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/

CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW SOUTH WALES EVENING POST APRIL 1-2

This week my pick of children's books for The South Wales Evening Post include a friendly but shy giant, the return of the Care Bears, a young boy saving the world from alien invasion and two teenagers determined to find their own way in the world.

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

GRANDAD'S SECRET GIANT BY DAVID LITCHFIELD

PICTURE BOOK 3+

Billy doesn't' believe his Grandad's stories about a benevolent secret giant who lives in his town. When Billy meets him one night he is afraid, but should he be? The evocative illustrations are rich with detail that children can pour over and explore. In this contemporary fable Billy finds out different can also be good and empowering. This enchanting tale of friendship, belonging and acceptance would make a wonderful gift to treasure.

ISBN 978847808479 HB Frances Lincoln £11.99

HEARTS 'N' HUGS STICKER ACTIVITY BOOK BY CARE BEARS

ACTIVITY BOOK 3+

I was so excited to see the return of the Care Bears! Join Cheer Bear, Grumpy Bear and the rest of the Care Bear Friends for hours of games, puzzles, colouring and over one hundred stickers. Celebrating their thirty fifth anniversary spreading the message for caring and sharing. Also accompanying this great activity book is a series of storybooks including Cheer Bear and The Treasure Hunt. Still adorably cute!

ISBN 9781444931471 PB Hodder Childrens £4.99

HAMISH AND THE GRAVITY BURP BY DANNY WALLACE, ILLUSTRATED BY JAMIE LITTLER

CHILDRENS 8+

When Hamish finds his Mum and brother floating on the ceiling he knows something is seriously wrong. Also what is that strange burping noise? Why are weird seeds falling from the sky? The cast of family and friends are relatable and endearing for both adults and children. Channelling Walliams and Dahl, the story moves at a bristling pace and is full of irreverent humour. This will be gobbled up by Hamish's growing army of fans.

ISBN 9781471147128 PB Simon & Schuster £6.99

AND THEN WE RAN BY KATY CANNON

YOUNG ADULT 13 +

Told from a dual perspective Megan and Elliot take us on a coming of age road trip from a Welsh seaside town to Gretna Green. Do they really want to get married or just escape? Both learn life itself is a journey that can throw up unexpected surprises. A contemporary romance about learning to make the right choices and following your dreams. Perfect holiday reading for fans of Rainbow Rowell, Stephanie Perkins and Jenny Han

ISBN 9781847157997 PB Stripes £7.99

See also my interview with author Katy Cannon

MOTHERS DAY CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEWS SOUTH WALES EVENING POST MARCH 25-26

This week my pick of children's books for Mothers Day in The South Wales Evening Post include a picture book about the perfect day, how to entertain your Granny, an out of this world road trip and a paranormal adventure series in which the mummy may not be so friendly!

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

A PERFECT DAY BY LANE SMITH

PICTURE BOOK 3+

The animals are having a perfect day in the garden. Basking in the sun, paddling in the pool, eating their favourite food. What could possible go wrong? Naughty Bear has his own idea of a perfect day, unfortunately it's not the same as everyone else's! The playful and witty illustrations, full of light and texture, really bring to life the warm summer day. This endearing tale was inspired by the authors real life encounter with a marauding bear!

ISBN 9781509840557 HB Two Hoots Books £11.99

15 THINGS NOT TO DO WITH A GRANNY BY MARGARET MCALLISTER AND ILLUSTRATIONS BY HOLLY STERLING

PICTURE BOOK 4+

It may be Mothers Day but don't forget your Granny! Follow these simple rules and you will both be happy. Don't hide an elephant in her bed, wear her pants on your head or send her up to space in a rocket! Definitely don't bang a drum when she is sleeping. This wonderfully diverse book has a wide appeal for the whole family encouraging caring, sharing and best of all, hugs.

ISBN 9781847809131 PB Frances Lincoln £6.99

SEE YOU IN THE COSMOS BY JACK CHENG

CHILDREN 9+

Eleven year old Alex wants to launch his ipod into space to show aliens what life is really like on Earth. Full of questions about the world the reader is immediately drawn to Alex. You are made to feel as if you are travelling with him as he tries to deal with his dysfunctional family, including a troubled mother and absent brother. This innocent and personal adventure is ultimately uplifting and heart warming.

ISBN 9780141365602 PB Puffin £6.99

THE MUMMY'S REVENGE BY ANDREW BEASLEY

CHILDREN 10+

An ancient Egyptian Mummy controlled by the evil Sandman is reeking havoc across Edinburgh, looking for rubies and revenge. Billy and Charley are top investigators at S.C.R.E.A.M.( Supernatural Crimes, Rescues, Emergencies and Mysteries). They are the only ones who can stop him. Victorian X-Files meets Scooby Doo, this is a funny, action packed paranormal crime series and an alternative Mother Day book!

ISBN 9781474906920 PB Usborne £6.99

CHILDRENS BOOK COLUMN SOUTH WALES EVENING POST MARCH 18-19

This week my pick of children's books for The South Wales Evening Post include an adventure with an elephant, a retelling of Beauty and The Beast, a very ladylike murder mystery and an hilarious teen 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

THE ELEPHANT THIEF BY JANE KERR

CHILDREN 9+

When pickpocket Danny accidentally bids for Maharajah, the elephant at auction he's caught up in an unforgettable journey. Transformed into a bejewelled Indian prince Danny rides Maharajah from Scotland to his new home in England. Will a rival zoo keeper stop them and will Danny's dangerous past catch up with them both? A gripping historical adventure of an unlikely friendship between boy and elephant, based on true life events. A beautifully written future classic.

ISBN 9781910655757 PB Chicken House £6.99

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST BY ANNA MILBOURNE

PICTURE BOOK 3+

Celebrating the film release, this is a beautiful retelling of the classic fairytale. As well as the colourfully detailed illustrations by Lorena Alvarez it is also packed with enchanting surprises with intricate cut outs to look through and flaps to lift. Little children will love following Belle through the Beast's house until she discovers him hiding in the garden . Also available in the series is Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood. A gift to treasure.

ISBN 9781474920544 HB Usborne £9.99

BLACK CATS AND BUTLERS BY JANINE BEACHAM

CHILDREN 9+

Born into the aristocracy Rosie is a young lady with a penchant for finding distinctly unladylike trouble. When her adored butler is murdered Rosie is determined to defy convention and find out who did it. Can she solve this wicked crime while successfully steering her way through the rules of proper etiquette? Grave robbers, magicians and ancient feline guardians will keep young readers gripped. Nancy Drew meets Downton Abbey. A rollicking adventure.

ISBN 9781510201286 PB Little, Brown Books £6.99

BOYWATCHING SEASON THREE BY CHLOE BENNET

YOUNG ADULT 12+

Hilarious conclusion to this contemporary trilogy. Broken hearts, broken promises and broken toes abound! Chloe is left with her boyfriends handsome but awkward cousin Oscar while he leaves her to go on a French exchange. Can she transform him into a smooth operator? Laugh out loud at the teenage angst that everyone can relate to. Pretty in Pink meets Ten Things I Hate About You, perfect for fans of Stephanie Perkins and Jenny Han

ISBN 9781408345122 PB Orchard Books £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK COLUMN MARCH 11-12

This week my pick of children's books for The South Wales Evening Post include a glorious Pre Raphaelite romance, an inventive picture book about loving our differences, a thrilling and imaginative fantasy adventure and the conclusion of an epic fantasy series that will set your pulse racing.

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

FOLLOWING OPHELIA BY SOPHIA BENNETT

YOUNG ADULT 12+

When young servant Mary becomes a muse to the Pre Raphaelites she enters a rebellious world of glamour and scandal. With her flaming red hair, Mary reinvents herself as Persephone Lavelle fighting to become the new face of London's glittering art scene. Can she achieve her dreams of leaving servitude without losing her true self? A sumptuous historical romance that paints a vivid picture of Victorian London. Perfect for lovers of romance, history and art.

ISBN 9781847158109 Stripes PB £7.99

I LOVE YOU (NEARLY ALWAYS) BY ANNA LLENAS

PICTURE BOOK 4+

Roly is a woodlouse and Rita is a firefly. Can they be friends despite all their differences? An extraordinary feat of paper engineering full of pop ups and fold outs that will amaze. It involves the children in this thoughtfully written story that clearly demonstrates the possibilities of friendships with others who are different to themselves. Perfect for group discussion about acceptance and understanding even if you don't always agree!

ISBN 9781783707614 HB Templar £14.99

THE FEARLESS TRAVELLERS GUIDE TO WICKED PLACES BY PETE BEGLER

CHILDREN 9+

Twelve year old Nell's mother has been kidnapped by witches and turned into a bird. Journeying to Wicked Places can she break the spell before the world turns into a living nightmare? A richly imagined world full of courage and family bonds. Both exciting and scary this lyrically written fantasy draws you into its visually extraordinary world full of wild landscapes and unforgettable characters. Narnia meets Brothers Grimm.

ISBN 978178202595 PB Curious Fox £7.99

THE SCARECROW QUEEN BY MELINDA SALISBURY
YOUNG ADULT 13+
The explosive conclusion to The Sin Eaters Daughter ends in a final battle. The heroine Twylla is powerless and on the run. Can the rebels prevent the Sleeping Prince from destroying everything they love? This darkly addictive series has non stop action, power struggles, betrayal and great camaraderie and friendships. An ambitious fantasy for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Alwyn Hamilton. To be devoured in one sitting.
ISBN 9781407147659 PB Scholastic £7.99