SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW NOV 24-25

This week my children's book reviews include a dog who saves Christmas, a Royal Corgi on a Festive adventure, a celebration of Mickey Mouse and a Japanese myth inspired fantasy.

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE DOG THAT SAVED CHRISTMAS BY NICOLA DAVIES & MIKE BYRNE

CHILDREN 8+

Christmas is a nightmare for Jake because he hates the bright lights and noise so he runs away. When Jake finds a lost dog called Susan they immediately bond and being home for the festive holiday doesn't seem so dreadful after all. A heartwarming and thought-provoking Christmas tale which celebrates the special role of therapy pets. The complimentary illustrations capture their close relationship and adventure. Suitable for dyslexic and reluctant readers and reading aloud in class.
ISBN 9781781127698 PB Barrington Stoke £6.99

A VERY CORGI CHRISTMAS BY SAM HAY & LORETTA SCHAUER
PICTURE BOOK 3+
When Belle the littlest Royal corgi escapes from Buckingham Palace and meets streetwise pup Pip they embark on a festive adventure. But when Pip disappears will Belle find her friend again? Young ones will love this royal twist on the story of Lady and the Tramp. The cute illustrations are adorable and full of festive cheer and waggy tales. A lovely story about friendship to share and read out loud in the build up to Christmas.
ISBN 9781471177750 PB Simon & Schuster £6.99

MICKEY MOUSE MUSEUM: THE STORY OF AN ICON BY DISNEY
CHILDREN 8+
Celebrate 90 years since the birth of Disney's most iconic creation. Both children and adults will marvel at this large format book of archive material from Mickey's inception as Steamboat Willie to the present day. A must-have for Disney fans and a fascinating introduction to an icon. Also available for holiday activities is the must have search-and-find book entitled Where's Mickey? That will occupy little ones for hours looking for Micky and his pals. Christmas presents to treasure.
ISBN 9781787413597 HB Studio Press £20

SHADOW OF THE FOX BY JULIE KAGAWA
YOUNG ADULT 13+
Enter a fantasy world heavily influenced by Japanese mythology and imagination. A beautiful and perilous land of shapeshifters and samurai, kami and legends, humans and demons. Yumeko must protect an ancient scroll from demons by relying on a mysterious samurai who wants the scroll for himself. An action-packed adventure full of vibrant characters, intrigue and twists told from multiple perspectives with friendship at its heart. A tale of pure escapism to curl up with over the holidays.
ISBN 9781848457393 PB Harper Collins £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW NOV 17-18 2018

This week my children's book reviews include a Christmas mouse, dogs in space, a non-fiction book about poo and a young footballer facing his biggest challenge. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

HOW WINSTON DELIVERED CHRISTMAS BY ALEX T. SMITH
CHILDREN 7+
Winston must deliver Oliver's letter to Father Christmas on Christmas Eve. Told in twenty-four and a half chapters this is the perfect alternative to an advent calendar. You can read a chapter every night up to Christmas Day which includes an activity such as making decorations or mince pies. This is a heart-warming book to share as the excitement builds and a brilliant idea to bring the family together for a new festive tradition.

ISBN 9781509851522 HB Macmillan £14.99

DOGS IN SPACE BY VICTORIA SOUTHGATE & IRIS DEPPE
PICTURE BOOK 5+
This is an incredible and true story of two heroic stray dogs Belka and Strelka, who were the first living creatures to orbit the earth. A fascinating story about how they were trained for their mission, followed by their survival and ultimate celebrity. The bold illustrations and text really capture the sixties and the two enchanting little dogs. I particularly loved Strelka's one floppy ear. Ideal for kids who love science, space and animals.

ISBN 9781526360571 HB Wren & Rook £12.99

THE CLUE IS IN THE POO BY ANDY SEED & CLAIRE ALMON
CHILDREN 7+
A hilarious and informative guide to animals and their poo and all the other tracks they leave behind. Did you know Canadian geese poop every twenty minutes and hyena poop is white because they eat so many bones! This illustrated compendium of poops, pellets and prints is not to be sniffed at! This is education at it's best with quizzes plopped throughout. The witty illustrations permeating the pages just add to the fun.

ISBN 9781784935733 HB QED £12.99

THE SILENT STRIKER BY PETE KALU
YOUNG ADULT 13+
Marcus is the best player in his football team and might be signed by Manchester United. But when he starts to lose his hearing his hopes and dreams seem to disappear too. It will test both himself and his friends. A powerful story about learning to deal with disability and the effects it can have on friendship and family. This engaging and passionate tale captures the euphoria and energy of the beautiful game.
ISBN 9781908446695 PB Hope Road Publishing £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW NOV 10-11

This week my children's book reviews commemorate both the First and Second World Wars. They include a moving middle grade book of love and loss in World War One, a sensitive picture book about a young girls dad returning from war, a middle grade adventure mixing World War Two history with myth and a true story of a young protegee fleeing the Nazi's to London. These books are all not only really enjoyable but inspiring and educational. Perfect for Remembrance Day. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

EVIE'S WAR BY HOLLY WEBB
CHILDREN 9+
It's 1914 and Evie's brother has gone to war however she is comforted by her adored dogs. But when her father insists one be sent to War Dog School how will Evie cope? A moving and enlightening story of life in Britain during the First World War seen through the eyes of a young girl. It also highlights the little-known role of dogs during the war. For fans of Michael Morpurgo and Emma Carroll.
ISBN 9781407170862 PB Scholastic £6.99

RUBY IN THE RUINS BY SHIRLEY HUGHES
PICTURE BOOK 5+
A classic story of family love, set in post-war London. When Ruby's dad returns from the war she hardly recognises him. How will they reforge their bond? A thought-provoking tale of returning soldiers and their difficulty in settling into everyday life. The illustrations are really evocative of the time and place and are sensitively told through Ruby's eyes. It will give young children an idea of what it was like to live in that time.
ISBN 9781406375893 HB Walker Books £12.99

THE BURIED CROWN BY ALLY SHERRICK
CHILDREN 9+
During World War Two George is evacuated to the countryside to avoid the London bombings. But he finds himself in danger while trying to protect a priceless Anglo-Saxon crown from the Nazi's. A fast-paced historical adventure that is cleverly interwoven with myth. It is in part inspired by the Sutton-Hoo treasure and Hitler's fascination with mystical objects which is explained at the back of the book. An absorbing and exciting story with lots of twists and turns.
ISBN 981910655320 PB Chicken House £6.99

THE CHILDREN OF WILLESDEN LANE BY MONA GOLABEK & LEE COHEN
CHILDREN 10+
When Hitler threatens to invade Vienna Lisa, a musical prodigy is sent to London for safety. But she must leave her parents and sisters behind. Written by Lisa's daughter Mona it is about courage, survival and the power of music to uplift the spirit and bring people together. An inspirational and riveting true-life story. It shows the difficult life choices people were forced to make in times of war but also the power of hope and dreams.
ISBN 9781445161303 PB Franklin Watts £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW NOV 3-4TH

This week my children's book reviews include a collection of three chilling novellas perfect for teens, a picture book about a competition for a unicorn trophy, a middle grade story about a hawk teaching a boy to love nature and a middle grade story about a little girl must cope with the loss of a friend. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THREE STRIKES BY LUCY CHRISTOPHER, KAT ELLIS & RHIAN IVORY

YOUNG ADULT 15+

A red eye blinks in the darkness; a hidden door opens to a lost crypt; a life is held within a flame... welcome to Three Strikes. These unnerving tales include a mysterious cult, a ghostly tale and a retelling of The Little Match Girl. They are full of mystery, mayhem and menace and will stay with you long after you've closed the book. Seductive and unsettling novellas to curl up with on a winter's night.

ISBN 9781910080863 PB Firefly Press £7.99

I REALLY WANT THAT UNICORN BY FABI SANTIAGO

CHILDREN 4+

Chloe Crocodile is confident she will win the coveted unicorn trophy in the local talent show until hula hooping Veronica arrives. An hilarious and exuberant story about the perils of being covetous and warning against rivalry and competition. This is ideal for reading aloud while showing the importance of friendship. The candy colours and effervescent illustrations that dress the wonderful animal characters are a laugh-out-loud delight that will be enjoyed again and again.

ISBN 9781408336915 PB Orchard £6.99

FLYING FREE BY NICOLA DAVIES & CATHY FISHER

CHILDREN 9+

Colin's big brother gives him an air rifle and he can't wait to start shooting stuff. But shooting a living animal is different to shooting a can. When Colin shoots a hawk his life tilts on an angle and takes him down a new revelatory path. A powerful message about respecting nature and learning all actions have consequences. A short, easily digestible book with finely observed pencil illustrations suitable for reluctant readers as well as nature lovers.

ISBN 9781912654093 PB Graffeg £7.99

THE AFTERWARDS BY A.F. HARROLD & EMILY GRAVETT

CHILDREN 9+

Ember and Ness are best friends but when Ness dies Ember is determined to bring her back from the Afterworld. A deeply moving tale of friendship, family, acceptance and moving on. The monochrome illustrations with flashes of colour really give the emotional journey added depth and pathos. The dark humour laced throughout the story uplifts an otherwise sad subject. This tale reminds us that everything has an end but also a new beginning.

ISBN 9781408894316 HB Bloomsbury £12.99

CHILDREN'S HALLOWEEN BOOK REVIEW FOR THE SOUTH WALES EVENING POST OCT 27-28 2018

This week my children's book reviews include the grand finale of Goth Girl, a little ghost desperate for attention, a young witch's further adventures and two friends who must save their gargoyle-infested school!

Happy Halloween

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

HALLOWEEN BOOK OF WEEK

GOTH GIRL AND THE SINISTER SYMPHONY BY CHRIS RIDDELL
CHILDREN 7+
The fangtastic finale of the Goth Girl series is a real treat. Lord Goth is holding a music festival but who will be the 'headline' act? This satirical tale is liberally sprinkled with contemporary references that will appeal to both adults and children. It is full of witty puns and a play on words, such as Tailor Extremely-Swift, which are woven in between Riddell's masterly illustrations. Monstrously good for Halloween that is perfect to share and read aloud.

ISBN 9781447277965 PB Macmillan £6.99

THE RIGHT ONE BY VIOLETA NOY
PICTURE BOOK 4+
Roderic is the smallest ghost in his family and is continually ignored. He doesn't want to wear a white sheet like all the rest so how can he stand out? The vibrant, bold illustrations capture the endearing little ghost as he tries on different hats, scarves and various patterned sheets to make himself look different. Children will relate to being the smallest in a family. A friendly, funny ghost story for Halloween.
ISBN 9781787412705 PB Templar £6.99

WISH FOR A WITCH BY KAYE UMANSKY & ASHLEY KING
CHILDREN 7+
Elsie is excited to return to Magenta Sharp's magical tower for her second adventure. The witch needs her help to save her magic license and to deal with a grumpy genie. This adventure is a cauldron of excitement, bubbling with wit, wishes and witchcraft. The endearing illustrations cast a spell with their characterful detail and will leave children bewitched. I especially loved Nuisance the loyal stray dog and Corbett, the irascible raven. A charming Halloween tale.
ISBN 9781471160936 PB Simon & Schuster £6.99

TREASURE OF THE GOLDEN SKULL BY CHRIS PRIESTLEY
CHILDREN 8+
Mildew and Sponge must save their gargoyle-infested school from closure. If they can find the buried treasure, avoid a pirate pretending to be a teacher and deal with the mysterious new boy they might save the school. This caustically funny, deliciously creepy quest will make kids cackle with laughter. The scratchy illustrations creeping through the text add to the enormous fun making it perfect for Halloween. The Munsters meet Roald Dahl.
ISBN 9781408873106 PB Bloomsbury £6.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS HALLOWEEN BOOK REVIEW OCT 20- 21 2018

This week my children's book reviews include an enchanting Christmas tale based in Wales, a troublesome witches' cat, more adventures from the world's worst vampire and a monstrous tale inspired by Frankenstein.

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

BOOK OF WEEK

THE CLOCKWORK CROW BY CATHERINE FISHER
CHILDREN 7+
Seren, a young orphan is taken in by a mysterious family living in wildest Wales. A mysterious package, a lost boy and a magical snow globe lead Seren into an enchanted Winter wonderland where all is not what it appears. Children will especially delight in Seren's cheeky, talking mechanical bird as she continues on her quest to find a true home. The poetical text is spellbinding and a perfect story for Christmas. The Secret Garden meets Narnia.

ISBN 9781910080849 PB Firefly £6.99

MRS BLACKHAT BY CHLOE AND MICK INKPEN
PICTURE BOOK 4+
Mrs Blackhat is a witch who loves the colour black. Everything is black except her cat...who's ginger! Unfortunately, when she uses the internet to buy a spell, it leads to hilarious results. This story will appeal to adults who appreciate the hazards of internet shopping and children who will delight in the tongue twisters and repetitive text with laugh out loud humour. Perfect for reading out loud with bold, explosive illustrations this is Spooktastic for a very Happy Halloween.

ISBN 9781444940091 HB Hodder £12.99

MIDNIGHT FRIGHT BY ANNA WILSON & KATHRYN DURST
CHILDREN 7+
Vlad, the worlds worst vampire is not looking forward to his annoyingly perfect cousin Lupus coming to visit him. Can the school play help reveal who's got the real talent? This relatable story deals with issues such as the perils of trying to fit in and appreciating our talents with a comical twist. Punctured with inky illustrations this feel-good little book about friendship and family is spookily good for early readers at Halloween.

ISBN 9781847159571 PB Stripes Publishing £5.99

THE MONSTERS WE DESERVE BY MARCUS SEDGWICK
YOUNG ADULT 13+
An author searches for inspiration in the Alps villa where Shelley wrote Frankenstein. This claustrophobic monstrous tale will lure you in to witness the tortured mind of a writer. Do our creations define us? Who is the real monster? The creator or the people who judge and jury it? Who knows what is real and what is imagination? Ripe for book clubs and discussion, this will intrigue, infuriate and inspire. It will prey on your mind.
ISBN 9781788542302 HB Zephr £12.99