless classic, The Secret Garden, in this magical sequel by bestselling author Holly Webb.

It's 1939 and a group of children have been evacuated to Misselthwaite Hall.

Emmie is far from happy to have been separated from her cat and sent to a huge old mansion.

But soon she starts discovering the secrets of the house - a boy crying at night, a diary written by a girl named Mary, and a garden.

A very secret garden...

MY MUSINGS

A welcome return to one of my favourite classics is sure to weave its spell over a new generation. Set against the backdrop of World War Two it tells of a lonely orphan Emmie sent to Misselthwaite for safety. She is  isolated and desperately unhappy. Her only friend was a little stray cat which she was forced to leave behind in London. Holly Webb really captures the atmosphere of what it must have been like as a child to be sent away from home to 'safety' in the country. None of the children, orphan or otherwise knew what to expect. 

However Emmie is one of the lucky ones and despite pining for her cat there is a secret garden to be uncovered and a little robin to befriend. This is a book that can be read with or without reading the original story. For me however it was a delight to revisit old familiar characters and see what happened to them and what their future holds.  

The realities of war are never far away however heralding new beginnings and endings. Holly Webb had a great deal of courage to write a story that was truthful to its period while still retaining the magical idyll of The Secret Garden. I won't reveal any spoilers but there was an exceptionally sad part of the story that I recognised had to be told and understand why Holly wrote it this way. This only adds to the richness of the story and it does end with feelings of hope and new beginnings.  This is an atmospheric, beautiful read I thoroughly enjoyed and a worthy successor to the original.

 A beautiful gift to give to any little book worm. 

ISBN 9781407144856 Scholastic HB £8.99