SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS COLUMN FEB 6TH FOR VALENTINES DAY

South Wales Evening Post Children's Column FEB 6^th SAT.

The Reading Chair is in the Weekend Section of the paper p 12

It's nearly Valentines Day so my pick of books this week has a definite love theme. First love, puppy love and unwanted love. Take your pick!!

BOOK OF THE WEEK

HOW HARD CAN LOVE BE BY HOLLY BOURNE

YOUNG ADULT FICTION

A heartwarming tale about girl power and friends who stick together through thick or thin.

Amber is spending the summer with her mum whom she hasn’t seen in two years. Battling with her abandonment issues romance blossoms with the school heartthrob, Kyle. Emotive and thought provoking this searingly honest book deals with heartbreak, step families and the biggest life lesson of all, nobody's perfect. A great addition to this strong, feminist series that will have you laughing and crying.

ISBN: 9781409591221 Usborne Publishing Ltd £7.99

5/5 Stars

 

I LOVE YOU, SPOT BY ERIC HILL

PICTURE BOOK 2+

The perfect present for your little loved ones. This sturdy heart shaped board book is a playful addition to the popular series about everyone's favourite puppy. Spot want to find the best way to say 'I Love You' in his own unique way. The bold colours will delight while inspiring children to make their own Valentines cards for friends and family using lots of paint and even a bit of sparkle.

:ISBN: 9780141363783 Penguin Books Ltd £5.99

4/5 Stars

DIRTY BERTIE: KISS! BY ALAN MACDONALD

CHILDRENS 6+

If you think Valentines is smutty, gooey and generally silly this is a story for you. Dirty Bertie, the boy with nose-pickingly disgusting habits, is being terrorised by the far too affectionate Angela Nicely. As if escaping from her clutches wasn't enough he has to look after a hamster and play a trumpet solo when he's never played before! What more could go wrong? Fiendishly funny this will have you rolling around in fits of laughter.

5/5 Stars

ISLA AND THE HAPPILY EVER AFTER BY STEPHANIE PERKINS

YOUNG ADULT FICTION

Isla is in school in Paris and has a huge crush on artist Josh. Will they find true love? Perkins really knows how to capture that moment of the first kiss and spark of passion. Whether Isla is finding a hidden balcony looking over Paris or discovering Josh secretly drawing her, heart break is never far away. This is a very romantic, clever and potent read dripping in glamour with a dollop of angst to keep things spicy. 

ISBN: 9781409581130 PB Usborne Publishing Ltd £6.99
5/5 Stars

FOR LONGER REVIEW CLICK HERE

Book Review Rebel Of The Sands by Alwyn Hamilton

REBEL OF THE SANDS BY ALWYN HAMILTON

SYNOPSIS

Sold immediately at auction across the world, this phenomenal novel is the first in a trilogy packed with shooting contests, train robberies, festivals under the stars, powerful Djinni magic and an electrifying love story.

This promises to be a global super lead. "Tell me that and we'll go. Right now. Save ourselves and leave this place to burn. Tell me that's how you want your story to go and we'll write it straight across the sand." Dustwalk is Amani's home.

The desert sand is in her bones. But she wants to escape. More than a want. A need. Then a foreigner with no name turns up to save her life, and with him the chance to run.

But to where? The desert plains are full of danger. Sand and blood are swirling, and the Sultan's enemies are on the rise

MY MUSINGS

This is a unique Wild West meets Arabian Nights mash-up. The very combination evokes striking imagery and some imaginative and bold world building. Throw in a colourful cast and a dollop of romance with a sprinkling of magic and adventure and you've got the perfect ingredients for a new star in the young adult genre.

 Amani is desperate to escape Deadpool and a chance meeting with an exotic and very hansom stranger gives her that opportunity. Despite her protestations she finds herself in the middle of a rebellion with an evil sultan and Amani has tough choices to make.  I loved Armani's determination and surprising ruthlessness in her bid for survival as it spoke of  generations before her who have had to learn to live in the desert or as pioneers in undiscovered lands.

With untold magic and crackling romance this epic delight will sweep you away into a desert storm and lose you in the sands of time. One of my Books of the Week for The South Wales Evening Post.  HOT

South Wales Evening Post Children's Book Column Jan 30th

South Wales Evening Post Children's Book Column Jan 30^th

My childrens books for this week include an Arabian, Wild West fantasy, a naughty purple bear, an even naughtier menace and a chilling psychological thriller


BOOK OF THE WEEK

REBEL OF THE SANDS BY ALWYN HAMILTON
YOUNG ADULT FICTION

This is a unique Wild West meets Arabian Nights mash-up. Amani is desperate to escape Deadpool and a chance meeting with an exotic stranger gives her that opportunity. But thrown into the middle of a rebellion with an evil sultan Amani has tough choices to make . Untold magic, striking imagery and a crackling romance this epic delight will sweep you away into a desert storm and lose you in the sands of time. HOT

ISBN: 9780571325252 PB Faber & Faber £7.99

5/5 Stars

I AM BEAR BY BEN BAILEY SMITH AND SAV AKYUZ
PICTURE BOOK 3+
This wildly funny Bear will have you in stitches with his purple fur suit and talent for finding trouble wherever he is. Bear is seriously naughty, from stealing honey and doughnuts to playing fiendish tricks just for kicks. Great for reading aloud with punchy bold illustrations that really add to the jokes. This will be a sure fire hit with little rebels and wannabe rappers alike.
ISBN: 9781406359251 HB Walker Books £11.99
5/5 Stars

THE DIARY OF DENNIS THE MENACE: THE GREAT ESCAPE BY STEVEN BUTLER
CHILDRENS 6+
Dennis is back but unfortunately for him he has been sent off to boarding school! Surrounded by class swots and tasteless, inedible healthy food he really needs to escape. Help arrives in the form of some fart pellets and his Gran on a motorbike.! In sharp diary format punctured with hilarious cartoons this is great for those with a short attention span and lovers of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Horrid Henry.
ISBN: 9780141355863 PB Penguin Books £5.99
4/5 Stars

THINGS WE HAVE IN COMMON BY TASHA KAVANAGH

YOUNG ADULT FICTION
A chilling psychological thriller that sees unfolding events through the eyes of a lonely and troubled teenager obsessed with one of her class mates. Claustrophobic and unsettling, Kavanagh slowly feeds the reader morsels of information racking up the tension to the shocking finale. A gripping read not only suitable for teens but also adults who loved Gone Girl and Notes of a Scandal. You will want to devour this in one sitting.
ISBN: 9781782115977 PB Canongate Books Ltd £8.99
5/5 Stars

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK COLUMN JAN 23RD 2016

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK COLUMN JAN 23RD 2016

My pick of children's books this week include a young child fighting for survival in WW2, a bear cub discovering the seasons, an adventure series for Sherlock fans and an epic fantasy classic.

BOOK OF THE WEEK

ANNA AND THE SWALLOW MAN BY GAVRIEL SAVIT

CHILDRENS 12+

In Nazi occupied Poland a linguistics professor leaves his young daughter for work and never comes back. With an age old instinct to survive Anna attaches herself to a tall mysterious stranger she calls Swallow Man. Savit spins a dark and heartbreaking tale of history and fable seen through the eyes of a child. A thought provoking read, great for book clubs, suitable for children and adults. For lovers of The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas and The Book Thief.

ISBN:9781782300526 HB Penguin Random House £9.99

5/5 Stars

LITTLE ONE BY JO WEAVER

PICTURE BOOK 3+

A touching story of discovery shown through changing seasons. Soft charcoal illustrations perfectly capture a mummy bear as she introduces her cub to life in the wild. The simple text gives room for the reader to elaborate on the story and add their own observations. The panoramic scenes really give a sense of the true vastness of nature and a sense of our smallness which little ones will relate to.

ISBN: 9781444922738 HB  Hodder Childrens £11.99

5/5 Stars

3 OF A KIND BY ROHAN GAVIN
CHILDRENS 9+

For Darkus Knightley sleuthing is in his blood and when their family's loyal housekeeper goes missing he finds himself in Las Vegas facing a deadly crime syndicate. Darkus has to use all his extraordinary powers of deduction in this exciting crime caper which will delight all Sherlock and adventure fans alike. Thrills galore laced with wicked humour and a great ensemble cast of characters,. The third in this great series won't disappoint. Check out www.knightleyandson.com for tips on investigating.

ISBN: 9781408860083 PB Bloomsbury Publishing £ 6.99

4/5 Stars

CITY OF BONES BY CASSANDRA CLARE

YOUNG ADULT FICTION

As the TV Show starts I couldn't resist rereading one of my favourite fantasy series. The epic series begins with Clary finding out she's a demon hunter and joining a secret society to save the world from an evil warrior. Heart breaking romance and adventure will sweep you away into the world of the Shadowhunters. The tight band of friends fight for survival but who will betray who? Monumental series worth reading before watching. 
ISBN: 9781406362169 PB Walker Books Ltd £7.99
5/5 Stars

Childrens Book Review Column South Wales Evening Post Jan 16th 2016

Childrens book column South Wales Evening Post Jan 16^th 2016

This week I picked books featuring lost treasure, dastardly pirates, friends who don't listen, a gothic mystery and a machiavellian dystopia where you can trust no one. 

BOOK OF THE WEEK

HOW TO FIND GOLD BY VIVIANE SCHWARZ

PICTURE BOOK 3+

I love the beginning of this story when Crocodile tells his friend that finding gold will be dangerous to which Anna replies "Good! Let's go!" Setting the tone we follow the two fearless friends in a rollicking adventure as they search the seas for lost treasure. The rich illustrations and clever use of colour really enhance this rip roaring tale of bravery, determination and believing in yourself. Great for intrepid little treasure hunters everywhere!

ISBN: 9781406362138 HB Walker Books Ltd £11.99

5/5 Stars

SHHH WE HAVE A PLAN BY CHRIS HAUGHTON

PICTURE BOOK 3+

With a hint of Inspector Clouseau and the Marx Brothers this will appeal to both adults and pre schoolers and have you snickering throughout. Four friends see a beautiful bird and make a plan to catch it but they are repeatedly foiled by their own stupidity hence a lot of slapstick comedy. The limited colours, strange little characters and simple short text adds to its appeal. Communication can be invaluable sometimes!

ISBN: 9781406360035 PB Walker Books Ltd £6.99

5/5 Stars

THE UNLIKELY ADVENTURES OF MABEL JONES BY WILL MABBITT

Mabel Jones is press-ganged into serving on the pirate ship the Feroshus Maggot before she is allowed to return to the ‘hooman’ world! A comedic Pirates of the Caribbean with a witty play on words, reminiscent of Lewis Carroll, that will have you laughing out loud. A thrilling adventure full of wild and wacky characters such as Captain Idryss Ebeneezer, (A wolf with a false leg). For more anarchic fun and activities visit www.mabeljonesbooks.co.uk

ISBN: 9780141355146 PB Penguin Books Ltd £6.99

5/5 Stars

THE RED QUEEN BY VICTORIA AVEYARD

An enthralling mix of X-Men meets Hunger Games. In a Machiavellian world where superhuman Silver's brutally rule over Reds there seems no hope of change. However when Mare, a Red, is discovered to have unexplainable electrifying power she becomes a powerful pawn in a brutal game where there can be no winners. Action packed with only a touch a romance this is suitable for boys and girls. Trust no one.

ISBN: 9781409150725 PB Orion Publishing Co £7.99

5/5 Stars

Childrens Book Column for The South Wales Evening Post Jan 9th 2016 from picture books to young adult fiction

Childrens book column South Wales Evening Post Jan 9^th 2016

This week my books include an inspiring and courageous dragon, a hungry bear, a feisty victorian maid and a mythological dystopia. An eclectic mix!!

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THATS WHAT WINGS ARE FOR BY PATRICK GUEST

PICTURE BOOK 5+

A beautiful heart warming story of Bluey the dragon who, unlike the other dragons, has floppy wings, weak lungs and soft fur rather than scales. Rejected by his peers Bluey sets off to find a dragon just like him. Inspirational to those not only with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, which this book supports but all children who struggle to find a place in the world. It encourages them to find their own unique talents. Good for discussion about disabilities.

SBN: 9781742978291 HB Hardie Grant Egmont £6.99

5/5 stars

FABULOUS PIE BY GARETH EDWARDS

PICTURE BOOK 3+

Bear wants to make a big pie but what to put in it? He meets a succession of forest animals who make helpful suggestions of nuts, berries and fruits. Bear has other ideas however and would prefer to put the animals themselves in his pie! Full of suspense and mischief with snappy rhyming text and rich illustrations this will have a wide appeal and deserves multiple readings and laughs.
 ISBN: 9781407131467 PB Scholastic £6.99
5/5 stars

ANYONE BUT IVY POCKET BY CALEB KRISP

CHILDRENS 9+

Ivy Pocket,a twelve-year-old maid, has agreed to courier The Clock Diamond from Paris to England after being sacked for dunking her mistress's head in a bowl of punch! Dangers and supernatural mysteries greet her around every corner but Ivy is 'maid' for this job. A feisty eccentric heroine in a Gothic tale of murder and treachery that will chill you to the bone. A thrilling introduction to a great series complimented by witty illustrations.

ISBN: 9781408858646 PB Bloomsbury Publishing £6.99

5/5 stars

UNWRAPPED SKY BY RJURIK DAVIDSON

YOUNG ADULT 13+

This really captured my imagination as soon as I started reading it. I love Greek mythology and was entranced by the description of the minotaurs and the ruthless city  Caeli-Amur. The world Rjurik builds up is complex and battles with the storytelling a little but I loved the characters and their bid for survival. A very talented writer with a distinctive style. Definitely not run of the mill. For Tolkein and Pullman lovers.

PS. Adore The Cover!!

ISBN: 9781447252382 PB Pan Macmillan £8..99

4/5 stars

MY CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW COLUMN IN THE SOUTH WALES EVENING POST JAN 2ND.

MY CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW COLUMN IN THE SOUTH WALES EVENING POST JAN 2ND. 

This week I feature a magical polar bear in a magical ice land, a mountain bear showing his cub his twilight world, a visual diary for artists and and gripping thriller that will set your heart racing. 


BOOK OF THE WEEK

NORTH CHILD BY EDITH PATTOU

CHILDRENS 10+

An irresistible winters tale based on Scandinavian fairy tales and Beauty and The Beast. An epic adventure that takes Rose to an enchanted snow bound castle on the back of a white bear. Who is the stranger that appears to her nightly? The cast of magical characters and the stunning world building is spellbinding. A romantic adventure of true friendship that will sweep you off your feet.

ISBN: 9780746068373 PB Usborne Publishing £9.99

5/5 Stars

I LOVE YOU MORE AND MORE BY NICKY BENSON & ILLUSTRATED BY JONNY LAMBERT
PICTURE BOOK 2+

A gorgeously illustrated celebration of the eternal love and bond between a parent and child. Simple lyrical rhyming text set in a twilight world as a bear takes his cub on a journey of discovery through dense woodland, blue mountains and sparkling rivers. This makes a beautiful gift for the very young or new parent. Ideal for fans of Guess How Much I Love You.

ISBN:9781848692114 HB Little Tiger Press £10.99

5/5 Stars

DOODLE A DAY BY CHRIS RIDDELL
CHILDRENS 8+

Children's Laureate Chris Riddell is determined to encourage our creativity. This wonderful little book, in diary format, gives you the opportunity to doodle and colour every day for a year. A vast array of Riddell's drawings will help your imagination and be sure to delight and challenge. This inspiring book for aspiring artists and illustrators is a great present for all ages. 20p from each book sale goes to BookTrust.

ISBN: 9781509816439 PB Pan Macmillan £9.99

5/5 Stars

SURVIVOR BY TOM HOYLE

CHILDRENS 12+

Fast paced action packed thriller with a film like feel that will appeal to lovers of Cherub and Gone. It reminded me of the Lord of The Flies with its claustrophobic plot and the ruthless stripping away of the characters civilised persona’s. It will keep you guessing who is good or bad in this once in a lifetime trip in the Australian outback that turns into a nightmare. Nobody is safe and who can you trust?

ISBN 9781447286752 PB Pan Macmillan £6.99 4/5 Stars