Natural History Books

'A book that will make the night sky your lifelong passion. An invitation to immerse yourself in the nature around you and the universe beyond.' - Professor Brian CoxThe Secret World of Stargazing is the ultimate astronomy book to set you on your epic journey around the cosmos - it's a simple guide to the skies and makes stargazing fun, easy and enjoyable for all - absolutely no equipment is required! Adrian West, AKA the internet sensation VirtualAstro, will take you through the seasons, showing you exactly what you can spot in the sky throughout the year, whether you're in your back garden or sitting on an exotic beach somewhere! While you're learning how to spot constellations, meteors and comets, you will be switching off your busy mind, sitting still in nature and paying attention to the small details that make up the big picture of life. You'll finish reading this beautiful book and come away with a sense of grounding, connection, knowledge and a whole new appreciation of the sky above and the world outside your own - it will soothe your soul.'An excellent, readable, bright guide to the night sky.' - Dara O'Briain'A superb introduction to astronomy.' - Chris Packham

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book celebrates the special relationship between beloved British dogs and their devoted owners. Architects, fashion designers, florists, entrepreneurs - these and the other famous, creative and hyper-successful people have one thing in common when it comes to their canines: the strength of the bond between human and four-legged friend. This makes for tales of companionship that will be sure to uplift your spirits and make the heart sing. Exuberantly photographed by Dylan Thomas, with interviews by Poodle-mad Georgina Montagu, Top Dogs is a joyous read and lustrous eye-candy for dog lovers. From Jacobean manor to Cumbrian hill farm, and circus wagon to royal residence, the lucky hounds who are showcased in this sumptuous volume occupy some of the loveliest homes in the country.Table of ContentsForeword; Introduction; The Love Affair; Gnipper; Shadow; Mojito; Moon + Buzz; Bellini + Sugar + Spice + Margarita + Tequila; Fire; Romeo; The Barony Bassets; Ruby + Leto + Winston; Saffron; Rollo; Jiminy Cricket + Gyda; Lionel McGruff; Turlough Mor; Sami + Larry; Logan; Minnow; Vinnie; Lochie; Cookie; Storm; Lenny + Ronnie + Rita + Ruby; Coco + Trump; Cedric; Summer; Peggy + Jaguar + Banana + Ghost + Duppy; Bean; Pugsy Malone; Luna + Willow; Pizza Hairy Chainsaw; Behind the Lens; The Publisher; Acknowledgements

Read more less

Book SynopsisExplore Scotland with i-SPY facts, photos and fantastic spots!Beat the boredom and take time out from screens with this pocket-sized book packed with facts, photos and fantastic spots for hours of fun! It's ideal for holidays, family road trips or simply exploring your local area.Kids will have fun collecting points with more than 140 things to find in Scotland. From mountains and lochs to landmarks and attractions, they'll learn all about the country and its history along the way. And once they've scored 1000 points, super-spotters can claim their official i-SPY certificate and badge.With more than 30 i-SPY books to collect, there's something for everyone!For even more spotting fun check out:i-SPY On a Car Journey (ISBN 9780008386443)i-SPY On a Train Journey (ISBN 9780008431730)i-SPY At the Seaside (ISBN 9780008386528)i-SPY Nature (ISBN 9780008386467)Trade Review“A fun, interactive way to encourage curious children to learn about the world around them.” – Parents In touch

Read more less

Book SynopsisGrasses of East Africa describes 100 species of common, ecologically important or remarkable grasses found in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi. Grasses comprise one of the largest plant families on Earth, but are possibly the most overlooked. Yet it is these ubiquitous and important plants that have the greatest impact on our daily lives – providing a wide range of staple foods for humans globally, a fundamental source of grazing for livestock, and food and shelter for an infinite variety of wildlife. This book includes: Clearly laid out and easy-to-use species descriptions; beautiful line and watercolour illustrations with labels highlighting notable features; full-colour photographs; a concise introduction covering the economic significance of grasses, their ecology, habitats and conservation. Grasses of East Africa will prove invaluable to students, scientists, travellers and nature lovers as it aids identification while also highlighting the functions of these important and often beautiful plants. Sales points: Accessible descriptions of 100 East African grass species; exquisite illustrations; full-colour photographs of all featured species; expert author.

Read more less

Book SynopsisCovering around 70 per cent of our planet’s surface and home to more than 200,000 known species, the world’s oceans are vital to life on Earth. However, despite producing around half the world’s oxygen and helping to regulate our climate and weather patterns, human behaviour has put our incredible oceans and the amazing animals within them at risk. In The Big Book of the Ocean, we go beneath the surface to explore the fascinating secrets of the sea and take an in-depth look at some of the planet’s magnificent marine creatures, from killer whales and sea turtles to seahorses and starfish. We also explore what we can do to help protect these vital environments and discover ten of the most endangered ocean species.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade Review"A Choice Outstanding Academic Title of the Year""It is hard to imagine that there has ever been a more comprehensive book written on fungi, or one with such stunning photography, that enables the reader to see these mysterious life forms in a totally different light. No walk in the countryside will ever be the same again." * Country Smallholding *"A wide range of fascinating examples and enlightening facts."---Andy Overall, Field Mycology"[This book] will serve as a great introduction to many naturalists wanting to know more about this unique and bizarre kingdom and hopefully will then lead onto reading more academic texts. The future is fungi."---Roy Stewart, British Naturalists Association"[General] readers will find much to learn about these environmentally critical organisms. ... Highly recommended."---D.H. Pfister, CHOICE"Detailed, yet accessible . . . a fascinating exploration of the mysterious and often hidden world of fungi."---Carol Gridley, ABC Gardening Australia"[A] joy to peruse."---Lynne Boddy, The Quarterly Review of Biology

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn Never Home Alone, biologist Rob Dunn takes us to the edge of biology's latest frontier: our own homes. Every house is a wilderness -- from the Egyptian meal moths in our kitchen cupboards and the yeast in a sourdough starter, to the camel crickets living in the basement, to the thousands of species of insects, bacteria, fungi, and plants live literally under our noses. Our reaction, too often, is to sterilise. As we do, we unwittingly cultivate an entirely new playground for evolution. Unfortunately, this means that we have created a range of new parasites, from antibiotic-resistant microbes to nearly impossible to kill cockroaches, to threaten ourselves with and destroyed helpful housemates. If we're not careful, the "healthier" we try to make our homes, the more likely we'll be putting our own health at risk.A rich natural history and a thrilling scientific investigation, Never Home Alone shows us that if are to truly thrive in our homes, we must learn to welcome the unknown guests that have been there the whole time.

Read more less

Book SynopsisTwo leaders of the National Park Service provide a front-row seat to the disastrous impact of partisan politics over the past fifty years-and offer a bold vision for the parks' future. The US National Parks, what environmentalist and historian Wallace Stegner called America's best idea, are under siege. Since 1972, partisan political appointees in the Department of the Interior have offered two conflicting views of the National Park Service (NPS): one vision emphasizes preservation and science-based decision-making, and another prioritizes economic benefits and privatization. These politically driven shifts represent a pernicious, existential threat to the very future of our parks. For the past fifty years, brothers Jonathan B. and T. Destry Jarvis have worked both within and outside NPS as leaders and advocates. National Parks Forever interweaves their two voices to show how our parks must be protected from those who would open them to economic exploitation, while still alloTrade Review"In this self-described 'dual memoir,' Jonathan and Destry take turns making the case—and then synthesize their viewpoints—that the National Park Service needs to be independent from the political 'whipsaw' of Washington politics, making it more like the Smithsonian Institution. . . . By providing both historical and personal context to the NPS’s politicization, the Jarvis brothers make a powerful case." * American Scientist *"There’s an argument that can be made, one backed by evidence, that the past fifty years have seen the most egregious attempts to subvert the mission of the National Park Service to preserve and protect natural resources unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations. That argument is clearly laid out in National Parks Forever. . . . A rich collection of institutional knowledge from within the machinations of government and from within the National Park Service." -- Kurt Repanshek * National Parks Traveler *“An earnest plea to move the National Park Service out of the highly politicized Department of the Interior and make it an independent agency.” * Kirkus Reviews *"Painful history plus a roadmap for change equals a compelling book." * Revelator *"Offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of the park service." -- Rob Hotakainen * E&E News:Greenwire *"The text offers a readable, well-organized argument for the independence proposal, illustrated by selected black-and-white photos. Readers interested in the US government's interface with conservation will appreciate this book. . . . Recommended." * Choice *"This book is compelling reading for all conservation biologists to emulate positive aspects and avoid pitfalls when developing an effective and self-sustaining park system." * Community Ecology *“In careers spanning half a century, both Jon and Destry Jarvis personally witnessed how the National Park Service became a partisan battleground for competing political ideologies, with policies ricocheting back and forth every time a new administration came to power. Filled with detailed firsthand accounts and insightful analysis, National Parks Forever not only chronicles the sorrowful result, but also points to a way to rescue ‘America’s best idea’—and make it even better.” -- Dayton Duncan, writer/producer, "The National Parks: America’s Best Idea"“The history retold by these two brothers, each outstanding in their lifelong dedication to Parks, is compelling and instructive, as well as a very good read. But their lessons learned and call for independence must be enacted if the parks are to survive. I advised NPS leadership for eight years; I witnessed that a major priority is to ensure that the full history of Americans is preserved in the places where that history unfolded. If NPS remains a political football, we will lose not only magnificent landscapes but the hundreds of parks that tell the true stories of America’s past. At this time when our history has become violently politicized, we must depoliticize the one federal agency that knows how to memorialize the truth for future generations.” -- Margaret J. Wheatley, author of "Leadership and the New Science" and former member of National Parks Advisory BoardTable of ContentsForeword by Chris Johns Preface Introduction and a Brief History of the National Parks: 1872-1972 One. Growing the System and Telling a More Complete Story Two. Alaska: Doing It Right the First Time Three. The Politics of Park Policy Four. Using the Best Available Science Five. Ecosystem Thinking Requires Collaboration Six. Interference in the Mission Seven. Independence: Finding a Sustainable Future for a Perpetuity Agency Notes Bibliography and Further Reading Index of People and Places

Read more less

Book Synopsis______________ ‘A very appealing, beyond-the-basic reference.’– Booklist ‘Cute illustrations and fascinating facts’ – Guardian ‘A perfect gift for any cat lover’ Reader Review 5 STARS ______________ Cats are so mysterious. What makes them climb into tiny spaces? Why do they sleep that much? And, most of all, how can we give them a good life? Dr. Yuki Hattori is Japan's leading cat doctor, and to him cats are the most beautiful animals in the world. His advice comes with little illustrations showing exactly what to look for as a cat owner - including charts showing how to interpret their different meows, the direction of their whiskers and the way their tail is pointing! Cats may seem low-maintenance but thoughtfulness about where you put their water, how warm or cool they like to be, what name to choose and how to groom them properly will make a life-changing difference. With understanding, affection and respect, your cat will be more healthy and contented - and you'll feel happier too. ‘I bought this book for a friend, but after seeing it I might just buy a stack more’ Reader Review 5 STARS ‘Even my dog enjoyed looking at it’ Reader Review 5 STARS

Read more less

Book SynopsisSummer is fireflies and sparklers. Fat red tomatoes sliced thin and salted. Lemonade and long dreamy days. The treasures of the season are gone much too soon — but they’re captured here, in loving sensuous prose that’s both personal and universal, for you to find any time of year.Experience the most evocative tribute to the meaning of the season, a season whose magical feeling stays with us even in winter. Where does that feeling come from? What is summer made of? The smell of cut grass behind the gasoline of a lawnmower. A crown you’ve made of flowers. Blackberry bush prickers. First hot dog off the grill. Stargazing and sleeping with the windows open. This essay brims with a searching honesty and insight about what this season has meant in our pasts and what it might mean in our lives ahead.Release yourself into the sky and feel, Nina MacLaughlin writes, for a moment: there's time.If summer is the season of your life, if the months between Memorial Day and Labor Day hold your favorite memories, you’ll love Summer Solstice.Trade ReviewPraise for Summer Solstice“For those who cannot safely venture from their homes this season, MacLaughlin’s book can be that breath of fresh air, the nostalgic call back to better days, and the hope for a future when we can safely gather again under open sky... [Summer Solstice is] a brief reverie, short and sweet like the fleeting days it describes.”—Green Mountain Review“One can easily read this sensuous little book in an evening, or dawdle, as I’ve done, over the last week....It offers a vivid contrast to this moment of masks: the immediacy of a season bursting out of itself, elemental and clean.”—Joan Silverman, Portland Press Herald Praise for Winter Solstice “Nina MacLaughlin returns to celebrate the winter solstice, and delivers a most sensual hymn and harbor for the human ability to feel our way through the darkness towards wise, unexpected connections. This ethereal collection offers us a candle at night—it’s an astonishing gift.” —Aimee Nezhukumatathil, author of World of Wonders: In Praise of Fireflies, Whale Sharks, and Other Astonishments “Nina MacLaughlin stands shoulder to shoulder with such writers as José Emilio Pacheco and Fleur Jaeggy. In Winter Solstice we are invited into the impending dark, guided through our own, and in the end given just enough light to survive. MacLaughlin’s meditation is both universal and uncommonly distinct. An immense joy to read, Winter Solstice is not so much an essay as it is a vision.” —Matthew Dickman, author of Husbandry “Smart and lyrical—this book makes you feel alive.” —Nicholson Baker, author of The Anthologist

Read more less

Book SynopsisA profound truth of the wild, and the world at large, is that we are a part of it, not owners of it. Is there any animal we love and hate as much as the Royal Bengal Tiger? Tigers are feared and poached, but they also endure, becoming pin-ups for candlelight marches. Indian elephants are trapped by railway lines and fences, but are reclaiming their bodies and colonizing new areas in central India. And in our dirty cities, the sparkling Plain Tiger Butterfly flourishes as one of our last links to wildlife. Wild animals exist beyond our control. They are harmless, only occasionally dangerous. They live with us, or in spite of us. Those who know them understand that wild animals require acceptance for what they are, not enslavement for what we want them to be. In this book, we meet fifteen iconic Indian species in need of conservation and heart. The author explores what these creatures need, and how they exert agency and decision-making. With an equal emphasis on human and animal, science and skilled prose, Wild and Wilful reveals the magic of the wild in our daily lives and it will take you from fear to wonder.

Read more less

Book SynopsisAn essential guide to assist those surveying for water voles, whether as a professional ecological consultant, a researcher or simply an interested amateur. This book provides detailed descriptions of all the habitats used by water voles, including ideal habitats as well as less typical places, with annotated photos to help the surveyor home in on just the right areas to look. It also contains a comprehensive photographic reference guide to assist in the correct identification of water vole field signs, and explains how to distinguish them from those of similar species. Tips on where and how to search for field signs are also provided, along with guidance on how best to record survey data.Trade ReviewThe book is very much my type of book and it will make a great reference addition to my office bookshelf. All too often in my opinion, photographs get a back seat in ecology related literature... nothing beats a book that the field based individual such as me can relate to. -- Simon Booth, photographer and professional ecologistTable of ContentsAcknowledgements 1. Introduction A bit of background Personal experience Legal protection in the UK Competence 2. Habitat Where do you find water voles? What does ‘ideal’ habitat for water voles look like? Habitat requirements Dry areas for burrows or above-ground nests Herbaceous vegetation as food and cover Water How to assess likely value of habitat Water voles in terrestrial habitat 3. What does a water vole look like? 4. Looking for field signs Different field signs When to search Where to search How to search Other factors to consider Health, safety and biosecurity 5. Droppings and latrines Characteristics of water vole droppings Latrines How many droppings constitute a latrine? What can latrines tell us? Terrestrial, or fossorial, water voles Rat droppings Field vole and bank vole droppings DNA analysis 6. Feeding remains 7. Burrows Characteristics of ‘active’ water vole burrows Burrows of similar species Detailed examination of burrows 8. Nests 9. Other field signs Footprints Runs through the vegetation 10. Other species Droppings Footprints 11. Recording the information What information needs to be recorded? How to record the information What happens next? Bibliography Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisFrom its earliest origins to the present day, this award-winning, beautifully written book describes the endlessly changing character of Britain''s countryside.''A classic'' Richard MabeyExploring the natural and man-made features of the land - fields, highways, hedgerows, fens, marshes, rivers, heaths, coasts, woods and wood pastures - he shows conclusively and unforgettably how they have developed over the centuries. In doing so, he covers a wealth of related subjects to provide a fascinating account of the sometimes subtle and sometimes radical ways in which people, fauna, flora, climate, soils and other physical conditions have played their part in the shaping of the countryside.''One thing is certain: no one would be wise to write further on our natural history, or to make films about it, without thinking very hard about what is contained in these authoritative pages'' COUNTRY LIFETrade ReviewA classic, written with humanity, dignity, concern and a great deal of humour -- Richard Mabey * TES *One thing is certain: no one would be wise to write further on our natural history, or to make films about it, without thinking very hard about what is contained in these authoritative pages * COUNTRY LIFE *As quirky and rewarding as the English countryside itself ... it is full of answers to questions that others have not had the wit to ask * THE ECONOMIST *A classic of scholarship and imagination...A monumental work, but it is written with humanity, dignity, concern and a great deal of humour * TIMES EDUCATIONAL SUPPLEMENT *He opened readers' eyes to regional differences in patterns of land settlement, the original meaning of the term forest (countryside beyond the common law), the timing of key changes in human management of the landscape, new ways of looking at hedges, ponds and marshes, and, through it all, the balance between the natural world and human activities * GUARDIAN *

Read more less

Book SynopsisNew and updated edition 2019: A guide to fossils of the world and fossil hunting, including how to plan a field trip, with a fully illustrated directory of more than 375 fossils.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis is a unique, first-of-its-kind tree book with beautiful illustrations of the fruiting twigs of 381 South African trees. The reason behind illustrating tree fruits is that, like so many tree-lovers, Trevor found it difficult to identify many tree species from their leaves as they are the most variable of all the plant parts.Table of ContentsSpecially coded keys showing colour and size for easyidentification; The current botanical binomial, recent old names (due totaxonomic changes) and the “best” common name are given; Notes on distribution, fruiting time and habitats are also provided; 381 Beautiful illustrations of the fruiting twigs of South

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe smash-hit Sunday Times bestseller that will transform your understanding of our planet and life itself.'Astonishing ... it seems somehow to tip the natural world upside down' Observer'Completely mind-blowing ... reads like an adventure story' Sunday Times*WINNER OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY BOOK PRIZE 2021**WINNER OF THE WAINWRIGHT PRIZE FOR CONSERVATION WRITING 2021*The more we learn about fungi, the less makes sense without them. They can change our minds, heal our bodies and even help us avoid environmental disaster; they are metabolic masters, earth-makers and key players in most of nature's processes. In Entangled Life, Merlin Sheldrake takes us on a mind-altering journey into their spectacular world, and reveals how these extraordinary organisms transform our understanding of our planet and life itself.'Dazzling, vibrant, vision-changing' Robert Macfarlane'Urgent, astounding and necessary' Helen Macdonald'Gorgeous!' Margaret Atwood (on Twitter)'Wonderful' Nigella Lawson'This book is like one surprise after another' David Byrne'Uplifting' Jeanette Winterson*SHORTLISTED FOR THE RATHBONES FOLIO PRIZE 2021**SHORTLISTED FOR THE BRITISH BOOK AWARDS BOOK OF THE YEAR 2021** A Sunday Times, Daily Telegraph, New Statesman, The Times, Evening Standard, Mail on Sunday, BBC Science Focus and Time Book of the Year *Trade ReviewAfter this book, nothing will seem the same again . . . beautifully written and illustrated . . . dazzling . . . reveals a world that's both more extraordinary and more delicate than could be imagined * Mail on Sunday *Riveting and surprising at every turn . . . A sensory as well as an intellectual pleasure * New Statesman *Wondrous . . . Humans should consider fungi among the greatest of earth's marvels * Time, Books of the Year *Mind-boggling . . . It's tempting . . . to see fungi as the biological model for a better world * Telegraph *Truly astounding . . . An engrossing, captivating journey * Spectator *Gorgeous, intelligent, utterly absorbing . . . it expands our world, and makes us look up from the page with renewed wonder * Irish Times *One of those rare books that can truly change the way you see the world around you . . . revelatory . . . astounding . . . and brimming with infectious joy -- HELEN MACDONALD, author of H is for HawkA true masterpiece, a thrilling and fascinating insight into the living world . . . I hope and trust that it will become an instant classic -- GEORGE MONBIOTBlew my mind . . . Essential reading. Go and get swept up in a new world -- ANDREA WULF, author of The Invention of NatureAstonishing . . . it's impossible to finish this book without feeling awestruck -- ANDREW MOTION, TLS Books of the YearDelightful to read but also grand and dizzying in how thoroughly it recalibrates our understanding of the natural world -- ED YONG, author of An Immense WorldSentence after sentence stopped me short. I ended it wonderstruck at the fungal world - the secrets of which modern science is only now beginning to fathom - and the earth-shaking, hierarchy-breaking implications of Sheldrake's argument. A remarkable work by a remarkable writer -- ROBERT MACFARLANE, author of UnderlandA revelation . . . Changes the way we need to look at life, the planet and ourselves -- ISABELLA TREE, author of WildingWonderfully written . . . surprising . . . The best science writing invites people to view the world around them in a new way, and Entangled Life is a perfect example -- BRIAN COXThis is a book that, by virtue of the power of its writing, shifts your sense of the human . . . It will inspire a generation -- MICHAEL POLLAN (Bay Area Book Festival, 2020)I have been working on and reading and writing about fungi for a decade. And yet, nearly every page of this book contained either an observation so interesting or a turn of phrase so lovely that I was moved to slow down, stop, and reread . . . This book rocked me into remembering that nature, especially fungal nature, is big and encompassing and creative and destructive. It reminded me that fungi are, like the Universe, sublime -- Rob Dunn * Science *A magical journey deep into the roots of Nature by an expert storyteller . . . a must-read for citizen scientists hoping to make a positive difference on this sacred planet we share -- PAUL STAMETS, author of Mycelium RunningReading this book, I felt surrounded by a web of wonder. The natural world is more fantastic than any fantasy, so long as you have the means to perceive it. This book provides the means -- JARON LANIER, author of Ten Arguments for Deleting Your Social Media Accounts Right NowYou may never look at fungi in the same way . . . an eye-opening exploration of this mysterious taxonomic kingdom . . . a journey into an untapped world. It is both a wonderful collection of fungal feats . . and a personal account of Sheldrake's experiences with these miraculous organisms * New Scientist *Brilliant . . . entrancing . . . when we look closely [at fungi], we meet large, unsettling questions . . . Merlin Sheldrake . . . carries us easily into these questions with ebullience and precision . . . challenging some of our deepest assumptions * Guardian *A joy . . . a captivating trip into the weird and wonderful mycorrhizal world around us - and inside us . . . full of startling revelations * Daily Mail *The oddest and most uplifting book . . . It is, to say the least, rare to find such a vast area of life on Earth - fungi - about which one knows almost nothing, and which gives promise of being so important to human life during our next century -- ANDREW MARR * New Statesman Books of the Year *If you had told me a book about fungi would be both enthralling and completely mind-blowing, I wouldn't have believed you. And yet. Dazzlingly good -- INDIA KNIGHT, Sunday TimesA triumph and a thing of vast beauty -- TOM HODGKINSON, The IdlerFungi are everywhere, and Merlin Sheldrake is an ideal guide to their mysteries. He's passionate, deeply knowledgeable and a wonderful writer -- ELIZABETH KOLBERT, author of Under A White SkyDeeply engaging and constantly surprising . . . the magic of mushrooms is not merely mind-expanding . . . it might expand the very concept of mind -- PHILIP BALL * Prospect *As hard to put down as a thrilling detective novel, and one of the best works of popular science writing that I have enjoyed in years -- DENNIS MCKENNA, author (with Terence McKenna) of Psilocybin: Magic Mushroom Grower’s GuideIt is impossible to put this book down. Entangled Life provides a window into the mind-boggling biology and fascinating cultures surrounding fungal life, as well as fungi’s innumerable uses in materials, medicine and ecology. Sheldrake asks us to consider a life-form that is radically alien to ours, yet vibrant and lively underfoot -- HANS ULRICH OBRISTThis is not just for mushroom-heads - it is science at its most uplifting -- JEANETTE WINTERSON * The Times *Playful, strange, intensely philosophical ... Until very recently, human knowledge of this most mysterious lifeform, neither plant nor animal, has been extremely limited. This is astounding, given ... their seismic impact on life on earth ... [Sheldrake's] central vision of the interconnectedness of all life-forms feels shiveringly prescient' * Telegraph *

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade ReviewVultures of the World is a must-read for anyone who wants to learn more about vultures and the conservation efforts being made to protect these important and wonderful birds. * IBIS *Table of ContentsIntroduction: Origins and Evolution of Vultures 1. Essential Ecology of Scavengers 2. Species Descriptions and Life Histories New World Vultures Black Vulture Turkey Vulture Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture Greater Yellow-headed Vulture King Vulture California Condor Andean Condor Old World Vultures Palm-nut Vulture Bearded Vulture Egyptian Vulture Hooded Vulture Indian Vulture Slender-billed Vulture White-rumped Vulture Griffon Vulture Rüppell's Vulture Himalayan Vulture White-backed Vulture Cape Vulture Red-headed Vulture White-headed Vulture Cinereous Vulture Lappet-faced Vulture 3. Pair Formation and Reproduction 4. Food Finding and Feeding Behavior 5. Movement Behavior 6. Social Behavior 7. Vultures and People

Read more less

Book SynopsisWalking guide to the Snowdonia National Park, with 20 best routes chosen by the park rangers. Each walk varies in length from 2 to 10 km and can be completed in less than 4 hours.20 best routes chosen and written by National Park rangersWalks from 2 to 10kmDetailed description for each walk with highlights clearly marked on the map along with an accompanying map and photographsGeneral information about the National Park plus basic advice on walkingThis and the Snowdonia National Park Pocket Map (ISBN: 9780008439224) are the perfect companions for exploring this superb walking area of North Wales.Trade Review“Walking guides from Collins will have you expertly traversing the landscape like a park ranger.” – Great British Life

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe world’s leading wolf expert describes the first years of a major study that transformed our understanding of one of nature’s most iconic creatures In the late 1940s, a small pack of wolves crossed the ice of Lake Superior to the island wilderness of Isle Royale, creating a perfect “laboratory” for a long-term study of predators and prey. As the wolves hunted and killed the island’s moose, a young graduate student named Dave Mech began research that would unlock the mystery of one of nature’s most revered (and reviled) animals—and eventually became an internationally renowned and respected wolf expert. This is the story of those early years.Wolf Island recounts three extraordinary summers and winters Mech spent on the isolated outpost of Isle Royale National Park, tracking and observing wolves and moose on foot and by airplane—and upending the common misperception of wolves as destructive killers of insatiable appetite. Mech sets the scene with one of his most thrilling encounters: witnessing an aerial view of a spectacular hunt, then venturing by snowshoe (against the pilot’s warning) to photograph the pack of hungry wolves at their kill. Wolf Island owes as much to the spirit of adventure as to the impetus of scientific curiosity. Written with science and outdoor writer Greg Breining, who recorded hours of interviews with Mech and had access to his journals and field notes from those years, the book captures the immediacy of scientific fieldwork in all its triumphs and frustrations. It takes us back to the beginning of a classic environmental study that continues today, spanning nearly sixty years—research and experiences that would transform one of the most despised creatures on Earth into an icon of wilderness and ecological health. Trade Review "No scientist has done more to shape our understanding of wolves than L. David Mech, and no ecosystem has been more influential than Isle Royale. Wolf Island is a lively, well-told story that sheds new light on the early days of ecology’s most important long-term study, the formative years of a master biologist, and the complex lives of an iconic and misunderstood predator."—Ben Goldfarb, author of Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter "L. David Mech’s writing on wolves is foundational: every new study owes a debt to his scholarship, and any respectable stack of wolf books is anchored by The Wolf, his indispensable classic. With Wolf Island, we now have a volume to top the stack as well. Mech’s excellent and eminently readable account of the origins of his fieldwork in Isle Royale National Park is as inspirational as it is educational. Here’s hoping it sends another generation of students—and readers of all ages—into the wild."—Nate Blakeslee, author of American Wolf: A True Story of Survival and Obsession in the West "For many of us fascinated with wolves, Adolph Murie and L. David Mech are the two scientist/field naturalists whose books first gave these animals life and breath. Now, in this unflinching and highly readable memoir, Mech lets readers experience the inside story of how, as a young graduate student, he illuminated the murky world of America’s iconic predator. And ended up writing a classic."—Dan Flores, New York Times best-selling author of Coyote America: A Natural and Supernatural History "Fans of wolves, field biology, and good natural history writing will welcome Mech’s long-overdue reminiscences."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review "Nature lovers will enjoy Mech’s mix of reminiscence and zoological insight."—Publishers Weekly "An important read for budding wildlife biologists and anyone interested in the survival of species."—Wilderness News "The book is enjoyable, informative, fascinating and will convince readers Isle Royale is unique."—Michigan In Books "Filled with details of fascinating discoveries and engaging first-person stories... The book should be in all libraries."—CHOICE "An interesting read for anyone who enjoys science and nature."—Northern Wilds "A highly engaging account that wolf aficionados, lovers of wilderness and national parks, and people that enjoy wildlife biology and natural history stories will appreciate."—Canadian Field Naturalist "Essential Reading for those who are interested in wold biology and their management."—Biological Conservation "Drawing on journals, field notes, and extensive interviews, the book recounts three sumers and winters 60 years ago that Mech spent on the island observing wolves and moose."—Minnesota Alumni "Wolf Island will please anyone with an interest in wilderness adventure, Lake Superior, or wildlife."—Ely Winter Times Table of ContentsContentsForewordRolf O. PetersonMap of Isle RoyaleWe Didn’t KnowThe Chance of a LifetimeDiscovery: Summer 1958Eye in the Sky: Winter 1959Island Life: Summer 1959Finding Patterns: Winter 1960Island of Change: Summer 1960Putting Together the Pieces: Winter 1961The Wolves of Isle RoyaleThe View from AfarAcknowledgmentsIndex

Read more less

Book SynopsisTo this day, women face barriers in entering scientific professions, and in earlier eras the challenges were greater still. But in this volume, Anna Sagal reveals how women's participation in scientific discourses of the eighteenth century was enabled by the manipulation of social conventions that have typically been understood as limiting factors.Trade ReviewSagal’s book sheds light on how domestic femininity, as a social construct, was nearly incompatible with learning science. Her argument is clever and controversial: the very constraints under which women engaged with the natural sciences were also the means by which they entered into this arena." - Beth Fowkes Tobin, University of Georgia, author of Colonizing Nature: The Tropics in British Arts and Letters, 1760–1820

Read more less

Book SynopsisTo this day, women face barriers in entering scientific professions, and in earlier eras the challenges were greater still. But in this volume, Anna Sagal reveals how women's participation in scientific discourses of the eighteenth century was enabled by the manipulation of social conventions that have typically been understood as limiting factors.Trade ReviewSagal’s book sheds light on how domestic femininity, as a social construct, was nearly incompatible with learning science. Her argument is clever and controversial: the very constraints under which women engaged with the natural sciences were also the means by which they entered into this arena." - Beth Fowkes Tobin, University of Georgia, author of Colonizing Nature: The Tropics in British Arts and Letters, 1760–1820

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Hidden Histories of Houseplants explores 20 of the world’s most common houseplants.This book isn’t just a dry exploration of historical cultivation; the narrative explores the plants’ places in social history, science and culture, showcasing the most fascinating elements of each plant’s story, be it the exploration as to why Monstera deliciosa have holes in their leaves, whether houseplants have the ability to count, or why Calathea leaves open during the day and close up at night.Accompanied by stunning illustrations, each text takes the reader on a journey through time, history and culture, told by the most universally binding objects in our homes from London to Beijing – houseplants.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis guide contains 20 circular walks in Shropshire, covering the very best of the county's wide-ranging landscape, from high up on the Shropshire Hills down to glorious woodland and wildlife-rich mosses; through historical towns and villages and along meandering waterways. There are recommendations for spring, summer, autumn and winter walks - including the best places to see bluebells in spring or wildflowers in summer, where best to appreciate autumn colours, and the perfect views for those crisp and clear winter days. The routes range from 21/2 to 8 miles. SELECTED HIGHLIGHTS: SPRING A sea of bluebells in Sallow Coppice & Clun A riot of rhododendrons in Burwarton, on the eastern slopes of Brown Clee Hill Ellesmere: a springtime walk with the chance of seeing herons nesting on Moscow Island SUMMER Take in magnificent views from Ragleth Hill Titterstone Clee Hill: an Iron Age hillfort, a frozen-in-time village & one of the best views in England A must-do walk at Stiperstones when the heather is in full bloom AUTUMN Collecting sweet chestnuts on an atmospheric walk in Comer Woods Foraging for fungi & wildlife-spotting at Whixall Moss Blazing autumn colours on a walk among the 300-year-old beech trees of Lydham WINTER Cound: woodland, fields & a valley carpeted with snowdrops A waterside walk on the Severn Way, taking in wildfowl at Chelmarsh Reservoir Weston Rhyn: check out formidable Chirk Castle & cross the border into Wales WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT: SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE - 20 circular Shropshire walking routes varying in length & difficulty, covering the hidden gems, must-see landmarks & noted beauty spots that make this such a special county for walking A WALK FOR EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR - Walks chosen specifically for each season, with specific places that shine at certain times in the calendar ALL THE INFO YOU'LL NEED - All of these Shropshire walks include parking info & how to get there, recommended local pubs & cafes, points of interest along the way & other places to visit nearby EASY TO FOLLOW - Full colour maps & pictures throughout, with clear written instructions making it easy to find your wayTable of ContentsContents SPRING 1. Earl's Hill (5 miles) 2. Craven Arms (41/2 miles) 3. Ellesmere (8 miles) 4. Burwarton (21/2 or 51/2 miles) 5. Clun (6 miles) SUMMER 6 Whitchurch (5 miles) 7 Ragleth Hill (41/2 miles) 8 Merrington (51/2 miles) 9 Titterstone Clee (51/2 miles) 10 Stiperstones (51/2 miles) AUTUMN 11 Comer Wood (41/2 miles) 12 Whixall Moss (51/2 miles) 13 Lydham (7 miles) 14 Moreton Corbet (3, 31/2 or 8 miles) 15 Lilleshall Abbey (51/2 miles) WINTER 16 Hampton (51/2 miles) 17 Weston Rhyn (21/2, 31/2 or 6 miles) 18 Shrewsbury (41/2 miles) 19 Cound (31/2 miles) 20 Nesscliffe (5 miles)

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade Review"Fast-paced, snappy and suspenseful."--Emmanuelle Smith"Financial Times" (12/18/2009) "A scrupulously researched and well-told narrative."--Miranda Weiss"American Scholar" (01/01/2010) "If you want a shot of environmental patriotism, this book is a good choice."--Sierra Club "A fascinating and very readable account of a controversial natural history issue in early nineteenth century America."--Choice (04/01/2010) "For those of us who think that science is international, Lee Alan Dukatin's Mr. Jefferson and the Giant Moose will come as a shock. In this case it was anything but. It was the French against the Americans, Georges-Louis Leclerc de Buffon versus Thomas Jefferson, in a dispute over the relative degree of degeneracy exhibited by the flora and fauna of the Old and New Worlds. According to Buffon, American plants and animals, including native Americans, are merely degenerate versions of European forms. Jefferson attempted to counter this Eurocentric chauvinism by displaying an American moose that was larger than any of the European ungulates--the giant moose in the title of this fascinating book."--David Hull --David Hull "This fascinating book combines a deep knowledge of biology with a love of American history to tell a story that grips like a thriller. Lee Alan Dugatkin introduces you to Thomas Jefferson and the giant moose, an animal so great and imposing that never again could the belittling naturalists of Europe assume that American natural life was inferior. Sparkling on the surface, profound beneath the waters, this is a book that will be happy reading for people of all interests and ages."--Michael Ruse, author of Darwinism and Its Discontents --Michael Ruse

Read more less

Book Synopsis'Astounding ... To call this a "history" does not do justice to Helen Gordon's ambition' Simon Ings, Daily Telegraph 'Awe-inspiring ... She has imbued geological tales with a beauty and humanity' Shaoni Bhattacharya-Woodward, Mail on Sunday The story of the Earth is written into our landscape: it's there in the curves of hills, the colours of stone, surprising eruptions of vegetation. Wanting a fresh perspective on her own life, the writer Helen Gordon set out to read that epic narrative. Her odyssey takes her from the secret fossils of London to the 3-billion-year-old rocks of the Scottish Highlands, and from a state-of-the-art earthquake monitoring system in California to one of the world's most dangerous volcanic complexes in Naples. At every step, she finds that the apparently solid ground beneath our feet isn't quite as it seems.Trade ReviewThe reward of Helen Gordon's profoundly considered and far-reaching book is that it opens up the dizzying view of geological time ... Notes from Deep Time reaches into a place that, in a post-religious era, offers a glimpse of something close to eternity -- Philip Marsden * FT *Astounding ... To call this a "history" does not do justice to Helen Gordon's ambition. Her adventures in the deep time of Earth hark all the way back to its beginnings as a barren ocean planet, 4.4 billion years ago, while keeping one foot firmly planted in the depleted and desertified plaything we're left with today ... Notes From Deep Time sidesteps the maundering and finger-wagging that comes with much Anthropocene thinking, and shows us how much sheer intellectual and poetical entertainment there is to be had in the idea -- Simon Ings * Daily Telegraph *Awe-inspiring ... It's Gordon's background as a literary writer that takes Notes From Deep Time to the next level. She has imbued geological tales with a beauty and humanity -- Shaoni Bhattacharya-Woodward * Mail on Sunday *Notes From Deep Time is a marvel-rich masterclass of narrative non-fiction, one of those books that teaches its reader to see the world completely differently. That it does so with wit, wisdom and crystal-perfect prose only adds to the pleasure. To escape from the present into deep time with such a companionable guide is clarifying, almost therapeutic, and at times gratifyingly dizzying -- Max Porter, author * Lanny *If there were ever a good time to think about deep time, it's now ... A whirlwind tour of our planet's deep past and far future ... succeeds in grounding our existence firmly in the context of geological time -- Alexandra Witze * Nature *Helen Gordon's wonderfully expansive book encompasses a paradoxical fluidity, both tangible and immense, where human witnesses measure out deep time in golden spikes and ammonites, excavating lost seas and saurians for clues as to what we were and who we will be -- Philip Hoare, author * Leviathan *A book as multi-layered as the deep-time planet itself -- Sara Wheeler, author * Terra Incognita *Sublime ... a fascinating and thrilling descent into time, human in scale but full of moments of vertiginous wonder -- Jon Day, author * Homing *Helen Gordon's terrifically readable book juxtaposes scenes from deep Earth time with telling accounts of how geologists forensically analyse the evidence for this enormous narrative - and looks to the future, too, as humans make their own additions to the planet's strata. Highly recommended -- Jan Zalasiewicz, author * The World in a Pebble *Questing, thoughtful and profoundly moving, Notes From Deep Time is a remarkable TARDIS of a book -- Dan Richards, author * Outpost *A sparkling book that humanises the pre-human era. In her journey from the Earth's molten Hadean beginnings to our Holocene age, Gordon delivers stratigraphic revelations through the stories of the intriguing individuals who have brought their mysteries to light -- India Bourke * New Statesman *

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisFrom the best-selling illustrator of Flip-a-Feather, Mix-a-Mutt, Flip-o-saurus, and Flip-o-storic comes another book with charming artwork and die-cut pages for flip-and-flop fun ? this time with insects! Build-a-Bug lets you create wacky combinations of ten types of insects, including a curious beetle, a climbing caterpillar, and a buzzing honey bee.Each flap includes a fun fact about the pictured species, and inside the front cover is a chart showing the relative sizes of the insects featured, from the ant to the praying mantis.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisDiscover the healing power of nature through the stories of these characterful birds, whose song is never far away . . .LONGLISTED FOR THE 2022 WAINWRIGHT PRIZE''A lyrical and life-affirming book that teaches us as much about birds as it does ourselves - a balm for the soul'' Raynor Winn, author of The Salt Path''Totally absorbing and completely engaging on so many levels . . . Charlie has opened my eyes to the constant joy of the sights and sounds of the birds that surround us. It is a book that really will save lives'' Dr Richard Shepherd, author of Unnatural Causes_________After the tragic loss of his mother, Charlie Corbett felt trapped by his pain. Having lost all hope and perspective he took to the countryside in search of solace. There, he heard the soaring, cascading song of the skylark - a sound that pulled him from the depths of despair and into the calm of the natural world.Weaving his jTrade ReviewA lyrical and life-affirming book that teaches us as much about birds as it does ourselves - a balm for the soul * Raynor Winn, author of The Salt Path *Totally absorbing and completely engaging on so many levels... Charlie has opened my eyes to the constant joy of the sights and sounds of the birds that surround us. It is a book that really will save lives * Dr Richard Shepherd, author of Unnatural Causes *An enchanting book. I knew at once this was something special * Lady Glenconner *This is no ordinary ornithology, but one that portrays the very essence of each bird through a very human lens and shows us that both solace and joy can be ours by merely observing with an open eye and an open heart * John Wright, author of The Forager's Calendar *A wonderful blend of the lyrical and practical. Charlie shows us that our relationship with birds and the natural world is not only healing, but an important part of our cultural heritage worth protecting * Adam Henson *From dawn choruses to the first chiffchaff calls of spring, Charlie Corbett shows how the changing seasons can bring happy natural rhythms to times of hardship * National Geographic Traveller *This is no misery memoir . . . The story moves apace to its uplifting conclusion, that Nature is the best medicine * Country Life *There is much to be admired * Countryfile *An important book, woven with the countryside and catharsis. Also instructive into which birds to look for and how to recognise their calls and song. Written by a true countryman and loving son * The Field *Honest, uplifting and written from the heart, this is a rediscovery of life inspired by a re-discovery of birds -- Tim BirkheadOne of those charming nuggets you sometimes chance across in the bookshop, pulling together themes of nature, grief, mental health and healing * Salisbury Journal *

Read more less

Book SynopsisBe guided by the world’s favourite felines with this fabulous set of advice cards. Money problems? Consult Blackie the millionaire cat. Having a bad day? Ask the Cheshire Cat how he stays smiling. Lacking courage? Be inspired by Felicette, the first cat in space. Simply select a card from the pack, follow the advice inspired by the cat's personal philosophy and any obstacle will become surmountable. Contains 50 advice cards plus a booklet featuring the cats’ biographies and details of how to use the cards. As seen in Cat WorldTrade Review"For life-affirming advice, why not look to your favourite feline? Cat Gurus is the new spiritual seeker's vice with a tongue-in-cheek approach to tarot cards. Packaged in a gift box including a booklet introducing all the advice-giving gurus from the Cheshire Cat to Puss in Boots. The perfect gift for any cat-lover, and a fun activity at festive shenanigans." -- Evening Standard"Feline good with these advice cards – purrfect to live your life by." -- Sunday People

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe World's Smallest Dog with the World's Biggest HeartSmoky the Brave is the extraordinary, touching and true story of a heroic dog and her adoptive masters in the jungles of the Pacific War. In February 1944, as Japanese military advances threatened to engulf Australasia, a tiny, four-pound Yorkshire terrier was discovered hiding in a Japanese shell scrape amidst the thick jungles of Papua New Guinea. The GIs who discovered her presumed she had been some kind of Japanese army mascot, but it soon turned out that she understood neither commands rendered in Japanese nor English. A mystery, she was adopted by Corporal William 'Bill' Wynne, an air-crewman with the US 5th Air Force's 26th Photo Reconnaissance Squadron.Living in Bill Wynne's tent, sleeping on a piece of green felt salvaged from a card table,and sharing his rations, Smoky became the de facto mascot of the regiment. She went on to fly numerous photo-recce and air-sea rescue missions, cocooned in a soldier's pack hanging next to the machine-guns used to repel marauding Japanese fighters. She was awarded eight battle stars, surviving dozens of Japanese combat raids on Papua New Guinea, and braving a typhoon that ravaged Okinawa. After saving Wynne's life by warning of a falling shell, as their landing craft approached an enemy-held beach - a shell that killed the eight men that Wynne was standing beside - he nicknamed her the 'angel from a foxhole'. In one of her most famous exploits Smoky parachuted using a special rig designed to fit one of the world's smallest but toughest dogs.In perhaps her most heroic exploit of all, Smoky ran a cable through a seventy-foot pipe no wider in places than four inches, to enable telephone lines to be run across the recently occupied airbase of Luzon. Her efforts saved hundreds of ground-crew from being exposed to enemy bombing, preventing injury and loss of life. Amongst her many other awards,she was given the PDSA's Certificate for Animal Bravery or Devotion in 2011, a relatively new class of PDSA award.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisAn informative and practical guide to cooking healthy, nutritious meals for dogsTrade Review"The ultimate guide to weening your dog off commercial foods and toward a healthier diet."—Cool Hunting"Feed Me is an illustrated cookbook with 50 easy-to-follow, nutritious and appetizing meals designed specifically for man's best friend. We're talking the likes of seared beef with carrot risotto, and pasta with soybeans and crispy apple, so yeah, we'd probably buy extra and just cook ourselves the same thing for dinner."—Cool Material"As you might expect, and hope if you're planning to buy Feed Me as a gift for a pet lover, the cookbook also has adorable dog illustrations, courtesy of Kevin Waldron."—Dude"The canine cookbook features a number of premium recipes for owners to prepare that are all focused on natural ingredients that are free from additives to ensure optimal health."—Trend Hunter"...Takes pet food to gourmet heights... It's perfect for dog parents who believe that even their canines are what they eat."—The Globe and Mail"Guys, it's all about cooking meaty rice timbale with pumpkin or turkey and ricotta quenelles for your pooch now."—The Sunday Times, Style"A handsome book, printed on heavy stock and filled with adorable line drawings of dogs. It's also full of detailed advice about why it's better to cook for your dog than to feed them store-bought food and how to navigate the transition from kibbles to home-cooked meals."—The Takeout"Publisher Phaidon is a rare gem for lovers of visual arts... We follow their Instagram (and so should you!) and spotted two gorgeous books you really need to know about. Feed Me is a beautifully illustrated book with 50 home cooked meals for your dog while Pet-tecture features 288 pages of architecture for pets created by the biggest names in global architecture."—makethemroar.com"Diligent dog owner that I am, I read all of the preamble first, which explains the value of home cooked meals, what foods should go into a healthy dog diet, and how to prepare, cook, serve and store the meals. This saved me a lot of time in understanding the recipes and helped to mitigate my surprise that foods like pasta and rice featured so heavily. I essentially live off both of these during times when midweek meals have to be cobbled together, so it was great to see that Mahler could do the same... I was relieved that, at seven items, the ingredients list was mercifully short. If you're going to make these meals regularly, as the author suggests, it's critical that the shopping and organisation is sustainable... It smelled pretty delicious and Mahler, who usually doesn't fuss at all when I cook, took up residence at my feet... The transition from his previous meals was smooth. He had plenty of energy for chasing squirrels and his digestion was great."—StyleDetails.com"Full of tasty inspiration to make cooking from scratch an affordable, tasty alternative to shop bought dog-food... The sweet illustrations by Kevin Waldron are a treat for the eyes, too."—People's Friend"Takes the fear out of navigating the world of dog food dos and don'ts... Whether your dog is already happy and healthy, or it needs a more specialised diet to feel tip-top, these 50 recipes allow you to create bespoke meals for your own dogs needs. There're also helpful meal plans tailored for dogs of every age, breed, weight and activeness. If that wasn't enough, each meal has a nutritional breakdown, so you know exactly what you're feeding Fido. Keep the window open when you cook, and don't be surprised if you have dogs howling from all down the street. This is definitely a dog's dinner to be enjoyed."—FourAndSons.com

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe reef guide documents some 800 reef fishes and invertebrates found along the east and south coasts of southern Africa. Following on the success of Dennis King's earlier two titles, this impressive new guide features 578 species of fish and includes sections on anemones, starfish, snails, crabs and shrimps. Full-colour photographs and descriptive text for each species, along with useful and interesting information, make for easy identification. While focusing on southern Africa, the book is also applicable to the entire east coast of Africa, as well as the islands of the western Indian Ocean - Seychelles, Mauritius, Reunion, Madagascar, the Comoros and the Maldives. Indispensable for divers, snorkelers and rock-pool enthusiasts, as well as fishermen and marine aquarists.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA magical new series from best-selling author and illustrator, Laura Ellen Anderson!Ten-year-old Ray Grey lives in the magical Weatherlands, high in the sky. Ray is surrounded by Weatherlings with astounding weather power at their fingertips . . . but she doesn''t have ANY magic!Then, after a trip to Earth, Ray's life changes forever. She is transformed from Ray Grey into RAINBOW GREY! With the help of her best friends (and exploding cloud cat, Nim) now all Ray has to do is master her powers AND save the world from a mysterious, powerful enemy . . .Trade Review"Laura Ellen Anderson must be one of the brightest rainbows in kidlit. Rainbow Grey is bursting with colour, kindness and heart – just like her creator. An utter joy from start to finish." Maz Evans “Sparkling new series with a rip-roaring, colour-infused tale of bravery, storm-filled action, kindness and warm-hearted friendships.” Lancashire Post “A lively story with a fully imagined alternative world, an entertaining collection of characters and a brave heroine.”Books for Keeps “A fabulously fun read for newly independent readers.”Miss Cleveland is Reading, school librarian and book blogger “Packed full of action and excitement from the first page all the way through to the last.” The Teacher Bookworm, teacher and book blogger “Rainbow Grey is funny and smart” Books for Topics “A true delight" Irish Sunday Independent “Ray is a glorious combination of confidence, determination and colour that children will admire” Bonkers About Books “The plot keeps readers reading right to the end, as we see main character Ray finding her inner power (as a Rainbow Weatherling), discovering her own identity and overcoming challenges” What I Read, teacher and book blogger “The perfect mix of adventure and peril, Laura has created the most sublime and wondrous world which she brings to life through her marvellous illustrations.” Book Lover Jo, school librarian and book blogger “Perfect for readers transitioning to longer-chapter books.”- Sunday Business Post

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisFrom the bestselling author of Lunar Living comes the ultimate guide to crystals and how they can help you live your best life.This is the one book you need in order to understand how crystals can enhance your everyday life and look after you.In Part 1, Kirsty explores what crystals are, how they work, before going on to explain how you choose, care for and programme them, and how to go about using them. Then, in Part 2, Crystals for Self-Care delves deeper into the many areas in which crystals work their magic. Chapters include Crystals for Love and Relationships, Crystals for Stress and Anxiety and Crystals for Work and Business.Crystals for Self-Care will leave you feeling empowered, supported and ready to embark on your own crystal journey!

Read more less