SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW NOV 16-17 2019

This week my children's book reviews include a mysterious middle grade adventure, an introduction to woodland life for the very young, an inspiring compilation of heroes or villains for middle grade readers and a dark fairy tale fantasy for teens. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

INVISIBLE IN A BRIGHT LIGHT BY SALLY GARDNER

CHILDREN 9+

In 1870 Celeste wakes up in the Royal Opera House to find everyone thinks she's someone else. To discover the truth and save those she loves, Celeste must play a dangerous game called the Reckoning. A dark and surreal fairy tale which reveals it's secrets one by one. Gorgeous and atmospheric descriptions of backstage bring the mystery and colourful cast to life. For fans of Amy Wilson and Abi Elphinstone.

Zephyr Books HB £10.99

GOODNIGHT FOREST BY CARMEN SALDANA & BECKY DAVIES

BOARD BOOK 1+

Peep through the forest in the soft dawn of light. Young children will be fascinated by how all the different animals and birds sleep and live. A fox hole is called a den. Owls hunt at night. Deers take short naps! Tiptoe through the undergrowth and explore the treetops in this beautifully illustrated board book with peep-through pages. Fun facts and rhyming text will delight little ones just before bedtime. Also available is Goodnight Ocean.

Little Tiger HB £7.99

EPIC TALES OF TRIUMPH AND ADVENTURE BY SIMON CHESHIRE & FATTI BURKE

CHILDREN 9+

Meet 66 exceptionally brave and inspiring men and women. Children will be fascinated by epic tales and triumphs and discoveries of heroes and villains. Dive into unexplored oceans with Jacques Piccard or sail them with pirate Anne Bonny. Climb Mount Everest with Junko Tabei or become a spy with Marthe Cnockaert. The double spreads with bold illustrations on each historical figure are perfect for dipping into. A vast collection to explore for little adventurers.

Bloomsbury HB £12.99

PET BY AKWAEKE EMEZI

YOUNG ADULT 12+

When Jam discovers a horned creature called Pet emerging from her mother's painting, she must help it chase away a monster in her best friend's house. A dark and lyrical modern-day fairytale about friendship and bravery. I loved the diverse cast of characters and the imaginative world where all is not what it appears. It also deals with sensitive and hard-hitting subjects about facing fears and the abuse of power. Thought-provoking and profound.

Faber PB £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW MAY 19-20 TH

This week my children's book reviews include a thrilling cycling adventure, a board book about all different types of boats, a kids introduction to vegetarianism and a coming of  age drama dealing with domestic abuse. 

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

Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK

CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS BY DAVID BRAYLEY

YOUNG ADULT 12+

Professional road cyclist Daniel must remember what inspired his love for racing if he want's to succeed in the toughest race of his career. This adventure is interwoven with family loyalty, betrayal and a mystery surrounding legendary racer Fausto Coppi. Peppered with sporting facts it transports us through the beautiful Gower Peninsula to Italy as we follow Daniel's quest. This is perfect for enthusiasts of all ages as it captures the agony and ecstasy of cycling.

ISBN 9780993510199 PB Scratching Shed £7.99

BOARD BOOK 3+

BOATS ARE BUSY BY SARA GILLINGHAM 

An illuminating board book identifying different types of boats from oil tankers to cruise ships. Young children will love the bright primary colours and strong shapes capturing seafaring life. It is also fascinating to learn how boats communicate with each other. Different nautical flags show a variety of messages such as when fishing nets are in the water or when dangerous cargo is on board. A brilliant, informative book for little sailors and sea lovers alike.

ISBN 9780714876719 HB Phaidon £7.95

CHILDREN 9+

LIVING ON THE VEG BY CLIVE GIFFORD & JACQUELINE MELDRUM

It's National Vegetarian Week and this is a fun accessible guide for children on how to live a vegetarian life. It's full of tips, facts and delicious recipes that clearly outline what it means to live without eating meat and how to do it healthily. It explores different terms such as pescetarian and vegan, while looking at animal welfare, pollution and key information about nutrition. The jazzy layout and bullet point facts make it easily digestible.

ISBN 9781526306098978 HB Wayland Books £12.99

YOUNG ADULT 12+

ME MAM. ME DAD. ME. BY MALCOLM DUFFY

Danny's Mam has a new boyfriend and life seems good until cracks start to show. This tense thriller tackles issues of domestic violence which brings to light a subject that is too often hidden away. At it's heart is a teenager's love for his mother and the lengths he will go to protect her. The story doesn't pull its punches but is liberally laced with hope and humour which makes it a memorable and touching read.

ISBN 9781786697646 HB Zephyr £10.99