MY CHILDRENS BOOK COLUMN FOR THE SOUTH WALES EVENING POST MARCH 12TH

My books in the South Wales Evening Post for March 12th feature lovely childrens books for animal lovers including  cats and  puffins, family drama and different perspectives. 


BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE HOME-MADE CAT CAFE BY KATRINA CHARMAN
CHILDRENS 7+

The “purfffect” start to a new series for animal lovers. Isla desperately wants a cat but her Mum, a vet, is reticent. Poppy, an adorable homeless cat, changes her mind and the family's lives. Their home becomes a cat sanctuary and cafe, giving them all a purpose and helping forge stronger family ties. Will the new business be a catastrophe or can they all work together? Charmingly illustrated throughout this is great for young confident readers.

ISBN 9781847156723 PB Stripes Publishing £5.99

5/5 Stars

NEAR, FAR BY SILVIA BORANDO

PICTURE BOOK 2+

Bold and bright, this is a terrific book for activities either at home or in the classroom. Things can look different extremely close up or very far away. The children will have a huge amount of fun guessing what the animals are as they can only see a small section as if under the microscope. There isn't any text so it will certainly inspire the imagination and give room for a lot of hilarity and thought.

• ISBN: 9781406363180 HB Walker Books Ltd £8.99

5/5 STARS

THE STORMY DAY BY JENNY COLGAN, ILLUSTRATED BY THOMAS DOCHERTY

CHILDRENS 6+

Polly's Dad is a fisherman caught in a storm. Can Polly keep herself busy while waiting for him with her Mum. Will her friend,Neil the Puffin, be able to help? A heart warming insightful tale followed by fun facts about lighthouses, puzzles and recipes at the back of the book. The striking two colour illustrations by local award winning illustrator Thomas Docherty just add to the pleasure for Colgan fans young and old.

• ISBN: 9780349131924 PB  Little Brown Books £5.99

5/5 Stars

WHITE LIES, BLACK DARE BY JOANNA NADIN

CHILDRENS 11+

Asha's life has been turned upside down. Her lawyer Mum has cancer and she has to leave her private school for a tough local. To what lengths will Asha go to fit in? As she finds out, “telling lies can ruin lives. But telling the truth’s no easy ride.” Dealing with peer pressure, family crisis and standing up for yourself this book will resonate with many readers as it builds up to its tense climax.

ISBN: 978034912453 PB Little, Brown Books £6.99

4/5 stars

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW MARCH 5TH

Celebrating World Book Day my childrens book column features a friendly alien, a sleepy bear, a magic umbrella and a warrior princess

BOOK OF THE WEEK

PERIJEE AND ME BY ROSS MONTGOMERY

CHILDRENS 9+

A sci fi fantasy that is as poignant as it is funny. Caitlin's only friend happens to be an alien. But he's growing too big to hide and is a danger to himself and others. Can she save her friend while her family falls apart? Full of adventure, laughter and sure to make bobble hats the new must have! With a nod to Iron Man by Ted Hughes this is a story about bravery, friendship and family.

ISBN: 9780571317950 PB Faber & Faber £6.99
5/5 stars

DOZY BEAR AND THE SECRET OF SLEEP BY KATIE BLACKBURN
PICTURE BOOK 3+
This has the potential to be a real life saver for fraught parents who can’t get their children to sleep. Using known relaxation techniques combined with rhythmic text and twilight themed illustrations its the perfect bedtime story. Dozy Bear can't sleep but with the help of his parents and grand parents he slowly starts to drift off. Be warned this may have such a soporific effect it could also work on the reader as well!

• ISBN: 9780571330195 PB Faber & Faber £6.99
  4/5 stars

HARPER AND THE SCARLET UMBRELLA BY CERRIE BURNELL
CHILDRENS 7+

An entrancing tale of a little girl called Harper who, “heard songs on the wind, rhythms on the rain and hope in the beat of a butterfly’s wing.” While looking for her cat with the aid of her magic umbrella she finds adventure and a mysterious orchestra. A gift of a book about cats, friendship and music. Don't forget to grab Harper and the Sea of Secrets for £1 on March 3^rd, World Book Day

ISBN: 9781407162171 PB Scholastic £6.99

5/5 stars

QUEEN OF THE SILVER ARROW BY CAROLINE LAWRENCE

YOUNG ADULT FICTION 12+

A retelling of a young girl Camilla who became a warrior princess while fighting the Trojans. The author of the hugely successful Roman Mysteries takes her inspiration this time from Virgil's Aeneid. Friendship, loyalty and girl power are all tested in a brutal war that really packs an emotional punch. The eloquent writing makes it great for struggling and dyslexic readers but also the story will appeal to fans of Katniss, Celaena and mythology loverogs.

ISBN: 9781781125267 PB Barrington Stoke Ltd £6.99

• 5/5 stars

FABER BOOK GIVEAWAY CELEBRATING WORLD BOOK DAY MARCH 3RD

I am Celebrating ‪#‎WorldBookDay‬, my ‪‬ Drawing On Books FB PageFB Page &  Drawing On Books Instagram Page with a ‪#‎bookgiveaway‬ To ‪#‎win‬ these 3 great books please follow, like and repost on either account. Deadline march 8th. Tuesday. ‪#‎atticusclaw‬ ‪#‎jennifergray‬ ‪#‎thesmellofotherpeopleshouses‬‪#‎bonniesuehitchcock‬ ‪#‎perijeeandme‬ ‪#‎rossmontgomery‬. Many thanks to‪#‎faberandfaber‬ ‪#‎bookreview‬ ‪#‎bookblogger‬ ‪#‎childrensbooks‬ ‪#‎kidsbooks‬‪#‎middlegradefiction‬ ‪#‎yafiction‬ ‪#‎scififiction‬


Don't forget to pick up one of the great books available for £1 with your World Book Day voucher or use it to take of a £1 off from any book at a bookshop.
Official Website for World Book Day

My Top Ten Perfect Childrens Books for Mothers Day

Some lovely children's books for Mothers Day that can be shared between Mother and Child from a baby up.

1. I LOVE MY MUMMY : A BLOSSOMING BOOK OF GIVING BY JONATHAN LITTON AND FHIONA GALLOWAY

PICTURE BOOK 0+

The perfect little board book to give on Mothers Day to keep busy hands occupied. Bold illustrations, cutouts and finger holes will endure and fascinate the most energetic of children while Mum is enjoying her special day. The colourful cast of cute characters all want to find ways to say thankyou to their special Mum. The rhyming text will make sure this has a captive audience while parents enjoy a rare quiet moment.

• ISBN: 9781848691773 HB Little Tiger Press Group £5.99
• 4/5 Stars

2.GUESS HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU BY SAM MCBRATNEY

PICTURE BOOK 2+

This timeless classic recently celebrated its twentieth anniversary and has delighted generation after generation. The large format board book makes its sturdy enough to be passed down from little hands to little hands. Little and Big Nutbrown Hare love each other very much but how do they let each other know? Anita Jeram's enchanting illustrations capture the story's sentiment perfectly and makes it a lovely book to gift on International Book Giving Day on February 14^th

ISBN: 9781406358780 HB Walker Books Ltd £ 6.99

5/5 Stars

3. SPOT LOVES HIS MUM 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 loves spending time with his mum, Sally. Each spread shows Sally and Spot having fun together in this brightly coloured board book.

:ISBN: 9780723257479 Penguin Books Ltd £4.99

4/5 Stars

4. 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

5. DO YOU REMEMBER? BY HELEN DOCHERTY

PICTURE BOOK 3+

A wonderful book that will spark special memories between parent and child. Enhanced with endearing illustrations by Mark Beech this would make a lovely birthday or Mothers Day gift. With its universal message, there's no such word as can't, it will really help overcome struggles to learn new skills. Whether it's the first time talking, walking or dressing this is a delightful way to start discussion about a young ones achievements and build their confidence.
ISBN: 9780571321148 PB  Faber & Faber £6.99
5/5 STARS

6. LITTLE WHY BY JONNY LAMBERT

PICTURE BOOK 3+

I adore Little Why with his fearless spirit and boundless curiosity as he discovers the world around him. Lambert has imbued this adorable baby elephant with real character. It also carries two great messages throughout. One is to be happy in your own skin as the grass isn't always greener on the other side. Also why its dangerous to wander off on your own especially with crocodiles about!

ISBN: 9781848691834 PB Little Tiger Press Group £6.99

5/5 Stars

7. 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

8. A Great Big Cuddle by Michael Rosen Illustrated by Chris Riddell

CHILDRENS 5+

Two giants of children’s literature have joined forces to create a magical anthology of poetry for the very young. In a perfect introduction to poetry Rosen starts with a cornucopia of tongue twisters and nonsense rhymes and ends with soothing verses to send even the most energetic child off to sleep. Paired with Riddell's bold and beautiful illustrations you will have lots of fun reading this out loud. A great present for all occasions.

• ISBN:9781406343199 Walker Books HB £14.99
• 5/5 Stars

9. CHILDRENS COOKIE AND CAKE BAKING KIT BY ABIGAIL WHEATLEY

CHILDRENS 5+

This wonderful cooking kit will encourage absolute beginners to bake yummy cookies and biscuits. Everything you need is here including 25 simple to follow recipes, cookie cutters and a rolling pin. You can keep everything in a pretty gift box and is a lovely introduction to cooking that can be done with mum (or dad!) with something to nibble at the end from gingerbreads to heart biscuits. Delicious 

ISBN: 9781409598763 HB Usborne Publishing Ltd £ 14.99 

5/5 stars

10.LITTLE WOMEN BY L.M. ALCOTT

CHILDRENS 8+ 

This inspirational colour illustrated American classic makes a lovely gift between mothers and daughters. Set against the American Civil War Marmee and her five daughters resiliently struggle with poverty, first love and following their dreams. In an age where women's options were limited this heart warming tale really shows women in all their strengths. Jo, the aspiring writer has always been one of my favourite fictional characters as well as her Professor Bear!

ISBN: 9781409581987 HB Usborne Publishing Ltd £12.99

5/5 Stars

South Wales Evening Post Childrens Book Column Feb 27th

My book review column features in The Weekend Edition of The South Wales Evening Post today Feb 27th.

My Book of the Week is an enchanting modern day fable who's sentiment will linger with you long after you have read the book. Also Mothers Day is next Sunday so I picked some great books to share with Mum on her special day from board books for keeping the very young as busy as bees, a cooking kit to enjoy and a classic to share laughter and tears with. Enjoy. 


BOOK OF THE WEEK

HOUR OF THE BEES BY LINDSAY EAGAR
YOUNG ADULT

A contemporary fable in which two worlds collide. The young and the old joust with modern mythology. Carolina's grandfather, who suffers from dementia, spins her tales of adventure, wanderlust and heritage. Are the stories of the magic tree promising eternal life true? Why are bees following her in this drought ridden desert? An inspiring book with a powerful message. Don't be afraid to live your life. There will be a real 'buzz' about this book.

ISBN: 9781406368154 PB Walker Books Ltd £7.99

5/5 stars

I LOVE MY MUMMY : A BLOSSOMING BOOK OF GIVING BY JONATHAN LITTON AND FHIONA GALLOWAY

PICTURE BOOK 0+

The perfect little board book to give on Mothers Day to keep busy hands occupied. Bold illustrations, cutouts and finger holes will endure and fascinate the most energetic of children while Mum is enjoying her special day. The colourful cast of cute characters all want to find ways to say thankyou to their special Mum. The rhyming text will make sure this has a captive audience while parents enjoy a rare quiet moment.

• ISBN: 9781848691773 HB Little Tiger Press Group £5.99
• 4/5 Stars

CHILDRENS COOKIE AND CAKE BAKING KIT BY ABIGAIL WHEATLEY

CHILDRENS 5+

This wonderful cooking kit will encourage absolute beginners to bake yummy cookies and biscuits. Everything you need is here including 25 simple to follow recipes, cookie cutters and a rolling pin. You can keep everything in a pretty gift box and is a lovely introduction to cooking that can be done with mum (or dad!) with something to nibble at the end from gingerbreads to heart biscuits. Delicious

ISBN: 9781409598763 HB Usborne Publishing Ltd £ 14.99 

5/5 stars

LITTLE WOMEN BY L.M. ALCOTT

CHILDRENS 8+ 

This inspirational colour illustrated American classic makes a lovely gift between mothers and daughters. Set against the American Civil War Marmee and her five daughters resiliently struggle with poverty, first love and following their dreams. In an age where women's options were limited this heart warming tale really shows women in all their strengths. Jo, the aspiring writer has always been one of my favourite fictional characters as well as her Professor Bear!

ISBN: 9781409581987 HB Usborne Publishing Ltd £12.99

5/5 Stars

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK COLUMN FEB 20TH

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK COLUMN FEB 20TH

This week my childrens books review include a wonderful memory book for young ones, a duck thats lost his quack, a young boy trying to save the world and a coming of age romance that will make your heart flutter. 


BOOK OF THE WEEK

DO YOU REMEMBER? BY HELEN DOCHERTY

PICTURE BOOK 3+

A wonderful book that will spark special memories between parent and child. Enhanced with endearing illustrations by Mark Beech this would make a lovely birthday or Mothers Day gift. With its universal message, there's no such word as can't, it will really help overcome struggles to learn new skills. Whether it's the first time talking, walking or dressing this is a delightful way to start discussion about a young ones achievements and build their confidence.
ISBN: 9780571321148 PB  Faber & Faber £6.99
5/5 STARS

QUICK QUACK QUENTIN BY KES GRAY AND JIM FIELD
PICTURE BOOK 3+

Hilarious play on words that will give the storyteller some real tongue twisters and have their audience in stitches. Quentin the duck has lost the A from his quack. Will his animal friends give him one of theirs? Can APES become PES or PANDAS become PANDS or is Quentin stuck with his QUCK forever? Great for teaching about vowels and spelling. The strong vibrant illustrations make the perfect companion to this fun story.
ISBN: 9781444919561 HB Hodder & Stoughton £11.99
5/5 STARS

HAMISH AND THE NEVERPEOPLE BY DANNY WALLACE
CHILDRENS 8+

This is Hamish's second adventure and he has to save the world again from an even more dastardly enemy, The Neverpeople. Why does the world stop for short periods? Caught in an alternate universe his boring home town is looking more attractive by the minute. This is about family, friends and kids with abilities. Full of rip roaring adventure, creepy monsters and fiendish laughter this is perfect for young readers.

ISBN: 9781471123917 PB Simon & Schuster Ltd £6.99

5/5 STARS

FANGIRL BY RAINBOW ROWELL

YA FICTION 13+

Part romance and coming of age, part fan fiction. Twins, Cath and Wren are polar opposites. Cath is shy while Wren is gregarious but both struggle to fit in at college. Cath's growing friendship with her room mates boyfriend Levi is so beautifully written it gave my tummy butterflies. A book about growing up, falling in love and navigating the pitfalls with your family. Rainbow has also written Kindred Spirits for World Book Day.

 ISBN: 9781447263227 PB Pan Macmillan £7.99

4/5 Stars

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK COLUMN FEB 13TH VALENTINES DAY

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK COLUMN FEB 13TH

Its Valentines Day tomorrow so I am continuing with my love theme.
This week my childrens books feature a lovable baby elephant, a rabbit who wants to say I Love You, a dog who needs love and a heartbroken young girl looking for love. 

BOOK OF THE WEEK

LITTLE WHY BY JONNY LAMBERT

PICTURE BOOK 3+

I adore Little Why with his fearless spirit and boundless curiosity as he discovers the world around him. Lambert has imbued this adorable baby elephant with real character. It also carries two great messages throughout. One is to be happy in your own skin as the grass isn't always greener on the other side. Also why its dangerous to wander off on your own especially with crocodiles about!

ISBN: 9781848691834 PB Little Tiger Press Group £6.99

5/5 Stars

GUESS HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU BY SAM MCBRATNEY

PICTURE BOOK 2+

This timeless classic recently celebrated its twentieth anniversary and has delighted generation after generation. The large format board book makes its sturdy enough to be passed down from little hands to little hands. Little and Big Nutbrown Hare love each other very much but how do they let each other know? Anita Jeram's enchanting illustrations capture the story's sentiment perfectly and makes it a lovely book to gift on International Book Giving Day on February 14^th

ISBN: 9781406358780 HB Walker Books Ltd £ 6.99

5/5 Stars

ONE DOG AND HIS BOY BY EVA IBBOTSON

CHILDRENS 9+

When Hal's ghastly spoilt parents threaten to take his beloved dog, Fleck, away for being too much like hard work he runs away to his animal loving grandparents in Scotland. Along with a rag tag band of other unwanted pooches they begin an adventure that will test their courage to the limit. Written by one of my favourite all time authors this is without doubt a modern day classic. Wooftastic.

ISBN: 9781407124247 PB Scholastic £6.99

5/5 Stars

THE SLEEPING PRINCE BY MELINDA SALISBURY

YOUNG ADULT 12+

The Sin Eaters Daughter ended on a cliff hanger that left me breathless ,so I was impatient for the sequel of this darkly twisted series. Cherry picking from old myths and the darker side of history this epic will not disappoint. Errin, our heroine, finds herself in poverty, her royal life left behind in the first book. As a vengeful Prince brings war closer can Errin still bring peace? Will it be a fairytale ending or more Brothers Grimm?

ISBN: 9781407147642 PB Scholastic £7.99
5/5 Stars