Saturday 22 October 2016

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW COLUMN OCTOBER 22ND-23RD


Its the week before Halloween and books are getting a little more spooky!
My book of the week is one of my favourite reads this year, a surprisingly 'angelic' road trip full of adventure. My picks also include an hilarious retelling of Jekyll and Hyde, two ghost busting dogs and a young monster slayer who could put Buffy to shame! Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE ROAD TO EVER AFTER BY MOIRA YOUNG
CHILDREN 10+
A surprisingly moving and humorous tale of an orphaned, homeless boy called Davy who likes drawing angels. When he meets Miss Flint, an elderly lady going home to die, he finds a true kindred spirit. A mix of 'It's a Wonderful Life' and 'Benjamin Button', this extraordinary adventure will make you laugh and cry. Visually arresting prose and empathetic observations. Life is about those moments that take your breath away and this certainly took mine. A classic.
ISBN 9781509832583 HB Macmillans Childrens Books £9.99





HYDEAND SQUEAK BY FIONA ROSS
PICTURE BOOK 3+
This wildly creative retelling of Jekyll and Hyde, first published one hundred and forty years ago, will introduce a younger generation to this spooky classic. Roar with laughter as Squeak transforms into something rather scary after eating rotten green jelly. Giggle as Granny battles to rescue her precious 'Squeaky Pie' from becoming the Hyde monster mouse. Gasp at the evil machine changing everything in its path to food! A comic book style story perfect for Halloween!
ISBN 9781848692671 HB Little Tiger Group £12.99



SHIFTYMCGIFTY AND SLIPPERY SAM: THE SPOOKY SCHOOL BY TRACEY CORDEROY
CHILDRENS 6+
Two adorable robber-dogs-turned-bakers, who solve wacky mysteries, have made the jump from picture books to young readers with these three bite sized stories. When they throw a super scary Halloween Party they don't expect a real ghost to turn up! A power hungry red panda and some very naughty raccoons add to the fun. Perfect for reading alone or out aloud with a light sprinkle of spookiness and lively two tone illustrations throughout by Steven Lenton.
ISBN 9780857637017 PB Nosy Crow £5.99



ROBYNSILVER AND THE MIDNIGHT CHIMES BY PAULA HARRISON
CHILDRENS 8+
When ten year old Robyn starts seeing scary creatures no one else can see she discovers she has special monster hunting powers. But can Robyn save her little sister from their clutches? This feisty heroine combined with her relateable family dynamic and endearing friends, plus the charming illustrations at the beginning of each chapter, really makes for a fun and exciting read. Reminiscent of a young Buffy the Vampire Slayer for a new, younger generation.
ISBN 9781407170589 PB Scholastic £6.99

ALL BOOKS AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL BOOKSELLER OR IF YOU WISH TO SUPPORT INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOPS ONLINE ALSO GO TO WWW.HIVE.CO.UK



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