Natural History Books

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Book SynopsisThe Dog Groomer's Manual is the definitive reference book covering all aspects of the work of the dog groomer. This highly illustrated book will help owners, students and professional dog groomers develop their skills and knowledge. It will enable them to adapt the principles of grooming appropriately, based on a systematic approach to understanding and observing the physical appearance, the nature, the life style and the behaviour of the dog. The Manual covers the following: SCIENCE; The veterinary principles of anatomy and physiology that must inform good grooming practice, pre-grooming health checks, common parasites and skin diseases, infectious and zoonotic diseases. PRACTICE; Running a grooming business and the diverse standards of safety, hygiene and professionalism required in the grooming workshop. First Aid and what to do in emergency situations. Handling and restraining the dog safely, grooming equipment and tools. ART; Grooming out the coat, bathing and drying, clipping, scissoring, hand stripping and plucking, styling, preventative healthcare products. Referenced to reliable sources of information and adhering to the requirements of City & Guilds, British Dog Grooming Association, and nationally recognized dog grooming qualifications, The Dog Groomer's Manual is the perfect companion for dog groomers around the world seeking to attain thse internationally recognized awards.Trade ReviewIt covers every aspect of not just dog grooming but ideal for the many first time lockdown pet dog owners. Virtually every book I have seen deals with AKC dogs and it is a total delight to find this book. It is the first book I have read which has a section not only on veterinary matters but also how to manage and deal with dogs (no easy task). -- Diane Rogers * Customer Review *

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Book SynopsisThis practical pocket field guide, published in association with the Wildlife Trusts, includes 170 species of coastal birds from Britain and the near Continent. Each species account contains accurate artworks that show details of variations in plumage for male, female and juvenile birds, as well as breeding and non-breeding birds. A concise written account outlines further essential information, such as size, description, voice, habitat, distribution and habits.The easy-to-follow layouts and illustrations aid quick and precise identification, and make this book an indispensable reference in the field as well as at home. It is compact enough to fit in the pocket yet packed with essential information for nature enthusiasts.Table of ContentsIntroduction Birds of coastal habitats The basics of identification Using this book Coastal Birds Wildfowl Divers Grebes Fulmar and Shearwaters Storm-petrels Gannet Cormorants Herons Spoonbills Hawks & Allies Osprey Falcons Rails Oystercatchers Stilts Avocets Plovers Waders Skuas Gulls Terns Auks Pigeons Cuckoos Barn Owls Typical Owls Swifts Kingfishers Woodpeckers Larks Swallows & Martins Pipits & Wagtails Chats Thrushes Warblers & Allies Flycatchers Bearded Tit Crows Starlings Finches Buntings

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Book SynopsisFlush was an English cocker spaniel who belonged to the nineteenth-century poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning. Virginia Woolf learned of him from the love letters Elizabeth wrote to her future husband, fellow poet Robert Browning, and found ‘the figure of their dog made me laugh so, I couldn't resist making him a Life.’ The resulting ‘biography’ combines sensuous imaginative description with sharp social comment, and brings Woolf’s unsentimental humour and insight to the fore. We see Flush as loyal confidant to Elizabeth on her sickbed at Wimpole Street, and from his jealous perspective we witness her courtship by Browning, their elopement and new life in Italy. The perfect accessible introduction to Woolf’s genius, a unique blend of fact and fiction, Flush is perhaps best read in the company of a canine companion.This edition includes the four original illustrations by Vanessa Bell and an afterword by Margaret Forster.Cover designed by the award-winning Finnish designer Aino-Maija MetsolaTrade ReviewA most triumphant trespassing of human imagination into dog sensibilities... The result is a book of irresistible grace and charm * Spectator *Flush is an afternoon's delight for dog-loving readers. It's wit and whimsy and sniffing, snuffling playfulness will amuse anyone who's ever known a spaniel. Woolf's literary underdog is a canine classic. * Guardian *A masterpiece... It is not fiction because it has the substance, the reality of truth. It is not biography because it has the freedom, the artistry of fiction * New York Herald Tribune Books *

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Book SynopsisFind out about more than 70 cat breeds, including their origins and characteristics, in this pocket-sized encyclopedia. This cat-alogue packs a whole lot of information into your pocket! Along with a photo of each breed, discover the facts and stats of each cat, including its size, where the breed originated, colours and markings, and unusual features or behaviours. You''ll soon be able to tell apart a Burmese from a Siamese; a rex from a sphynx and a manx; and an American shorthair from a British shorthair. You will also discover a lot about colours and patterns. Did you know that tabby cats and tortoiseshells are not breeds, but colours within breeds? Plus there are pages introducing cat anatomy and behaviour; and the book finishes with fun facts.The style of the Pocket Eyewitness series is perfect for all children, from reluctant readers who can easily digest the key points through to budding vets and cat-lovers who want to know more about the b

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Book SynopsisDid you know culinary salt is the mineral halite? Or that the pigment vermillion is powdered cinnabar, a mineral whose name comes from the Persian for dragon''s blood?Discover the extraordinary mineral treasures that form our planet and that today we use in everything, from makeup and cookery to agriculture and high-tech.Rocks and Minerals is your essential collector''s companion, with illustrated entries on hundreds of minerals, gems, and rocks from actinium to zirconium. Its breathtaking array includes organic minerals, such as pearls and corals, as well as silicates and native elements like gold.Browse to find wonderful gems, including opals, or pyropes - a deep-red garnet the size of a hen''s egg. Rocks and Minerals reveals each mineral''s defining characteristics, and explains how and where they were formed, how they were first identified, their uses, and their chemical composition.Whether you are a geology student, or starti

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Book SynopsisLying at the very heart of Libby Clegg's life and achievements is the relationship with her Labrador Retriever cross guide dog, Hatti. A relationship primarily based on trust, with a healthy dose of respect and adoration.Libby Clegg is one of the UK's most popular, recognisable and respected Paralympic athletes, having won ten major gold medals, including two at the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games. As a sprinter who has only peripheral vision in her left eye, Libby runs with a guide runner while wearing a blindfold and, in 2021, she will defend her 100m and 200m titles at the Tokyo Paralympics.Libby is also well-known to the public from her ground-breaking appearance in Dancing on Ice where, in addition to her being the first registered blind person ever appear on the show, she managed to reach the final, winning her millions of new fans and making her a national hero all over again.From the moment Libby wakes up until the moment she goes to bed, Hatti will either be lying at her feet, sitting by her side or guiding Libby to wherever she needs to be. Hatti is there for Libby through both the highs and the lows and they have shared countless adventures together, from spending the day in the Royal Box at Wimbledon where Hatti overdid it on strawberries and cream to Libby trying to overcome a severe bout depression after the Rio Paralympic Games.Theirs is a partnership that works on every single level and, while its circumstances may be unique, its story will be reassuring and familiar to any dog lover. Libby and Hatti are a devoted couple helping each other through life.

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Book SynopsisCuring the CoralExplore the vibrant underwater ecosystems that depend on coral reefs and learn the science behind restoring their health. Discover the diverse marine life that thrives among coral, the complex relationships within coral reef ecosystems, and the techniques scientists use, such as micro fragging and outplanting, to rejuvenate reefs. Follow engaging stories of real-life conservation efforts, from Belize's coral reefs to the Florida Keys. Travel alongside Summer Collins as she navigates challenges, celebrates conservation victories, and inspires communities to participate actively in protecting and revitalizing coral reefs. Inside, you'll find:Insight into threats like coral bleaching and climate change. Step-by-step processes for planting coral reefs. Inspirational stories showcasing youth leadership in marine biology. If you're passionate about marine biology, eager to participate in ocean conservation, or simply fascinated by marine life, this book shows you how you can help protect our planet's coral reefs. Dive in and become a coral reef hero!

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Book SynopsisSHORTLISTED FOR THE 2023 WAINWRIGHT PRIZE FOR NATURE WRITING AND THE JAMES TAIT BLACK PRIZE FOR BIOGRAPHY New in paperback: an exhilarating, moving account of life on the wild Danish coast, from one of Denmark's most acclaimed writers 'A beautiful, melancholy account of finding home on a restless coast' Katherine May, author of Wintering This is the story of the windswept coastline that stretches from the northernmost tip of Denmark to the Netherlands, a world of shipwrecks and storm surges, of cold-water surfers and resolute sailors' wives. In spellbinding prose, award-winning writer Dorthe Nors invites the reader to travel through the landscape where her family lived for generations and which she now calls home. It is an extraordinarily powerful and beautiful journey through history and memory - the landscape's as well as her own. ________ FURTHER PRAISE FOR A LINE IN THE WORLD 'A place brimming with memories and strangeness, where storms surge and lighthouses blink... fascinating' Financial Times'A singular prose stylist... Nors is such a great companion, honest and curious and surprising' Max Porter, author of Lanny 'Brilliant... a personal, poetic meditation on this remote edge of windswept landscapes and wildwaters' New York Times 'The perfect winter read, making a virtue of dark nights and frost-bitten winds on the author's native North Sea coast' Observer 'A deep dive into a coastal landscape, both breathtaking and hypnotic' Natasha Carthew, author of Undercurrent: A Cornish Memoir of Poverty, Nature and ResilienceTrade Review'Touchingly personal and poetic, A Line in the World . . . see[s] Nors tussle with a place brimming with memories and strangeness, where storms surge and lighthouses blink . . . fascinating.' - Financial Times'Dorthe Nors's A Line in the World is the perfect winter read, making a virtue of dark nights and frost-bitten winds on the author's native North Sea coast' - Johny Pitts'A personal, poetic meditation on this remote edge of windswept landscapes and wild waters... immediacy and an intimacy filter through her spare, brilliant prose' - Editor's Pick'At its heart this is a book that will speak to anyone who has ever felt their identity being wrought in the schism between urbanism and the wilder beyond. Nors has been forged there, and her poetic, wave-tossed writing speaks of its hold.' - New Statesman'Magic... sometimes funny, sometimes chilling, always involving. This is a wonderful holiday in a very fine writer's heart' - Michael Pye, author of The Edge of the World: How the North Sea Made Us Who We Are

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Book Synopsis"An animal is a prescription without side effects."Do you love animals? Do you feel a connection with a furry friend? Do you believe animals offer something that can touch and heal a human heart?My Therapist and Other Animals tells of the healing bond that can be created when animals are participants in our lives. These true stories document the loving connection between humans and those with whom we share a planet. Written by René Chorley, an experienced attachment therapist, it illustrates how animals can reach through the pain of abuse, neglect and trauma and reignite the ability to feel safe, cared for and valued.Animals can make a difference in our lives. They are consistent and unconditional in their time, attention and affection, qualities that may be missing in the lives of so many. Each story brings to life a connection - whether it be an exceptional dog offering friendship or a squeaky guinea pig excited for feed time, our importance in their lives feeds our self-worth.These heart-warming stories prove that this connection has the power to overcome all.

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Book SynopsisOf all weathers, snow is the one that has always affected Marcus Sedgwick the most. While many people's idea of the perfect holiday involves sun, sea an sand, he instead makes trips to cold, snowy parts of the world: Russia, Scandinavia or the Arctic Circle. A few years ago he bought a mountain home, an old chalet d'alpage high in the Haute Savoie, and for the first time he began to understand what it is to live in an environment where extreme snowfall is frequent.Like the six sides of a snowflake, the book has six chapters, each exploring the art, literature and science of snow, as well as his own experiences and memories, asking whether it really did snow more during his boyhood in Kent and whether changing climate patterns might mean,that for some areas of the world, snow may become a thing of the past. He also wonders why snow is so powerful for our imagination, so transformative and as fundamental as our response to darkness, to sunlight.

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Book SynopsisA Photographic Guide to the Wildlife of India is a wide ranging overview of the subcontinent's wildlife, describing and illustrating over 984 species from all 26 states, including the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The Indian region is exceptionally rich in wildlife due to its wide variety of habitats and climates. Altitude ranges from sea level to the peaks of the Himalaya; rainfall from its lowest in the Rajasthan desert to Cherapunji in Meghalaya, one of the wettest places in the world. This diversity supports a huge range of charismatic species from the iconic Bengal Tiger to Clouded Leopards, crocodiles to King Cobras, hornbills to eagles. The guide begins with an overview of India's climate and geography, its wildlife habitats, threats to wildlife, extreme rarities and how to enjoy the forests. The main part of the book contains concise species descriptions of 678 birds, 114 mammals, 72 butterflies and other insects, 66 reptiles, and 54 trees and flowers; each one accompanied by a photograph. The book concludes with a section on wildlife watching in the national parks and wildlife sanctuaries which present the best chance of seeing many of these species described.

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Book SynopsisSharks embark on extraordinary journeys. Some travel thousands of miles and take weeks or even months to reach their destinations, while others rise up from the depths, undertaking a vertical migration of a mile or more in a single day. Why, though, do they travel such distances and how do they find their way? Sharks explores the latest research and explains some of the many mysteries of shark migration. Michael Bright reveals the adaptations that allow sharks to perform feats of extreme navigation, such as their astonishing electromagnetic 6th sense' that not only catches the electrical activity in the muscles of their prey, but can also detect the Earth's geomagnetic field. He also addresses the danger inherent in shark migrations, including shark attacks on humans, but more commonly for the sharks themselves, who are hunted for their fins and increasingly threatened by the fishing industry.

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Book Synopsis'A heartwarming guide to these fascinating giants of nature . . . A book that is full of surprises . . . Highly empathetic and informative' Independent  'A global arboreal odyssey' GuardianONE OF THE GUARDIAN'S BOOKS TO WATCH IN 2024 Twelve amazing species of trees that can teach us about our past, present and future.   In Twelve Trees, professor Daniel Lewis takes us around the world – from Australia to the United States, from Easter Island and Mexico to Cameroon – and introduces us to twelve tree species that epitomise the many threats faced by our planet, from climate change, poachers and parasites, to fungi and even elephants. He celebrates their many strengths in the face of adversity, and their enduring abilities to survive – and even thrive – in an increasingly dangerous planet. Trees are essential to all of

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Book SynopsisThis easy-to-use identification guide to the 280 bird species most commonly seen in Costa Rica is perfect for resident and visitor alike. High quality photographs from one of the country's top nature photographers are accompanied by detailed species descriptions, which include nomenclature, size, distribution, habits and habitat. The user-friendly introduction covers geography, climate, habitat types, bird species and taxonomy, bird migration and the key sites for viewing the listed species. Also included is an all- important checklist of all of the birds of Costa Rica encompassing, for each species, its common and scientific name, and IUCN status

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Book SynopsisA spectacular compilation of animal illustrations from the awe-inspiring works of Kerby Rosanes, as part of an exciting new series called Kerby’s Selection.This beautiful colouring book brings together the most astonishing animal images from Kerby’s World and Morphia series, featuring fantasy scenes of strange, shape-shifting animals as well as real-life depictions of our fragile world and its natural beauty.Fifty-eight detailed drawings of wondrous animals and their environments are just waiting to be brought to life with colour – from an enchanting eagle leaving a trail of doodles in its wake and an intricate beetle made from cogs to a cute otter floating along a river and giant pandas surrounded by bamboo.Please note: This book contains material previously published in Fragile World, Worlds Within Worlds, Animorphia, Mythomorphia, Geomorphia and Imagimorphia.

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Book SynopsisNiall Mac Coitir brings to life the myths, legends and folklore associated with native Irish trees, much of which persists to this day. Two main themes emerge: the tree as a marker of important places such as royal sites or holy wells, and the role of trees as sources of magical power in folk customs and traditions, such as carrying a blackthorn sta. when out walking at night to ward off evil spirits. Beautifully illustrated and imaginatively written, this mix of natural history, mythology and folklore will entertain and enlighten all interested in Ireland's trees.Trade Review'An easy and fascinating read' * Irish Examiner *

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Book SynopsisHumans are the most inquisitive, emotional, imaginative, aggressive and baffling animals on the planet. But how well do we really know ourselves?How to Be Animal offers a radical take on what it means to be human and argues that at the heart of our psychology is a profound struggle with being animal. Tracing the history of this thinking through to its far-reaching effects on our lives, and drawing on a range of disciplines, Challenger proposes that being an animal is a process, beautiful and unpredictable, and that we have a chance to tell ourselves a new story; to realise that if we matter, so does everything else.Trade ReviewThe best critique of the myth of human exceptionalism I have read. Clearly and beautifully written, compellingly argued and packed with powerful and moving stories, it shows how the fact that we humans are animals has been denied and repressed, with profoundly damaging consequences for the way we live and for the planet. But this brilliant book is not only a critique. By showing that being human means being animal, it reveals how much joy in life we can gain if we recognise and accept the truth about ourselves. Read and digest this book, and you will not only be wiser but also happier -- JOHN GRAY * * author of Feline Philosophy * *Melanie Challenger's wonderful book teaches me this: our blazing continuity with the depth of time and the whole of life. It is a huge, complex and triumphant thing: challenging, but also celebratory, courageous, mournful and apprehensive. Her language is lovely: exact and lyrical and sparklingly full of suggestion and implication. It is a hymn to generosity. I know it will be something I will return to again and again -- ADAM NICOLSON * * author of The Seabird's Cry * *This is a brilliant book that, like many brilliant books, explores what it means to be human. The difference here is that the author answers this by highlighting one central human dilemma: we are an animal in denial that we are actually an animal -- MATT HAIG * * Observer * *What an interesting book! The recognition that we are animals should come less as a slap in the face than as a welcome reminder of the great resources that can come from paying attention to the ways we and our various cousins handle our journeys on this difficult but beautiful planet -- BILL McKIBBEN * * author of Falter: Has the Human Game Begun to Play Itself Out? * *With this book, Melanie Challenger fearlessly plunges into the biggest question of our time: how can we rediscover our animal selves, before it is too late? How can we discover our true place in the wider world we are destroying? Each of us has to answer this question for ourselves. This book is a guide for you on the journey -- PAUL KINGSNORTHErudite, lyrical, delightfully troubling and full of unexpected convergences. A wonderful exploration of the tensions that beset the human animal trying to find our way. I was entranced by this beautiful weave of history, biology and philosophy -- DAVID GEORGE HASKELL * * author of The Forest Unseen * *Deepened my understanding of the world . . . An illuminating, beautifully written and unique philosophical inquiry by a wide-ranging and original thinker and a powerful call for a new ethic for our relationship with the rest of the living world . . . Quite simply, a rare and important marvel -- LUCY JONES * * author of Losing Eden * *A provocative, incisive and worried book, carried off with no small degree of élan . . . an excellent primer to the problems we have caused and that we face * * Scotsman * *Provocative . . . Challenger [writes] with the logic of a researcher and the lyricism of a poet * * Herald * *Blending personal experience with scientific observation, Challenger has a talent for making the known seem unexpected or unsettling * * Irish Times * *

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Book SynopsisOnce common across most of the country, beavers were hunted to extinction in the sixteenth century, but have gradually been returning to Scottish waters. In this deeply personal account, Argaty's Tom Bowser tells of his attempts to save these incredible animals, and the gains that beavers ultimately brought to his family farm.

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Book SynopsisMore than 100 poems about Britain''s nature in a beautifully illustrated bookSeven chapters touch on different aspects of the British countryside, including seasons, birds and wildlife, woods, water, moors and mountains. This carefully chosen collection will inspire you to explore nature through a poet's eye the perfect antidote to times when the world is too much with us', as Wordsworth so beautifully put it.There are celebrated poems by the greats Keats, Yeats, Tennyson, Robert Browning, Christina Rossetti, Philip Larkin, Sylvia Plath, John Masefield, Robert Burns, Dylan Thomas as well as others by contemporary poets whose work you will want to seek out and explore further, including Carol Anne Duffy, Simon Armitage and Jean Sprackland. Where poems have links to National Trust sites, footnotes are included to explain the connections.

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Book SynopsisA complete photoguide to all the birds of Britain from the best nature publisher in the UKCollins Complete Guide to British Birds makes bird identification easier than ever before. It is the most complete photographic guide to British birds ever published and the only one to be designed to give everything that you need on each spread in a simple-to-use format. Every text entry covers identification of adults and juveniles, songs and calls, and where they are most likely to be found.Illustrated with specially commissioned photography and maps to show where in Britain the birds are found and at what time of year, this accessible guide also features cross-references to similar-looking species, containing everything a birdwatcher needs to know in one, easy-to-use, portable volume. It is the perfect photographic field guide for the birdwatching beginner.

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Book SynopsisWhat would dogs ask for, if they knew how? In the Sunday Times bestseller In Defence of Dogs John Bradshaw, an anthropologist at Bristol University who has been at the centre of the latest research into what makes dogs tick, gives us the answers.Overturning the most common myths about dogs'' emotions and behaviour, this book shows how we should really treat our pets, and stands up for dogdom: not the wolf in canine clothes, not the small furry child, not the trophy-winner, but the real dog, who wants to be part of the family and enjoy life - mankind''s closest friend. This is the real science that every dog lover needs to know.Trade ReviewA revelation - a major rethink about the way we understand our dogs ... there is no doubt about it - Professor John Bradshaw is a dog's best friend -- Kate Kellaway * Observer *Every dog lover, dog owner or prospective dog buyer should read this book. It will change how you feel about dogs and, likely enough, how you treat them, too -- James McConnachie * Sunday Times *A must-read for dog lovers everywhere * Independent *Essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the complicated psychology behind the growl, the rising hackles and the wagging tail -- Roy Hattersley * Daily Telegraph *Scholarly yet passionate ... nothing less than a manifesto for a new understanding of our canine friends ... fascinating -- Chris Cox * Guardian *A lovely and clear-headed book on all things dog-emotion, mind, and breed. John Bradshaw's authority and experience are matched by the thoughtfulness and humanity of his writing. Read this before you bring a dog into your life. -- Alexandra Horowitz * author of 'Inside of a Dog' *[A] wonderful, reassuring, and encouraging book ... distinguishes canine science from canine folklore -- Jonathan Mirsky * Literary Review *Truly fascinating ... rich in ideas and counter-ideas, and will reward anyone who respects animals ... enlightening ... Bradshaw's years of knowledge and his clear passion for dogs both shine through * The Sunday Business Post *Authoritative, wise and, in its sharp appreciation of the cost of dogs of living with us, rather moving -- Robert Hanks * Independent *The most fantastic book ... required reading for dog lovers everywhere * Observer *A well-grounded overview of the Canis family's evolutionary journey...this is what makes the book so appealing. He does more than simply lay out interesting theories; he uses science to advocate for a better life for companion dogs. * The Bark *A wonderfully informative, quietly passionate book that will benefit every dog whose owner reads it * Economist *Wonderfully humane, calmly-written and curiously moving ... [a] lovely book, illuminating for everyone who has or is thinking of having a dog -- Michael Bywater * The First Post *By giving the reader an overview of mankind's relationship with both dogs and wolves, [Bradshaw] also shows us ourselves -- Bella Bathurst * Observer *One may feel fully confident when reading [this] ... Bradshaw makes deft work of summarising important and novel insights on dog evolution * Times Higher Education *An alternative to conventional, dominance-based approaches to understanding dogs (Cesar Millan's methods, for example) in an informative...guide to how canine biology and psychology determine behavior.... Bradshaw's book is useful to those looking to further their understanding of dog behavior and clarify common misconceptions * Publisher's Weekly *Both an interesting armchair read and an important primer for any dog owner * Science Focus *In Defence of Dogs provides an extensive insight into the minds of man's best friend - a must for all owners. John Bradshaw [is] a pioneer * Big Issue *

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Book SynopsisFor kids who love stickers and bugs, this is the ultimate sticker book. It''s filled with creepy crawlies, fluttering butterflies, spindly spiders, and over 250 reusable stickers!Little entomologists will love learning all about their favourite insects and peeling the stickers from the back and sticking them all over the book. The stickers are easy to peel, perfect for little fingers!Explore the Insect World Ultimate Sticker Book: Bugs is the perfect way to engage your child with fun facts and interactive reading. Inside this fun, bug-themed activity book, you''ll find:- Over 250 reusable stickers that are easy to peel and stick to pages or other surfaces - Fun facts, puzzles and quizzes for kids to learn about creepy crawlies as they play - Gorgeous photos and illustrations that will captivate and engage children This colourful activity book keeps children engaged and learning about bugs as they play. Bright photos and stunning illustrations transport children into the world of insects. They''re challenged to find the right stickers to go with each insect and complete the picture, such as matching wings to butterflies and planting the flowers in the garden. Kids can also get creative and craft their own scenes out of different stickers, there''s no end to where their imagination can take them!Alongside the pictures are bite-sized descriptions and information that is easy to read and suitable for children 5 years and up. They will learn about the many types of insects, and what makes each of them unique. Discover how grasshoppers sing, why they have antennae, and how the giraffe beetle got its name. This sticker book inspires little ones to explore the outside world with activities such as follow the bee trail in the garden, and learn where bugs like to hide so they can look out for bugs in their own gardens. There''s also a sticker quiz at the end, so you and your pre-schooler can read and engage together.More from DK Books:If you and your child enjoyed the activities in the Ultimate Sticker Book Bugs, and want to play with some more stickers, there are lots of other creatures to learn about! Look out for Ultimate Sticker Book Animals and Ultimate Sticker Book Farm.

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Book SynopsisMy Family and Other Animals is the bewitching account of a rare and magical childhood on the island of Corfu by treasured British conservationist Gerald Durrell. Escaping the ills of the British climate, the Durrell family - acne-ridden Margo, gun-toting Leslie, bookworm Lawrence and budding naturalist Gerry, along with their long-suffering mother and Roger the dog - take off for the island of Corfu.But the Durrells find that, reluctantly, they must share their various villas with a menagerie of local fauna - among them scorpions, geckos, toads, bats and butterflies.Recounted with immense humour and charm My Family and Other Animals is a wonderful account of a rare, magical childhood.''Durrell has an uncanny knack of discovering human as well as animal eccentricities'' Sunday Telegraph''A bewitching book'' Sunday TimesTrade ReviewDurrell has an uncanny knack of discovering human as well as animal eccentricities * Sunday Telegraph *

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Book SynopsisThis practical pocket guide is packed with information on 200 species of fungi found in Britain and the near Continent.There''s an incredible variety that exists within the world of fungi, from the better-known groups such as the boletes and russulas, to more esoteric and often strangely shaped types like bracket fungi, clubs, corals, puffballs, stinkhorns and elfcups. Each species account in this guide contains accurate artworks that show details such as fungi shape and other aspects of appearance that change during their lives. A concise written account further outlines size, description, habitat and the season in which each fungus may be found. The easy-to-follow layouts and illustrations aid quick and precise identification, making this book an indispensable reference in the field as well as at home. It is compact enough to fit in the pocket, yet packed with essential information for nature enthusiasts.Table of ContentsIntroduction What Are Fungi? Identifying Fungi Conservation of Fungi Poisonous Fungi Mushrooms Boletes Milkcaps Russulas Amanitas Waxcaps Woodwaxes Honey Fungi Knights Funnels Deceivers Toughshanks Bonnets Tricholoma Allies Pinkgills Shields Rosegills Webcaps Rustgills Poison Pies Fibrecaps Fieldgaps Tufts & Woodtufts Scalycaps Roundheads Psilocybe Mottlegills Parasols Powdercaps Mushrooms Inkcaps Weeping Widow Oyster Oysterlings Cockleshells Spikes Chanterelles False Chanterelle Bracket Fungi Clubs & Corals Cauliflower Fungus Stinkhorns Earthstars Puffballs Earthballs Jelly Fungi Earthfans Toothed Fungi Jellydiscs Saddles Cups Morels Woodwarts Candlesnuffs Underground Fungi

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Book SynopsisWinner of the 2017 Wainwright Golden Beer Book Prize for nature writingThe natural history of the Western Front during the First World War'If it weren't for the birds, what a hell it would be.'During the Great War, soldiers lived inside the ground, closer to nature than many humans had lived for centuries. Animals provided comfort and interest to fill the blank hours in the trenches - bird-watching, for instance, was probably the single most popular hobby among officers. Soldiers went fishing in flooded shell holes, shot hares in no-man's land for the pot, and planted gardens in their trenches and billets. Nature was also sometimes a curse - rats, spiders and lice abounded, and disease could be biblical.But above all, nature healed, and, despite the bullets and blood, it inspired men to endure. Where Poppies Blow is the unique story of how nature gave the British soldiers of the Great War a reason to fight, and the will to go on.Trade Review'What makes Where Poppies Blow so freshly moving is the picture it paints of the reverence, love and kindness the natural world can engender, even in the most hellish conditions; as Philip Gosse of the Royal Army Medical Corps called it, "medicine for the mind and solace for the soul"' -- Melissa Harrison * Financial Times *'In Where Poppies Blow, the nature writer, historian and farmer presents us with a beautiful and meticulous account of soldiers' relationship with nature . . . This book, which recounts the lives of our frontline soldiers from the ground up, is a truly wondrous and original work with an appeal far beyond military history' -- Charlotte Heathcote * Daily Express Christmas Books *'Wonderful, beautifully written and often deeply moving' -- Lawrence James * The Times *'Makes an important contribution to the literature by studying the British soldiers' relationship with Nature . . . Moving, strangely life-affirming' -- Clive Aslet * Country Life *'Manages what might have seemed impossible: to find a new perspective on the Great War' -- Mark Smith * Glasgow Herald *'From traumatized, trench-bound British soldiers caught up in the carnage of the First World War, birdwatching and botany offered solace. So reveals John Lewis-Stempel in this riveting study drawing on verse, letters and field notes by men who served, from zoologist Dene Fry to poet Edward Thomas . . . A remarkable picture of a human bloodbath that took place amid phenomenally rich biodiversity' * Nature *'Deeply moving . . . I finished this book marvelling at nature's healing power' -- Jonathan Tulloch * The Tablet *'But natural history did not go into suspense while war was waged. Where Poppies Blow notes that many of the Edwardian boys who ended up on the Western Front still collected birds' eggs and butterflies' -- Simon Heffer * Daily Telegraph *'Memorable' * Spectator *'One of the best nature writers to have come along in many years, John Lewis-Stempel turns his attention here to the relationship between soldiers and nature on the Western Front during the First World War' -- John Preston * Daily Mail Christmas Books *'Nature writer and military historian John Lewis-Stempel has created a eulogy to the flora and fauna that helped men soldier on during the First World War . . . Where Poppies Blow is full of fascinating (sometimes heart-wrenching) information about the role of nature and animals in this brutal war' -- Rachel Stiles * BBC Countryfile *'This charming book reminds us that flora and fauna weren't suspended by the First World War' - 5 stars * The Daily Telegraph *Unmissable...John Lewis Stempel is both a working farmer and a prizewinnig author. In early July, i heard him speak on first world war soldiers and their love of flowers and animals. I went straight off and read his excellent book, Where Poppies Blow, and I defy you not to be moved by its chapters on flowers and dogs. -- Robin Lane Fox * FINANCIAL TIMES *Shows how important birdwatching was to officers in particular, and how this in turn fed back into post-war ornithology. It's an enthralling, and often moving, read, that sets the study and enjoyment of wildlife in a much wider context. * BIRD WATCHING *Ultimately, the depth and power of Where Poppies Blow is impossible to convey. It eludes review, but it begs to be read. -- John Andrews * CAUGHT BY THE RIVER *

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Book SynopsisA Times Bestseller Shortlisted for the Wainwright Prize for UK Nature Writing 2020 'Remarkable, and so profoundly enjoyable to read ... Its importance is huge, setting down a vital marker in the 21st century debate about how we use and abuse the land' - Joyce McMillan, Scotsman Desperate to connect with his native Galloway, Patrick Laurie plunges into work on his family farm in the hills of southwest Scotland. Investing in the oldest and most traditional breeds of Galloway cattle, the Riggit Galloway, he begins to discover how cows once shaped people, places and nature in this remote and half-hidden place. This traditional breed requires different methods of care from modern farming on an industrial, totally unnatural scale. As the cattle begin to dictate the pattern of his life, Patrick stumbles upon the passing of an ancient rural heritage. Always one of the most isolated and insular parts of the country, as the twentieth century progressed, the people of Galloway deserted the land and the moors have been transformed into commercial forest in the last thirty years. The people and the cattle have gone, and this withdrawal has shattered many centuries of tradition and custom. Much has been lost, and the new forests have driven the catastrophic decline of the much-loved curlew, a bird which features strongly in Galloway's consciousness. The links between people, cattle and wild birds become a central theme as Patrick begins to face the reality of life in a vanishing landscape.Trade Review'For as long as anyone can remember there have been Lauries farming in Galloway. Native is Patrick Laurie's account of returning home and trying to establish a farm on a 30 acre plot. This is a memoir born out of moments of wonder and pain ... It is not so much a lament for a lost way of being, but the loving story of trying to find it again' * The Times, Nature Books of the Year *'He’s a keen observer, of nature and of the general ebb and flow of the world, and he writes with a seemingly effortless lyricism about what he sees… A charming evocation of the harsh realities of farming in the modern world, and the difficulties of marrying food production and conservation' * Geographical Magazine *'Laurie has an authentic ability to balance the pains and joys of small farming. … [Native] works a remarkable balancing act/ the blackened fingernail, bruised by bustling cattle, presses down on a key as richly ambiguous as the curlew’s cry' -- Brian Morton * Times Literary Supplement *'[Laurie's] chapters apply a delightful honesty to the poignant struggle of everyday agriculture, but then occasionally take my breath with a lyrical passage... rapturous writing' -- Nick Offerman'Usually only the Highlands gets a look-in so the relative obscurity of the country that Laurie farms makes the book special... It is a painful book about presence and absence, and it’s worth reading for the quality of prose alone' -- Patrick Galbraith * The Times *'Laurie writes in beautiful detail about the landscape and animals surrounding him. The book represents an ongoing battle between progress and conservation in which the farming industry is integral. A thoughtful read about a man’s love of his homeland' * Scottish Field *'Remarkable, and so profoundly enjoyable to read ... Its importance is huge, setting down a vital marker in the 21st century debate about how we use and abuse the land' -- Joyce McMillan * Scotsman *'Brilliant and Beautiful... This is a book about a place you will probably have never visited: but you should read it nonetheless because what it says has a wider importance, about some of what we have got wrong in the way we respect nature and farming and what we might get right if we change our ways. it is also that most valuable of things, an escape to an open land where curlew still cry and the wind and rain cut in from the sea and city life feels a million miles away' -- Julian Glover * London Evening Standard *‘[A] beautifully written memoir, a mesmerising account of a year of back-breaking labour, personal despair and piercing moments of joy… unforced and utterly authentic.’ FIVE STAR REVIEW * Mail on Sunday *'A farmer with a poet’s eye is a rare thing indeed, and this is a rare breed of a book: an elegy to a vanishing landscape but one not without hope, and to be greatly treasured' * Daily Mail *'Galloway, past and present, is the bedrock of this book, a granite foundation on which Laurie is to build his future… an unflinching account of what it takes to turn into a farmer, bearing callouses, bruises and scars…. moving as well as inspirational. This Galloway farm might be just one stamp in an album, but if a butterfly wing can cause a hurricane, what about a rampaging bull?' -- Rosemary Goring * Herald *'Native is described as ‘a hymn of love to his native land’. It’s an apt description for a wonderful book... a poignant and thought-provoking read, I loved it' -- Matt Johnson * LoveReading *'I work at Forum Books in Corbridge and got a proof of this - it's the most incredible book I can recall reading - prose to compare with Macfarlane. Staggering, should win prizes' -- Bookseller * Forum Books *'I simply adore this book!' -- Polly Pullar'Patrick Laurie's neighbours looked on in amusement when he turned the clock back to follow his grandfather’s way of rearing cattle. But the old ways are paying off and he is now the proud owner of a thriving rare breed herd – and seen the return of threatened wildlife to his land' * Sunday Post *'Patrick Laurie is a wonderful writer. He has written a hymn of love to his native land' -- James Rebanks'In this tender, lyrical book, Patrick Laurie considers what it means to really belong to a place. Throughout, the mud, blood and sweat of the farm are brought vividly to life, and each sentence is charged with passion for its subject' -- Malachy Tallack'A young man sets out to work the land like his forefathers and brings Riggit Galloway cattle in to help him. Nature flourishes ... A good read, although Patrick Laurie may also be the type of farmer on the verge of extinction, along with the curlew' * Birdwatching Magazine *'Patrick Laurie returns to his native Galloway in southwest Scotland, with the sole ambition of farming and raising livestock like his family had before him. Haunted by nature’s declining fortunes, he hopes that by bringing back ‘the old ways’ – mixed farming instead of monocultures, slow-growing rare-breed cattle instead of modern European beef breeds, a sickle and a scythe instead of a combine harvester – he can also bring back the wildlife that once thrived on Galloway’s farmland' -- Geordie Torr * Geographical magazine, Best Books of 2020 Nature, Climate and Environment *'A love song to a way of life, the animals, the birds (particularly the birds) and the landscape' * Sorted Magazine *'With enchanting lyricism throughout, this book will hook you like the long beaks of the little waders themselves as they snaffle up their worms' -- Loretta Mulholland * Dundee Courier, Scottish Book of the Week *'A bittersweet portrait of a difficult and disappearing way of life…Rich with the sense of place and balanced between solastalgia and practicality' * ShinyNewBooks.co.uk *

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Book SynopsisDog-loving Scotsman Peter MacQueen is embarking on an extraordinary adventure, guided by some of the most iconic, spirited and lovable dogs to ever leave their pawprints on Scotlands history. From the sheep-covered hills of the Borders to the windswept and majestic Isle of Skye, Peter dives into the world of Scotlands most celebrated breeds with his new book Tails of Scotland: The Story of Scottish Dogs.For a small country, Scotland has a remarkable number of native breeds of dogs - each chapter is a journey of discovery, revealing the history, traits and distinct personalities of twelve distinct Scottish dogs. From the regal Scottish Deerhound, the gentle giant of the glens, to the mischievous West Highland Terrier stealing hearts (and socks!) across the country, Peter meets the people who adore them and uncovers what makes each breed a perfect fit for its place - and its people.Whether hes watching a Border Collie command its flock or exploring the inquisitive spirit and unique charm of a Dandie Dinmont, Peter unearths the traditions that make these dogs an integral part of Scotlands heritage.Packed with lively storytelling, stunning photography of dogs in Scotlands breathtaking landscapes, and practical tips for both current and future owners, Tails of Scotland is a heartfelt celebration of dogs and the folk who cant live without them.

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Book SynopsisAn entertaining and gorgeously illustrated portrait of a writer's life avec chats from the acclaimed author of The Elegance of the Hedgehog.Like so many writers, Muriel Barbery is a lover of cats. Grey-furred and amber-eyed, Barbery's four Chartreux cats keep her company as she works from her house in the French countryside, entertaining her with their quirks and foibles.But that's not all. For Kirin, Ocha, Mizu and Petrus are no ordinary felines. These intelligent creatures have taken it upon themselves to guide their owner's writing - flicking aside sections of her manuscript with a disdainful tail, pointing an approving paw at others. And it's time these mischievous literary consultants get the recognition they deserve.With delicious wit and irony, and delightful illustrations by Maria Guitart, the beloved author of The Elegance of the Hedgehog gives an insight into her writing life - and the paws behind the pen.

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Book Synopsis'Striking' THE TIMES'Uplifting and moving' BBC RADIO 2'A meditation on connection between humans and animals, and the homes we make in wild places. I was completely immersed' KATHERINE MAYCatherine Munro transforms her life when she moves to Shetland to study the hardy ponies who call this archipelago home. Over the course of her first year, she is welcomed into the rhythms and routines that characterise life at the edge of the world.When faced with personal loss, Catherine finds comfort and connection in the shared lives of the people, animals and wild landscapes of Shetland. Ponies at the Edge of the World is a heartfelt love letter to the beauty and resilience of these magical ponies and their native land. This is a stunning book on community, hope and finding home.Trade Review'Uplifting and moving' * BBC Radio 2 *'Striking' -- The Times'A meditation on connection between humans and animals, and the homes we make in wild places. I was completely immersed in this remote landscape' -- Katherine May, bestselling author of WINTERING'The Shetland isles and Shetland ponies, the double-down dream, woven with admiration, the narrator's craft, and some healthy, clear-eyed insight. I damn loved it' -- John Lewis-Stempel, bestselling author of MEADOWLAND'Poetic and generous' * Times Literary Supplement *

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Book SynopsisA glimpse into the secret lives of over 50 garden birds, with beautiful illustrations and intriguing factsDid you know that woodpeckers are capable of learning simple codes? Hooded crows can form connections with humans? A jay's call affects the behaviour of surrounding squirrels?All these fascinating bird activities and more are revealed in The Hidden Life of Garden Birds. Unusual feeding behaviour is just the tip of the iceberg. From territorial conflict and strange relationships with man, to breeding and nesting oddities, this book exposes all the drama behind garden birds' everyday survival - making it the perfect gift for birdwatchers.The Hidden Life of Garden Birds will enlighten you to the secret going-ons of the common creatures you can spot from the comfort of your back doorstep.

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Book SynopsisAn informative, entertaining and educational guide to the British ducks, geese and swans, covering 34 species of birds. It has been designed to enthuse and encourage young readers but is equally appealing to anyone with a new interest in birds, especially waterfowl.Trade ReviewThe main aim of 'Those with Webbed Feet' is to introduce waterfowl to youngsters in their teens. It is bright and cheerful and easily competes with digital media, as a delightful thing to have in the hand. I can see this becoming a firm favourite to bring generations together over a shared interest. Along with essential information to understand and identify each species, the book's characterful and animated style is complemented by lots of Fun Facts, quiz questions and hand-drawn illustrations... We concur. It is a cracker and we look forward to more from Edward Giles. --British Waterfowl Association; This is a delightful book aimed principally at younger readers who have an interest in either watching or keeping waterfowl... Those With Webbed Feet is a good starting point for those with little or no prior knowledge of waterfowl either in the wild or in domestic collections. The material provided is informative and relevant throughout and offers the reader a good basic understanding of the habits and habitats of waterfowl to be found in the UK. - Dr Alan Woollhead, The Biologist --Dr Alan Woolhead, The Biologist; This really quirky book ... is a fact-filled treasure trove which asks to be dipped into or read cover to cover. I really like the style of the book with short notes about distribution, behaviour, habitat, voice, breeding and key facts for the main species. The notes are presented in a user-friendly way that should appeal to all ages. Edward's illustrations are gems in themselves. --Dr Nick Carter, Former Director of Development at BTOTable of ContentsAcknowledgements, Foreword, Introduction, The Ups and Downs, 10 Fun Facts, The Swans, The Geese, The Ducks, Other visitors, Not one of These?, Charities, Glossary of 'Fowl Terms', Places to visit, WWT Conservation Work, Wetlands of the World, Keeping your own Waterfowl, Marvels of Migration, Index of English Names, Index of Latin Names.

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis‘A magisterial diary for bird lovers.’ Observer WINNER – BOOK OF THE YEAR - East Anglian Book Awards 2023 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Telegraph As seen on BBC Winterwatch 2023 ‘Honest, human and heart-grabbing. I loved this book so much.’ Sophie Pavelle, author of Forget Me Not ‘Delightful’ Stephen Moss, author of Ten Birds that Changed the World ‘Fascinating and thought-provoking’ Jake Fiennes, author of Land Healer ‘Awe-filled and absorbing’ Nicola Chester, author of On Gallows Down The Meaning of Geese is a book of thrilling encounters with wildlife, of tired legs, punctured tyres and inhospitable weather. Above all, it is the story of Nick Acheson’s love for the land in which he was born and raised, and for the wild geese that fill it with sound and spectacle every winter. Renowned naturalist and conservationist Nick Acheson spent countless hours observing and researching wild geese, transported through all weathers by his mother’s 40-year-old trusty red bicycle. He meticulously details the geese’s arrival, observing what they mean to his beloved Norfolk and the role they play in local people’s lives – and what role the birds could play in our changing world. During a time when many people faced the prospect of little work or human contact, Nick followed the pinkfeet and brent geese that filled the Norfolk skies and landscape as they flew in from Iceland and Siberia. In their flocks, Nick encountered rarer geese, including Russian white-fronts, barnacle geese and an extremely unusual grey-bellied brant, a bird he had dreamt of seeing since thumbing his mother’s copy of Peter Scott’s field guide as a child. To honour the geese’s great athletic migrations, Nick kept a diary of his sightings as well as the stories he discovered through the community of people, past and present, who loved them, too. Over seven months Nick cycles over 1,200 miles – the exact length of the pinkfeet’s migration to Iceland.Trade Review‘[B]eautiful in its detail of the pink-foot, brent and snow geese… The Meaning of Geese is mournful and magisterial.’ Observer‘Goose-nerd Nick Acheson opens his wildlife diary to us, sharing the highs and lows of a unique winter spent in nature’s embrace on the windswept North Norfolk coast. The Meaning of Geese is an intimate study of the intriguing lives of these under-appreciated birds, as well as a window into the inner workings of a naturalist’s obsession.’ Lee Schofield, author of Wild Fell‘Combining old-school charm with 2020s urgency, Nick’s book, like its subject, is simultaneously earthing and elevating, evoking the bittersweet ache of belonging to a place that is changing but still and always home. The writing is measured, erudite, unfailingly generous but with an underlying emotional vibrancy that cuts through like an icy wind or the sudden dazzle of winter sun.’ Amy-Jane Beer, author of The Flow‘A fascinating and thought-provoking record of an individual and his passion for geese, among other birds. Beautifully descriptive but also detailed in the history of winged visitors to the North Norfolk coast, Nick communicates pure passion and unconditional love for a landscape that is his home. A book about geese, people, their observations and a landscape steeped in natural history.’ Jake Fiennes, author of Land Healer‘What Nick has achieved with The Meaning of Geese is not just a timely, poignant meditation on his relationship with these birds and his home, but through powerful, lyrical prose, he seems to happen upon unlocking the meaning of life itself: a passionate, purposeful existence which is entirely bound to and entwined with the natural world. Relaxing yet rousing. Honest, human and heart-grabbing. I loved this book so much.’ Sophie Pavelle, author of Forget Me Not‘This book is an absolute treasure. Nick’s attention to detail is astonishing, but he also writes with humour, humility and grace, seamlessly blending a lifetime of knowledge, insight and passion – not only for his beloved geese but for the entire natural world. I will never again look at geese without pondering their “meaning”.’ Brigit Strawbridge Howard, author of Dancing with Bees ‘The Meaning of Geese shows us it is possible and necessary to know ourselves and our wild world through a deep intimacy with just one place under the sky – and the simple reach of a mother’s happy red-darter-coloured bicycle. In an awe-filled and absorbing portrait, wild geese bring the world and its mysteries to us and our shared landscape. The warmth, humility, friendship and deep knowledge that exude from this book are infectious and necessary. It is a lyrical love letter to North Norfolk, its skies, people and the gleaming, binding, gossamer threads its geese trail across the globe and back. The Meaning of Geese shows us how we too can be explorers and pioneers of a deeper knowledge, from the seat of an old red bicycle.’ Nicola Chester, author of On Gallows Down‘A delightful account of a low-tech (and low-carbon) quest to follow, watch and understand one of Britain’s greatest bird spectacles: the huge flocks of pink-footed geese that visit our shores from the far north each autumn and winter.’ Stephen Moss, author of Ten Birds that Changed the World‘Nick Acheson lives his life as he writes his books – full of clarity and passion. Only a man hefted so deeply to a landscape could bring the detail of wildlife to the page in such brightness. So much so that you feel you are riding on his handlebars as he toils up Norfolk’s hills on his old bike in search of his beloved geese or shivering at his side as an easterly wind buffets the flocks that fuss and shout all around. Migrant geese bring with them the spectacle of the sunlit months of northern reaches, places like Iceland, Siberia, even Canada. As the days shorten, they are guided by the stars to whiffle and glide onto the mud of the North Norfolk coast, bringing in their wake a yearning evoked by meeting travellers who have seen what we never will. But for Nick, the geese are far more than natural wonders, they are the embodiment of a rich human history, the stuff of folktales, the creatures that bind nature-loving friends together, a consolation in the dark months, and they are feathered portents of a changing planet. The Meaning of Geese is exactly the right title. The details of Norfolk’s wildlife, large and small, fall out of the page. As I read this book while winter nudges away the last warm days of the year, I am fired by a love for a world that still has geese sailing through the night to land amongst us and am grateful to those who wait for them to arrive and watch them with wonder.’ Mary Colwell, author of Curlew Moon‘In The Meaning of Geese, Nick invites you into the realm of gaggles, honks and cackles. His gentle, warm love for all things goose shines from every page. In winter walks gone by, I might have overlooked a field full of these feathered beings, but Nick’s ability to shine a spotlight of adoration, wonder and curiosity onto something right under your nose is quite wonderful. Growing up in Lancashire, a sky brimming with honking pink-footed geese is a visceral childhood memory, and I feel like Nick’s goose winter has reconnected me with those feelings of awe and joy.’ Lucy Hodson, BBC Springwatch, naturalist and wildlife communicator'Poetic, wry, beautifully observed and possessing a wonderful sense of place, this is note-perfect nature writing.' Patrick Barkham, author of The Butterfly Isles ‘A poignant and intimate study of the lives of geese.’ BirdGuides

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Book SynopsisEvery Dog: A Book of Over 450 Breeds packs in a lot of information. Illustrations, text, charts, tables and icons make it an ideal reference for dog lovers, who will enjoy flipping through the pages. The breeds are thoroughly researched and represent canines from around the world. There are ancient breeds and modern breeds, including the 'designer dogs' that have become so popular in recent years. They range from rare breeds for the dog lover that wants something different, to the favourite breeds that make for a reliable choice. The breeds are organized into various categories, such as type (which share loosely common ancestry and traits), purpose, and more. For example, Spitz-Type Dogs typically have thick and dense fur, pointed ears and muzzles, and puffy tails that curl up and over their rears. They descend from ancient breeds that came from Arctic regions, although today's spitz dogs were developed all over the world. Spitz dogs include the Akita, Canaan, American Eskimo, and the Pomeranian. Each breed is described on one page and features these details: * English and any alternative names, place of origin and year of first known introduction; * Icons and keys indicating all available coat colours; exercise requirements; graph indicating average weight, height and life expectancies; * At a Glance chart rating Intelligence; Ease of training; Affection; Playfulness; Good guard dogs; Good with children; Good with other dogs; and Grooming required; * Descriptive text and a brief history of the breed; * Two colour photographs, of one adult and one puppy. Every Dog: A Book of Over 450 Breeds is a fabulous reference. In addition to the hundreds of breeds of all type, origin and purpose, the book includes the many designer breeds developed over the last couple of decades, making it undoubtedly the most up to date and detailed breed book currently available.

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Book SynopsisMatch the dogs and puppies of 25 breeds from around the world in this beautifully illustrated memory game. To play, simply place the cards face down and see if you can remember where the dog and its puppy are located. Collect more pairs than your opponent to win! With all kinds of breeds included – from Siberian Huskies to Pugs and Dachshunds to Dalmatians – this fun and educational game will appeal to dog lovers everywhere.Trade Review"Match 25 breeds of dogs and puppies in this beautifully illustrated memory game" -- Woman's Weekly

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Book SynopsisThe perfect hilarious and heartwarming gift for the festive season!When the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards announced a contest for the funniest animal photo, they received entries from all over the world. Now authors and the original Award founders Paul Joynson-Hicks and Tom Sullam showcase the best of the best - as well as some never before seen - to present the most joyful photographs of wildlife ever printed. A pelican losing its lunch; a three-headed giraffe; a meerkat having a rough day... this is the must-have book that is perfect for animal lovers of all stripes!

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Book SynopsisAt first, I didn’t find fog – fog found me.   Liminal, transformative and increasingly elusive – far from a simple cloud of water droplets, fog is a state of mind. As mist drifted through a copse of trees, turning a familiar place strange and otherworldly, Laura Pashby snapped a photograph and an obsession began.   Pashby hunts for fog, walks and swims in it, explores its often pivotal role in literature, mythology and history, as well as its environmental significance. There has been a 50 per cent drop in 'fog events' in the past fifty years, fog is drifting away without us noticing and the ecological impact could be calamitous. As she journeys to the foggiest places she can find, Pashby immerses herself in Dartmoor’s dangerous fog, searches for the Scottish haar, experiences Venice’s magical mist, tell us the myths behind the River Severn’s fog and the shipwrecks it hides.  

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Book SynopsisSee the animal kingdom in all its glory, from jellyfish to polar bears, with up-close details of their unique features from head to toe. Filled with magnificent photographs that were specially commissioned for this book and cannot be seen anywhere else. Written in association with the Natural History Museum.This visual reference book starts with the question what is an animal? and takes you through the animal kingdom - mammals, reptiles, birds, and sea creatures. It uses a unique head to toe approach that showcases in spectacular detail special features such as the flight feathers of a parrot, the antenna of a moth, or the tentacles of coral.This visual encyclopedia is filled with clear and fascinating information on everything about the social lives of animals. Read exciting stories, like how animals communicate, defend their territories, and attract mates.Learn how evolution has helped wildlife to adapt to their unique environments, whether

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