Books by Nicola Davies

Book SynopsisWhen Clinton is sent for to join his mother in London, he must leave the quiet and safety of the island behind, his family there, the afternoons spent fishing and, perhaps most importantly of all, his old dog, Rufus. But amongst this change, the lure of nature and the presence of ''a boy''s best friend'' are never far away. One of six titles about young people growing up in the countryside.

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Book SynopsisLearn everything you ever wanted to know about poo in this exciting new edition of a bestselling book.Hippos navigate by it, sloths keep in touch through it, rabbits eat it and most grown-ups prefer not to mention it at all! But however you look at it, poo is probably the most useful stuff on Earth. It comes in all shapes and sizes, and every animal has its own special sort. Find out what it's for, where it goes, what we can learn from it and lots more in this book, one of six in the Animal Science series the best biology series ever!Trade ReviewFull of fascinating information - and all scientifically based, of course. Neal Layton's wonderful cartoon illustrations are a key part of the book, adding both information and entertainment. I can pretty well guarantee that adults will find it just as engrossing as children do - even if they don't want to admit it! Parents in Touch

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Book SynopsisExciting new edition of one of the six books in zoologist Nicola Davies'' fascinating Animal Science series the best biology series ever!An exciting new edition of one of the six books in zoologist Nicola Davies'' fascinating Animal Science series the best biology series ever! Every animal has a habitat where it can find food and shelter and have its babies. But there is one group of creatures whose habitats are not forests, seas or deserts. Instead they live on or in the bodies of other animals in skin, hair, fur, feathers, blood, guts, livers, hearts and lungs. They are parasites. Uncover the secrets of their amazing life-cycles and dare yourself not to scratch or groan as you read ... then give in; it''s impossible! Short written sections with creepy-crawly diagrams and comic strips by Neal Layton make this information book engaging and accessible for young minds.

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Book SynopsisNicola Davies and Jenni Desmond''s first collaboration: a spectacular tour of Planet Earth and a powerful rallying cry.Where on Earth are you, right now? It's late where I am and almost everyone's asleep, but I'm awake, looking out into the night. Wondering As the clock strikes midnight, a little girl and her sister visit animals of every shape and size, all around the world discovering that, in some places, creatures have just started their day, where in others they're already busy hunting for food. Turning the popular concept of time-zones on its head and combining it with a powerful climate message and delightful illustrations, this book is narrative non-fiction at its most spellbinding.Nicola Davies is one of the best children's writers in the business. Huffington PostJenni Desmond knows just how to make children's precious imaginations soar. GuardianTrade Reviewthis narrative non-fiction picture book is a soaring love-letter to our planet, showcasing both its beauty and fragility in a gentle and truthful way * The Bookseller *The subject of the environment continues to dominate children’s publishing, and this uplifting piece of narrative non-fiction brings fresh air to a crowded field. * The Daily Telegraph *This is a fascinating and profound book about climate change for young readers which both celebrates all the wonders of our home planet, and acts as a call to action to help save it. * Booktrust *

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Book SynopsisA magnificent look at the science of plants from the internationally bestselling and multi award-winning team behind Tiny, Lots and Grow.This tree doesn't look like it's doing very much: it just stands there in the sunlight, big and GREEN. But this tree is busy... Starting with the secret workings of a tree, this book transports readers billions of years into the past; back to the moment when plant life first appeared on our planet. Covering its evolution, the steady emergence of fossil fuels and the extraordinary communities of plants around the world today, Nicola Davies and Emily Sutton combine essential biology with a powerful message a call to protect the most precious colour on Earth ... GREEN.Reveals the miraculous-ness of science with sheer sharp edge precision and decorative charm.The Sunday Times on Tiny.Clear, direct, involving text, coupled with vivid, delicate ilTrade ReviewFeatured in The Bookseller's Wales Focus for July 2023 - June 2024 titles * The Bookseller *

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Book SynopsisOur planet is full of life! Did you know there are 400,000 species of beetle - but only eight species of bear? This stunning book explores the extraordinary diversity of the natural world and profiles some of its most surprising creatures.A glorious celebration of diversity within the Animal Kingdom by non-fiction specialist Nicola Davies, illustrated by rising star Lorna Scobie. There is something to delight on every page with fascinating facts about mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and insects. This exquisite book will encourage children to treasure the world''s biodiversity and help to stop it slipping away.Trade Reviewthis is a pretty wonderful book to be had... a real take-away natural history museum * The Bookbag *Exploring the diversity of life on earth and filled with wondrous facts - as well as endearing illustrations from Scobie - it will have kids treasuring their planet. * Hannah Beckerman *crammed with cheerfully wide-eyed creatures...in bright watercolours...alongside zoological facts -- Nicolette Jones * The Sunday Times *If your child loves animals, this is the perfect gift, a generous hardback, featuring all manner of life, from beetles and spiders to fish and whales. The delicious watercolour and ink illustrations by newcomer, Lorna Scobie are a joy to share. BEST CHILDREN'S BOOKS OF 2017 * Irish Independent *We learned so much from this book! The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous. * Angels & Urchins *There is something to delight on every page... Accompanied with stunning illustrations by Lorna Scobie * BookTrust *As a book for sharing or research, children will enjoy spotting the animals they're familiar with as well as lesser known creatures. * The School Librarian *

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Book SynopsisThis empathetic handbook has been created for people affected by any form of disordered eating. Thoughtfully compiled by experienced authors, it will be a comprehensive guide through every stage of your recovery, from recognising and understanding your disorder and learning fully about treatment, to self-help tools and practical advice for maintaining recovery and looking to the future.Each chapter includes suggested objectives, tasks and reflections which are designed to help you think about, engage with, and express your thoughts, feelings and behaviours. It will encourage you to process the discoveries you make about yourself for positive and long-lasting change. Encouraging quotes are included throughout from people who have walked this path and found the help they needed to overcome their own disordered eating. You are not alone on this journey.Trade ReviewIt is becoming clearer that the treatment ethos that is most helpful for recovery from an eating disorder is one that includes a collaborative approach to care. This book is a wonderful compendium of resources that can be used as tools for the individual and the support team to work with a joint understanding. With helpful descriptions of the wide, eclectic variety of strategies that can be useful in fostering change, this book provides a diverse resource that can be shared in a collaborative way by patients, carers and professionals. -- Professor Janet Treasure OBE, PhD, FRCP, FRCPsych, Professor of Psychiatry at University College London and Director of the Eating Disorder Unit at the Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London, and at the South London Maudsley Hospital NHS TrustThe topics and self study activities outlined in this book were invaluable in my understanding of myself, my relationship with food, and the real meaning behind my eating disorder. It was a fundamental tool to my recovery. It helped me to see my eating disorder from a different angle and gave me and my family new strategies to overcome it and to see it for what it really was. -- Sarah Sims, eating disorder survivorThe Eating Disorder Recovery Handbook successfully draws on existing evidence and best practice whilst interweaving the ideas and encouragement of those who have walked the difficult path of recovery before. Offering hope, guidance and a wide range of structured activities, this book will prove a fantastic tool both for people recovering from an eating disorder and those working hard to support them. -- Dr Pooky Knightsmith, Child & Adolescent Mental Health Specialist, and Author of Self-Harm and Eating Disorders in SchoolsThe handbook is a comprehensive and practical tool to help not just the individual suffering with an eating disorder, but also families wanting to offer support.The destructive nature of the illness frequently pulls families apart. "How did we get to this point?" is a question frequently asked. The sections and the practical ideas in the handbook address the complexity of the illness and enable parents/family members/ carers to gain a better understanding of what having an eating disorder feels like.It provides the platform for honest communication and trust to be built/rebuilt and nurtured. We all make mistakes, despite the best intentions, and there is no point anyone blaming themselves or regretting past decisions. That is wasted time and energy!Instead, the handbook provides the opportunity to reflect in a non-judgemental way and move forward together to challenge the eating disorder. -- Anonymous parentTable of ContentsForeword. Endorsements. About the Authors. About This Handbook. 1. Understanding Eating Disorders. 1.1. Hidden Meanings of an Eating Disorder. 1.2. Motivations for an Eating Disorder. 1.3. Eating Disorder Assessment and Evaluation Forms. 2. Eating Disorder Comorbidities. 2.1. Eating Disorders and Obsessive Behaviours. 2.2. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. 2.3. Ritualistic Behaviours. 2.4. Discussing Depression. 3. Identity and Eating Disorders. 3.1. Personal Identity. 3.2. Who Am I?. 3.3. Understanding Your Personality. 3.4. Feeling Worthy. 3.5. Accepting Yourself. 3.6 Assertiveness. 3.7. The Inner Child. 3.8. Challenging Body Image Distortion. 3.9. Enhancing a Positive Body Image. 4. Cognitions (Thoughts) and Eating Disorders. 4.1. Unhelpful Thinking Styles. 4.2. From Black and White Thinking to Living in Colour. 4.3. Twenty Questions to Challenge Negative Thoughts. 4.4. Positive Self-Talk. 4.5. Challenging My Eating Disorder Belief System. 5. Social Aspects of Eating Disorders. 5.1. Eating Disorders and Relationships. 5.2. Plot Your Close Relationships. 5.3. Family Roles. 5.4. Eating Disorders in the Workplace. 5.5. Positive Communication. 6. Eating Disorder Recovery - Are You Ready?. 6.1. What Might Recovery Involve?. 6.2. Readiness to Change. 6.3. The Wheel of Life. 7. Eating Disorder Treatment. 7.1. An Introduction to Counselling. 7.2. An Introduction to Cognitive Analytical Therapy (CAT). 7.3. An Introduction to Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT). 7.4. Mirror Therapy. 7.5. Art Therapy. 7.6. Animal Therapy. 7.7. Writing for Recovery. 7.8. Helpful and Unhelpful Aspects of Eating Disorder Treatment. 8. Self-Help Tools. 8.1. Mood Boards and Photo Therapy. 8.2. Problem-Solving. 8.3. Worry Time Diary. 8.4. Managing Anxiety. 8.5. Mindfulness. 8.6. Relaxation Training. 8.7. Meaningful Music. 8.8. Offering Yourself the Core Conditions. 8.9. External Validation and Self-Soothing. 8.10. Self-Help Materials. 9. Practical Advice. 9.1. The Power of Being Pragmatic. 9.2. Restarting Normal Eating. 9.3. Regular, Healthy Eating - Practical Advice. 9.4. Dietary Help for Food Addictions and Comfort Binge Eating. 9.5. Recognising Hunger. 9.6. Mindful Eating. 9.7. Exercise Balance. 9.8. Coming off Laxatives. 10. Maintaining Recovery. 10.1. Self-Sabotage. 10.2. Damage Limitation. 10.3. Relapse Prevention. 10.4. Aiding Recovery. 10.5. Inspirational Mentors. 11. Looking to the Future - Beyond Eating Disorders. 11.1. Motivation and Future Goals. 11.2. Hopes and Dreams. 11.3. New Ambitions. 11.4. Recovery Checklist. Appendices. Appendix A. Appendix B. Appendix C. Appendix D. Appendix E. Appendix F.

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Book SynopsisI Can Beat Obesity! is not just about losing weight. It is about changing your psychological mindset and finding the drive and strength to improve your health. Having recovered from disordered eating herself, Nicola Davies recognises that beating obesity is not about fad diets and yo-yoing weight, but about your psychological motivation, confidence and skills to both lose weight and prevent relapse in the long term.The workbook style exercises will help you to develop key self-help tools for overcoming obesity. Focussing on building your emotional wellbeing in areas such as self-worth, confidence and working towards goals before making changes to diet, this will be an essential companion on the path to maintaining control of your weight and recovering your health and wellbeing.Trade ReviewA refreshingly clear and well written book providing insight into the origins and causes of obesity, before taking the reader through a structured and scientifically based set of strategies for losing weight. On the way, it provides a realistic guide to healthy weight. Highly recommended. -- Dr Tony Cassidy, Professor of Child & Family Health Psychology at Ulster UniversityDr Nicola Davies has clearly understood that the key to losing weight is not only in the food we choose to eat, but also in our journey of self-discovery. This book is an excellent resource and self-help aid, and one I will find incredibly useful to use with my patients. I believe it will not only help them to understand the basic science behind obesity, but also enable them to have an insight into themselves and begin to understand the challenges they face to change their behaviour. -- Jane DeVille-Almond, SRN SCM HV, BA(Hons) PGcert, Independent Nurses Consultant and Chair of the British Obesity SocietyThere is so much conflicting information out there - "eat this, don't eat that" - Nicola's book instead focuses on the psychological barriers to change and the behaviours that have led to obesity in the first place. Helping people make even the smallest change by developing a deeper understanding of self is key to long term change. -- Geraint Thomas, personal trainer and former professional rugby playerThis is a great book which manages to combine the science of body weight and eating behaviour with extremely helpful tips on how to beat obesity, and is written in an accessible and inspiring way that should be a breath of fresh air to anyone who is struggling with their weight. -- Jane Ogden, professor in Health Psychology and author of several books on eating behaviour including The Good Parenting Food GuideI Can Beat Obesity! is a delightful book full of important information for those who want to join this journey... trigger yourself to change and believe in yourself. When you develop that cornerstone of self-confidence, your life will change, affecting every aspect of your world; your health, your success and relationships will benefit, helping you to achieve your goals. -- Konstantia Keramidaki, health and wellness consultantKudos to Dr Nicola Davies for having written an elucidative, intelligible and earnest guide for those who are considering to embark upon the journey to beat obesity. The book equips you to overcome this health hazard in an organized, hands-on fashion! -- Dr Vandana Mathur (PhD Nutrition), nutrition and lifestyle consultantI've battled with weight for years, tried numerous diets, resorting to bariatric surgery. However, for continued success, I need to understand myself. This book is inspirational, very practical and encouraging and I believe it will be a great tool in helping people understand themselves and achieve the success they seek. -- Patricia King, Accredited Counsellor / Supervisor at Patricia King Counselling ServicesNicola Davies shows us the bigger picture of obesity ... She is both a specialist and supporting companion, helping the reader prepare for change and encouraging self-reflection. -- Mateusz Banaszkiewicz, Health Psychologist, lecturer at SWPS University of Social Sciences and HumanitiesDr Nicola Davies' latest book is an excellent read for both professionals and individuals alike. The approach is balanced between evidence and practical approaches for those wanting to understand the psychology of making a positive change to behaviours. The inclusion of self-reflection in each chapter enables the reader to maintain a connection and truly engage with the process of change. -- Gil Barton MSc PgCert FRSPH FHEA, health and wellbeing specialist and founder of The Healthy Workstyle ConsultancyTable of ContentsPart 1. Introduction. 1. Understanding Obesity. Part 2. Preparing to Beat Obesity. 2. Why Beat Obesity?. 3. Beating Obesity. 4. Are You Ready?. 5. Are You Confident?. 6. What Are Your Goals?. Part 3. Beating Obesity. 7. Your Emotional Well-Being. 8. Your Cognitive Well-Being. 9. Your Social Well-Being. 10. Your Dietary Well-Being. 11. Your Physical Well-Being. Part 4. Beyond Obesity. 12. Accepting Yourself. 13. Your Future is in Your Hands.

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Book SynopsisBeating anorexia is much more than a physical process. To overcome the mental and social challenges in recovery, you will need motivation, strength and a positive new mindset. Having recovered from disordered eating herself, health psychologist Nicola Davies has developed an individual-focused plan that will help make recovery seem less overwhelming, and provide you with the skills you need to get better and stay well in the long-term.With workbook style exercises, this book will help you to identify the underlying causes of your anorexia, focusing on building your emotional wellbeing and confidence before giving tips on how you can make positive changes to your thinking and behaviour. Innovative and approachable, it will enable you to find the best way for you to recover your health and wellbeing.Trade ReviewFinding the right sort of treatment in a timely way is critical to developing an early and sustainable recovery from an eating disorder. Nicola not only speaks from her lived experience of an eating disorder, but she is also able to set this within the context of academic expertise in health psychology. This provides an authoritative and expert voice. Furthermore, the book goes beyond cognitive behavioural conceptualisations into emotional and interpersonal domains. It contains a wealth of information and thought provoking reflection for both the individual themselves and those who might want to help them on their journey. -- Janet Treasure OBE, PhD, FRCP, FRCPsych, Professor of Psychiatry at Kings College London and Director of the Eating Disorder Unit at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation TrustHere you will find self-help power tools to assist reintegration of self with body, an essential process in healing from anorexia and creating a happy, healthy and fulfilling life. Feel encouraged and excited, for, as Nicola Davies says, it is 'over to you'. -- June Alexander, author and eating disorder advocate, www.thediaryhealer.comA valuable resource ... empathic and encouraging. -- Julia Buckroyd, Emeritus Professor of Counselling at the University of Hertfordshire with over 30 years' experience working with people with eating disordersThis upbeat book is grounded in the lived experience of the author who has successfully overcome her eating disorder. It provides the reader with a range of key tools needed to beat anorexia nervosa, and it will be a valuable recovery companion to many people. -- Ulrike Schmidt, Professor of Eating Disorders, King's College LondonTable of ContentsAcknowledgement. Disclaimers. Foreword. Preface. Part 1. Arming Yourself with Knowledge. 1. Understanding anorexia. Part 2. Preparing to Beat Anorexia. 2. Why Beat Anorexia?. 3. Reaching Out. 4. Seeking Professional Support. 5. Beating Anorexia from all Angles. Part 3. Beating Anorexia by Taking Control. 6. Taking Control of Your Behaviour. 7. Taking Control of Your Physical Well-Being. 8. Taking Control of Your Psychological Well-Being. 9. Taking Control of Your Social Well-Being. Part 4. Beyond Anorexia. 10. Accepting Yourself. 11. Your Future is in Your Hands. Part 5. Advice for Family and Friends. 12. Helping a Loved One Recover - Effective Communication. 13. Breaking Free from Family Roles. 14. Be a Dolphin for Your Loved One. Appendix. Resources for Eating Disorder Support and Recovery.

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Book SynopsisPlayful, but filled with information, this book takes poop out of the sewers and into the scientific community where it belongs. —The Horn BookHippos navigate by it, sloths keep in touch through it, dung beetles eat it . . . and most grown-ups would rather not mention it. But scientists who study animal feces find out all sorts of things, such as the number of insects a bat eats or just how a T. rex devoured a triceratops 70 million years ago. Poop is an excellent prototype for recycling and perhaps the most useful stuff on Earth. Take a peek at Poop and find out what it’s for, where it goes, and how much we can learn from it.Back matter includes an index and a glossary.

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Book SynopsisHow does a stinkbug flirt, a bee give orders, or a panda say “back off'? A celebrated duo is back with a guide to messaging, animal-style.Humans aren't the only creatures who are constantly talking and transmitting messages: animals find all sorts of ways to keep in touch without saying a word. They use colors, patterns, smells, movements, vibrations, sounds, and even electricity to help them identify their own family or “team” — not to mention find food and shelter, defend their territory, woo the proper mate, and care for their young. From the chatter of dolphins to the click of a moth, from the stripes of a reef fish to the rumbling of elephants, this funny, fascinating book unlocks the mysteries of how animals talk and squawk to one another— and how humans try to talk back.Back matter includes an index and a glossary.

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Book SynopsisThis gorgeously illustrated volume of poetry — sprinkled with facts and fun things to do — sows an early love for nature in all its beauty and wonder.The buzz of bees in summertime. The tracks of a bird in the winter snow. This beautiful book captures all the sights and sounds of a child’s interactions with nature, from planting acorns or biting into crisp apples to studying tide pools or lying back and watching the birds overhead. No matter what’s outside their windows — city streets or country meadows — kids will be inspired to explore the world around them. Written by award-winning author Nicola Davies and illustrated by Mark Hearld, a breathtaking new talent in children’s books, Outside Your Window is a stunning reminder that the natural world is on our doorstep waiting to be discovered.

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Book SynopsisLift the flaps and learn about animal life with two books in a fresh, fun-filled series for curious preschoolers.Here’s a hungry chameleon with a long, long tongue. And here’s a big juicy caterpillar. Can you guess what happens next? What if a honeybee comes upon a beautiful patch of flowers, but the members of her hive don’t know how to find her? Or if two chimps want to munch on termites that are out of reach deep inside a mound? Peek under large flaps to find out — and refresh your memory at the end!

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Book SynopsisAn allegorical tale of hope takes on new life in this stirring, gorgeously illustrated story.On a mean street in a mean, broken city, a young girl tries to snatch an old woman’s bag. But the frail old woman, holding on with the strength of heroes, says the thief can’t have it without giving something in return: the promise. It is the beginning of a journey that will change the thieving girl’s life — and a chance to change the world, for good. Here is the story of a magical discovery that will touch the heart and imagination of every reader, young and old. In an exciting collaboration, author Nicola Davies joins forces with illustrator Laura Carlin to create a contemporary tale inspired by Jean Giono’s 1953 story, L’homme qui plantait des arbres.

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Book Synopsis“This tale is a sturdy one that is made even more emphatic by Davies’s terse writing style. The text is heightened in every way by Carlin’s outstanding mixed-media artwork.” — Booklist (starred review)On a mean street in a mean, broken city, a young girl tries to snatch an old woman’s bag. But the frail old woman says the thief can’t have it without giving something in return: the promise. It is the beginning of a journey that will change the girl’s life — and a chance to change the world, for good.

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Book SynopsisIn this tale of a young boy, an old man, and a dauntless pigeon, a lyrical text and extraordinary illustrations offer a gorgeous meditation on loneliness, belonging, and home. A young Italian boy has moved to the Welsh hills with his family. He feels isolated and unhappy, a stranger in a strange land. It is only when he makes an unlikely friend, an old man who lets him fly one of his pigeons in a race, that he learns how he can belong. Nicola Davies’s beautiful story — an immigrant’s tale with powerful resonance in our troubled times — is illustrated by an artist who makes the world anew with every picture.

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