Book Review - What the Ladybird Heard

I can't believe I didn't know about this book until now! Written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Lydia Monks C-bear and I love it. The story, as with all Donaldson picture books, is written in rhyme, and wonderful to read out loud, plus the illustrations are brilliant. So detailed, C-bear loves pointing out all the animals and finding the glittery ladybird on every page. He's also intrigued with the rosette on the prize cow (weirdo) and points it out straight away on every page! A must read for any toddler.

The Villa Triste

I used to read 2 books a week, since Charlie has arrived I've managed just a few chapters of a book I started just before he was born. The Villa Triste by Lucretia Grindle is part historical novel part modern day crime set in Italy. Cati is a soon-to-be bride in 1943 when Germany invades Italy and every day life is turned upside down. She writes a diary which is read in 2010 by a detective trying to solve a murder case. Only about halfway through but it's already captivating.

Niffenegger vs. Jones

This October two of my favourite authors have new books and I'm finding it hard to choose between them. Audrey Niffenegger, author of the Time Traveler's Wife, hasn't written a novel for years, which means her new book is much awaited and some how this makes reading it all the more special. Sadie Jones is a relatively new author, The Outsider came out last year and got big sales because of the R&J book club.

I read Her Fearful Symmetry very quicky and enjoyed every page. Reading Niffenegger after such a long break feels like getting back in touch with an old friend, you immeditely remember her unique tone of voice and want to devour the whole thing in one sitting. Plus this book is bursting with twins, kittens and a Victorian grave yard - all perfectly intriguing.

Small Wars is completely different, nothing fantastical here, you're swept to 1950s Cyprus and follow the almost mundane life of Claire (prn. Clara - which annoyed me slightly because why didn't she spell it that way rather then rely on the reader to see the word Claire but think, oh she's actually Clara). It's beautifully written, army life is shown in miniscule detail and the island of Cyprus comes off the page hot and sticky. There are more twins (but not spooky mirror twins) these are little girls caught up in their parents army lifestyle.

I enjoyed both, but the more I think about it Niffenegger is my favourite. There's just something about waiting for a new book for a long time and being completely satisfied once you've finally read it.