Natural History Books

Book SynopsisFirst we had dogs underwater, then dogs shaking off water... and now dogs soaking up the exhilarating no-holds-barred pleasure of a ride in a car. Photographer Lara Jo Regan began her pet project as a calendar but the response was overwhelming and absolute: her photographs of the cruising canines, taken from incredible perspectives, with tongues hanging and ears flapping, became a global Internet sensation. The energy of the photographs is impressive and visceral. In order to get these shots, Regan built a special light, which jutted out over the roof of the car, a harness that allowed her to lean out of the window and various other contraptions to make the images come to life. Dogs In Cars will have the reader laughing out loud.Trade Review"The energy of the photographs is impressive and visceral...Dogs In Cars will have the reader laughing out loud." -- K9 Magazine"Beautifully illustrated book that will be enjoyed by adults and children alike." -- The People

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Book Synopsis'As a child, I just knew which plant to pick up and hold to my head for a headache to go away. Once I heard about the concept of a 'doctrine of signatures', I would just stand silently, in awe of nature talking to me, talking and talking in her silent, direct speech. The book of nature seemed so obviously spelled out, and in oddest contrast to what I learned in medical school. My professors seemed never to have heard of nature being vibrant and alive and brimming with patterns of energy that are right there for us to understand and use... This direct and primordial experience of being part of nature's omnipresent, cyclic course taught me more in the realm of no-words than any university ever could have.' -- Julia GravesDuring the Middle Ages, communicating with nature was called the 'doctrine of signatures', and it was an important part of the work of traditional healers and herbalists.The Language of Plants covers all aspects of the doctrine of signatures in an easily accessible format, so that everyone, whether nature lovers or healers, can learn to read the language of plants in connection with healing.

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Book SynopsisThis extraordinary, poetic portrait of two peregrine falcons is one of the most beloved works of nature writing ever published.From fall to spring, J.A. Baker set out to track the daily comings and goings of a pair of peregrine falcons across the flat fen lands of eastern England. He followed the birds obsessively, observing them in the air and on the ground, in pursuit of their prey, making a kill, eating, and at rest, activities he describes with an extraordinary fusion of precision and poetry. And as he continued his mysterious private quest, his sense of human self slowly dissolved, to be replaced with the alien and implacable consciousness of a hawk. It is this extraordinary metamorphosis, magical and terrifying, that these beautifully written pages record.

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Book SynopsisHeartwarming and profound, this account of one writer’s relationship with his beloved German Shepherd is “one of the bonafide dog-lit classics” (New Yorker)The distinguished British man of letters J. R. Ackerley hardly thought of himself as a dog lover when, well into middle age, he came into possession of a German Shepherd. To his surprise, she turned out to be the love of his life, the “ideal friend” he had been searching for in vain for years. My Dog Tulip is a bittersweet retrospective account of their sixteen-year companionship, as well as a profound and subtle meditation on the strangeness that lies at the heart of all relationships.In vivid and sometimes startling detail, Ackerley tells of Tulip’s often erratic behavior and very canine tastes, and of his own fumbling but determined efforts to ensure for her an existence of perfect happiness.My Dog Tulip was adapted for the screen as a major animated feature film with a cast that includes the voices of Christopher Plummer, Lynn Redgrave, and Isabella Rossellini. Heralded as “a stroke of genius" by New York Magazine and “the love story of the year” by Vanity Fair, it is a masterpiece of animal literature that is sure to touch the hearts of anyone who has found companionship with their own four-legged friend.

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Book SynopsisWith a new Preface by the authorWhen disasters strike, people are not the only victims. Hurricane Katrina raised public attention about how disasters affect dogs, cats, and other animals considered members of the human family. In this short but powerful book, now available in paperback, noted sociologist Leslie Irvine goes beyond Katrina to examine how oil spills, fires, and other calamities affect various animal populations—on factory farms, in research facilities, and in the wild.In a new preface, Irvine surveys the state of animal welfare in disasters since the first edition. Filling the Ark argues that humans cause most of the risks faced by animals and urges for better decisions about the treatment of animals in disasters. Furthermore, it makes a broad appeal for the ethical necessity of better planning to keep animals out of jeopardy. Irvine not only offers policy recommendations and practical advice for evacuating animals, she also makes a strong case for rethinking our use of animals, suggesting ways to create more secure conditions. Trade Review“Filling the Ark is a fascinating combination of scholarship, public policy, and animal advocacy. Leslie Irvine examines the plight of animals in the face of man-made and natural disasters in light of larger issues associated with our society's ambivalence about the moral status of other species The writing is excellent and the author's first hand experiences rescuing companion animals during Hurricane Katrina are compelling."—Harold Herzog, Department of Psychology, Western Carolina University“As Irvine argues, we have a responsibility to minimize the vulnerability of animals within our care and those that can be affected by our actions....Aimed at general readers and those interested in animal-human interaction, this book serves as a reminder that disasters put more than human life at stake.”—Contemporary Sociology“Rather than merely planning for the future of what to do when a nightmare unfolds, [Irvine] encourages us to make animals less vulnerable here and now.... This is a book that should be read by many throughout fields as diverse as veterinary medicine, social science and public policy.”—AnthrozoosTable of ContentsAcknowledgments Introduction 1. Companion Animals 2. Animals on Factory Farms 3. Birds and Marine Wildlife 4. Animals in Research Facilities Conclusion: Noah’s Task Notes Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisSee the world in a whole new way! Acclaimed illustrator Julia Rothman combines art and science in this exciting and educational guide to the structure, function, and personality of the natural world. Explore the anatomy of a jellyfish, the inside of a volcano, monarch butterfly migration, how sunsets work, and much more. Rothman's whimsical illustrations are paired with interactive activities that encourage curiosity and inspire you to look more closely at the world all around you.Nature Anatomy is the second book in Rothman's Anatomy series - you'll love Nature Anatomy Notebook, Ocean Anatomy, Food Anatomy, and Farm Anatomy, too!

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Book SynopsisWhether you’re welcoming a new puppy into your family or want to help your best friend overcome fears or problem behaviors, internationally renowned dog trainer and best-selling author Kyra Sundance presents your essential reference for positive dog training. Using a visually driven, playful presentation, Dog Training 101 offers step-by-step instructions to train your pup to be a happy, attentive, and well-mannered canine. You will use positive training methods—including humane counterconditioning and positive redirection—to build a joyful relationship with your dog, who will become a willing partner in the process. Teach your dog basic commands, such as: Sit Down Stay Come Drop it Leave it Learn real-world tactics for managing common household problems, such as: Leash pulling Jumping on visitors Begging at the table Getting into the trash can Growling Peeing (submissive, excited, and marking) Kyra will also help you teach your pup to overcome common fears, among them: Loud sounds Being left alone Certain people Vacuum cleaner The bathtub This comprehensive guide also includes step-by-step advice for bringing a new dog into your household: preparing for a new dog’s arrival, tips for a smooth transition into the household, introducing him or her to your family, and acclimating your dog to his or her new world.Fun games you can play with your dog offer both opportunities for bonding and a chance to practice rules and boundaries within a defined structure. A “Good to Know” chapter offers an array of useful information, including the Heimlich maneuver for dogs, a list of weird things dogs do that are perfectly normal, and a list of common poisons. Bond with your dog as you strive toward common goals with Dog Training 101.Also by Kyra Sundance, learn to do even more with your dog with: 101 Dog Tricks; The Dog Tricks and Training Workbook; 51 Puppy Tricks; 10-Minute Dog Training Games; 101 Dog Tricks, Kids Edition; The Pocket Guide to Dog Tricks; Kyra’s Canine Conditioning; and The Joy of Dog Training.Trade ReviewSTARRED REVIEW "New and experienced dog owners will find terrific tools to ensure success in behavior and training. Perfect for new dog 'parents.'" -- Library Journal * Library Journal *"From specific issues to general good manners, the author breaks each task into three steps: before you start, troubleshooting, and tip. Then she gets right down to business with written instructions and accompanying photos that show what she’s talking about. Lots of good stuff, including doggie behaviors that seem weird but are actually quite natural." * BayWoof.com *

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Book SynopsisFlower fans and nature enthusiasts will fall in love with this charming art book from Instagram sensation Flora Forager featuring the best of her unique floral compositions created with botanical materials. Flora Forager creates images out of flower petals, leaves, stones, twigs, and other natural materials that she finds in her garden and in urban wild areas in her neighbourhood. This intimate, lovely book collects her best pieces, including 20% new, exclusive art, along with a peek into her unique creative process. Featured pieces include scenes, mandalas, animals, birds, fish, insects, mythical creatures, iconic women, old masters, and more. Each artwork is accompanied by explanatory text on a facing page including piece name, materials used, and a short, evocative description of the artist's process and inspiration.Trade Review“It’s always a treat to see how her imagination and artist’s eye will render bits of floral material that most of us wouldn’t give a second glance into true works of art.”—Flower Magazine “Collins' book is open ended but decorated with whimsical images of flora and fauna.”—Seattle's Child “Bridget Beth Collins uses flower petals that she finds in her neighborhood, her garden, and the forest to make art.”—The Stranger "Flower fans and nature enthusiasts will fall in love with this charming art book from Instagram sensation Flora Forager.”—Seattle Refined"The Art of Flora Forager is endlessly cool and filled with everything from peacocks to foraged versions of art masters like Van Gogh’s Starry Night."—Zavvi Rodaine"This interest in softly modeled three-dimensional collages is really revealing to me, because I think it helps to explain why Flora Forager’s representational collages are so delightful and impactful: the three-dimensional forms and fresh flowers create a sense of plausibility and give a lively presence to something that might not actually exist in reality."—Alberti's Window"Flower fans and nature enthusiasts will fall in love with this charming art book from Instagram sensation Flora Forager, featuring the best of her unique botanical composition."—Shelf Awareness"Seattle artist Bridget Beth Collins’ petite book features her fantastical flower arrangements practically jumping off the page."—Seattle Times

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Book SynopsisClicker train your cat in just 15 minutes a day with this easy-to-use guide Clicker training uses positive reinforcement to teach your cat new skills, encourage good behavior, and correct undesirable behavior. How to Clicker Train Your Cat makes cat training easy with short, targeted lessons that teach everything from basic commands to fun tricks. Just communicate the desired behavior, click, and give your cat a treatit''s that simple! This guide to cat training includes: A progressive approachStart small with essential commands and practical skills that serve as a foundation for additional training, solving behavioral problems, and bonding through play. Step-by-step instructionsFind clear directions that break down each cat training lesson into small steps so both you and your cat feel confident and comfortable. Cat communication basicsLearn what your cat is telling you through their body language, facial expressions, and vocalizations, and how their unique traits require training them differently than other animals. Build a stronger connection and improve your cat''s behavior with this positive approach to cat training.

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Book SynopsisA new edition of a classic on a beloved turtle species. She's the mascot for the University of Maryland's sports teams and her ancestors were nearly driven to extinction by Victorians who indulged in turtle soup. But as she buries herself in the mud every night to sleep, the diamondback terrapin knows none of this. The size of a dinner plate and named for the beautiful concentric rings on her shell, she can live at least forty years and is the only turtle in North America who can live in brackish and salty waters. Several diamondback populations have been the subjects of ecological studies in recent years, but most of that information was buried in scientific literature and various state and federal reports-until this book. Synthesizing all known research on this remarkable animal, Diamonds in the Marsh is the first full-scale natural history of the diamondback terrapin. Focusing on the northern diamondback, Barbara Brennessel examines its evolution, physiology, adaptations, behavior, growth patterns, life span, genetic diversity, land use, reproduction, and early years. She also discusses its relationship to humans, first as an important food source from colonial times through the nineteenth century, and more recently as a cultural icon, frequently depicted in Native American art and design. She concludes with a look at contemporary hazards to the terrapin and urges continued study of this marvelous creature. Updated with a new introduction by Brennessel, and with a foreword by Bob Prescott, former executive director of Massachusett's Audubon Wellfleet Bay Sanctuary, Diamonds of the Marsh is perfect for those interested in the conservation of a species.Trade Review“Environmentalists, ecologists, and marine biologists will delight in this meticulously detailed but highly readable look at the only North American turtle species that can tolerate the ‘fresh water, salt water, and everything in between.’” * Publishers Weekly *"A serious treatment of the natural history of one of the most beloved creatures of the Eastern Seaboard. . . well illustrated with photographs." * Natural New England Magazine *"A comprehensive natural history such as Diamonds in the Marsh is an invaluable tool in the study and conservation of a species, and can provide a solid foundation for future research, conservation, and management decisions. Brennessel effectively pulls together the bulk of literature on the diamondback and communicates it to the reader in a generally clear, uncluttered fashion so as to make it not only a resource for researchers, but also an interesting read for reptile aficionados." * Herpetological Review *Table of ContentsPreface Acknowledgments Chapter 1. A Decidedly Unique Creature Chapter 2. A Coast-Hugging Turtle Chapter 3. Reproduction: Insurance for Species Survival Chapter 4. The Lost Years Chapter 5. A Clear and Present Danger for the Most Celebrated of American Reptiles Chapter 6. Learning from the Past; Peering into the Future Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisEvery Sunday for almost a century John Cann's family ran the famous snake show in a pit at La Perouse in Sydney - an area once alive with tiger, brown and black snakes. After growing up with over 300 'pet' snakes in their backyard, John and his brother George took over the snake show from their parents in 1965. By the time John retired in 2010, he'd survived five venomous snake bites.Many of those familiar with John and his shows wouldn't know that he was also an Olympic athlete, a top state rugby league player who played alongside some of the legends of the game, a state champion boxer, an adventurer and a world authority on turtles.The Last Snake Man chronicles John's extraordinary life and times. From wrangling snakes to chasing turtles, from remote country towns to the impenetrable jungles of New Guinea, this is the story of an amazing Australian and his never-ending search for fascinating animals and adventure.Table of ContentsPreface 1. The Snake Man of La Perouse 2. Cleopatra, Queen of the Snakes 3. War baby 4. Underwater football 5. Born to run 6. The Games 7. Race relations 8. Roughing it 9. 'This one's dead . . .' 10. Work 11. Snaking 12. Snakebites 13. 'He got me!' 14. Showtime 15. Turtles 16. Collecting in Irian Barat 17. A cruel end 18. Back to work 19. Turtle wars 20. My brother George 21. My family 22. Martin Lauer 23. Reptiles and reprobates 24. No fortune, no fame 25. Survivor Appendix Australia's great snakeys Appendix John's turtles Acknowledgements Index

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Book SynopsisOne spring, many years ago, Esther Woolfson's daughter rescued a fledgling rook. That rook, named Chicken, quickly established herself as part of the family, and other birds, including an irascible cockatiel and a depressive parrot, soon followed. But it was the corvids - members of the crow family - who amazed Woolfson with their personality and their capacity for affection. This classic blend of memoir and natural history combines the author's fascination with all things avian, from the mechanics of flight to the science of birdsong, with her funny, tender stories of life among the birds.

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Book SynopsisAs a breed, Dobermanns have acquired an unjustified reputation as 'devil dogs' due to their courage, loyalty, intelligence and physical strength. This book aims to dispel the myths surrounding this magnificent dog, and shows how Dobermanns can be loving and gentle family pets, as well as their more traditional role as guard dogs. Dobermanns - a practical guide for owners and breeders traces the development of the breed from its early beginnings in the nineteenth century through to the present day, and offers the reader advice on every aspect of rearing and caring for these beautiful dogs.

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Book SynopsisThe sixth instalment of the popular Birder Murder series A trail of a murder leads Domenic Jejeune across a vast continent… Newly estranged from his girlfriend, Lindy Hey, Inspector Domenic Jejeune returns to Southern Ontario, where he receives news that his brother, Damian, has gone missing in Wood Buffalo National Park while conducting research on Whooping Cranes. Domenic immediately heads out to try to find him. Back in the U.K., Jejeune's plan to protect Lindy has failed, and she has been kidnapped by his old foe, Ray Hayes. Jejeune's trusty sergeant, Danny Maik, tracks down Lindy, but there is far more to the situation than he anticipated. With Lindy in imminent danger, Maik is forced into a desperate rescue attempt. Will either of them survive? And if so, can they find their way back to each other?Trade Review'Irresistible...a marvelous series of books.' * 10,000 Birds blog *'Burrows has the ability to make the North Norfolk coast come alive in a way that few other authors have managed.' * The Bookbag *Praise for the Birder Murder Mysteries: 'A murder plot built around birdwatching doesn’t, at first, seem plausible or even possible. But Burrows pulls it off... Riveting from first page to final line.' Globe and Mail 'A suspenseful and well-crafted mystery perfect for the beach.’ Morning Star 'A neatly-constructed and well-told police procedural. If you like north Norfolk you'll feel as though you're there. If you like birds you'll feel as though you're in heaven.' The Bookbag 'Skillfully written, full of moral ambiguities and artful puzzles, with a spine-tingling final sentence.' Kirkus starred review

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Book SynopsisDive into this book of hilarious and relatable memes as told by the internet's favourite animal: cats!For life's every up and down, there's a meme to capture the feeling - and with their sassy personalities, their endless curiosity and their distinct capacity for being that little bit odd, who better to live these moments with us than our cuddly feline friends?You might not realize it, but some of the everyday moments in our lives are actually universal - and these cats are here to tell it like it is.Have you ever experienced:- The awkward moment someone says "Just smile naturally" and you forget what natural is?- The moment you accidentally open the front-facing camera and you're confronted with your many chins?- The flash of terror when you're home alone and you hear an odd noise?- The satisfaction of walking in time to your music?- The crushing awkwardness of saying "you too" when a waiter tells you to enjoy your meal?If you answered "yes" to any of the above, then this book is for you! Look no further and dive into this collection, which contains the most hilarious and relatable memes about life, told through the expressive brilliance of cats.

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Book SynopsisThis is a book about the universe which begins with swimming salmon and ends with the starry sky. From the tiniest Earth dwellers to far-flung celestial bodies - considering everything from the similarity of gods to donkeys, to exploding stars and exploding sea cucumbers - Amy Leach rekindles our communion with the world. This stunning debut will leave you with a deeper understanding of the universe and a greater sense of the magic that surrounds us.Trade ReviewThis book is a thing of wonder. Amy Leach has found delight in the details of the world, and taken exuberant pleasure in putting that delight into the most unexpected words. Each paragraph carries phrases to underline and read aloud; each page offers another way of seeing the world anew. A sheer delight -- Jon McGregorNo amount of viewings of Planet Earth will prepare you for Leach's vision or her style, her tumultuous, incantatory rejoicing in the astonishing multiplicity of the Earth... Buy this book for everyone you know -- Olivia Laing * * Observer * *Like a descendant of Lewis Carroll and Emily Dickinson, Amy Leach brings new meaning to the world without us, and within. A reader entering this book to learn more about the universe will exit knowing much more about her own self. At once large and intimate, [Things That Are] introduces one of the most exciting and original writers in America -- Yiyun Li, author of Gold Boy, Emerald Girl and The VagrantsThings That Are is a joy. Every sentence is a surprise, bursting open like little pop-rocks -- Brian EnoThe 26 pieces here are short, pithy, and packed with information delivered in poetic but precise language. It is rich fare. Don't read too much in one sitting. These are the gold flakes you scatter on the rice dish of your everyday reading -- Julian Gough * * Guardian * *It's impossible not to be charmed by the way she finds the magical in the prosaic - but never loses sight of the science * * Metro * *Leach teases the written word like an elastic band, stretching time and belief and meaning... it's impossible to feel indifferent to her hymn-like prose that is reminiscent of a young Jeanette Winterson... you can't help but feel you've plunged down the rabbit hole with her in this unique book * * Stylist * *This slim book from the American essayist Amy Leach is a rarity * * Financial Times * *[Leach] conjur[es] onomatopoeia . . . in the contagious kind of way that should renew anyone's love of language . . . Leach manages to assert that desire is what makes all living things both alive and in peril -- JON McGREGOR * * Guardian * *Leach's prose tumbles and cascades, sweeping the reader along * * We Love This Book * *

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Book Synopsis'Breathtakingly beautiful' i'Tender and wholehearted' Helen JukesLONGLISTED FOR THE WAINWRIGHT PRIZEA BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR IN THE INDEPENDENT, FINANCIAL TIMES, I and GARDENS ILLUSTRATEDWhen she suddenly finds herself uprooted, heartbroken, grieving and living out of a suitcase in her late twenties, Alice Vincent begins planting seeds. She nurtures pot plants and vines on windowsills and draining boards, filling her many temporary London homes with green. As the months pass, and with each unfurling petal and budding leaf, she begins to come back to life.Mixing memoir, botanical history and biography, Rootbound examines how bringing a little bit of the outside in can help us find our feet in a world spinning far too fast.Trade ReviewBreathtakingly beautiful writing about the natural world . . . Vincent's championing of female gardeners from eras past is both cheering and fascinating . . . Rootbound is a story of growth * * i * *This memoir has the potential to be the millennials' answer to Eat Pray Love * * Daily Telegraph * *Rootbound is a poignant testimony to the joy that greenery will bring to your life, and it is a magical reminder that humans, like plants, can mend and grow in their own good time * * Independent * *Reading this book is like breathing fresh spring air. Rootbound is achingly honest and earthily good, a beautiful hymn to wild hope, strength and tenderness, in nature and in ourselves. I loved it -- CHARLOTTE RUNCIE author of SALT ON YOUR TONGUEA book about heartbreak, salvation, nature and balcony gardens . . . Alice Vincent mixes memoir with botanical history to explore how plants can heal us * * Huffington Post * *As much a green prescription for a richer, more connected life as a beautiful story of hope. Rootbound captures our universal need for nature, freedom and replenishment, away from the manmade, rushed woes of modern living . . . A valuable reminder to us all, that couldn't come at a better time -- SARAH IVENS author of FOREST THERAPYA deeply personal exploration of the healing power of plants * * Independent * *There are riffs on everything from famous women gardeners to the history of New York's wondrous High Line elevated linear park . . . Rootbound gives a revealing insight into Alice's generation, their concerns, self-absorption and earnestness. It also radiates a youthful enthusiasm and optimism, a hunger to reconnect with nature even in the midst of a sea of concrete, and the refreshing belief that anything is possible. Millenials, in particular, will love it * * Daily Mail * *Unrestrained, exuberant, vigorous, forthright . . . A tender and wholehearted story of re-finding that most precious resource, the space to grow -- HELEN JUKES author of A HONEYBEE HEART HAS FIVE OPENINGSHeartbreak can be the best teacher . . . [A] hopeful memoir of self-discovery and horticulture . . . A beguiling bouquet whose vibrancy feels extra welcome as the first green shoots of spring start to show * * Mail on Sunday * *

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Book SynopsisCatology explores the bizarre and very funny world of feline science.Vital questions answered include: Why do cats have a secret second nose? Why don’t cats fart (but dogs do)? Do cats feel guilt, love, happiness or jealousy? Why are cats’ tongues covered in microscopic hooks? Do cats always land on their feet? Why are cats so scared of cucumbers? Why do cats purr both when happy and when distressed? How do you interpret cat language? Packed with fascinating facts, quirky scientific revelations and weird stories about our furry friends, Catology offers a secret glimpse inside the feline body and mind.

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Book SynopsisDRIPPING. FURRY. PUSSIES. You won’t believe your eyes. This book contains some of the world’s wettest pussies! Paired with hilarious captions, these pics will have you laughing out loud in no time. Go on – you know you want to sneak a little peek at these beautiful hairy beasts!

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Book SynopsisIt’s time to let your imagination fly…If you look up on a cloudy day, you'll see a whole new surprising world above you - the world of clouds! The Book of Clouds is an introduction to this world - and the guide you'll want by your side to help you understand it.A mix of dreamy fantasy and scientific fact, this is the perfect gift for any child with their head stuck in the clouds - and for anyone who has ever wondered what's up there in the skies above. This book is ideal for children to use as a starting point for their own imaginative creative play. It is full of playful poems, inspiring, anarchic illustrations, and guides to all of the different aspects of clouds that you could want to know about.With 25 poems and many full-page illustrations that use watercolour and collage, you won’t be able to pick The Book of Clouds up without wanting to immediately start making your own cloud diary. So The Book of Clouds comes with 9 pages for your own notes and sketches at the end - let it truly become YOUR book of clouds! Trade ReviewReaders are in for a real treat as Latvian poet Juris Kronbergs, born in Sweden to a family of Latvian artists, has created an innovative selection of poetry – a mix of funny and playful poems that combine scientific fact and the very many meanings of the word ‘cloud’... It’s no mean feat to translate poetry and Māra Rozīte and Richard O’Brien have done an excellent job in making these poems accessible in English to a whole new audience. -- Outside In World * Outside In World *This cloudy compilation of poetry, art and a good pinch of humour by Latvian poet Kronbergs, appeals to the skygazer in us all. The twenty-five poems in this book tell a story of clouds; from how they move and travel, to how they shapeshift and of course how they transform weather. Interspersed throughout, Melece’s art reflects the comic nebulous nature of clouds. Impish faces anthropomorphise the cumulus characters in different skies, brought to life by a truly playful array of mixed media and watercolours. -- Children's Books Ireland/Inis Magazine * Children's Books Ireland *The delightful book explores its subject in a new and interesting way. Presented as an illustrated book of poetry, this collection is sure to inspire young readers (and writers) to think creatively about the natural world. Taking by turns, a humorous and fact based approach, these poems are excellently well crafted and present the many natures of clouds. -- Literature Works * Literature Works *This wonderful book about the magic of clouds is full of surprising and original poems, perfect for upper key stage two children either at school or at home. The poems are by turns bouncy, funny, quirky and thoughtful, and, being translated from Latvian, have a freshness that will appeal to those looking for something a bit different. -- BookTrust * Book Trust * In this delightful, whimsical and charmingly illustrated book, Juris Kronbergs explores the appearance and ephemeral nature of clouds in 26 poems. My favourites include one in which a cloud has a nightmare about evaporating, and one where real cloud names morph into descriptive ones and then into imagined ones. At the end of the book, the author gives ideas about how to write or illustrate a poem. The annotated illustrations are great fun and complement the poems, making the book one that you can look at for much longer than it takes to read the words. -- MetLink, Royal Meterological Society 'It has colour illustrations throughout and is unashamedly whimsical. A book to dip into when considering the weather as a theme for writing, perhaps, as one can have too many cloud-related poems at one sitting.' * NATE Teaching English Magazine *

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Book SynopsisA fully updated second edition of this user-friendly field guide to the mammals of Borneo, covering Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei and Kalimantan. The book gives descriptions of all 247 land mammals and 30 marine species. These are superbly illustrated in 141 colour plates. Each plate is accompanied by species descriptions covering taxonomy, size, range, distribution, habits and status. Distribution is shown by detailed thumbnail maps. There are 7 habitat plates, 12 regional maps, fast-find graphic indexes and a full overview of vegetation, climate and ecology.

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Book SynopsisThe second coloring book from celebrated tattoo artist Chris Garver—star of Miami Ink. Come along on a coloring safari! Featuring a wide array of animals and environments, Animal Odyssey offers the same graceful imagery and distinctive elements that have made Chris Garver a breakout star. Garver’s fans will love filling in his new collection of illustrations, which beautifully blend the familiar and fantastic.

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Book SynopsisFor twenty years Dan O’Brien struggled to make ends meet on his cattle ranch in South Dakota. But when a neighbor invited him to lend a hand at the annual buffalo roundup, O’Brien was inspired to convert his own ranch, the Broken Heart, to buffalo. Starting with thirteen calves, “short-necked, golden balls of wool,” O’Brien embarked on a journey that returned buffalo to his land for the first time in more than a century and a half.Buffalo for the Broken Heart is at once a tender account of the buffaloes’ first seasons on the ranch and an engaging lesson in wildlife ecology. Whether he’s describing the grazing pattern of the buffalo, the thrill of watching a falcon home in on its prey, or the comical spectacle of a buffalo bull wallowing in the mud, O’Brien combines a novelist’s eye for detail with a naturalist’s understanding to create an enriching, entertaining narrative.

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Book SynopsisCovering everything cat owners need to know, this practical guide to looking after the most popular pet in the United States is the perfect reference for any cat lover. The Complete Cat Care Manual provides detailed information on the day-to-day care of kittens and adult cats, including feeding, training, handling, exercising, essential equipment, and grooming. Detailed chapters outline the reasons behind behavioral problems, such as eating houseplants and scratching furniture, and provide tips for changing unacceptable behavior.   Health problems are completely detailed with anatomical diagrams, diagnostic charts, and illustrations that identify symptoms and treatments. Step-by-step instructions teach all the techniques needed to nurse a sick animal or administer emergency first aid. Hundreds of remarkable color photographs, specially commissioned for this book, detail every aspect of a cat’s life.   The material is based on extensive research. D

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Book SynopsisCombining rich historical detail and a harrowing, pulse-pounding narrative, Close to Shore brilliantly re-creates the summer of 1916, when a rogue Great White shark attacked swimmers along the New Jersey shore, triggering mass hysteria and launching the most extensive shark hunt in history. In July 1916 a lone Great White left its usual deep-ocean habitat and headed in the direction of the New Jersey shoreline. There, near the towns of Beach Haven and Spring Lake--and, incredibly, a farming community eleven miles inland--the most ferocious and unpredictable of predators began a deadly rampage: the first shark attacks on swimmers in U.S. history. Capuzzo interweaves a vivid portrait of the era and meticulously drawn characters with chilling accounts of the shark's five attacks and the frenzied hunt that ensued. From the unnerving inevitability of the first attack on the esteemed son of a prosperous Philadelphia physician to the

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Book SynopsisWith lucid prose that recalls the best-selling and beloved Cosmos, Ann Druyan takes readers on an extraordinary journey through the vast and unexplored realms of Earth and space, past and future, fact and imagination. Written and published in coordination with the sensational international television debut of a second season of National Geographic's Cosmos,Cosmos Possible Worlds travels through more than 14 billion years of cosmic evolution and into an astonishing future where probes travel by light beams to distant stars, helping us solve enduring mysteries of our origins and dream of an unimaginable time ahead. Along the way, we meet the colorful characters who push beyond the boundaries of knowledge - both the little-known but monumental visionaries of the past and the scientists whose work is shaping our future. Color photographs, art, and diagrams based on graphics created for the television series - plus a foreword by Neil deGrasse Tyson, best-selling author, wTrade Review“In the breadth of its scope and the magnitude of its imagination…Possible Worlds is a triumphant return to scale, and a direct challenge to a humanity that seems to have lost its will to confront and overcome the problems that face it. It encompasses astronomy, neuroscience, quantum physics, the origins of life, the future of space flight, nuclear weaponry, alternate intelligence models, cosmology, archaeology, anthropology, and biochemistry in the breathtaking course of its 370 richly illustrated pages, all driven by Druyan’s approachable but grand prose that urges us to find in ourselves the intellectual courage to truly know who we are, where we came from, and what possible futures stretch out before us.” –Women You Should Know“Now, 40 years later, Ann Druyan boldly carries the torch forward with the long-awaited sequel to the book, COSMOS with Cosmos: Possible Worlds.” –Laughing Place“In the breadth of its scope and the magnitude of its imagination, it is teaching us again how to look beyond our tribal specializations towards a future powered by a bold syncretism. Possible Worlds is a triumphant return to scale, and a direct challenge to a humanity that seems to have lost its will to confront and overcome the problems that face it. It encompasses astronomy, neuroscience, quantum physics, the origins of life, the future of space flight, nuclear weaponry, alternate intelligence models, cosmology, archaeology, anthropology, and biochemistry in the breathtaking course of its 370 richly illustrated pages, all driven by Druyan’s approachable but grand prose that urges us to find in ourselves the intellectual courage to truly know who we are, where we came from, and what possible futures stretch out before us.” –Women You Should Know “Ann Druyan is reimagining the future.” –Scientific American

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Book Synopsis'Warm, funny, touching, uplifting' CLARE BALDINGOLIVE & MABEL: two of the internet's favourite dogs!ANDREW COTTER: one of our best-loved commentators.In a year like no other, the antics of two beautiful Labradors, Olive and Mabel - along with hilarious commentaries by Andrew Cotter - lightened the darkest days of lockdown. With nearly 90 million views on social media, Olive and Mabel's videos have resonated with dog lovers around the world.Now, OLIVE, MABEL & ME tells the heart-warming story of Andrew's two famous Labradors. Olive - sensible, measured but always keen to roll in something she shouldn't. Mabel - endearing, slightly scatty but game for any adventure. Their star quality has taken the internet by storm and continues to give us all a much-needed treat in tough times.Beautifully written, touching and laugh-out-loud funny, this is not only the story of Olive and Mabel but also the story of the love we have for our dogs and the boundless joy they bring us each and every day.Trade ReviewBeautifully written... as funny as you would hope. * The Times *

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Book SynopsisCaroline Akrill reveals the frequent disasters and the occasional triumphs of her long association with a string of equine characters. Engagingly witty, endearingly frank, sometimes surprising, but always amusing, Caroline Akrill regards the horse from the safety of the stable door and scrutinises him with candour and affection.

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Book SynopsisPowerful and mysterious, sharks inspire both fascination and fear. Worldwide, oceans are home to some five-hundred species, and of those, fifty-six are known to reside in or pass through the waters off the coast of both North and South Carolina. At any given time, waders, swimmers, and surfers enjoying these waters are frequently within just one-hundred feet of a shark. While it's unnerving to know that sharks often swim just below the surface in the shallows, Clay Creswell, a shark-bite investigator for the Shark Research Institute's Global Shark Attack File, explains that attacks on humans are extremely rare. In 2019 the International Shark Attack File confirmed sixty-four unprovoked attacks on humans, including three in North Carolina and one in South Carolina. While acknowledging that they pose real dangers to humans, Creswell believes the fear of sharks is greatly exaggerated. During his sixteen-year association with the Shark Research Institute, he has investigated more than one hundred shark-related incidents and has maintained a database of all shark–human encounters along the Carolina coastlines back to 1817. Creswell uses this data to expose the truth and history of this often-sensationalized topic. Beyond the statistics related to attacks in the Carolina waters, Sharks in the Shallows offers a history of shark–human interactions and an introduction to the world of shark attacks. Creswell details the conditions that increase a person's chances of an encounter, profiles the three species most often involved in attacks, and reveals the months and time of day with the highest probability of an encounter. With a better understanding of sharks' responses to their environment, and what motivates them to attack humans, he hopes people will develop a greater appreciation of the invaluable role sharks play in our marine environment.

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