SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW MAY 27-28

This week my pick of children's books for The South Wales Evening Post include a classic World War Two mystery set in Devon, a stunning picture book about unity, a fantasy adventure full of mayhem and monsters and an empathetic modern fable focusing on a young homeless girl. 

My column can be found in the Weekend supplement of The South Wales Evening Post on Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK

LETTERS FROM THE LIGHTHOUSE BY EMMA CARROLL

CHILDRENS 9+

Olive and her little brother are sent, from London, to stay with a mysterious lighthouse keeper in Devon, to escape the Blitz. Is he linked to her sisters disappearance? What is the meaning of her coded message? A gripping, historical adventure that will enthral and delight. This fast paced, middle grade thriller also has relevance for today and would be great for classroom discussion. The best kind of story that whisks you away into another world.

ISBN 9780571327584 PB Faber & Faber £6.99

UNDER THE SAME SKY BY BRITTA TECKENTRUP

PICTURE BOOK 3+

Dedicated to a united world, this talented illustrator shows how we still share the same hopes and dreams despite our differences. From penguins seeking solace, to singing whales, rabbits playing in the meadow and flamingo's sheltering from the storm, children will delight in the atmospheric pictures. With simple rhyming text and peek through illustrations we travel around the world celebrating variety and encouraging unity. A beautiful book to share.

ISBN 9781848575868 HB Caterpillar Books £10.99

QUEST FOR THE GOLDEN ARROW BY CARRIE JONES

CHILDREN 9+

Annie is one of the last humans who can control time. When her guardian is kidnapped, Annie is determined to save her and her enchanted home Aurora. On her quest she wins the trust of a dragon but there are secrets in Annie's past that are about to be revealed. Full of magical creatures, humour and adventure this is perfect for Percy Jackson and Harry Potter fans. The second book in the Time Stoppers series.

ISBN 9781408885437 PB Bloomsbury £6.99

THE GIRL IN BETWEEN BY SARAH CARROLL

CHILDREN 11+

In an abandoned mill in Dublin, Sam and her mother shelter from the memories of life on the streets. A place of safety. But when developers arrive their fragile security is about to be shattered. An empathetic story about homelessness which sheds light on those 'invisible' people who have fallen through the cracks of life. It shows the dangers, threats and vulnerabilities in this modern fable. A tense, haunting novel that will strike a chord.

ISBN 9781471160622 PB Simon & Schuster £6.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW MAY 20-21

This week my pick of children's books for The South Wales Evening Post include a thought provoking story about a young miner's son, a fascinating look at life on the farm, a rip roaring pirate adventure with dragons and a magical fantasy about a young witch coming of age. 

My column can be found in the Weekend supplement of The South Wales Evening Post on Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK

TOWN IS BY THE SEA BY JOANNE SCHWARTZ & SYDNEY SMITH

PICTURE BOOK 3+

A beautiful and haunting story of life in a seaside mining town seen through the eyes of a young boy. While he enjoys playing, on a Summers day, breathing in the sea air, he thinks of his father deep underground digging for coal. Stunning ink illustrations show the striking contrast between the sparkling seaside day and the dark claustrophobic mining tunnels underground. This moving story will resonate with readers in Wales with it's strong mining history.

ISBN 9781406377385 HB Walker Books £11.99

FARM BY HEATHER ALEXANDER & ANDRES LOZANO

PICTURE BOOK 3+

What are tractors used for? Where does milk come from? What grows in the fields? Find out all about life on the farm with one hundred questions and answers and seventy lift-flaps. The bold illustrations in this sturdy, board book will fascinate children and ignite their interest in the countryside. A perfect introduction to a farmer's life and for talking about where food comes from and how it is grown.

ISBN 9781847808998 HB Wide Eyed Editions £9.99

JOURNEY TO DRAGON ISLAND BY CLAIRE FAYERS

CHILDRENS 9+

Twelve year old, Brine and her two friends, a magician and an ex librarian, accidentally hatch a dragon after joining the pirate ship, Onion. They are determined to find it's family and discover Brine's mysterious past. Sail into uncharted waters in this second of the series. Full of danger, excitement, friendship and laughs. A swashbuckling adventure that includes floating castles, ghosts and dinosaurs. This vivid and imaginative quest has something for everyone. Great fun.

ISBN 9781447290629 PB Macmillan Childrens £6.99

BETWEEN THE RAVEN AND THE DOVE BY SOPHIA KINGSHILL

CHILDRENS 10+

Thirteen year old Mag lives with her father in a home for the mentally ill. When one of the patients claim she is not only her mother, but a witch as well, Mag's world is turned upside down. Does she also have special powers? This atmospheric tale has whispers of myth and folklore. Nothing is what it seems. A feisty heroine and an intriguing magical world, this is suitable for fans of Alice in Wonderland and Hex Hall.

ISBN 9781786154804 PB Accent Press £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEWS MAY 13-14 TH

This week my pick of children's books for The South Wales Evening Post include a young knight fighting the Welsh, an adventurous bear, an exciting adventure, fantasy and an inspiring visual memoir by one of our leading illustrators.

My column can be found in the Weekend supplement of The South Wales Evening Post on Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE SECRET DIARY OF JOHN DRAWBRIDGE BY PHILIP ARDAGH

CHILDREN 7+

John Drawbridge has moved to Widemoat Castle to become a knight. We learn how he's taught to charge with a lance, defend a castle and pick the right falcon by someone's status! When the castle is attacked by the rebellious Welsh can he use all he's learned to defend it? Hilarious and lively illustrations by Jamie Littler. In association with the National Trust, this is part of a brilliant series full of fun and fascinating facts.

ISBN 9780857639011 PB Nosy Crow £6.99

EVERYWHERE BEAR BY JULIA DONALDSON & REBECCA COBB

PICTURE BOOK 3+

A charming adventure of a little bear who's looked after by a year one classroom. One day he becomes lost and embarks on a heart stopping adventure. This pacey rhyming tale follows him down a drain, in a boat, on a lorry and flying through the air. The detailed and endearing illustrations, by Rebecca Cobb, picture a wide range of diverse characters and hobbies making it hugely appealing. The combination of Donaldson's insightful and witty text herald another classic.

ISBN 9781447280736 HB Macmillan £11.99

THE CRYSTAL RUN BY SHEILA O'FLANAGAN

CHILDREN 9+

Chased by bullies, teenager, Joe, accidentally runs through a portal into the magical world of Cacassia. He finds himself in a training camp for a group of teenagers who will become Runners. There he meets Kaia determined to bring glory to her family at a terrible cost. Can he find his way home and help her save her world? A classic fantasy quest full of excitement and vibrant characters. Perfect for fans of Susan Cooper and Cornelia Funke.

ISBN 978444927085 PB Hodder £6.99

TRAVELS WITH MY SKETCHBOOK BY MICHAEL FOREMAN

CHILDREN 10+

Leading illustrator, Michael Foreman shows us an intimate collection of drawings and anecdotes from his travels around the globe. From the ancient land of the Aztec's, travelling by train through Russia, to drawing Mount Fuji in Japan. Armed with pencils and watercolours, he really captures his personal experiences of each place and its people. His jewelled colours add a vibrancy and intimacy. A truly lovely gift for his fans and inspirational for artists, young and old.

ISBN 9781783704729 HB Templar £17.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEWS MAY 6-7

This week my pick of children's books for The South Wales Evening Post include a story of hope, naughty dinosaurs, a young adventuress with her cats and a lottery win that turns a world upside down.

My column can be found in the Weekend supplement of The South Wales Evening Post on Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE BOY, THE BIRD AND THE COFFIN MAKER BY MATILDA WOODS

CHILDREN 9+

Alberto lives alone making coffins for the people of Allora. When he discovers and helps a mysterious boy and his magical bird they bring colour back into his world. But will the past catch up with them? This beautifully presented tale, with blue tinted text and illustrations by Anuska Allepuz, will enchant middle grade readers upwards. A modern fable of family, loss and ultimately hope. For fans of The Girl of Ink and Stars.

ISBN 9781407178691 PB Scholastic £6.99

KNOCK KNOCK DINOSAUR BY CARYL HART & NICK EAST

PICTURE BOOK 3+

It's great fun when one dinosaur arrives on your doorstep for tea but what happens when fifty four of his friends arrive as well? They draw on the walls, skateboard through the house, even try on his Mum's bra! How can they be stopped from wrecking the house? A playful counting book with rhyming text full of chaos and silliness and ten different types of dinosaur. Perfect for teaching numbers one to ten.

ISBN 9781444928495 PB Hodder £6.99

THE ADVENTURES OF MISS PETITFOUR BY ANNE MICHAELS

CHILDREN 7+

Five deliciously funny stories with Miss Petitfour, cat lover, baker and dancer. Miss Petitfour loves flying off on adventures with her adored cats whether it involves marmalade or lost stamps! A Mary Poppins for a new generation, children will love the madcap, whimsical tales. Warmly illustrated by Emma Block with lyrical text this positively scrumptious little book can be devoured anytime, anywhere. Perfect for bedtime reading and giving as a present.

ISBN 9781408868058 PB Bloomsbury £6.99

WINDFALL BY JENNIFER E.SMITH

YOUNG ADULT 12+

What if you gave your crush a lottery ticket and he won? That's exactly what happens to Alice and Teddy. Will his enormous win tear them apart or can their friendship survive? An endearing tale of first love, family and friendship. It's an intriguing premise with a thought provoking dilemma that would be great for book club discussion. Be careful what you wish for! An insightful, feel good novel.

ISBN 9781509831708 PB Macmillan £7.99

CHILDRENS BOOKS FOR EASTER 2017

This week my pick of children's books for The South Wales Evening Post  include a star gazing heroine, a finger painting garden, chocolate trouble at Easter and a heroine with a different view of the world.

My column can be found in the Weekend supplement of The South Wales Evening Post on Saturday and Sunday.

Wishing Everyone A Very Happy Easter!

BOOK OF THE WEEK

STARGAZING FOR BEGINNERS BY JENNY MCLACHLAN

YOUNG ADULT 12+

Meg is desperate to win a competition to visit NASA because she dreams of becoming an astronaut. When her eccentric mother leaves her looking after her sister Elsa how will she juggle school and a baby? A fast paced contemporary coming of age tale about responsibility, friendship and following your dreams. Full of girl power this is a feisty, fun read and unapologetically smart! Never be too afraid to reach for the stars.

ISBN 9781408879597 PB Bloomsbury £7.99

FINGERPRINT ACTIVITIES GARDEN BY FIONA WATT & CANDICE WHATMORE

CHILDEN 5+

Great for bored little fingers over the holiday. This activity book is brimming with ideas for finger painting with lots of scenes for pictures inspired by the garden. Very clearly and brightly illustrated by Candice Whatmore kids will love learning how to finger paint foxes, flowers, spiders or rabbits amongst others. Children will spend hours having fun creating their own pictures with the included ink pad. Perfect for budding, little artists.

ISBN 9781474932301 HB Usborne £9.99

DAISY AND THE TROUBLE WITH CHOCOLATE BY KES GRAY

CHILDREN 6+

Daisy is back but this time she is getting into trouble over Easter. Her mum is taking her to Chocolate Land and she has to look after the class hamsters at the same time. What could go wrong! Simple, engaging text that is littered with funny illustrations by Garry Parsons, this is perfect for early readers and reading out loud. Ideal for the holidays and chocolate lovers. A great alternative to a chocolate egg!

ISBN 9781782956099 PB Red Fox £5.99

THE STATE OF GRACE BY RACHAEL LUCAS

YOUNG ADULT 12+

Grace has Aspergers and her own way of looking at the world. As long as life stays the same Grace feels safe with her horse and her best friend for company. However change is on its way, how will she cope? This is an intimate portrayal of a teenager that is enlightening, funny and romantic. Grace's witty, inner dialogue proves insightful to the reader especially as the story was inspired by the authors real life experiences.

ISBN 978150983395551 PB Macmillan Childrens £7.99

CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW FOR THE SOUTH WALES EVENING POST APRIL 8-9

This week my pick of children's books for The South Wales Evening Post include a book loving heroine, fun at the farm, a code cracking young genius and a time travelling romance.

My column can be found in the Weekend supplement of The South Wales Evening Post on Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK

BOOKSHOP GIRL BY SYLVIA BISHOP & ILLUSTRATED BY ASHLEY KING

CHILDREN 9+

Property has a big secret. She can't read, even though she loves everything about books. When her adopted family win a wondrous bookshop, is the prize too good to be true? Will Property save her family from disaster and keep her secret? Can the shop's very grumpy cat help her? This magical story is a joy with a feisty heroine that will capture your heart. The line illustrations by Ashley King compliment its quirky charm throughout. Enchanting.

ISBN 9781407159690 PB Scholastic £5.99

REALLY FEELY FARM BY DORLING KINDERSELY

BOARD BOOK 0+

These delightful sturdy touch and feel books are packed with fluffy patches, bumpy patterns and tactile glitter that invite pre schoolers to touch and tickle. The crisp, clear pictures and text show a well thought out introduction to animals and birds on the farm. Toddlers can learn the names of chickens, pigs, sheep and more. Also available in the series are Baby Animals. A perfect and healthy alternative to chocolate for Easter!

ISBN 9780241268056 HB Dorling Kindersley £ 5.99

WILLIAM WENTON AND THE LURIDIUM THIEF BY BOBBIE PEERS

CHILDREN 9+

William has inherited a genius for code breaking from his grandfather, who has mysteriously disappeared. When his extraordinary talent is discovered he is kidnapped and taken to a secretive institute full of some very cool gadgets and robots. What is the strange substance called Luridium? Who is chasing him? This award winning adventure bristles with excitement, humour and some jaw dropping cliff hangers giving it a wide appeal. Da Vinci Code meets Alex Rider.

ISBN 9781406371703 PB Walker Books £6.99

WAKING IN TIME BY ANGIE STANTON

YOUNG ADULT 13+

Abbi arrives in college only to find, on her second day, she wakes up in 1983. It's just the beginning of her time travelling. Can she solve her grandmother's mystery as she tumbles through the decades? Another student, Will has travelled forward in time from 1927. Will their love survive? How will they get back home? A nostalgic, romantic mystery with a timely twist. Back to the Future meets The Time Travellers Wife.

ISBN 9781782025931 PB Curious Fox £7.99

Interview with Katy Cannon, Author of And Then We Ran

My interview with the author Katy Cannon, author of  And Then We Ran.

A road-trip story about following your dreams and embracing the unexpected.

Out now with Stripes Publishing.

Where did your idea for two teens eloping come from?

This book was unusual in that I woke up one morning with the idea right there in my head - so I have no idea where the initial spark came from! But once it was there, I knew it was something I definitely wanted to write, and I knew that I wanted the main characters to be friends, not in a relationship, when they decided to do it. Which meant I had to do a lot of thinking to figure out why they’d do such a thing!

What's your favourite part of the book?

I love the scene with Megan and Elliott in the caravan, I have to admit. But my absolute favourite part might have to be the text message based flirting between Megan’s best friend, Becca, and Elliott’s brother, Sean! Stripes have done a fab job in presenting those parts of the text so they look like real messages, and I just love looking at them. 

Do you empathise with Elliot or Megan more?

Probably Elliott. Megan is far wilder, more impulsive and more confident than I’ve ever been! Whereas Elliott, dreaming of a future he knows he can’t have - until Megan suddenly gives him hope again - feels a lot more like I did when I was younger, dreaming of being a writer but not believing it was possible. 

Why did you base it in Wales? What part of Wales inspired you?

I grew up in North Wales, but I’ve spent a lot of summers (and springs, and summers, and winters, actually) in South Wales on holiday - mostly in Pembrokeshire, where the book is partially set. It’s an area I know well, and I loved the idea of writing about a seaside tourist town in the off season, when it’s just the locals there. Plus I know how difficult it can be to get in and out of the area! I’ve spent hours stuck behind a tractor on the winding roads through the Brecon Beacons, or in miles of holiday traffic trying to get into Pembrokeshire from the East. I knew I wanted to write a road trip story, but there really isn’t an awful lot of Britain to road trip through - you can drive from end to end in a day if you really wanted to. But getting from Pembrokeshire to Gretna Green is difficult enough for Megan and Elliott to get into some real trouble on their journey... 

What are your fondest memories of growing up in Wales?

Mostly being with my large and extended family. We have a lot of family get togethers with singing and great food. 

Also, a lot of holidays on the Welsh coastline, in caravans and cottages mostly. I love the Welsh seaside, and visiting the castles, hills and villages of the country. I’m just fascinated by its history and mythology. Also the language - learning Welsh at the age of nine, when we moved home to Wales, was a revelation! I’m trying to brush up on my Welsh now, actually, as my daughter has decided that she wants to learn to speak it, too. 

Why did you want to become a writer and has anything surprised you about being a professional writer that you didn't expect?

I’ve always had stories in my head, and I’ve always loved books more than almost anything, so being a writer just felt like what I was meant to do. Making stuff up for a living, finding a way to make those stories run in other peoples’ heads as well - it’s the best job ever. What surprised me most, I think, is how many other people are involved! I might write the stories, but that’s just the beginning of the process of getting books into readers’ hands. I couldn’t do it without a fabulous team, from my agent to my editor, to everyone at my publisher, to the booksellers, librarians, book bloggers - and the readers themselves!

What's your favourite quote?

Are you working on your next book and if so can we have a sneaky clue what its about?

I’m just starting work on it this week! So all I can tell you right now is that it will be wildly romantic...

Many thanks to Katy for such a great interview. For more information on Katy and her books visit her website on www.katycannon.com/