Natural History Books

Book SynopsisEast Africa is a premier wildlife destination, well known for its mass migrations of herds and fearsome predators. But as iconic are the trees that grow there: among them mangroves, cycads, palms, marulas, acacias, sausage trees, fever trees, toothbrush trees and giant bamboos. This book showcases 100 of the region’s most visible and significant trees, arranged by the habitats in which they occur. It features: Concise descriptions of each tree and its parts, plus notes about the various uses of the tree parts; multiple images showing the full tree and key ID features, including flowers, leaves, fruit and bark; where to see the trees, including the national parks and nature reserves; a brief introduction to the trees of the region and their vegetation zones; colourful, interesting and geared for quick tree identification, this handy guide will enhance any safari experience in East Africa. Sales points: Features 100 of the most commonly seen trees in East Africa. Almost 500 photographs, depicting the full tree and its diagnostic parts; written by two of the region’s most accomplished botanists; will appeal to all tree enthusiasts, as well as visitors to the region’s parks and reserves.

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Book SynopsisBack home in sleepy Pickax, Jim Qwilleran and his Siamese companions, Koko and Yum Yum, are looking forward to country peace and quiet. But their newly converted apple barn home turns out to be not quite the refuge they were hoping for when a corpse turns up in the orchard outside . . . No one in Pickax is sorry to learn that the local headmaster is dead. Though reputedly brilliant, Hilary Van Brook was also arrogant and manipulative, an outsider who managed to offend teachers, pupils and parents alike - just about everybody in town has a motive for murder. Only when a good friend becomes a chief suspect does Qwilleran''s instinct for mystery overtake his desire for privacy - and Koko''s obsession with a set of antique printing blocks is the first clue to a mystery which takes Qwill and his Siamese sleuths on a day out to the races . . .

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Book SynopsisTHE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER'Everyone should read this book' MATT HAIG'One of the most inspiring books I have ever read' YUVAL NOAH HARARI'Inspirational, compassionate and clear. The time to read this is NOW' MARK RUFFALO'Figueres and Rivett-Carnac dare to tell us how our response can create a better, fairer world' NAOMI KLEIN*****Discover why there's hope for the planet and how we can each make a difference in the climate crisis, starting today. Humanity is not doomed, and we can and will survive. The future is ours to create: it will be shaped by who we choose to be in the coming years. The coming decade is a turning point - it is time to turn from indifference or despair and towards a stubborn, determined optimism. The Future We Choose is a passionate call to arms from former UN Executive Secretary for Climate Change, Christiana Figueres, and Tom Rivett-Carnac, senior political strategist for the Paris Agreement.Practical, optimistic and empowering, The Future We Choose shows us steps we can all take to renew our planet and create a better world beyond the climate crisis: today, tomorrow, this year and in the coming decade. The time to act is now. This book will change the way you see the world, and your place in it. Trade ReviewWe are at a critical moment for the survival of humans and the rest of life on Earth. In The Future We Choose, Figueres and Rivett-Carnac explain what we can do to safeguard our world. This book presents what we must do to protect our shared future - your own, and that of everyone on this planet * Leonardo DiCaprio *A call to arms for the battle of our time. * Arnold Schwarzenegger *There could not be a more important book. * Richard Branson *Full of heart, strength and solutions... I will carry it with me everywhere. * Ellie Goulding *Compelling and persuasive. Everyone can make a difference when it comes to climate change, but far too often most of us end up feeling that the things we do are not going to be enough to solve the problem: it just seems so overwhelming. After you've read this book it will be very difficult to ever feel like that again! * Stella McCartney *This book is what the moment demands: a handbook for climate action and optimism. Read it and act. * Ed Miliband *This book could not be more timely or important. * David Miliband, CEO, IRC & Former Foreign Secretary *I urge everyone to read it and heed its message. * Ban Ki-moon *The Paris Agreement was a landmark for humanity. In this timely and important book, two of the principle creators of that agreement show us why and how we can now realise its' promise. I hope it is widely read and acted on * Jane Goodall, PhD, DBE, Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace *I strongly recommend this enlightening book! The next few years are the most important in humanity's fight to solve the climate crisis. In The Future We Choose, Christiana and Tom show us what's to come, how to face it, and what can be done to make the right choice to save our planet for future generations. * Al Gore *Inspirational, compassionate and clear. The time to read this is NOW -- Mark RuffaloPlease read it! -- Gisele BündchenEveryone should read this book -- Matt HaigFigueres and Rivett-Carnac dare to tell us how our response can create a better, fairer world. -- Naomi KleinOne of the most inspiring books I have ever read -- Yuval Noah HarariEnough of wake up calls - this book is what to do when you have woken up. -- William HaguePractical and inspiring -- Lord Nicholas SternUrges us all forward and helps us know we can make a difference -- Jennifer Morgan, Executive Director, Greenpeace InternationalProtecting the environment is logical as much as ecological -- Bertrand Piccard, Pilot, Solar ImpulseRead this book. -- Michael Mann, Climate ScientistA powerful warning and helpful guidebook for us all -- Chris Anderson, Head of TEDChristiana and Tom give us hope! * Jesper Brodin, CEO, IKEA Group *An inspiring call to arms, a must read. -- Lisa Jackson, Administrator of the US Environmental Protection Agency, 2009–2013We can lead the way towards a healthier and more sustainable future. This is the first book that explains how. -- Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of ParisAn important book. Readable, inspiring, with a road map to hope. -- Tim Smit, The Eden ProjectA fine volume! -- Bill McKibbenA powerful, compassionate call to arms. * Julian Hector, Head of the BBC Natural History Unit *This could be the most important wake up call of our time. -- Professor Klaus Schwab, CEO, World Economic ForumEncourage everyone to read and react. -- Oliver Bäte, CEO, AllianzA further valuable contribution to the debate -- Ben van Beurden, CEO, Shell

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Book SynopsisBowen's Court describes the history of one Anglo-Irish family in County Cork from the Cromwellian settlement until 1959, when Elizabeth Bowen was forced to sell the family house she loved.Trade ReviewInteresting, beautiful and important * New Statesman *She startles us by sheer originality of mind and boldness of sensibility into seeking our world afresh -- V.S. PritchettThrillingly convoluted * Guardian *

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Book SynopsisGive your horse a gorgeous look! Charni Lewis provides step-by-step instructions for 30 mane and tail braids for both casual outings and specialized events of all riding styles. Full-color photographs and detailed illustrations bring every twist and turn to life, while also clearly demonstrating proper hand positioning. Get inspired and experiment with a Scalloped mane braid or a Four-Strand Weave for the tail. Not only will your horse look great, the time you spend braiding will help develop that special bond between you and your horse.

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Book SynopsisSurfside Style is a celebration of the simple colours, natural textures, and sun-bleached beauty of living by the sea. Beautiful specially-commissioned photography showcases twelve gorgeous homes across the United States – from California to Florida – that are inspired by the calm and rhythm of living in harmony with the water. From beach cottages to surf shacks, romantic vacation hideaways to bohemian nods to the past, Surfside Style showcases decorative inspiration for all of us who love the ocean or dream of living by the sea. Here interiors bear the influence of maritime colours and simple, natural textures, hand-hewn beams, bleached wood, weathered planks, woven blankets and mother-of pearl tones. Fifi O’Neill shows you how to combine originality, creative energy, whimsy, and the spirit of the surf to create serene, authentic and enchanting interiors.

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Book SynopsisThe Mesozoic era ranged from 240 million to 65 million years ago. In British Mesozoic Fossils 365 species from this period are classified and illustrated with accurate line drawings. This new edition has been fully revised and updated, reflecting advances in our understanding of the fossil record over the past years.

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Book SynopsisA longtime favourite getaway for America's most influential families, Cumberland Island, off the Atlantic coast of Georgia, offers breathtaking white-sand beaches, rolling dunes, old-growth oak forests, and salt marsh tidal estuaries. At the centre of it all is a population of horses that has thrived, untouched for generations, within this serene sanctuary. In Wild Horses of Cumberland Island, photographer Anouk Masson Krantz has captured the dramatic scenery and majestic horses as they have never been seen before. Her images show the remarkable animals in their naturally diverse ecosystems. A lone horse on a distant beach; four creatures peacefully grazing; a shy animal peering over its shoulder from a brushy thicket - Krantz's portfolio, built over the last decade, is an intimate reflection not only of Cumberland Island's exceptional beauty and spirited horses, but of the history and the safekeeping that have allowed both to flourish. This second edition includes many new images and showcases Krantz's expansive body of work that reflects the remarkable majesty of these horses as they continue to roam across this remote island landscape.

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Book SynopsisThis book describes the future of the Artemis Lunar Program from the years 2017 to about 2030. Despite the uncertainty of the times and the present state of space exploration, it is likely that what is presented in this book will actually happen, to one degree or another. As history has taught us, predictions are often difficult, but one can see enough into the future to be somewhat accurate. As the Bible says, “Wesee thru the glass, but darkly.”All of the elements of the proposed program are described from several perspectives: NASA’s, the commercial space industry and our International partners. Also included are descriptions of the many vehicles, habitats, landers, payloads and experiments. The book tells the story of the buildup of a very small space station in a strange new lunar orbit and the descent of payloads and humans, including the first women and next man, to the lunar surface with the intent to evolve a sustained presence over time. Trade Review“I was glad to read this book, and I learned some new things from it. I am happy to recommend it to anyone interested in a brief summary of the technical aspects of the Artemis programme as conceived in its early years.” (Ian Crawford, The Observatory, Vol. 141 (1282), June, 2021)“The book is an excellent basis to understand the further struggle for human space exploration of Moon and Mars, and allows the reader to form his own well-founded opinion and to grasp the technical problems still to be solved. … A ‘treat’ for insiders, a reference manual for those interested in human spaceflight and an easily digestible book for laypeople. Predicate: Highly valuable!” (Joachim J. Kehr, Journal of Space Operations & Communicator, February, 2021)Table of ContentsFrontispiece Dedication Acknowledgments Preface 1 Introduction 2 The Artemis Lunar Program Overview 2.1 NASA’s Concept 2.2 Summary of the Elements 2.3 The Controversy 2.4 The Budget 2.5 Politics 3 Spacecraft, Landers, Rovers and Payloads 3.1 Commercial Spacecraft 3.2 Commercial Lunar Payload Services 3.3 Commercial Payloads and Instruments 3.4 Lunar Science Participation 3.5 Landing Sites 4 Elements, Crew Landers, Launch Vehicles and Upper Stages 4.1 Propulsion and Power Element 4.2 Habitat and Logistics Modules 4.3 Crew Landers and Transfer Element Studies 4.4 Launch Vehicles 4.5 Upper Stages 5 NASA and Commercial Crew Development 5.1 Crew Selection and Training 5.2 Commercial Crew ISS Missions 5.3 Artemis Missions 5.4 The Next Generation Space Suit 5.5 Commercial Crew Space Suits 5.6 Crew Health 6 Artemis Lessons for Exploration 6.1 Utility of the Gateway 6.2 Sustainability 6.3 Impact on Future Hardware Design 6.4 Long Duration Science Operations 6.5 Launch Vehicle Payload Capability 7 Enabling Technology Advances 7.1 NASA Programs 7.2 Navigation and Precision Landing 7.3 Deep Space Atomic Clock 7.4 In-Situ Resource Utilization 7.5 Lunar Power 7.6 Protection from Radiation 7.7 Advances in Optical Communications 7.8 Lunar IceCube 8 Artemis Influence on Mars Planning 8.1 Mission Concepts and Plans 8.2 Technologies and Capabilities 8.3 Artemis Science Influence on Mars 8.4 Robotics 8.5 Regolith Mining and Processing 8.6 3D Printing 9 Conclusions Appendices 1 The National Space Council’s Role in Artemis and Mars 2 Community Letter to Congress Regarding NASA’s Lunar Discovery and Exploration Program 3 NASA’s Gateway Memorandum for the Record 4 Near Rectilinear Halo Orbit 5 Solar Electric Propulsion and Hall Effect Thrusters 6 Technology 7 Timeline 8 Artemis Mythology 9 The Moon Village Association 10 The Chinese Lunar Program 11 Crew Selection: A History and Prediction 12 Quotes References Glossary About the Author Index

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Book SynopsisThere are more than 1,300 species of bats - or almost a quarter of the world's mammal species. But before you shrink in fear from these furry "creatures of the night," consider the bat's fundamental role in our ecosystem. A single brown bat can eat several thousand insects in a night. This book presents these nocturnal creatures in a new light.

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Book SynopsisWriter, editor, artist, and identification expert, Rob Hume is highly adept at penning detailed identification notes for rarity watchers yet is also skilled at providing interesting descriptions for armchair birdwatchers. He is a lifelong birdwatcher who worked for the RSPB for over 30 years and edited the RSPB's award-winning Birds magazine.

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Book SynopsisWith a scientist's mind and an animal lover's compassion, world-renowned biologist Rupert Sheldrake presents a groundbreaking exploration of animal behavior that will profoundly change the way we think about animals--and ourselves.How do cats know when it's time to go to the vet, even before the cat carrier comes out? How do dogs know when their owners are returning home at unexpected times? How can horses find their way back to the stable over completely unfamiliar terrain?After five years of extensive research involving thousands of people who have pets and work with animals, Dr. Sheldrake proves conclusively what many pet owners already know: there is a strong connection between humans and animals that defies present-day scientific understanding. Sheldrake compellingly demonstrates that we and our pets are social animals linked together by invisible bonds connecting animals to each other, to their owners, and to their homes in powerful ways. Hi

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Book SynopsisRSPB ID Spotlight Bees is a reliable fold-out chart that presents illustrations of 40 of our most widespread and familiar bees by renowned artist Richard Lewington.Watching a garden busy with bees is one of the joys of summer. But can you tell a White-tailed Bumblebee from a Garden Bumblebee? Or confidently distinguish between a Patchwork Leafcutter Bee and a Long-horned Bee? Britain and Ireland are home to more than 270 species of bees, some of which play an important ecological role through their industrious pollination of our crops and wildflowers.Species are grouped by family and helpfully labelled to assist with identification, while the artworks are shown side by side for quick comparison and easy reference at home or in the field. The reverse of the chart provides information on the habitats, behaviour, life cycles and diets of our bees, as well as the conservation issues they are facing and how the RSPB and other conservation charities are workiTable of ContentsIntroducing the UK’s Common Bees Habitats Distribution and Migration General Behaviour, Life Cycle and Diet Conservation Spotlight ID: Bumblebees Honey Bees Flower Bees Mason Bees Mining Bees Leafcutter Bees Plasterer Bees Scissor Bees Wool Carders Mourning Bees Long-horned Bees Nomad Bees Pantaloon Bees

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Book SynopsisThe remarkable story of Grant Fowlds, a conservationist who has dedicated his life to saving the last rhinos, vividly told with the help of Graham Spence, co-author of the bestselling The Elephant Whisperer.''A terrific read . . . an outstanding book!''Gary Player and Vivienne Player''A truly heart-wrenching story, but a must-read for all who value our wild animals and their right to roam free. Grant Fowlds is a Zulu in a white skin and loves the people who hold the key to animal conservation. This is an intriguing true story that sends a clear message to the rest of the world.''Phil Liggett''Exceptionally readable - a fluid and captivating story . . . a swashbuckling tale.''Dr Dave Cooper, Rhinos Without Borders veterinarian, and Debbie Cooper of iSimangaliso Wetland Park''A rollicking true-life adventure that celebrates rhinos and people''Guy Rogers, Daily HTrade ReviewGrant Fowlds' tireless effort to educate the children of the world, conserve vast expanses of land and save the last rhinos, is truly awe inspiring. As he travels through Africa, gaining the trust of local governments and councils, we start to understand the scope of his undertakings. He reaches out to organizations around the world to aid him in his progress to expand anti-poaching projects, elephant-relocation programmes and even to assist with bringing the lesser-known, glorious gorillas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to the attention of the world. But at the forefront of it all, he is doing all he can to Save the Last Rhinos. We, as a race, need to wake up and get on this train. The more we, as individuals, can do to rally support and spread the word, the better chance we have of not seeing the demise and eventual extinction, not only of rhinos, but of all endangered animals. The rehabilitation and conservation of land in Africa is a vital part of this progress, and Grant Fowlds and his team are at the forefront of this war. Read this book. You will get a sense of Africa like never before, from a true African soul. -- David S. Lee, Limbani in the blockbuster movie Black PantherGrant Fowlds' book is an excellent read. It's both sobering, and uplifting at the same time. Sobering because the sheer extent of the rhino-poaching crisis is revealed. Uplifting because Grant, and individuals like him are passionately committed to making a difference. The innovative ways in which they reach the hearts and minds of children, on both sides of the conflict, is impressive. As, too, is his work with communities and other stakeholders. -- Moira Smith, General Manager Africa & Middle East, Goway TravelExceptionally readable - a fluid and captivating story . . . a swashbuckling tale. -- Dr Dave Cooper, Rhinos Without Borders veterinarian, and Debbie Cooper of iSimangaliso Wetland ParkA rollicking true-life adventure that celebrates rhinos and people. -- Guy Rogers * Daily Herald *A terrific read . . . an outstanding book! -- Gary Player and Vivienne PlayerA truly heart-wrenching story, but a must-read for all who value our wild animals and their right to roam free. Grant Fowlds is a Zulu in a white skin and loves the people who hold the key to animal conservation. This is an intriguing story that sends a clear message to the rest of the world. -- Phil Liggett

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Book SynopsisThis book marks the birth 300 years ago on 23rd May 1725 of Robert Bakewell, the agricultural innovator, famous for rearing Longhorn Cattle, New Leicester Sheep and improving working horses. Probably the most famous son of Loughborough, he initiated the Dishley Society, named after Dishley Grange, where he farmed, to control the hiring out of the best rams that he and his friends had raised. The book Robert Bakewell and the Longhorn Breed of Cattle was published in 1995, and the New Dishley Society was established around that time, to coincide with the 250th anniversary of his death. The New Dishley Society has, since then, been researching Bakewell's legacy and promoting his name, and this book presents the results of their activities. The new material provides an extensive genealogy, covering his breeding methods and innovative farming practices, whilst he worked against the prejudices of his largely backward-looking farming neighbours. It explains the survival of his breeding business during his bankruptcy through support from his family, like-minded agricultural innovators and friends and his Unitarian network. The book describes his extensive export activities and his correspondence with George Washington, who sought his advice on improving his farming estate at Mount Vernon. Robert Bakewell's story is set within the social and economic framework of the times, fully referenced, the text aims to provide a detailed explanation of his importance and legacy.

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Book Synopsis**AS HEARD ON BBC RADIO 4**''A master nature writer'' (New York Times) provides the ultimate natural, social and cultural history of the Arctic landscape.The author of Horizon''s classic work explores the Arctic landscape and the hold it continues to exert on our imagination.WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY ROBERT MACFARLANELopez''s journey across our frozen planet is a celebration of the Arctic in all its guises. A hostile landscape of ice, freezing oceans and dazzling skyscapes. Home to millions of diverse animals and people. The stage to massive migrations by land, sea and air. The setting of epic exploratory voyages. In crystalline prose, Lopez captures the magic of the Arctic: the essential mystery and beauty of a continent that has enchanted man''s imagination and ambition for centuries.''The Arctic dreamland seen and described by a writer of rare perception and poetic descriptive power... The pages sparkle with Arctic light'' ScotsmanTrade ReviewThe Arctic dreamland seen and described by a writer of rare perception and poetic descriptive power... The pages sparkle with Arctic light -- David Stephen * Scotsman *A marvellous evocation of the Arctic by a naturalist, who is part poet... A magical book to read slowly and savour -- Gillian Somerville-Large * Irish Times *Barry Lopez by some rare magic manages to combine a poetic vision with accuracy of observation; and although he writes mainly about Eskimos, polar bears, and other denizens of the frozen north, many of his perceptive insights apply the world over -- Paula Johnson * Mail on Sunday *Dazzling... Treats the distant, snowy world of the Arctic as a place that exists not only in the mathematics of geography but also in the terra incognita of our imaginations -- Michiko Kakutani * New York Times *By what comes close to sheer magic, the magic of a highly literate and perceptive naturalist, Barry Lopez has transformed the austerity and Sibelius-like gloom of the tundra and great ice walls into a living pageant of high latitudes. This book will become a classic within its genre * John Hillaby *

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Book SynopsisOur cats occupy a unique space in our hearts. When they’re gone, the loss can be devastating, the grief even more profound than when a human friend passes away. The human-animal bond transcends language. P.S. I Love You More Than Tuna gives friends and loved ones an opportunity to step forward and offer tangible comfort during the grieving period, when many people feel isolated and misunderstood after a beloved pet dies. Heart felt but not saccharine, this first-of-its-kind book offers readers solace and inspiration using New Yorker-style illustrations paired with simple, evocative language. It is a universal ode to the special and often quirky bonds we forge with our companion cats that will help many people through the dark aftermath of loss.

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Book SynopsisA beautiful gift for beginner and seasoned stargazers alikeTrade Review“Spectacular views of the universe” The Guardian “Insight Astronomy Photos of the year are stellar and stunning” Irish Examiner

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Book SynopsisA perfectly pitched and packaged adorable magical animal series forbeginner readers.

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Book SynopsisGleaming and sparkling, the coral sea Is a place of magical mystery. A gorgeous picture book by award-winning author and illustrator Britta Teckentrup! Discover a world beneath the waves that is teeming with life, from tiny, graceful seahorses to darting tropical fish, and from electric eels to humpback whales. Lyrical text by Patricia Hegarty and stunning artwork by the award-winning illustrator Britta Teckentrup capture a colourful array of sea creatures in this delightful peep-through picture book. Die-cuts reveal fascinating creatures and vibrant artwork is paired with gentle text to capture the world beneath the waves. Also available in the Peek-through Nature series: Don't miss the full range of stunning picture books that focus on the natural world, including Moon, Bee, Tree and Home! For more Britta Teckentrup books that explore social themes, don’t miss We Are Together, Under the Same Sky, Kindness Grows and A Happy Place.

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Book SynopsisTree Vision is the ultimate card set to help you learn all about trees, their leaves, seeds, flowers and so much more!Do you suffer from tree blindness? Learn to read the leaves using these flashcards and you'll have the differences between tree species down in no time. Use the cards to identify your favourite trees, or set yourself a new challenge: can you recognise a horse chestnut tree from its leaf, or do you need to see its distinctive conkers before the penny drops? Each card includes detailed images, plus fascinating facts about all the trees featured.Tree Vision is beautifully illustrated by Holly Exley and the accompanying text is written by Tony Kirkham, who is the Head of Arboretum, Gardens and Horticulture Services in the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, London. Tony was awarded an MBE in the Queen's New Year's Honours List 2020 and has authored six books.Trees included in the box are: ash, beech, birch, cedar, hornbeam, juniper, lime, maple, oak, pine, spruce, sycamore, yew and many more, from species found in Asia, Africa, Australia, America and Europe.This is a perfect gift and a boxed reference set for nature lovers, including interesting facts about the trees featured, supported by the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, London, UK.Other nature-inspired titles from Laurence King include: Around the World in 80 Trees, The Story of Trees, Match a Leaf, Hello Nature and A Year in Nature.

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"An unexpectedly delightful and rewarding jaunt into once-cherished, now-decaying living history. Each chapter gives a quick sketch of a species or genus that was formally described from a museum specimen, often decades after it was collected. Most of the creatures--which include lightning cockroaches, squeaker frogs, pygmy bandicoots from New Guinea, ruby seadragons, and 'atomic' tarantulas caught at a nuclear test site in Nevada--have been identified in the past fifteen years or so."--Ira Flatow "Wall Street Journal" "As part of the rising concern for global biodiversity, Christopher Kemp makes clear the value of preserved specimens in basic research. He successfully presents their study as part science, part history, and part adventure."--Edward O. Wilson, University Research Professor, emeritus, Harvard University "Forbes, Best Biology Books of 2017" "The natural history museums of the world are full of surprises--undescribed species, from flying foxes to king crabs--sitting on their shelves waiting for someone to notice. Kemp vividly brings to life the stories of these specimens, and the people who collect and describe them. The Lost Species will delight any reader who cares about discovery, adventure, and the little-known planet that sustains us."--Richard Conniff, author of The Species Seekers: Heroes, Fools, and the Mad Pursuit of Life on Earth "Forbes, Best Biology Books of 2017" "Natural history museums and their collections come alive with Kemp's inside stories of new species formerly hidden away in museum drawers and jars. Anyone who appreciates discovery and has an interest in museums, history, and biodiversity will find plenty to enjoy in The Lost Species, an intriguing, engaging, and conversational read."--Marty Crump, author of Eye of Newt and Toe of Frog, Adder's Fork and Lizard's Leg: The Lore and Mythology of Amphibians and Reptiles "Forbes, Best Biology Books of 2017" "Natural history collections are vast, backlogged, error-riddled, or incompletely described. Think of all those expeditions in the 1800s and 1900s. Imagine drawers with thousands of beetles and flies, countless jars of marine invertebrates. What other treasures could those collections still be holding? Well, biologist Kemp wondered about that, too. And he went on a quest to uncover the forgotten collections and chronicled his findings in a book, The Last Species--new species that were only found with the help of natural history museums. . . . Amazing story."--Ira Flatow "Science Friday" "At a time when funding for natural history collections is under siege, Kemp's The Lost Species, which champions the irreplaceable value of these collections in the identification of new species, is a refreshing endorsement of both biodiversity and curatorial taxonomic expertise. . . . Kemp ably demonstrates the vital role that natural history collections and curators with taxonomic expertise play in the documentation of new species and ultimately in the preservation of biodiversity. These collections require maintenance to ensure the preservation of specimens and documentation for the next generation of taxonomists, who will discover more new species. It is my hope that The Lost Species will engender broader public interest and support for these efforts."--Bonnie Styles "Science" "As Kemp showcases these inspiring discoveries, you'll find yourself wondering what undiscovered treasures can be found in your local natural history museum. Clearly there is plenty of unknown biodiversity: currently, only 2 million species have been named out of the estimated 10 million that are thought to be out there (some credible estimates go as high as 30 million unnamed species), but I was amazed to learn that as many as half of all museum specimens are misidentified. Yeow! Clearly, there's a lot of taxonomic and systematic work to be done. This engaging book is a compelling argument for the overall value of natural history museums, and for the importance of studying these collections."--GrrlScientist "Forbes, Best Biology Books of 2017" "Major natural history museums of the world today collectively hold an enormous, irreplaceable collection of scientific objects numbering in the billions. Among this library of life and culture that has been assembled over several centuries, each piece has its own tale to tell. Christopher Kemp vividly brings several of these stories to life in The Lost Species. He chooses pieces ranging from a lowly nematode worm to the mighty dinosaur Apatosaurus (formerly known as Brontosaurus) to engage us. He presents these specimens to us not only as voucher specimens of Earth's biodiversity, but also as examples of human endeavor surrounding their discovery and eventual study. A great read for anyone interested in natural history museum collections, how they came to be, and what we can learn from them." --Lance Grande, author of Curators "Forbes, Best Biology Books of 2017"Table of ContentsIntroduction The Vertebrates 1. Pushed up a Mountain and into the Clouds: The Olinguito (Bassaricyon neblina) 2. Beneath a Color 83 Sky: The Ucucha Mouse (Thomasomys ucucha) 3. Going on a Tapir Hunt: The Little Black Tapir (Tapirus kabomani) 4. A Taxonomic Confusion: The Saki Monkeys (Pithecia genus) 5. Scattered to the Corners of the World: The Arfak Pygmy Bandicoot (Microperoryctes aplini) 6. The One That Got Away for 160 Years: Wallace’s Pike Cichlid (Crenicichla monicae) 7. Here Be Dragons: The Ruby Seadragon (Phyllopteryx dewysea) 8. A Century in a Jar: The Thorius Salamanders 9. From a Green Bowl: The Overlooked Squeaker Frog (Arthroleptis kutogundua) 10. A Body and a Disembodied Tail: Smith’s Hidden Gecko (Cyrtodactylus celatus) The Invertebrates 11. Treasure in the By-Catch: The Gall Wasps (Cynipoidea species) 12. The Biomimic: The Lightning Cockroach (Lucihormetica luckae) 13. Sunk beneath the Surface in a Sea of Beetles: Darwin’s Rove Beetle (Darwinilus sedarisi) 14. The Spoils of a Distant War: The Congo Duskhawker Dragonfly (Gynacantha congolica) 15. A Specimen in Two Halves: Muir’s Wedge-Shaped Beetle (Rhipidocyrtus muiri) 16. Mary Kingsley’s Longhorn Beetle (Pseudictator kingsleyae) 17. The Giant Flies (Gauromydas papavero and Gauromydas mateus) 18. It Came from Area 51: The Atomic Tarantula Spider (Aphonopelma atomicum) 19. The Host with the Most: The Nematode Worm (Ohbayashinema aspeira) 20. From a Time Machine on Cromwell Road: Ablett’s Land Snail (Pseudopomatias abletti) 21. In Sight of Land: Payden’s Isopod (Exosphaeroma paydenae) 22. A Ball of Spines: Makarov’s King Crab (Paralomis makarovi) Botanical 23. In an Ikea Bag: The Custard Apple Family (Monanthotaxis Genus) The Others 24. Waiting with Their Jackets On: The Fossils (Paleontology Specimens Collected by Elmer Riggs) 25. The First Art: The Earliest Hominin Engraving (a 500,000-Year-Old Shell) Epilogue Illustration Captions and Credits Notes Index

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Book SynopsisWhether you are seeking to bring animal magic into your practice or simply want to bond with a furry, finned, or feathered friend in more meaningful ways, this guide will expand your magical practice and amplify your power with the help of an animal familiar. MORE THAN JUST BLACK CATS Discover your personal animal familiar and open yourself to a new way of working alongside the animal kingdom in your magical practice. More than simple elements to be added to spells, animals are allies who can teach any witch about energy, life force, and different kinds of consciousness. For centuries, witches have been linked with familiars such as black cats; however, the world of animal familiars is not limited to felines. Dogs, birds, rodents, reptiles, and even the guppies in your aquarium can be your special companions and magical co-creators. And familiars are not just limited to the pets that we live with; animals in the wild can also enhance our magic and teach us valuable spiritual lessons. In this comprehensive book, you'll learn how to identify an animal familiar and invite them into your witchcraft practice. You'll find spells to attract, protect, and bond with your familiar. You'll learn magical ways to calm your familiar and even rituals to help your familiar transition at the end of life. You'll access ways to talk to your familiar and build psychic links to help you understand them. You'll discover ways to invite your familiar to participate in your magical rituals, to exchange spiritual energy with your familiar, and even learn how to shapeshift into animal form.

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Book SynopsisThe definitive photographic guide to the mammals of Spain, Portugal and the Balearic Islands.With rushing rivers, steep mountains, and a rich variety of forests, the Iberian Peninsula is home to a wealth of wildlife. Over recent years, areas of conservation and rewilding have seen mammals such as the Grey Wolf and the endemic Iberian Ibex and Iberian Lynx thrive, making it an increasingly popular destination for ecotourists. Written by celebrated wildlife photographer Carlos Bocos Gonzalez and naturalist James Lowen, this guide covers all 99 terrestrial and aerial mammal species resident in the region. Each species account includes concise details on the animal's behaviour, habitat and activity periods, as well as full colour photographs and descriptions of key features to aid accurate identification. Practical guidance for finding wildlife is also provided, including an overview of some of the best locations, seven recommended mammalwatching itineraries and i

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Book Synopsis

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Book SynopsisTable of ContentsIntroduction 1 About This Book 2 Foolish Assumptions 2 Icons Used in This Book 3 Beyond the Book 4 Where to Go from Here 4 Part 1: Is a Ferret Right for You? 5 Chapter 1: What You Need to Know About Ferrets 7 First Question: What Is a Ferret? 8 Giving the Ferret a Physical: Examining Fuzzy Characteristics 9 Looking at the life span of a fuzzy 10 In this corner, weighing in at 11 Getting to the point about claws and teeth 12 Making sense of senses 12 Exercise and Time Considerations — Yours and Your Fuzzy’s 13 Taking a Whiff of the Odor Factor 14 To descent or not to descent? 14 Controlling your fuzzy’s odor 15 Getting the Dish on Financial Matters 16 Extreme Cage Makeover: Providing the Space They Need 16 Facing the Challenges of Ferret-Proofing Your Home 17 Ferrets and Kids 17 Ferrets and Babies 18 Ferrets and Other Household Pets 18 Leaping over the Legal Hurdles 19 Chapter 2: Understanding What Ferrets Are (And Aren’t) 21 Yes, Ferrets Are Domesticated 22 Getting to Know Fuzzies in the Past and Present 24 Ferrets throughout history 24 Ferrets have always had a knack for meeting man’s needs 24 Ferrets catching on 25 Spotlighting the Sport of Ferreting 25 Picturing the Physical Appearance of the Domestic Ferret 28 The spectrum of fuzzy colors 28 Fuzzy color patterns 30 Hanging up the question on ferret coat changes and colors 32 Crazy ferret categories 32 Not Just Another Color: The Black-Footed Ferret 35 The one, true North American ferret! 36 Are black-footed ferrets really that different? 36 Habitat (or is that prairie dog?) destruction 37 The Black-Footed Ferret Recovery Plan 38 Chapter 3: Ferrets and the Law: Licensing and Other Issues 43 “A License? But He Can’t Even Reach the Pedals!” 44 Ferret-Free Zones and Why They Exist 44 What’s it gonna be? Wild, domestic, or exotic? 46 Feral ferrets in my neighborhood? 46 Should people fear rabies? 47 Knowing the Law and the Consequences of Breaking It 48 Part 2: Finding Your Ferret and Hanging Up the Welcome Hammock 49 Chapter 4: On the Tail of a New Carpet Shark (Um, Ferret) 51 Ferret Shopping 101 52 Are You in the Market for a New or Used Ferret? 53 Starting off with a kit 53 Adopting an older ferret 54 Should You Pre-Order Blue or Pink Bedding (Get a Boy or Girl)? 55 Pitting Altered versus Whole Furballs 55 Boys will be boys 56 Girls will be girls 57 “You Want How Many Ferrets?” 57 Where to Find Your Ferret 61 Perusing pet shops 61 Picking out private breeders 63 Adopting from a ferret shelter 64 Craigslist and other classified debacles 66 Rescuing the wayward weasel: Stray ferrets 67 Getting a Vet 68 Chapter 5: Home Sweet Home: Preparing Your Ferret’s Quarters 69 Setting Up Fuzzy’s Cage 70 Size matters: Picking the proper cage 70 Fuzzy blueprints: Making sure the design is right 70 A home within a home: Finding a place inside for the cage 74 A room with a view: Finding a place outside for the cage 76 Making Your Ferret’s Bed 78 Setting Your Ferret’s Table 79 Serving your ferret’s food with a sturdy dish 79 Hydrating your ferret 81 Designing Your Ferret’s Bathroom 84 Potty on! Choosing the right litter box for your ferret 84 Picking out the perfect litter 87 Acquiring Accessories and Other Stuff Fuzzy Needs 89 Fluffing up extra snoozing sites 90 Ferret toys galore! 91 Leashes and harnesses for your ferret 93 Finding a good travel taxi 94 Chapter 6: Ferret-Proofing Your Home 97 Inspecting Your Home for Ferret Hazards 98 Laundry room 99 Kitchen 99 Moldings, baseboards, and under cabinets 100 Windows and doors 100 Floor vents and air returns 101 Plants 101 Heights 101 Electrical cords 101 Reclining chairs, rockers, and foldout couches 102 Fireplaces 102 Mattresses, couches, and chairs 102 Toilets, bathtubs, and buckets 103 Cabinets 103 Trash cans 104 Changing Some of Your Home Habits 104 Chapter 7: Introducing Fuzzy to His New Family 107 Ferrets as Social Animals 108 You and Your New Ferret: Making the Most of Your Friendship 109 Hold me gently, please 109 Letting fuzzy set up shop in his home 111 The steps to successful bonding 111 Fuzzy Meets Fluffy and Fido 113 Heeeere kitty, kitty! 113 Nice puppy! 114 Ferrets and other small animals 116 Preparing Your Child for the Ferret 117 Pause the cartoons: What your child should know beforehand 117 Fuzzy, meet Junior: Making the introduction 118 Fuzzy Meets Fuzzy: Adding A New Ferret to Your Family 119 Meeting on neutral ground 120 Messing with their sniffers 120 Forcing a relationship 121 Easing your fuzzy into the business 122 Heading Off Stranger Danger 123 Part 3: Basic Ferret Care and Feeding 125 Chapter 8: Filling Your Ferret’s Belly 127 Water, Water, Everywhere 128 Ferrets as Diners 128 Feeding the Traditional Commercial Diet 129 Wet or dry food? 130 Setting a feeding schedule 133 Changing kibble diets 134 Serving Up an Alternative Diet 135 Getting to know the wild polecat’s diet 136 The good, the bad, and the ugly on bones 140 Choosing commercial raw or freeze-dried raw diets 143 The evolutionary diet: Feeding your pet small animals or insects 144 Exploring the alternative way of feeding 150 Supplementing Your Fuzzy’s Diet 154 Omega-3 fatty acids 154 Omega-6 fatty acids 155 Savoring Treat Time! 155 Giving the good stuff 156 Avoiding the not-so-good stuff 157 Chapter 9: Cleaning Time: Not All Ferret Fun and Games 159 Cleaning House for a Cozy Cage 160 Doing your fuzzy’s dishes 160 Stripping his bed 161 Scrubbing (or scooping) the toilet 162 Tearing down the house 162 Getting the gunk off the toys 163 A wall full of turds! 163 Scrub a Dub Fuzz: Navigating Bath Time 164 One bath too many? 165 Picking a shampoo 165 Oatmeal — It’s what’s for baths 166 Choosing the crime scene 166 Doing the deed 167 Caring for Those Little Ears 170 Gathering supplies 171 Executing the ear clean 172 Nailing Down the Manicure 173 Choosing your clipping method 174 Performing the clip 174 Chewing On Chomper Maintenance 176 Performing the dental checkup 176 Brushing his teeth 178 Breaking Out the Hairbrush 179 Odor Control Tips 101 — A Summary 179 Chapter 10: Enrichment: Yours and Your Ferret’s 183 Why Is Enrichment Necessary? 184 What Does Enrichment Do for Ferrets? 185 Relieves boredom and stress 185 Facilitates bonding 185 Keeps their senses alive and well 186 Helps to curb negative behaviors 186 Keeps the flab at bay 186 Encourages curiosity and creative problem solving 187 Helps to keep bones, muscles, organs, and joints healthy 187 Improves heart health and overall circulation 187 Makes humans smile and laugh 187 Understanding Your Ferret’s Senses 188 Hearing 188 Smelling 188 Tasting 189 Seeing 189 Touching 189 Recommended Enrichment Activities for You and Your Fuzzy 189 Organizing your ferret’s play areas 190 Movement and physical-exercise activities 191 Social-development activities 193 Food-related activities 194 Training exercises 194 Using novel objects in activities 199 Finding Your Own Enrichment at Ferret Clubs 200 Participating in Regional Shows, Club Shows, and Competitions 200 So, you want to show your fuzzy? 201 Preparing to bring home the blue ribbon 201 Fun matches 203 Facebook and Other Internet Sources 204 Chapter 11: Have Ferret, May Travel 207 Fuzzy Is Going on Vacation! 207 Checking ahead 208 Packing the necessities 209 On the Road or Flying High 209 Road trip! 210 Taking to the friendly skies 211 Going international 213 Leaving Your Furball in Good Hands 213 Let the interviews begin: Finding the perfect pet sitter 215 Away to camp: Boarding your ferret 216 Ferrets as Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) 217 Part 4: Tackling Your Ferret’s Health Issues and Treatments 221 Chapter 12: Setting Up Your Ferret’s Health Plan: Vets and First-Aid Kits 223 Selecting Your Ferret’s Veterinarian 224 Interviewing potential vets 224 Going for a visit 227 Developing a good working relationship 228 Putting Your Vet to Work with Vaccinations and Checkups 230 Kits — The office visit 231 Adolescents and adults — the office visit 232 Recognizing allergic reactions 233 Titer testing 234 Stocking Your Ferret First-Aid Kit 235 Ensuring Emergency Preparedness 240 The basic (quick) evacuation kit 240 Collecting and evacuating your fuzzy 241 The deluxe (and orderly) evacuation kit 241 Chapter 13: Helping Your Hurt Ferret: First-Aid Basics 245 Behaviors You Usually Don’t Need to Worry About 246 Shivering 246 Itching and scratching 246 Yawning 247 Excessive sleeping 247 Sneezing, hiccuping, and coughing 248 Butt dragging 249 Drinking urine 249 Pain Management and Care 249 Determining if your ferret is in pain 250 Caring for a ferret in pain 251 Setting Up Fuzzy’s Home Hospital Room 252 Feeding the Sick or Debilitated Ferret 253 The Assist Feed Recipe: Better than Mom’s chicken soup 254 The feeding method: Just as effective as the airplane into the mouth 255 Handling Actual Emergencies 256 Shock 257 Dehydration 257 Bleeding 259 Vomiting 260 Diarrhea (and other fecal issues) 261 Seizures 263 Heatstroke 264 Hypothermia 265 Eye injuries 267 Fractures or spinal injuries 267 Poisoning 268 Animal bites 269 Electric shock 269 Burns 269 Blockage protocol 270 Chapter 14: Ferreting Out Ferret Pests 271 Booting External Critters That Go Bite in the Night 271 Fleas 272 Ticks 278 Ear mites 279 Sarcoptic mange (scabies) 280 Battling the Internal Bugaboos That Threaten Your Fuzzy 281 Heartworms 281 Extra care for your ferret 284 Intestinal worms 284 Coccidia (coccidiosis) 285 Giardia 286 Chapter 15: Handling Viruses, Infections, and Other Conditions and Illnesses 287 Gastrointestinal (GI) Diseases 288 Epizootic Catarrhal Enteritis (ECE) 288 Ferret systemic coronaviral disease (FSCD) 291 Covid-19 (SARS-CoV-2) 292 Intestinal and stomach blockages 293 Helicobacter Mustelae (H mustelae) Infection 294 Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis 296 Megaesophagus 297 Dental Problems 298 Faulty teeth 298 The dreaded dental disease 301 Heart Disease 302 Influenza (The “Flu”) 304 Disseminated Idiopathic Myofasciitis 305 Urinary Tract Problems 306 Bladder or urinary tract infections 307 Prostate problems 307 Stones and blockages 308 Eye Problems 309 Aleutian Disease Virus (ADV) 310 Canine Distemper 312 Diabetes Mellitus 313 Enlarged Spleen (Splenomegaly) 314 Hairballs 315 Rabies 315 Ulcers 317 Chapter 16: Finding and Treating the Big C and Other Lumps 319 Adrenal Gland Disease 320 Making the diagnosis 322 Treating the disease 323 Insulinoma 326 Making the diagnosis 327 Treating the disease 327 Lymphosarcoma (Lymphoma) 328 Making the diagnosis 329 Treating the disease 329 Chordomas 329 Itchy Growths: Skin Tumors 330 Mast cell tumors 331 Basal cell tumors 331 Sebaceous cell tumors 331 Chapter 17: Saying Goodbye When the Time Comes 333 Letting Go of Your Family Member 334 Learning from Fuzzy’s Death with a Postmortem 335 Selecting Fuzzy’s Final Burrowing Place 336 Choosing cremation 337 Proceeding to a pet cemetery 338 Opting for a backyard burial 339 Grieving for Your Lost Fuzzy 340 Know you’re not alone 341 Face the feelings 341 Give yourself time 341 Help others deal with their loss 342 Helping a Surviving Ferret Cope 343 Part 5: Ferret Psychology 101: Behavior and Training 345 Chapter 18: Understanding What Fuzzy Is Trying to Tell You 347 Say What? Speaking Ferret-ese 348 The dook 348 The squeak 349 The giggles or hee-hees 349 The screech or scream 349 The squeal 350 The bark 350 The honk 350 The hiss 350 You Make Me Feel Like Dancin’! Interpreting Your Ferret’s Jig 351 The dance of joy 351 The war dance 352 Decoding Your Ferret’s Body Language 353 The frizz look 353 The alligator roll and wrestlemania 354 The treasure hunt 354 The chase is on 355 Fuzzy stalking 355 Tail wagging 355 “Why Does My Ferret Do That?” Understanding Other Fuzzy Behaviors 356 Digging to China 356 Ferret fixations 357 The movers are here 357 A felon on your hands? 358 The zig-zag 358 Butt scooting 359 Coveting thy hidey-hole 359 Scoping out boundaries 360 Chapter 19: Putting Your Ferret through Basic Training: Easy as 1-2-3? 361 Just Say NO to Biting 362 This Way to the Bathroom 363 Harnessing Your Fuzzy for a Walk 365 Getting fuzzy used to a harness 366 Following basic rules when you’re out and about 367 Chapter 20: Dealing with the Behaviorally Challenged Ferret 369 Understanding Your Dracula in Fuzzy’s Clothing 370 I’m having growing pains 371 Nobody told me not to bite 371 I’m in pain, darn it! 371 Resource guarding 372 I’m a manly or bully ferret 372 I’m facing a lot of change right now 372 Biting always worked before! 373 I’m still fighting back 373 Some other reasons for my biting 373 Socializing Your Biting Beast 374 Getting a grip 375 Getting unstuck 376 Taming the critter 378 Bonding with the biting ferret 380 Part 6: Breeding Ferrets: The Facts, Fallacies, And Plain Ol’ Hard Work 381 Chapter 21: Should You Breed Your Ferret? Looking at the Big Picture 383 What It Takes to Be a Responsible Breeder 384 Deep pockets 384 The emotional stake 386 Time to care 387 Willingness to find out what you don’t know 388 Avoiding a Need for More Shelters 390 Chapter 22: Unmasking the Details of Ferret Love 391 Fine-Tuning the Organs 392 The boy (hob) 392 The girl (jill) 393 Making a love connection: Enter Neanderthal ferret 394 What Happens If Your Unaltered Ferret Isn’t Bred? 395 Mothering the Mom-to-Be 396 Strange craving? Keeping mom nourished 397 Providing a maternity ward 398 Heading Off to the Delivery Room 400 The typical delivery 401 The difficult delivery 401 Some Problems You May Face after Birth 402 A difficult mother 402 A mother incapable of nursing 403 Calling on the foster mom 403 Chapter 23: From Birth to Bundle of Energy: Walking a Fuzzy’s Timeline 405 Fuzzy Infancy: Birth to 3 Weeks 406 Furball Toddlerhood: 3 to 6 Weeks 407 The Terrible Fuzzy Twos: 6 to 10 Weeks 408 Adolescence Already? 10 to 15 Weeks 409 Part 7: The Part of Tens 411 Chapter 24: Ten Amazing and Creative Ferret-Proofing Hacks 413 Pool Noodles Be Gone! 413 Up, Up, and Over — Not! 414 Cardboard Cut-Outs 416 Yule Get Hung Up on Christmas 417 Dual Purpose Door Blocker 419 Couch Cures 420 Fixing Floors and Revamping Ramps 420 A Room with a View 421 Wired for Trouble 422 Velcro to the Rescue 422 Chapter 25: Ten Recipes that Make Your Ferret Go Mmmmmm 423 Hobbit Delights 425 Karen’s Brew 426 Raw Soupy Recipe 427 Barb’s Recipe for Hungover Ferrets 427 Ferret Bland Diet 428 Tui’s Chewies 429 Family Dinner 430 Mickey’s Meatloaf 431 Clyde’s Seaside Chunks 432 Bluto’s BARF 432 Index 433

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Book SynopsisThe perfect gift book for cat lovers everywhere, showing how to measure your cat's intelligence in a series of easy and fun tests.How clever is your cat? Can your cat:Make sounds upon request?Predict a change in the weather?Or is your cat the type whoFalls of ledges while sleeping?Continually runs into walls or doors?You can find out how smart your cat really is by giving him or her the Cat IQ Test a simple, four-part intelligence test. By observation and by using everyday household items, you will be able to measure your cat's co-ordination, communication, social and reasoning powers.Also includes:Suggestions on how to improve your cat's IQ.Comparative scores of other cats by age, sex and type.A Certificate of Merit to be filled in and proudly displayed on completion of the Cat IQ Test.

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Book SynopsisA lyrical, evocative and wonderfully original wartime memoir about life on a farm in the Cotswolds, seen through the eyes of a child.Bertie, May and Mrs Fish' is Xandra Bingley's account of her childhood on a Cotswold farm, set against the backdrop of World War II and its aftermath. Bingley's mother is left to farm the land, isolated in the landscape, whilst her husband is away at war. With its eccentric cast of characters, this book captures both the essence of a country childhood and the remarkable courage and resilience displayed by ordinary people during the war. The beauty and sensitivity of Bingley's observation is artfully balanced by the harshness and grit of her reality.In the cowshed my mother ties her hair in a topknot scarf that lies on the feedbin lid. At five-thirty each morning and four o'clock in the afternoons she chases rats off the mangers. She measures cowcake and rolled oats and opens the bottom cowshed door. Thirty-one brown and white Ayrshires and one brindle JerTrade Review‘There is nothing usual about Bingley's story or her way of telling it. It is full of bright colours like a child's paintbox. This is her first book…but it instantly takes its place beside country classics.’ John Carey, Sunday Times ‘This is a book so alive that when you finish it you feel that you have been there and met the people…[The] book has immense charm, and also a resonance that is beyond charm.’ Diana Athill, Guardian ‘You would need to have lost touch with all feeling not to be moved to tears by the book's final chapter.’ Peter Parker, Telegraph ‘“Bertie, May and Mrs Fish” is an instant English classic…a runaway pleasure to read.’ Ali Smith ‘Utterly enchanting, and quite unputdownable.’ Jilly Cooper

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Book SynopsisThe ideal portable companion, the world-renowned Collins Gem series returns with a fresh new look and updated material.This is the perfect pocket guide for keen birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts to identify the diverse range of birds that inhabit their gardens.Authoritative text and beautiful photographs show the distinguishing features of each bird, including information on each species'' feeding, behavioural habits, breeding, voice and population. An extensive introduction provides information on nesting sites, water, pests and predators.This new edition builds on the strengths of the unrivalled original, covering all birds most likely to be found in our gardens.

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Book SynopsisThe ideal portable companion, the world-renowned Collins Gem series returns with a fresh new look and updated material.Trade Review'A must for car and pocket. A great little book. Ideal for novice botanists to carry everywhere' -Amazon reader's review of previous edition.

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Book SynopsisA patterned picture book about a family outing to the beach. The children are delighted when they spot seagulls, an ice-cream van, sand and even what they believe to be the sea, but are they at the beach yet? Lisa Smith''s illustrations capture the children''s excitement as they wait impatiently for their journey to end.Red A/Band 2A books offer predictable text with familiar objects and actions, combined with simple story development.Text type A story with predictable structure and patterned language.Pages 14 and 15 show a labelled beach scene, incorporating the key words from the text, and providing an opportunity to recount the text.This story is paired with a non-fiction book on the same theme: Shapes on the Seashore by Frances Ridley.This book has been levelled for Reading Recovery

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