SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW SEPT 14-15 2019

This week my children's book reviews include a brilliantly clever middle grade detective story, a picture book about acceptance, a middle grade drama about family and an exciting SAS adventure for teens.

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

LORI AND MAX BY CATHERINE O'FLYNN

CHILDREN 9+

When money goes missing from the classroom new girl Max becomes the suspect. But her friend and wannabe detective Lori is determined to prove Max's innocence. When Max disappears, can Lori solve the mystery? A contemporary whodunnit with two endearing and quirky heroines. The twists and turns are dealt with a sleight of hand that will have you guessing until the end. Full of laughter, excitement and empathy this is the perfect pick for budding sleuths.

Firefly Press PB £6.99

THE SMEDS AND THE SMOOS BY JULIA DONALDSON & AXEL SCHEFFLER

PICTURE BOOK 4+

The Smeds (who are red) and the Smoos (who are blue) never mix because of their differences. But what will they do if a Smed and Smoo fall in love? A beautiful story of inclusivity and learning to appreciate each other's differences rather than be mistrustful of them. The joyful and colourful illustrations capture the wild and wonderful array of aliens, and you can even spot a Gruffalo alien. A story for our times.

Alison Green Books HB £12.99

THE SPACE WE'RE IN BY KATYA BALEN

CHILDREN 10+

Frank's little brother Max is autistic. The whole family loves him, but sometimes Frank resents all the attention Max receives. When tragedy strikes their world spirals out of control. Can the family piece their lives back together? This deals with big issues like sibling love and rivalry, grief, anxiety, as well as love and hope. Sensitively illustrated by Lauren Carlin this will make you laugh and cry. For fans of David Almond and R.J. Palacio.

Bloomsbury HB £10.99

JUSTICE BY CHRIS RYAN

YOUNG ADULT 13+

To catch a warlord of an international trafficking ring, The Special Forces Cadets must use themselves as bait. But the bad guys always seem one step ahead. Can the teens survive the Congo rainforest? Who can they trust? An exciting fast-paced adventure with authentic detail by the former SAS author that adds to the tension. The third in the series with its ensemble cast has enormous appeal for fans of Alex Rider and CHERUB.

Hot Key PB 6.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW SEPT 7-8

This week my children's book reviews include a giant book of Greek myths, a princess who parps, a world of maths explained to young children and an exciting middle grade adventure based on Russian folklore.

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

MYTHOLOGICA BY DR. STEVE KERSHAW & VICTORIA TOPPING

CHILDREN 10+

Uncover the lives of 50 powerful gods and goddesses, legendary mortals and terrifying monsters from ancient Greece. Children will learn about Zeus, the King of Gods and his wife Hera amongst others living on Mount Olympus. They will be amazed by heroic tales such as The Trojan War and The Odyssey. The magnificent and vibrant illustrations burst from every page and bring the mythology to life. A present of epic proportions.

Wide Eyed Editions PB £20

PRINCESSES DON'T PARP BY PETER BENTLY & ERIC HEYMAN

PICTURE BOOK 4+

A princess is living in a palace full of parpers. The butler squeaks, her troops' trumpet but you will never catch the princess doing bum blasts! However when the princess becomes nervous about her party, she starts to feel a bit gassy. Kids will have a blast reading this hilariously witty and somewhat windy tale. The lively illustrations are full of irreverent and wry visual gags (and gasses!)

Simon & Schuster PB £6.99

THE LANGUAGE OF THE UNIVERSE BY COLIN STUART & XIMO ABADIA

CHILDREN 8+

A visual exploration of mathematics, divided into four clear sections. Understand how maths is used in the natural world, physics and engineering, space as well as technology. From atoms to beehives to the movement of planets, everything revolves around maths. But how? Children will be taken on a visual journey with easy to read text and stunning surrealist art. A real eye-opener and a fantastic way to interest children in the world of maths.

Big Picture Press HB £16.99

THE GIRL WHO SPEAKS BEAR BY SOPHIE ANDERSON

CHILDREN 9+

Yanka grows up knowing she is different. Why do the trees whisper to her? Abandoned as a baby in a bear cave, she must find her true origins and embark on an epic quest. An enchanting adventure laced with Russian folklore and an extraordinary cast of characters. The atmospheric illustrations peppered throughout capture her snowy world perfectly. I loved Yanka's fearless spirit, her bond with nature and her determination to write her own story. Inspiring and heartening.

Usborne PB £6.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW AUG 31-1 SEPT

This week my children's book reviews include a middle grade adventure in Snowdonia, a picture book about going to school for the time, a return to Enid Blyton's classic Mallory Towers and a charming romance for young adults set on a train going across America. 

Great books for going back to school and university!

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

MAX KOWALSKI DIDN'T MEAN IT BY SUSIE DAY

CHILDREN 9+

Max is an 11-years-old boy who is always in trouble. But when his father disappears he must take responsibility for his siblings. They hide in Snowdonia where Max discovers new friends and a dragon that must be defeated! A heartwarming and emotional story about Max and his imperfect family that will make you laugh and cry. It is ideal for discussions about masculinity, dealing with unfair expectations and why it's okay to be yourself.

Puffin PB £6.99

THE COLOUR MONSTER GOES TO SCHOOL BY ANNA LLENAS

PICTURE BOOK 4+

The Colour Monster is preparing for his first day at school with his friend. Together with the new pupils they paint pictures, read and play. Despite making some mistakes they thoroughly enjoy and can't wait to go back. A wonderful and reassuring story for children who feel nervous about their first day at school. A great way to start a conversation about what children will expect in school as well as being very funny.

Templar PB £6.99

NEW CLASS AT MALORY TOWERS BY ENID BLYTON & VARIOUS

CHILDREN 9+

The definitive boarding school series returns with four new stories by various authors including Patrice Lawrence. New girl Marietta wants to go back to her home in the circus. When a dormitory argument reveals something unusual about her braided hair will she find friends at last? The tales are full of fun, friendship and midnight feasts with a feminist spin. The diverse and strong female cast will inspire a new generation of readers.

Hodder PB £6.99

FIELD NOTES ON LOVE BY JENNIFER E. SMITH

YOUNG ADULT 12+

Before starting university Mae and Hugo meet through the internet to become travel companions on a cross-country train trip across the USA. Despite being strangers and dealing with family drama they start to fall for each other. An endearing romance about living in the moment, learning to be independent and trusting your instincts. An intimate and atmospheric love story that speeds along to a satisfying climax. For fans of Stephanie Perkins and Jenny Han.

Macmillan PB £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW AUG 10-11

This week my children's book reviews include a feminist fairy-tale for teens, a picture book about the plight orangutans, a middle grade adventure about a princess who loves BMX and an intriqueing Young adult thriller set on the Welsh coast

Happy Summer Reading!

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE KINGDOM BY JESS ROTHENBERG

YOUNG ADULT 12+

Android princess Ana lives in The Kingdom which makes visitors' wishes come true. But when she is accused of murder difficult questions must be ascertained. Did Ana override her program? Does she have free will? Told through court testimony and flashbacks this will keep the reader guessing until the end. An intriguing thriller and anti-fairytale with a cinematic feel and themes of sisterhood, objectification and how power can corrupt. Westworld meets One of Us is Lying.

Macmillan PB £7.99

THERE'S A RANG-TAN IN MY BEDROOM BY JAMES SELLICK & FRANN PRESTON-GANNON

CHILDREN 4+

When a little girl discovers a mischievous orangutan in her bedroom it shows her how growing palm oil for her products, such as shampoo are destroying her home. The moving illustrations and story show the plight of orangutans, the dangers of deforestation and what we can do to help. It includes how to write a campaign letter and why palm oil is so harmful to wildlife. This is a special picture book with a vital message to share.

Wren & Rook HB £12.99

PRINCESS BMX BY MARIE BASTING

CHILDREN 7+

Princess Ava travels between her magical kingdom and London to fulfil her passion for riding BMX. But can Ava use her new biking skills to save her home from her evil Aunty? Ava's hilarious adventure races along at breakneck speed while punctured with characterful illustrations by Flavia Sorrentino. Children will love Ava's cheeky humour and her courage to be true to herself. A modern fairy-tale which is full of magic, friendship and bikes! Enchanted meets BMX.

Chicken House PB £7.99

MY SECRET LIES WITH YOU BY FAYE BIRD

YOUNG ADULT 14+

A mysterious girl Alys appeared one summer only to vanish without a trace. This summer Cait arrives for a holiday in Wales mourning the loss of her father while dealing with her mother's new boyfriend. Told from four perspectives this is a classic whodunnit with a twist in the tale. Secrets and lies, friendships and family, love and loss are intertwined in this fast-paced thriller. A perfect summer read for fans of Pretty Little Lies and Riverdale.

Usborne PB £7.99

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

This week my children's book reviews include an imaginatively gothic adventure for middle grade plus two lift-the-flap board books: join a postman as he delivers his parcels and an introduction to an airport. Last but not least a middle grade mystery must be solved by a detective editor!

Happy Summer Reading!

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

BOOK OF WEEK

THE MONSTER WHO WASN'T BY T.C.SHELLEY

CHILDREN 9+
An Imp who looks human is born into an underworld of monsters. Some grumpy yet adorable gargoyles adopt him because he can steal chocolate without being noticed. Can Imp find his place in the world or will the King of Ogres use him for his evil plan? A wonderfully Gothic fantasy full of good and bad monsters which will enthrall children. I especially loved Imp's hilarious adopted family. Spiderwick Chronicles meets Labyrinth.

Bloomsbury PB £6.99

MARCEL'S PARCELS BY KATE HINDLEY

BOARD BOOK 3+

Marcel Trunkmore has parcels to deliver and he needs someone to help him. A lovely lift-the-flap book introducing children to all the characters on Treacle Street. They will delight in visiting Prima Pavlova's dance school, Grease Monkeys Garage and the pie shop. But does Marcel also have a surprise package? Full of entertaining and amusing bright illustrations that children will love to explore. A charming book for pre-schoolers which is followed up with Prima's Missing Bunnies.

Simon & Schuster HB £ 6.99

AIRPORT BY JONNY MARX & CINTA VILLALOBOS

BOARD BOOK 3+

A fun large format board book that introduces young children to what to expect when they go to the airport. With dozens of flaps to lift and lots of information to uncover there is plenty to interest as children leaf through the different areas of a bustling airport. There are lists of things to spot while they explore the terminal, discover how an aeroplane takes off and what to expect on arrival. Great for someone's first trip abroad.

360 Degrees HB £11.99

SCOOP MCLAREN: DETECTIVE EDITOR BY HELEN CASTLES

CHILDREN 8+

Scoop and her best friend Evie run an online newspaper. When an evil reporter Sonny starts to cause havoc by predicting dastardly events such as raining frogs they must uncover his true identity before it's too late. Children will love tenacious budding journalist Scoop and her determination to get to the bottom of a story. A witty fast-paced mystery for fans of Robin Stevens and Katherine Woodfine. Can you follow the clues?

New Frontier Publishing PB £6.99