Hobbies, Games & Quizzes Books

Book SynopsisHMS Gannet, beautifully restored today at Chatham Historic Dockyard, is a fine example of the small 'colonial schooners' that were built and deployed in the second half of the nineteenth century to police Britain's great empire and enforce the peace of Pax Britannica. Launched at Sheerness in 1878 with her white Mediterranean livery and elegant clipper bow, she was the epitome of the colonial gunboat. In this new book by the well-known ship modeller Will Mowll, the design and history of _Gannet_ is outlined before the author takes the reader on a detailed photographic step-by-step exposition of the building of his 1/48 scale model of the ship. A particular feature of the model is the inclusion of the 2-cylinger compound steam engine with its three cylindrical boilers. Exquisitely detailed, with even the bunkered coal beautifully modelled, all the machinery is made visible by means of the removable deck. The author has therefore reconstructed a major feature of the ship which is no longer extant on the prototype at Chatham. All the information that a ship modeller might need is included here-hull construction and the coppering of the ship's bottom, the making of the ship's steam propulsion systems, the decks and decking, armament, steering gear, mast and yards and rigging, and even the furniture in the wardroom. No part of the ship is left hidden. Inspiring with the sheer quality of his workmanship, the author has brought beautifully to life another of Britain's great museum ships.

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Book SynopsisThe Hawker Hunter is one of Britain's classic post-war jet aircraft. Initially introduced in 1954 as a swept-wing, transonic, single-seat day interceptor, it rapidly succeeded the first-generation jet fighters in RAF service such as the Gloster Meteor (see Flight Craft 13) and the de Havilland Venom. Powered by the then newly developed Rolls-Royce Avon turbojet, the Hunter's performance transformed the RAF's day fighter squadrons from the mid-1950s until the advent of the English Electric Lightning from the early 1960s (see Flight Craft 11). Even then, as successively improved variants of the type were produced with increasingly more capable engines and expanded fuel capacity, the Hunter successfully transitioned into a strike/ground attack fighter-bomber and fighter reconnaissance platform. Two-seat variants were developed for training and other secondary roles with the RAF and the Royal Navy and a few remained in use until 2001, albeit with specialised MoD Test and Evaluation units - well over forty years after the type's initial introduction. Hunters were also famously used by two RAF display teams, the 'Black Arrows', who looped a record-breaking twenty-two Hunters in formation, and later the 'Blue Diamonds' as well as the Royal Navy's 'Blue Herons'. The Hunter saw combat service with the RAF in a range of conflicts including the Suez Crisis as well as various emergencies in the Middle East and Far East. The Hunter was also widely exported, serving with many foreign air forces, in which it also saw active service, which unfortunately lies outside the scope of this particular publication. Almost 2,000 Hunters were manufactured by Hawker Siddeley Aviation, as well as being produced under licence overseas and will remain one of the UK's most iconic aircraft designs of all time.

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Book Synopsis"Seasonal Plant Dyes" takes the reader on a seasonal journey throughout the year, showing them how to create colourful and environmentally friendly dyes using the different plants available in each season. At the beginning of the book there is practical advice on the best types of fabrics to use with plant dyes, details of a method that uses soya milk to help the dyes to stick to fabrics and some tips to help the reader harvest dye plants in a sustainable way that doesn't impact on the environment in a negative way. Each dye plant includes detailed horticultural information on how to grow them (or where to find them in the wild) along with notes on the best way to harvest them to ensure that the plant can be used year after year for making colourful dyes. Easy to follow tutorials on extracting the dye colour from each plant are then followed by instructions on how to dye fabrics and yarn with the plant dyes. Each season includes a project that utilises a collection of dyes from that season, bringing them together to create a beautiful textile project.

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Book SynopsisCraft Your Own Happy is a collection of mindful craft projects to make you smile! Perfect for those moments when you need a bit of self-care and relaxation time. Do you ever feel like you spend too much of your day staring at screens, feeling anxious or stressed out? If the answer is yes - then you need this book! The cute colourful projects have all been designed with the feel-good-factor in mind. Crafting can help to take you away from the worries and pressures of your daily life, and give you back those moments of slowness and focus which can help to reduce anxiety. Unlike other craft books, this is a book that you can dip into and find projects based upon how you are feeling. So you can craft to suit your mood! There are 25 beginner friendly projects to choose from including cross stitching, embroidery, paper craft and more Why worry when you can craft happy!

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Book SynopsisTake time out to be creative and de-stress with these colourful, fun embroidery projects from Hello! Hooray! Ranging from things you could complete in an afternoon to others that you can take your time over, enjoy every step of the making process as you focus on feeling good through being creative. The finished makes will bring colour and joy to your home, workspace and wardrobe. The projects in this book allow you to craft your creative time by selecting makes according to timescale. Choose one of the crafternoon makes' if you want that sense of joy at finishing something, a medium makes' project for the days where you have a little more time for crafting, or for something to really take your time over you could stitch one of the longer pick me up' projects. Each project includes step-by-step instructions, beautiful photos and inspirational ideas for how to make each project your own. So take time to be creative with this colourful, feel-good craft book!

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Book SynopsisIn late 1944 and 1945 the Panther tank played an important role in Germany's desperate efforts to stem the Allied advance on the Western Front. The Panther, perhaps the best armoured vehicle produced by Germany during the Second World War, was a key element in the Wehrmacht's defensive tactics, in rearguard actions and counter-attacks, and it took a prominent part in the last German offensive of the war, in the Ardennes during the Battle of the Bulge. So it is an ideal subject for Dennis Oliver's latest volume in the TankCraft series. He uses archive photos and extensively researched colour illustrations to examine the Panther tanks and units of the German army and Waffen-SS panzer battalions that struggled to resist the Allied onslaught. A key section of his book displays available model kits and aftermarket products, complemented by a gallery of beautifully constructed and painted models in various scales. Technical details as well as modifications introduced during production and in the field are also examined providing everything the modeller needs to recreate an accurate representation of these historic tanks.

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Book SynopsisLearn how to make Daisy Dog, her best friends Rosie Rabbit, the twins Betty and Ben Bear and Daisy's beret wearing puppy Mimi. Each character has their own complete wardrobe for all of their adventures together, from playing dress up to long summer picnics, sleepovers and weekend walks. Daisy and Friends features easy to follow step by step instructions with full-size sewing patterns for all of the characters, clothes and accessories.

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Book SynopsisFloral Embroidery reawakens the age-old practice of embroidery, giving to it a new and modern twist. In this book, you will find 10 embroidery patterns that weave together stunning colours, ancient stitches, and florals picked from your grandmother's garden. From simple patterns, to more complex and intricate pieces, your creativity will grow and flourish. You will learn to stitch dusty pink roses, leaves and stems that will trail to the edges of your embroidery hoop, and the smallest details that will pull your hoop together and compose the most beautiful bouquet. Once you have completed the patterns, you will be given the tools to create your own original pieces and where to find the materials to do so.

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Book SynopsisThroughout their history, the Romans were troubled by formidable warlike tribes along their northern borders. The Celts of Gaul and Northern Italy, who sacked Rome itself, the British who repulsed Julius Caesar and resisted later occupation, the Germanic tribes along the Rhine and the fearsome falx-wielding Dacians on the Danube, all proved worthy foes of the legions. If you are raising your own army to defy the might of Rome, Andy Singleton will help you get them ready for battle with ease. The emphasis is on achievable results and practical advice to get your army painted and ready for gaming in a reasonable time frame, and achieve a fine collection that will look great on the shelf or table. Most of the figures featured in the numerous illustrations are 28mm but the techniques described are easily adaptable to smaller scales and to plastic or metal. Step-by-step guidance takes the process from initial preparation and assembly of the figure, to finishing and basing. Themed chapters cover armour, clothing, skin tones, warpaint and tattoos, shields and horses.

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Book SynopsisThe Art and Making of Fantasy Miniatures is a showcase of some of the best talent in the industry. Compiled with the cooperation of eleven of the most innovative companies from Europe, the UK and USA, it shows what goes in to the creative process of taking an initial concept from two-dimensional sketches and translating it into a three-dimensional figurine ready for collectors and tabletop gamers. Game designers, artists and sculptors explain their part in bringing these miniature works of art to life. The book is lavishly illustrated with over 1,000 images, including concept art, work-in-progress sculpts and beautifully painted miniatures. The book features miniatures from games and companies such as Aradia Miniatures, Alkemy (Alchemist Miniatures), Avatars of War, Godslayer (Megalith Games), Guild Ball (Steamforged Games), Relicblade (Metal King Studio), WARMACHINE and HORDES (Privateer Press), RUMBLESLAM (TTCombat), Drakerys (Don't Panic Games), Kings of War (Mantic Games) and Freeblades (DGS Games).

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Book SynopsisThe introduction to the book will cover a brief history of felting and felting /wool terms. It will also list what items you need to purchase to make yourself a starter Needle felting kit and then for each chapter subject, the wool and anything else you will need to complete that project. There will also be a suppliers list from which you can purchase anything you will need. There will then follow 6 subject chapters , a 7th chapter introducing wet felting and Needle felting combined , chapter 8 will be some seasonal creations with chapter 9 showing you how all these things can be made into gifts for your family and friends or simply something lovely to keep for yourself. Each subject will be fully supported with both diagrams and photographs of how to achieve each item with suggestions and tips along the way . The subjects covered start from basic simple shapes and how to build on these shapes and will advance in difficulty as you go through the book but everything covered is suitable for a complete novice or someone who wants to try some different ideas.

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Book SynopsisThe aim of this book is to provide detailed information, practical help, handy hints and tips in regards to all aspects of Metal Detecting. By offering advice and guidance this book aims to make the hobby of using a metal detector fun, interesting and interactive to anyone who wishes to have a go! It will give the reader an insight into following best practice and how to enjoy the hobby in a responsible way, everything will be covered from choosing the right detector & equipment to gaining permission to search land, understanding the law and of course giving the necessary information to make sure that people enjoy their hobby to its maximum potential. From beaches to farmland we want you to be able to feel confident enough to search these types of environments and make interesting discoveries without feeling out of your depth. Information will be passed over regarding potential discoveries of treasure and the law surrounding such finds and also the identification of coins and artefacts that the reader may come across in their adventures. After reading this book, you will be able to enjoy this magical and captivating past-time and have the confidence to unearth some fascinating and historical discoveries.

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Book SynopsisWelcome to The Sprawl Sci-fi skirmishes are an increasingly popular genre of war game but they are more dependent than most on good scenarios to keep them varied and exciting. John Lambshead has taken the work out of scenario building. He presents a selection of thirty-six missions of varying complexity, each with clear objectives and victory conditions, a map showing set-up zones and some with special rules. Although they are set in his imagined dystopian city of Civitas Cavernum (aka The Sprawl), with its factions of Scavs, Proctors, Cultists and Corporates, the scenarios are designed to be adaptable to almost any setting and set of rules (including those published in the author's One-hour Skirmish Wargames). In addition, there are no less than three mini-campaigns that link the scenarios together in various combinations. But that is not all. John Lambshead gives advice on designing your own scenarios and campaigns and there is even a set of tables allowing you to quickly create them through random dice rolls, ensuring almost infinite variety to your games. Finally, there is a useful reference section listing websites of rules publishers and manufacturers of suitable miniatures and model terrain. Welcome to The Sprawl (but keep your gun close and your mask on).

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Book SynopsisThere has been a recent renaissance in our relationship and interaction with textiles in interior design. Playful Peg Loom Weaving breathes new life into an ancient traditional craft form with a choice of contemporary projects presented for a modern lifestyle. Fibre artist Stephanie Fradette introduces you to weaving with the peg loom and sticks in this vibrant and fun guide. Her thoughtfully curated selection of fresh, trending woven projects embrace contemporary colour palettes, easily mastered techniques and high-quality materials to guarantee satisfying finished objects. Whether you have a few hours in the evening, a day off or a whole weekend to dedicate to creativity, the guide conveniently groups textile creations by duration. So whatever your inspiration and available time, the intuitive step-by-step collection of projects ensures everyday crafters and seasoned makers alike can embrace the ease and versatility of weaving on a peg. With plenty of techniques to discover, fibre alternatives and DIY resources, you can make it your own while experimenting with this meditative woven craft. Playful Peg Loom Weaving lets you play, have fun and relax, and in doing so, grow organically and creatively beyond the fleece. Whatever your inspiration or motivation, the new craft to master is Peg Loom Weaving.

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Book SynopsisWith Natural Kitchen Dyes you can explore the magical world of natural dyes, without the need of a garden full of dye plants. Our kitchens are a great source of natural dye colours, from vegetable peels that create blush pinks and peaches, fruit skins that make lemon yellows, a green dye sourced from carrot tops, dried spices and used tea bags to create vibrant yellows, rich terracottas and deep browns. Natural Kitchen Dyes takes you through the exciting process of creating these wonderful natural colours, dyeing fabric with the dyes and suggests ingenious ways to get your hands on some natural dye sources. Accompanying the natural dye recipes in the book are ten environmentally conscious projects, which have been created not only to show off the natural dyes beautifully, but to help eliminate waste. Several of the projects actually utilise waste that would otherwise be composted or recycled such as old clothes turned into bags and patchwork floor cushions, to dried pulses past their expiration date used to make a beaded necklace.

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Book SynopsisAlthough it was a global conflict, for many WW1 is synonymous with the war in the trenches of the Western Front. For anyone wargaming these battles a good trench system is a must. Douglas Hardy is a very experienced wargamer and terrain modeller and a member of the Western Front Association who has walked the battlefields many times. From the initial choice between stand-alone pieces on a mat or a fixed, bespoke layout, through to final detailing, he shares his experience, giving practical advice on building your own trench system. He considers the differences between British, German and French trenches, which differed in design and construction, as well as developments in defences through the phases of the war. A trench system is not just the trench itself of course, but also the dugouts, barbed wire entanglements, sandbags, gun emplacements and pillboxes. Shell holes and shattered forests are also covered. Each element is explained in step-by-step detail, illustrated with numerous colour photos and there are also reference photos of real trenches.

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Book SynopsisThe 'ShipCraft' series provides in-depth information about building and modifying model kits of famous warship types. Lavishly illustrated, each book takes the modeller through a brief history of the subject, highlighting differences between ships and changes in their appearance over their careers. This includes paint schemes and camouflage, featuring colour profiles and highly detailed line drawings and scale plans. The modelling section reviews the strengths and weaknesses of available kits, lists commercial accessory sets for super-detailing of the subjects, and provides hints on modifying and improving the basic kit. This is followed by an extensive photographic gallery of selected high-quality models in a variety of scales, and the book concludes with a section on research references - books, monographs, large-scale plans and relevant websites. This volume covers the majority of British wartime escort classes, from the inter-war ASW and minesweeping sloops that culminated in the superb Black Swan class, to the wartime designs that were originally known as 'twin-screw corvettes' but were eventually classed as frigates - the 'River' class, and their derivatives of the 'Loch/Bay' classes that were modified for prefabricated construction. Also included are the American-built destroyer escorts which became RN 'Captains' class frigates and the earlier ex-US Coast Guard cutters that were listed as sloops. With its unparalleled level of visual information - paint schemes, models, line drawings and photographs - this book is simply the best reference for any modelmaker setting out to build any of these numerous escort types.

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Book SynopsisGaming is multi–billion–dollar industry, which has been growing massively in the last few years. It seems that everyone is gaming in one way or another. You might not think that the Bible has anything to say about gaming, but Reagan Rose has written this helpful book on what our relationship with gaming should look like. Track is a series of books designed to disciple the next generation in the areas of culture, doctrine, & the Christian life. While the topics addressed aren’t always simple, they are communicated in a manner that is.Trade ReviewWith pastoral sensitivity and personal experience, Rose provides an excellent summation of the dangers and joys of gaming and how parents and students can learn to redeem the time for God’s glory. -- Dustin W. Benge (Managing Director, Unashamed Truth)Packed with help and hope, there is encouragement here for gamers and their non–gaming family and friends. A real spur to honour Christ online. -- Helen Thorne–Allenson (Director of Training and Resources, Biblical Counselling UK)Video games aren’t sinful, but without godly wisdom gaming can lead to sin. My friend Reagan Rose has given our generation a simple, practical, and biblical game plan that will allow you to enjoy gaming without neglecting the glory of God. -- Costi W. Hinn (Teaching Pastor, Shepherd’s House Bible Church, Chandler, Arizona; Founder and President, For the Gospel)Considering the growing dominance of video gaming as a pastime for young and old, male and female alike, the subject has received very little attention among Christian thinkers and writers. For that reason and others I am thankful for this brief book and it’s level–headed, Bible–based teaching and counsel. -- Tim Challies (Author, ‘Seasons of Sorrow’)With grace and wisdom, he navigates the topic carefully, but truthfully, the scope of this book goes even further. Not only did I finish reading the book with thankfulness, but I was motivated to examine all areas of my life in order to surrender them to the glory of God. Praise the Lord! This book belongs in the hands of every Christian. -- Nate Pickowicz (Pastor, Harvest Bible Church, Gilmanton Iron Works, New Hampshire)… Reagan Rose takes us on a tour of the virtual world of video games, teaching us about its excitements, dangers, and opportunities. I read this book with my son and recommend it to anyone who plays video games or disciples those who do. -- J. Garrett Kell (Pastor, Del Ray Baptist Church, Alexandria, Virginia)

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Book SynopsisWet weekend? Home for half-term? Great Family Days In has got you covered with over seventy-five tried and tested activities that make the most of spending quality time together. From Achievable Art and Whizzy Easy Science to Screen-Free Game Time, chapters are organized to help you easily find inspiration for activities that will fill your day with fun. Whether you’re creating your very own melted-crayon masterpiece or blizzard bottle, or conducting your first FamFest or mini Olympics, Great Family Days In is a one-stop shop for ideas, showing that you don’t need fancy plans or money to keep your family entertained at home.These beautifully illustrated activities do not require any specific skills or hard to get resources. From thirty-minute time-fillers to ideas to last the whole afternoon, activities can easily be adapted to suit any age, interest or timescale, making it easy to enjoy and relax into the process of creating and building memories together, whatever the outcome.In March 2020, Claire Balkind, also known as The What Now Mum, founded the hugely popular Family Lockdown Tips & Ideas Facebook page which quickly amassed an engaged following of more than a million people. There, she and the community she helped build share fuss-free games, crafts, challenges and more that will keep children and adults of all ages entertained.

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Book Synopsis'This book is a chance to slow down and find stillness. Self-care in the most beautiful, creative ways.' – Fearne CottonFifty imaginative ideas for crafts that encourage a sense of joy and mindfulness. Includes a foreword by Melissa Hemsley.The Joy Journal For Grown-ups invites you to experiment, play and unlock your creative potential with a range of simple crafts that can bring a little more calm into your everyday life. Using store-cupboard ingredients and easily foraged supplies, this beautifully illustrated handbook includes new and inspiring ideas for adding a personal touch to celebrations, creating unique gifts, and making stunning keepsakes.Whether you are a beginner or confident crafter, bestselling author Laura Brand gently guides you through a host of delightful projects including beautiful flower-pressed candles, scented body butter, and origami hearts. She invites you to carve out 'me time' and enjoy shared creative experiences with friends that can help us to feel more connected and harness the freedom of play from childhood.Imaginative, engaging and easy to follow, this gorgeous, step-by-step guide features all the encouragement you need to find inspiration, awaken your creativity and brighten your mood.Trade ReviewThis book is a chance to slow down and find stillness. Self-care in the most beautiful, creative ways. -- Fearne Cotton

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Book SynopsisThe Ministry of Quizzes is the must-buy gift book for quiz solvers and puzzlers, from David Gentle, author of On the Tip of My Tongue. Perfect for fans of the GCHQ Puzzle Book, Bletchley Park Brainteasers, and The Ordnance Survey Puzzle Book.Deep in the heart of Whitehall, up a quiet side road, is an office block. Unremarkable on the outside, inside it buzzes and bustles with activity. Civil servants are hard at work, researching, compiling, cross-checking. Facts and trivia, questions and puzzles. This is the Ministry of Quizzes. This small but essential government department serves the nation’s needs on all matters relating to quizzes, puzzles and general knowledge trivia. Now, for the first time, their work can be revealed.The Ministry of Quizzes features an ingenious and irresistible mixture of over 200 quizzes and puzzles to be played solo or with family and friends. Not everyone is convinced this government department actually exists. But how else could we explain such a copious and comprehensive collection of diverse, devious and distracting questions and brainteasers?'I find it impossible to believe you will not love this book' - Daniel RadcliffeTrade ReviewI find it impossible to believe you will not love this book -- Daniel RadcliffeA deviously different quiz book -- Sunday Times on On the Tip of My Tongue

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Book SynopsisAlso works well as emergency loo roll.While you're not going anywhere, why not expand your mind with Brain Dump?Learn thousands of fascinating facts, stats and trivia. Guaranteed to boost your brain, this bumper compendium covers every subject from football to phobias, mountains to the Muppets and spiders to Shakespeare.It features hundreds of mind-blowing entries from Types of Cloud to the Longest Song Titles. And it's not just for the bathroom but the bedroom too! Struggling to sleep? Turn to the Fascinating Facts About Sheep and other gems to tire and train your brain. Zzzzzzzzzz…..Printed on soft absorbent paper for emergencies.

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Book SynopsisWill you be flummoxed by this Great British distraction?Do you know queuing etiquette? Twenty-one different ways to describe rain? Then this quiz book might be just your cup of tea.Politely challenge yourself, your family and your friends with questions on British culture, language, etiquette, of course, the weather, as well as lots of other essential, quintessential British subjects. Each quiz comprises 21 questions and answers are based on the real results from national surveys and polls. Hours of brain-bamboozling fun for all the family!

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Book SynopsisStuck indoors? This book is your saviour.Turn to a bumper 501 simple and accessible games and activities to keep your whole family amused for hours, if not days.Inside, in the garden, in the car, for all family sizes and ages - this book covers all the best classics you might have forgotten how to play, like stuck in the mud and the alphabet game, and introduces brand new games too. No fancy equipment needed, just easy to follow instructions. This book has everything you need to keep everyone happy.

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Book Synopsis_________________________*The OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD puzzle book, as featured in the Times, Daily Telegraph, BBC Radio 4, and BBC Breakfast, and a Guardian Book of the Year pick. Have YOU got what it takes to be an astronaut?This book will help readers of all ages find out. Featuring 100 real astronaut tests and exercises from the European Space Agency's rigorous selection process, ranging from easy to fiendishly hard, The Astronaut Selection Test Book goes where no puzzle book has gone before. Including puzzles and tests on:· visual perception and logic· mental arithmetic and concentration· psychological readiness· teamwork and leadership· survival, physical and medical skills· foreign languages (every astronaut has to know Russian!)and much more, this richly illustrated book draws on Tim Peake's first-hand experience of applying to be an astronaut in 2008, when he and five others were chosen - out of over 8,000 applications!We've all dreamed of being an astronaut, though of the estimated 100 billion people who have ever lived, only 557 people have travelled to space. But with this unprecedented look into real astronaut selection, you might just find out your dreams can become reality..._________________________HOUSTON, WE HAVE A PROBLEM SOLVER...Tim Peake and the ESA will receive no royalties from this book; instead, they will be donated to the Prince's Trust charity._________________________'Engrossing... a brain buster of a book... You'll learn plenty about space and what it takes to be an astronaut, but you'll also sharpen up your broader knowledge. For anyone interested in the space race and the imminent journey to Mars, here's the perfect stocking filler.' - STARBURST'It's a brain work-out on steroids, stuffed with authentic selection tests... Entertaining and engaging... innovative, earnest, soulful and exhilarating' - BBC SKY AT NIGHT MAGAZINE (5 STARS, Book of the Month)'It's such a good idea... this is a very good thing for Christmas Day' - GRAHAM NORTON, BBC RADIO 2'Everybody, get this book... it's a fascinating read' - CHRIS MOYLES, RADIO X'A fantastic gift... more than just a quiz' - WI LIFE'The perfect [book] for big thinkers' - BBC ARTS, 2018's Biggest BooksTrade ReviewThe Astronaut Selection Test Book should corner the gift market much in the same way that GCHQ and Bletchley Park Brainteasers have done in the past couple of years. * Guardian *Engrossing... a brain buster of a book... You’ll learn plenty about space and what it takes to be an astronaut, but you’ll also sharpen up your broader knowledge. For anyone interested in the space race and the imminent journey to Mars, here’s the perfect stocking filler. * Starburst *It’s a brain work-out on steroids, stuffed with authentic selection tests… Entertaining and engaging… innovative, earnest, soulful and exhilarating * BBC Sky at Night Magazine (Book of the Month) *A hugely entertaining and demanding challenge… an ideal gift for budding space cadets. * The Daily Mail *Entertaining and engaging, this intelligent book is educational and for the serious-minded… a route to the stars but also a road map for any career application. * 5* review and chosen as the book of the month in BBC Sky at Night Magazine *

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Book SynopsisYour invite to create calm and discover more joy...In just thirty days, you can develop a creative habit that allows a little more calm and joy into your life. These easy-to-follow daily practices will help unleash your creative spark and build the foundation of your artistic practice.With a mix of whimsical doodles, pages of expert advice, and simple step-by-step drawing guides, this book is designed to nurture your inner artist. Featuring calming lavender fields, tasty treats, and blooming bouquets, each page is a celebration of things that bring us comfort and joy. And, of course, there are plenty of pages to colour when you find yourself in the flow and want to remain in the creative bubble a little longer. Pick up this book, find a pencil, and begin your next adventure!

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Book SynopsisTHIS BOOK IS A MUST-HAVE FOR: staycationing, holidaying, hen or stag dos, parties, office fun, quiet days in. Adventures for Bored Adults will help you beat the boredom with these 100+ hilarious solo and group games, competitive challenges, fun activities and relaxing treats.Whether you're with friends or family, on the move or at home, alone or in a group, it's your ultimate guide to a good time. Never a dull moment again.FEATURING: Bounce the Egg, Spaghetti Scrabble, Pick a sinner, the Gym Bunnies challenge, Morse Inspector, Ransom Devil, Secret Streaking and many more.

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Book SynopsisFind mindfulness and calm through origami.Includes 50 sheets of origami paper included at the back so you can get started right away.Li Kim Goh, known online as @kimigami, has created relaxing paper folding projects for all abilities, each illustrated with step-by-step instructions.Fold It Calm includes all the origami techniques you need to know, plus 25 beautiful models to create. From classics such as the paper crane to the author's own creations, including a mini cactus, these are easy projects for mindful moments.

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Book Synopsis'Lyrical and engrossing . . . bursting with humour' - Entertainment WeeklyThe thing is, the letters don't always tell me truths about myself. Sometimes they tell me truths about other people. And Reid Sutherland is - was - one of those people. In the last year, Meg Mackworth's beautiful hand-lettering skills have seen her rocket to social media fame, and now she has a booming business crafting stationery for the stars. But she has a secret: sometimes, she just can't resist hiding messages in her work. Slightly unprofessional, maybe - but harmless. Right? Analyst Reid Sutherland and his gorgeous fiancée had their future mapped out. Until he noticed a pattern in his wedding invitation that made him think twice.When Meg looks up from her desk one day and sees Reid standing in front of her with no wedding ring, holding the invitation she created, she thinks that her career is over.But her life may be about to begin . . .Escape into a beautiful world of craft and romance that will grab hold of your heart and never let go.Praise for Kate Clayborn'Clayborn is a thoughtful, very talented writer' - BookPage'Hilarious and moving and sexy' - Buzzfeed'A warm and lively romance' - New York Times'Clayborn's characters are bright and nuanced, her dialogue quick and clever, and the world she builds warm and welcoming' - Washington Post'A layered and memorable love story . . . smart, sexy and sublime' - USA TodayTrade ReviewPRAISE FOR LOVE LETTERING * - *Love Lettering is delicious and beautiful and perfect * New York Times bestselling author Sarah MacLean *Quirky and winning * USA Today *A lush, languid romance * Washington Post *With smart characters and authentic di­lemmas, this is a very special romance to both smile and sigh over * Bookpage *Fresh, funny, clever, and deeply satisfying * Kirkus *I flew through this creative and original book. I was completely absorbed by the world Kate Clayborn creates - the characters felt so real and their joys and sorrows and struggles and triumphs felt so relatable that I forgot I was reading fiction. I can't wait for the whole world to fall in love with Love Lettering! * Jasmine Guillory, New York Times Bestselling Author of The Proposal *Love Lettering made me laugh and made me cry. Kate Clayborn is my new go-to romance author * New York Times bestselling author Stacy Finz *Kate Clayborn's writing is uniquely, intensely beautiful. This book will wake you up in the middle of the night aching for these perfectly imperfect characters. It's layered, nuanced, and unrelenting in how deep it digs * Sonali Dev, author of Pride, Prejudice, and Other Flavors *A novel of lush complexity, one bursting with humour, a tender melancholy, and meditations on love, friendship, and life any reader can find solace and inspiration in. It's lyrical and engrossing, a novel that possesses all the colours, idiosyncrasies, and range of the alphabet. Like the pages Meg designs, Love Lettering is a novel bursting with hidden messages essential to discover - so long as we open our hearts to analyse the codes. * Entertainment Weekly *Clayborn delivers an emotionally resonant love story filled with charming details of city life and the artisanal trendiness of hand-lettering and calligraphy that adorns the urban setting. This will be popular among the enthusiastic and growing audience for romantic comedies * Library Journal *PRAISE FOR KATE CLAYBORN * - *Clayborn is a thoughtful, very talented writer * BookPage *A warm and lively romance * New York Times *Hilarious and moving and sexy * Buzzfeed *Clayborn's characters are bright and nuanced, her dialogue quick and clever, and the world she builds warm and welcoming * Washington Post *A layered and memorable love story . . . smart, sexy and sublime * USA Today *

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Book Synopsis'MAGIC' JO BRAND'HAPPIFYING' STEPHEN FRY'SUSIE DENT IS A NATIONAL TREASURE' RICHARD OSMANWhether it's the distress of a bad haircut (AGE-OTORI) or longing for the food someone else is eating (GROAKING), the pleasure found in other people's happiness (CONFELICITY) or the shock of jumping into icy water (CURGLAFF), there are real words to pinpoint exactly how you feel and Susie Dent, Queen of Countdown's Dictionary Corner and lexicographer extraordinaire, is going to help you find them. Here are 1001 terms everyone needs, whether it's the best kind of hug (CWTCH), the relief found in swearing (LALOCHEZIA), or the ability to endure till the end (PERTOLERANCE). It's time to rediscover the lost positives of language (and be more GORM); find out how a stork gave us the word for the love between parent and child, and who the first MAVERICK was. Packed with unexpected stories and unforgettable words, on a mission to describe the indescribable, this life-enhancing book will deepen your vocabulary as much as it extends it. Welcome to the first truly human dictionary, as idiosyncratic and unusual as you are.

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Book SynopsisHighly Commended at The Business Book Awards Featuring Tatty Devine, HemingwayDesign, Craft Scotland and moreMaking a Living has been carefully crafted to support anyone looking for practical, hands-on advice and inspiring stories to motivate them to make their dream business into a reality.Inspiring stories from jewellery makers to basket weavers, artists to terrarium makers, printmakers to ceramicists, bring bags of real-world advice and inspiration for those wanting to take their first steps into this new artisanal economy.With more time at home than ever before, the restorative distraction of crafts and making has seen a mainstream resurgence. So too has the desire to 'make a living' from creating handmade products to sell, or to sell our creative skills. This new wave of at-home entrepreneurs are using Facebook and Instagram to promote their businesses, Etsy and Not on the High Street to sell their crafts and Paypal and Shopify to manage their payments. Technology-led businesses are transforming the way in which offline maker businesses are operating - and business is booming.From the founder of Yodomo, the online learning platform for arts and crafts, and with chapters on market research, valuing and pricing your work, branding, marketing and sales, as well as accounting fundamentals and legal considerations, this is a step-by-step guide to getting your idea off the ground, either as a side hustle or as your next major career move.Trade ReviewA no-nonsense, up-to-the minute and practical handbook for anyone who is in the process of starting, and indeed already running, a craft-based business. * Natalie Melton, Creative Director, Crafts Council *Simply breaks down the stages of growing a craft or maker business and can be part of a tool kit for making your creative business a success. * Wayne Hemingway MBE, Partner at HemingwayDesign *

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Book SynopsisRelax. Let your shoulders drop, turn your phone to silent and take one (freshly sharpened) pencil. Paper, Pencil and You: Calm contains over 300 puzzles designed to foster calm in a stressed-out, busy world. The puzzles in this book will take you on a journey through a wonderland of calming activities. You'll divide shapes, draw loops, fill grids and much, much more. Each one has been designed to give you a moment of peace; a break from the hectic pace of life and a chance to quieten the mental noise. With sections for practice runs and workings out, each puzzle is designed to be completed on the page itself. As you complete the book you'll be unconsciously developing your memory and visual processing skills, thinking laterally and logically to find solutions, but will emerge from each exercise feeling relaxed and refreshed. So, sharpen that pencil, turn over the page and feel calm.

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Book SynopsisUse the puzzles in this book to sharpen your mind and improve your ability to focus. The perfect antidote to staring at a screen for hours on end, Paper, Pencil and You: Focus presents over 300 puzzles designed to improve focus in a distracted world. With each one you will learn to eliminate mental distractions, improve concentration and develop your powers of deduction. Test your skills with a range of visual conundrums and lateral-thinking problems that include matching pairs, odd one out and pathfinding.Keen puzzlers will find themselves absorbed in developing their memory and visual processing skills, called on to think laterally and logically to find solutions, and will emerge from each exercise feeling relaxed and refreshed. Switch off from screens, pick up a pencil and focus.

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Book SynopsisGeraint Thomas's inside guide to twenty-five of the greatest cycling climbs in the world.Cycling fans obsess about climbs and big mountains. They love reading about their tests and tribulations and they love to ride them - a cricket lover can never bat at Lord's, or a football supporter score at Wembley, but any rider can take on the challenge of an iconic mountain. There have been fine books about the big climbs before but never from the voice of an elite GC winner, taking you inside what these climbs really feel like, where the attacks come, where the pain kicks in. From best-known big-hitters, via pro-peloton favourites, to the secret climbs Geraint has come to love, and featuring Australia, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Mallorca and Wales, this is the cyclist's secret manual.

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Book SynopsisBring the joy of flowers into your home with 30 stunning projects for every season.From spring planters to summer floral crowns and autumn vase arrangements to winter wreaths; life is better with flowers all year round. With clear, step-by-step instructions, expert florist Ashlee Jane leads you through her inspirational ideas for floral designs to bring the calming presence of flowers and foliage into your home.There is something for every occasion here, from small place settings and everyday bouquets to show-stopping displays for a mantlepiece or staircase, and everything in between. Including styling tips, a directory of favourite flowers and gorgeous ideas on every page, you will be inspired to fill your home with flowers throughout the year.

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Book SynopsisOver 1,000 new Craptic brainteasers, for fans of the popular long-running Saturday morning quiz on The Chris Moyles Show. This joyously addictive book is sure to irritate, exasperate and hook in all of your pals.A Craptic, for anybody not yet acquainted, is a series of dodgy word clues that when merged and said out loud creates a name or phrase.*breathe out in despair * holy man with hair ring * moo-er * waterhole*(sigh-monk-cow-well)Now for the first time, you can unscramble Craptic clues that lead to movies, TV shows, bands, books, comedians and filmstars. There's oh-so-much fun ahead with this craptastic range of new categories to play anytime, anywhere and with anyone.Be warned though, Pippa has found some very dubious ways to get you to the right answer...Are you ready for some seriously silly laughs? Put yourself to the Craptic test.***'Pippa's Craptics are addictive. Once you start playing you'll be saying "just one more" for ages!" - Chris Moyles"I didn't think it was possible, but this book is even crapper than the last one' - Chris Tarrant'I think this book is absolutely excellent. Having said that the author is my wife and she is currently watching me write this' - Toby Tarrant

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Book SynopsisA Sunday Times bestseller'This book is a little bit about me and a little bit about you.'Having an organisation business, you might think I have everything worked out, but that hasn't always been the case. I went from working full-time as a nurse, with three young children and suffering from overwhelming anxiety, to setting up a business that helps people find order in their lives.Organisation makes me feel calm, it has soothed my anxiety and helped me to focus on getting to where I want to be. Whether it's a small change like organising part of your home or pursuing a long-held goal, I'm sharing tips, hacks and stories from my life to show you how you can organise, list and label your life to achieve your own dreams.Jemma x

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Book SynopsisRaise your spirits with the best pumpkin carving designs and simple cut-out costume accessories.From simple knife-free ideas for little hands, to more complex showstoppers for the older Halloween enthusiast as well as fuss-free cut-out costume accessories, this book has everything you need to be the g-host with the most this Halloween.

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Book SynopsisGuaranteed to educate, entertain... and irritate!Enjoy 40 quick quizzes of 10 questions - a mix of anagrams, riddles, general knowledge, mindbenders, memory games, word puzzles and 'Carolateral' thinking! Ideal amusement for your commute, coffee break - whenever you have a spare 10 minutes.Get your synapses firing, feel sharper and smarter.Trade ReviewQuiz queen Carol Vorderman is on a mission to boost brains across Britain. -- Karen Rockett * The Mirror *The hunt is on for 2023's Wordle and this podcast from TV puzzle queen Vorderman fills a similar niche. -- Phil Harrison * The Guardian *TV legend…a Vorderman renaissance * British Vogue *Her ten-minute quiz includes a mixture of puzzles, riddles, anagrams, general knowledge questions -- Gwyneth Rees * The Daily Mail *

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Book SynopsisIt's the most hilarious time of the year...Packed full of festive pop-culture quizzes, Christmas trivia to fascinate and holly jolly games to play - as well as colouring and dot-to-dot pages to distract, and cracking cracker jokes to make you chuckle (and groan).The perfect Christmas companion for work Christmas parties, entertaining friends and family, entertaining kids (including kids), when you're too full to move, there's nothing on the TV, it's too wet for a walk and the pub isn't open yet.A book everyone will love, actually...

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Book SynopsisThe biggest amigurumi book yet, with over 60 adorable animals to crochet, love and share it's the cat's pyjamas!Grab your crochet hook and head to a cosy corner it's time to get stitching! Including everything from farmyard familiars to fantasy friends, this bumper book of 60 amigurumi patterns has something to make for everyone you know. Featuring straightforward, tried-and-tested instructions and a range of difficulties, this gorgeous book includes a project for every taste and ability.

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