Children’s books

BLACKOUT by Robert Swindells (Random House; €7.10). The beginning of World War 2 hasn’t proved interesting for youngsters Tom, Mary, Gary and Dil who live in the small Welsh town of Golfodd.

The town’s claim to fame is the Golfodd hoard of rare golden Roman coins now perceived to be under threat from German bombing raids.

The gold is under greater threat from thieves. When the 12-year-olds see suspicious newcomers in town they move the hoard to a disused mine. When the entrance tunnel collapses they seem destined to starve to death.