SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW APRIL 13-14 2019

This week my children's book reviews include a classic retelling of the story of Easter, a charming board book for children to follow an  Easter Egg Hunt, an enchanting underwater adventure for early readers and a fascinating introduction to Queen Victoria. 

Some Great Books for Easter. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

THE EASTER STORY BY BRIAN WILDSMITH
PICTURE BOOK 4+
The story of Easter is told through the eyes of a donkey who carries Jesus into Jerusalem. He watches the Last Supper, the crucifixion and the resurrection. This new small hardback is a gentle and accessible introduction to the story of Easter. The sumptuous illustrations in jewelled colours and glimmers of gold add to the epic story and symbolism. A thoughtful Easter gift and great to share in the classroom.
ISBN 9780192768735 HB Oxford University Press £7.99

POPPY AND SAM'S EASTER EGG HUNT BY SAM TAPLIN & SIMON TAYLOR-KIELTY
BOARD BOOK 2+
Children will be filled with delight as they search each page for hidden Easter eggs and a tiny duck on the farm. They can follow Poppy and Sam while looking through the cut out holes and running their fingers along the flight of a butterfly or jump along with a lamb. The charming illustrations on each page encapsulate Spring and Easter Time and are perfectly proportioned for small hands. A delightful little Easter gift.
ISBN 971474952767 HB Usborne £5.99

THE SEA HOUSE BY LUCY OWEN & REBECCA HARRY
CHILDREN 6+
One night grieving nine-year-old Coral cries so much she fills her house with tears and wakes in a magical underwater world. She makes new friends as well as dangerous enemies. I especially loved her adorable new fishy friend called Fabulous! A powerful story of courage and friendship as well as a strong conservation message that is lovingly illustrated throughout. A lovely book for early readers and to read together for story time. Finding Nemo meets The Water Babies.

ISBN 9781910080825 PB Firefly £6.99

V&A INTRODUCES: QUEEN VICTORIA BY NINA COSFORD
CHILDREN 7+
A fascinating and intriguing introduction to the reign of Queen Victoria. This small and accessible hardback tells of her upbringing, marriage to Prince Albert and their love for the arts. It is complimented with delightful illustrations, photographs and quotes as well as an insight into British life at the time. It explains the legacy Victoria had on the world. Part of a lovely series celebrating icons of art and design including William Morris and Frida Kahlo.
ISBN 9781241372951 HB Puffin £6.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW APRIL 6-7th

This week my children's book reviews include a gripping middle grade adventure about finding courage, a sticker book for the Easter holidays, a celebratory return of Horrid Henry and a modern day feminist tale based in New York for teens. 

Some Great Books for Easter. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE MIDDLER BY KIRSTY APPLEBAUM
CHILDREN 9+
Eleven-year-old Maggie lives in an enclosed village safe from the Quiet War and the dangerous wanderers lurking outside. Just as her older brother, Jed is being sent to war a shocking truth is revealed from an unexpected friend. Can Maggie make herself heard before it's too late? A story about not being afraid of those who are different or of being true to yourself. A gripping adventure bursting with friendship, family and the importance of individuality.
ISBN 9781788003452 PB Nosy Crow £6.99

STICKER SHAPES: EASTER BY USBORNE
CHILDREN 5+
This little sticker book is the perfect activity for the holidays and small enough to go in your pocket. Bursting with Springtime scenes children can use the stickers to make daffodils, rabbits, lambs plus much more. It is ideal to take on travels as well as at home so boredom doesn't set in. Also in the Easter activity mini series you can pick from finger painting, puzzles and colouring books. Brilliant family fun.

ISBN 9781474947787 PB Usborne £2.99

HORRID HENRY: UP, UP AND AWAY BY FRANCESCA SIMON
CHILDREN 5+
This collection of four new fiendishly funny stories marks the 25^th anniversary of Horrid Henry. Henry wreaks first-class havoc on a plane, sabotages a school play, writes a history essay under duress and sneaks onto a forbidden roller-coaster. A fantastic introduction to reading for pleasure featuring deliciously naughty illustrations by Tony Ross. Be warned, some children might get some rather horrid ideas from this irrepressible rebel!

ISBN 9781510105928 PB Orion £5.99

WATCH US RISE BY RENEE WATSON & ELLEN HAGAN
YOUNG ADULT 13+
Jasmine and Chelsea are best friends on a mission. When they start a Women's Rights Club to fight against stereotypes and prejudices in their school they have no idea it will go viral. Can they capture the momentum and really make a change? But at what cost? An ensemble cast that really captures the trials and tribulations of growing up. An inspiring story about the need to be peacefully proactive and engage with the world around you.
ISBN 9781526600875 PB Bloomsbury £7.99
5/5 Stars

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW MARCH 30-31 2019

This week my children's book reviews include a book of Ocean Life using exquisite floral collages, a Mummy Tiger looking for a home for her cubs, a Mummy Fox exploring nature with her little fox and a fascinating look at the life of sharp shooter Annie Oakley.

Some Great Books for Mothers Day and Easter. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

BENEATH THE WAVES BY HELEN AHPORNSIRI

CHILDREN 5+

A stunning exploration of what lies hidden beneath the waves. Each chapter explores a different ocean realm brought to life with exquisite and intricate collages solely created with sea-weeds and coastal plants. Marvel at how Helen transforms silky seaweed, feathery algae and bright coastal blooms into playful penguins, underwater cities and ocean giants. A beautiful gift to treasure for Mother's Day and a delightful alternative to an Easter egg. Perfect for nature and animal lovers.

ISBN 9781787413801 HB Big Picture Press £12.99

LITTLE TIGERS BY JO WEAVER
PICTURE BOOK 3+
Mother Tiger and her two cubs journey through the jungle searching for a new home. Will they find refuge behind a waterfall, up in the trees, in a cave or a temple? These striking charcoal and sepia illustrations perfectly capture the tiger family and the parental bond. Also the story could start a discussion about either moving house or conservation of tigers. A moving and thought-provoking story to share on Mother's Day.

ISBN 9781444937534 PB Hodder £6.99

FOLLOW ME, LITTLE FOX BY CAMILA CORREA & SEAN JULIAN
PICTURE BOOK 3+
When Little Fox finds city life too noisy and busy Mummy Fox takes him on an adventure into the countryside. A beautifully illustrated reminder of the importance of playing and spending time in the outdoors and appreciating all the sights, smells and sounds. It also will create an appreciation of nature. A lovely book to share on Mother's Day and it hopefully will inspire young children to plant seeds and watch them grow.

ISBN 9781788810876 HB Little Tiger £11.99

ONE SHOT BY TANYA LANDMAN
YOUNG ADULT 13+
A coming of age drama inspired by the life of sharpshooter Annie Oakley. An insightful and gripping novella that depicts a young woman's fight for a better life in the Wild West of 19th Century America. A story about hope, ambition and overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles. A gripping tale that is perfectly pitched for dyslexic and reluctant readers as well as book clubs. A powerful story of a girl in a man's world that really hits the bullseye.
ISBN 9781781128510 PB Barrington Stoke £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW MARCH 23-24

This week my children's book reviews include a perfect Picture Book for Mother's Day by best selling author Judith Kerr, a fascinating look at the Bronte Sisters for younger readers, a Mummy Fairy adventure for early readers and a mythical adventure about the last herd of unicorns.

Some Great Books for Mothers Day. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK 

MUMMY TIME BY JUDITH KERR
PICTURE BOOK 4+
When a Mum is preoccupied on her mobile phone she doesn't notice her toddler getting up to all sorts of wild adventures in the park. A witty and ironic comment on modern-day distractions and a reminder of the importance of living in the moment and paying attention to the world around you. An engaging gift for Mothers Day, this lovingly illustrated funny book is perfect for parents to share with their children.

ISBN 9780008306809 HB Harper Collins £12.99

THE BRONTES BY ANNA DOHERTY
CHILDREN 5+
An inspiring and empowering story about the Bronte Sisters and their extraordinary imagination. Children will have a fascinating insight into the harsh life of women at the time and how Charlotte, Emily and Anne overcame these obstacles with astonishing determination and ambition. A celebration of female independence without which we would not have classics such as Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights. A fantastically feminist and thoughtful gift for Mothers Day.
ISBN 9781526361066 HB Wren & Rook £12.99

MUMMY FAIRY AND ME: UNICORN WISHES BY SOPHIE KINSELLA

CHILDREN 6+
Ella's Mum is a real-life fairy with a 'computawand' that has a screen, fairy apps and email! But she doesn't always get her spells right which means there's a lot that can go wrong! Four spellbinding adventures including magical ballet lessons, flying to school and a pet unicorn. This is ideal for early readers as it's fully illustrated by Marta Kissi and has fun activities at the back. A touch of magic to share on Mothering Sunday.
ISBN 9780241380260 PB Penguin £5.99

GUARDIANS OF THE WILD UNICORNS BY LINDSAY LITTLESON

CHILDREN 9+
Lewis is on a miserable school trip but is astonished when he discovers the last surviving herd of unicorns in the Highlands. Can he and his best friend Rhona rescue these legendary creatures from an evil gamekeeper? A thrilling adventure told from alternative points of view that will appeal to both boys and girls. The story is wonderfully atmospheric and mythical with a conservation undercurrent alongside complex family issues. Children will be enthralled by these magnificently wild unicorns.
ISBN 9781782505556 PB Kelpies £6.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW MARCH 16-17

This week my children's book reviews include a riveting fact packed adventure book, a picture book about a rather large cat, a middle grade adventure about a dangerous grandma and a teen fantasy adventure with a Machiavellian twist.

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE LOST BOOK OF ADVENTURE EDITED BY TEDDY KEEN
CHILDREN 9+
When explorer Teddy discovers the illustrated diaries and observations of an unknown adventurer he compiles it into a illustrated treasure trove of survival tips and adventure stories. This first-hand glimpse takes you on a voyage of discovery from the Northern Lights to the Sri Lanka jungle to the Sahara desert. A gripping and fact-packed adventure book that is perfect to share with the family. A cool mix of Indiana Jones, Bear Grylls and David Attenborough!

ISBN 9781786032966 HB Frances Lincoln £20

BIG CAT BY EMMA LAZELL
PICTURE BOOK 4+
Isobel finds a very big cat in the garden while searching for her grandma's glasses. Will the other cats be happy to share their home with this enormous feline? Children will love 'pawing' over the vivid illustrations which gleefully capture the ensuing fun and chaos. A roaringly funny tale to share with Grandma on Mothering Sunday about family and making new friends. Purrrfect for fans of The Tiger Who Came to Tea.

ISBN 9781843654018 PB Pavilion £6.99

GRANDMA DANGEROUS AND THE EGG OF GLORY BY KITA MITCHELL
CHILDREN 9+
Ollie's Grandma is a fearless explorer. Wherever she goes chaos and adventure pursue her! In this second adventure Grandma Dangerous is intent of finding a stolen, priceless Faberge egg with Ollie. Nothing will stop her, not poisoned caviar, a prison break or even some contemporary dancing! Children will love this rebellious granny and Nathan Reed's line illustrations only add to the fast-paced fun. Warning: Don't give this to your Grandma. She might get ideas!

ISBN 9781408355503 PB Orchard £6.99

SONG OF SORROW BY MELINDA SALISBURY
YOUNG ADULT 13+
A thrillingly dark conclusion to the Machiavellian fantasy series State of Sorrow. Sorrow Ventaxia must find a way to free herself from the sinister control of Vespus and free her people. Immerse yourself in a richly woven world of intrigue, romance and treachery. At the centre of a web of lies and seduction readers will love Sorrow, who combines strength and vulnerability into a multi-faceted relatable heroine. For fans of Leigh Bardugo.
ISBN 9781407180281 PB Scholastic £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW MARCH 9-10 2019

This week my children's book reviews include a middle grade adventure about a young Viking girl seeking revenge, a picture book highlighting conservation, a funny middle grade featuring a young boy fighting zombies and a feminist coming of age young adult book about a teenage girl dealing with everyday sexism and bullying. 

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

SHE WOLF BY DAN SMITH
CHILDREN 9+
Ylva, a young Viking girl is determined to seek revenge for her mother's murder. Accompanied by her faithful dog and helped by the kindness of strangers Ylva must track down her three-fingered killer and survive a dangerous snowbound hinterland. This warrior child's fighting spirit and survival instinct will ignite the imagination of children as they plunder this epic and mythical Viking world. A powerful and atmospheric coming of age quest.

ISBN 9781910655931 PB Chicken House £6.99

SURVIVAL BY LOUISE MCNAUGHT & ANNA CLAYBOURNE
PICTURE BOOK 5+
Twenty creatures who are facing extinction are captured in powerfully vivid animal portraits. Discover the dangers they face, why they are important to the Earth and what is being done to protect them. From the Siberian Tiger who's habitat is being destroyed by logging to the Blue Whale fighting against sea pollution to the Mountain Gorilla threatened by deforestation. It will open children's eyes to the vitally important work of conservation and how they can also help.

ISBN 9781787410459 HB Big Picture Press £12.99

MUTANT ZOMBIES CURSED MY SCHOOL TRIP! BY MATT BROWN
CHILDREN 8+
Ian is on a school trip to a historical (spooky) house with his only (imaginary) friend, Remington Furious III for company. Can he save his new classmates from being turned into groaning, dribbling zombies? Children will adore this anarchic adventure, creatively illustrated by Paco Sordo which is full of laugh out loud gags, not to mention an evil servant made from earwax and some dislodged eyeballs! This witty page-turner is ideal for early and reluctant readers.

ISBN 9781474960236 PB Usborne £6.99

THE BURNING BY LAURA BATES
YOUNG ADULT 14+
Fifteen-year-old Anna moves across the country with her mum to escape bullying after her boyfriend publishes inappropriate pictures of Anna on the internet without her consent. When her new classmates discover Anna's secret she once more feels persecuted and finds small comfort in the parallels of a history project about a young girl accused of witchcraft. This is an insightful and heart-wrenching tale influenced by real-life scenarios exploring sexism and misogyny in today's society.
ISBN 9781471170201 PB Simon & Schuster £7.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW MARCH 2-3 2019

This week my children's book reviews include a funny novella celebrating World Book Day, a picture book celebrating female trailblazers, a middle grade book about a hotel for animals and an adventure which has a contemporary slant on Oliver Twist.

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

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE GREAT ROCKET ROBBERY BY FRANK COTTRELL-BOYCE
CHILDREN 6+
Laika and her fellow street dogs are being trained for a trip to the moon. But they want to go now so they steal a rocket! A lovely novella for children that was written especially for World Book Day and is one of twelve titles to pick from. This fun adventure is a must for dog lovers and also mentions Swansea Jack! This initiative is a great introduction to Frank's hilarious books as well as other children's authors.
ISBN 9781529012651 PB Macmillan £1

FANTASTICALLY GREAT WOMEN WHO WORKED WONDERS BY KATE PANKHURST
PICTUREBOOK 4+
A wonderful introduction to extraordinary women from all corners of the world who were trailblazers in their chosen profession. From mathematician Katherine Johnson who enabled the first men to go into space to Katia Krafft, a fearless volcanologist to Junko Tabei who was the first woman to climb Mount Everest, these women will inspire young readers to dream BIG. With sumptuous illustrations, this is perfect to celebrate International Women's Day and Mothers Day.
ISBN 9781408899274 PB Bloomsbury £6.99

HOTEL FLAMINGO BY ALEX MILWAY
CHILDREN 6+
Anna is the new owner of a dilapidated hotel which caters for animals. With the help of T.Bear the doorman, Madam Le Pig, her demanding chef and Lemmy the lemur receptionist can Anna restore it to its former glory? A quirky delightful tale of friendship, acceptance and teamwork decorated throughout with vibrant grey and pink illustrations. The menagerie of eclectic characters will have a huge appeal for early readers. I want to visit!
ISBN 9781848127753 PB Piccadilly £6.99

THE HAVEN BY SIMON LELIC
CHILDREN 11+
Ollie is on the run and finds sanctuary in a secret city below London ruled by kids fighting for justice. Can they stop 'Mad Maddy' Sikes from destroying their city? And who is the traitor in their midst? A modern slant on Oliver Twist this high octane adventure full of danger, camaraderie and disregard for authority will appeal to fans of CHERUB and Alex Rider. This thriller really hits the bullseye!
ISBN 9781444947601 PB Hodder £7.99