SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW OCTOBER 8-9 TH

In my children's book column this week I feature a little pig who saves the day, a beautiful picture book full of dragons,  a touching family drama that has a touch of fantasy and a haunting contemporary romance. 

Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK

A PIGLET CALLED TRUFFLE BY HELEN PETERS
CHILDREN 6+
Jasmine secretly saves an unloved piglet from death but their growing bond is put under pressure when Truffle is discovered and her future questioned as a suitable pet. A terrible storm allows Truffle to return the favour and maybe even save her own bacon! Accompanied by the charming illustrations of Swansea born illustrator Ellie Snowdon this warm and authentic story about life on the farm has huge appeal for Dick King-Smith fans and animal lovers alike.
ISBN 9780857637734 PB Nosy Crow £6.99

TELL ME A DRAGON BY JACKIE MORRIS
PICTURE BOOK 3+
There are many types of dragons. From Sea dragons who play with dolphins to Fire dragons or Ice Dragons, large and small. You are invited to discover every species and maybe even find your own. This new special edition is a treasure trove of jewelled illustrations adorning the lyrical text from this renowned Pembrokeshire artist. A modern day classic, great for sharing and igniting the imagination, with extra field notes about these mythical beasts lives and habitats.
ISBN 9781847802422 HB Frances Lincoln £11.99

THERE MAY BE A CASTLE BY PIERS TORDAY
CHILDRENS 9+

It's Christmas Eve and Mouse, an eleven year old boy, and his family are involved in a car accident in the middle of nowhere. Only Mouse can help but to do so he must enter a magical world and fulfil a quest. A whimsical adventure that straddles fantasy and reality full of knights, monsters and a sheep called Bar. A tale of bravery, loss and life and ultimately hope with a touch of Dahl and Lewis Carroll.
ISBN 9781848668621 HB Quercus £12.99

HAUNT ME BY LIZ KESSLER
YOUNG ADULT 13+
Troubled teen Erin is looking for a new beginning in a new town and new school. Finding a boyfriend, Joe, whose is also a ghost might not be the best start. Fighting for her affections is his brother Olly, who's very much alive and hiding a guilty burden. This darkly romantic novel deals with loss, bullying and mental health issues. With raw emotion and hard hitting truths this will pluck your heartstrings whilst appreciating living in the moment.
ISBN 9781444009187 PB Orion Books £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW OCTOBER 1ST-2ND

In my childrens book column this week I feature an explosive horse for younger readers, a sad monkey who begins to understand his dark moods, a giant award winning pumpkin and an uplifting coming of age drama with some sharp twists. Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK

COLIN THE CART HORSE BY GAVIN PUCKETT
CHILDRENS 5+
An hilarious rhyming tale about a cart horse who's bored with his usual hay so decides to try out the other farm animals food with some rather explosive results! At first the farmer is delighted with Colin's 'super manure' but when it becomes rather toxic the army have to step in. Wonderful for reading out loud with funny illustrations that will have kids and adults roaring with laughter. A sure fire hit from this talented Welsh author.
ISBN 9780571315437 PB Faber & Faber £6.99

WILLY AND THE CLOUD BY ANTHONY BROWNE
PICTURE BOOK 3+
Willy the chimp is being followed by a cloud and its making him very sad. It's ruining his day and getting bigger but how can he get rid of it? This brilliant portrayal of what it feels like to have depression or anxiety shows a young mind how their 'cloud of sorrow' can hold them captive until they realise that it will go by learning to face their fears. A great book to share in the classroom.
ISBN 9781406366969 HB Walker Books £12.99

THE PUMPKIN PROJECT BY KATIE SMITH
CHILDRENS 5+
Lottie is determined to win the school project entitled Big and Small with some specialist help from her beloved Grandpa. Will her efforts be worth it or will the spoilt school bully Penelope outwit her again? Winner of Lorraine's Top Tales 2016 this is a heart warming story about family , friendship and never giving up. Peppered with charming line illustrations this is perfect for early readers and fans of Walliams, Dahl or Jacqueline Wilson.
ISBN 9781444936919 PB Hodder Childrens £6.99

HOLDING UP THE UNIVERSE BY JENNIFER NIVEN
YOUNG ADULT 14+
Libby was once known as 'America's Fattest Teen' after she was literally cut out of her home. Jack is the cool guy in class hiding a secret, face blindness. Back in school, after a prank goes wrong they both find they are not so different after all. This is a coming of age story with a sharp twist boasting a vibrant cast of characters that will inspire us not to judge a book by its cover. Great for book clubs.

ISBN: 9780141357058 PB Penguin Books Ltd £7.99

Boston's sidewalks are covered in secret poems you can only see when it ...

LOVE THIS, WOULD BE PERFECT FOR WALES WITH ALL OUR RAIN!

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST BOOK COLUMN SEPT 24-25TH

My children's books this week for The South Wales Evening Post include a snail who's loves receiving postcards, a leaf who becomes a pet, a celebration of Peter Rabbit and a thought provoking fictional tale about a young black boy surviving in 1960's America .  All in the Weekend Magazine Section. Enjoy! 


BOOK OF THE WEEK

SNAIL MAIL BY SHARON KING-CHAI
PICTURE BOOK 4+
Sam the Sea Snail's big brother Tiger sends him exciting postcards from around the world. Bright colourful illustrations with gorgeous pull out postcards to pour over you can learn about Tigers' adventures as well as how to say hello in new languages like Japanese. There's even a birthday surprise at the end. Styled to be the new Jolly Postman for this generation you can have fun encouraging children to write and decorate their own postcards!
ISBN 9781444922547 HB Hodder Childrens £12.99
5/5 Stars

LEAFY THE PET LEAF BY PHILIP ARDAGH & ELISSA ELWICK
PICTURE BOOK 5+
Join the Little Adventurers whose mandate includes being brave, being kind to animals and looking after the planet. It's Bring In A Pet Day so Sprat brings Leafy! But can a leaf really be a pet? With its green message, animal facts and activity ideas for playing outside it will inspire the imagination and creativity. This eclectic mix of characters will have wide appeal and after reading kids can have fun making their own pet leaf.
ISBN 9781406364354 PB Walker Books £6.99
5/5 Stars

THE ULTIMATE PETER RABBIT BY CAMILLA HALLINAN
CHILDRENS 7+
This special anniversary edition celebrates the birth of Beatrix Potter 150 years ago. A compendium of her life as one of our most beloved authors this gives a tantalising glimpse behind her best selling books and inspirations. Discover the true story of Peter Rabbit and each of your favourite characters, marvel at her extraordinary sketch books and peek into family albums. A treasure trove that will truly delight Potter fans young and old.
ISBN 9780241289655 HB Dorling Kindersley £14.99
5/5 Stars

THE HYPNOTIST BY LAURENCE ANHOLT
YOUNG ADULT 13+
Pip is a young black boy in 1960's America and tensions are running high. Bought by a white couple, who's own son is just back from the terrors of Vietnam, life is fraught with dangers. A neighbouring Professor tries to help school him but can he save him from the Ku Klux Klan? A nod to The Color Purple and Great Expectations this is a thought provoking read perfect for book groups from teenage to adult.
ISBN 9780552573450 PB Corgi £7.99
5/5 Stars

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST BOOK COLUMN SEPT 17TH-18TH

My children's books this week for The South Wales Evening Post include a magical retelling of an ancient folk tale, a hungry worm determined to get his apple, a tutu wearing guinea pig and a magical mash up of literary fairytales full of adventure for older children .  All in the Weekend Magazine Section. Enjoy! 

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE WHITE HARE BY NICOLA DAVIES
CHILDRENS 9+
The first of the Shadow and Light series, this is a retelling of ancient folk tales that will weave a spell over a new generation. In a time when people lived off the land and were closer to nature Ostra must watch helplessly as her would be suitor slays her family to force her hand in marriage. Will Ostra's connection with her animal friends come to her rescue? Accompanied by ethereal watercolours from Anastasia Izlesou. Enchanting.
ISBN 9781910862483 HB Graffeg £8.99
5/5 Stars

TOTO'S APPLE BY MATHIEU LAVOIE
PICTURE BOOK 3+
Toto, a tenacious worm is determined to get his apple. Plan after plan fails but he never gives up. The bold and dynamic illustrations will engage little minds in this fast paced story as we follow in his escapades and root for his determined spirit. Really reminded me of Scrat, the acorn obsessed saber-toothed squirrel in the Iceage films. They share a similar obsession to obtain their favourite food by any means necessary. Perfect for Autumn reading
ISBN 9780714872513 HB Phaidon £11.95
5/5 Stars

SOPHIE'S SQUEAKY SURPRISE BY HOLLY WEBB
CHILDRENS 6+

This book is a little bundle of cuteness that deals with bigger issues. Sophie has moved to Paris and is being bullied in her new school. Then she meets Josephine, a new friend who happens to be a macaroon loving, tutu wearing guinea pig who lives under the Sacre Coeur!! A delightful adventure with characterful illustrations by Clare Elsom that will warm your heart. Perfect for beginner readers while exploring themes of moving house and making new friends.

ISBN 9781407154329 PB Scholastic £4.99

5/5 Stars

BEYOND THE KINGDOMS BY CHRIS COLFER
CHILDRENS 11+
A tantalising fourth book in this imaginative series that is a mix of Brothers Grimm, Hans Christian Anderson and Shrek. Alex and Conner enter the Land of Stories where fairy tales are real but not quite as they remember. Can they stop The Masked Man from recruiting an army of literature's greatest villains? Aided by legends like Goldilocks, Jack and Red Riding Hood they battle through Neverland, Wonderland and Oz. Will it be happily ever after? Fantastical
ISBN: 9780349124407 PB Little Brown £7.99
5/5 Stars

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BOOKSHOP. YOU CAN BUY ALL THE ABOVE BOOKS AT  HIVE HERE AND SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BOOKSHOP AT THE SAME TIME. 

Hive.co.uk works hand in hand with independendent bookshops to bring you books, DVDs and ebooks. Free delivery to your local bookshop or direct to your door. Shop local, shop independent

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST BOOK COLUMN SEPT 10TH-11TH

My children's books this week for The South Wales Evening Post include a return to the feisty Lois Lane of Superman fame, an encyclopedia must have for young minds, doodles to celebrate Roald Dahl's centenary and an adventurous secret passion for baking,  great for fans of the Great British Bake Off.  All in the Weekend Magazine Section. Enjoy! 

BOOK OF THE WEEK

DOUBLE DOWN BY GWENDA BOND
YOUNG ADULT 13+
Lois Lane is back on the case. Being a huge fan of Superman I loved this reimagining of her teenage years. An army brat in a new school with a secret pen pal called 'SmallvilleGuy' and a job at the local rag, The Daily Planet, this has all the ingredients to keep fans happy. In her second adventure Lois is catapulted into a dangerous mystery of greed, politics and revenge. Precocious and sassy.
ISBN 9781782023692 PB Curious Fox £6.99
5/5 Stars

MY ENCYCLOPEDIA OF VERY IMPORTANT THINGS
CHILDRENS 4+
Inquisitive little learners always need a book of extremely useful facts for all those niggling questions about the world around them. Look no further because this will certainly take them on an educational journey of discovery through different cultures, people and places which will set young minds alight. Brimming with facts and figures alongside an array of photos and colour illustrations this is a brilliant addition to a child’s library. Supports the KS1 National Curriculum.
ISBN 9780241224939 HB Dorling Kindersley £14.99
5/5 Stars

ROALD DAHL SCRIBBLE BOOK BY ROALD DAHL
CHILDREN 7+
Celebrate the centenary of one of our greatest children’s authors with this creative book inspired by the wonderful world of Roald Dahl. 'Squibble' and colour your way through the fun activities featuring his most famous characters including the BFG, Willy Wonka and my favourite, Matilda. Draw your own Chocolate Factory or design a fantastic home for Mr Fox! Illustrations by the irrepressible Quentin Blake means this 'whoopsy whiffling' book will inspire hours of 'phizz-whizzing' fun.
ISBN 9780141368245 PB Penguin £6.99
5/5 Stars

THE SECRET COOKING CLUB BY LAUREL REMINGTON
CHILDRENS 9+
Scarlett is having a tough time at school since her mum became a famous blogger using her for toe curling inspiration. Withdrawing from anything that could potentially attract her mums attention she finds solace in secretly cooking. A sharply observed story about family, friends and the world of social media, this mixes the magic ingredients of baking and blogging to create a perfect literary treat. Worthy winner of the Times/Chicken House Competition.
ISBN 9781910655245 PB Chicken House £6.99
5/5 Stars

YOU CAN BUY ALL THE ABOVE BOOKS AT  HIVE HERE AND SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BOOKSHOP AT THE SAME TIME. 

Hive.co.uk works hand in hand with independendent bookshops to bring you books, DVDs and ebooks. Free delivery to your local bookshop or direct to your door. Shop local, shop independent

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST BOOK COLUMN SEPT 3TH-4TH

It's back to school!! My children's books this week for The South Wales Evening Post include a magical book of numbers, words to learn especially for school, a worm making an unusual friend on an adventure and a homeless boy fighting to survive through cage fighting.  All In the Weekend Magazine Section. Enjoy!


BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE WORLD-FAMOUS BOOK OF MAGICAL NUMBERS BY SARAH GOODREAU
PICTURE BOOK 3+
A beautiful numerical book full of ingenious lift the flap pop-up or pull down pages teaching the basic numbers from one to ten for early learners. Marvel at the flying doves, uncover the white rabbits and be amazed at the marvellously moustached circus master's magic tricks. Ingenious paper engineering combined with beautiful Victorian style illustrations that liven up learning with its brilliant interactivity will be sure to enchant even the most reluctant little pupils.
ISBN 9781783704644 HB Big Picture Press £12.99
5/5 Stars

MY FIRST WORD BOOK ABOUT SCHOOL BY HOLLY BATHIE
BOARD BOOK 2+

Starting at a new school is always so nerve racking and this makes the perfect introduction to what a child will see and experience on their first days. With over 300 familiar words such as 'desk' and 'friends' arranged in themes from the playground to the classroom this is sure to give confidence and ease any fears about the unknown. A new addition to a series covering subjects such as food, farms and transport vehicles.

ISBN: 9781474919067 HB Usborne £8.99

5/5 Stars

THEY DIDN'T TEACH THIS IN WORM SCHOOL! BY SIMONE LIA
CHILDRENS 7+
Marcus is a worm who loves digging holes but his life hangs in the balance when he meets Laurence, a chicken who thinks he's a flamingo! Will he survive or be slurped up like a bit of spaghetti? Great for a first reader sprinkled with funny illustrations and lots of laughs. Full of adventure including riding a giraffe, finding unlikely friendships and never giving up on yours dreams this tale really shows if you don't succeed try try again and there's always more than one solution to a problem. A book about communication and celebrating our differences rather than being frightened of them.
ISBN9781406346503 HB Walker Books £8.99
5/5 Stars

CAGED BY THERESA BRESLIN
YOUNG ADULT 13+

Homeless Kal joins other troubled teenagers in an underground sanctuary beneath London whilst learning to cage fight for money to go towards their new lives and new beginnings. Taking place over one week this pacy and thrilling adventure unveils arch rivalry, hidden dangers and betrayal by those closest to them. This has shadows of a darker Oliver Twist and Fagin which will hold you in its grip until the knock-out blow. Punching above its weight.

ISBN 9780552565226 PB Penguin £7.99

5/5 Stars