Natural History Books

Book Synopsis*THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER*Looking for a comprehensive, fun and effective guide to training your new puppy or dog? Look no further than the puppy training manual from the founders of Absolute Dogs! Written by Dr Tom Mitchell, world-renowned vet and clinical animal behaviourist, and Lauren Langman, one of the UK's most successful dog trainers and Crufts winner, Game On, Puppy! leads you through everything you need to know about training your dog using their unique games-based approach, all backed up by the latest science. Targeting the why behind your dog's behaviour rather than suppressing the symptoms, Game On, Puppy! covers: the basics: toilet training, sleep and travelnext level: socialising, recall, walks and being home aloneconcept training: games to build alone-time confidence, optimism and reduce reactivityBetween them, Tom and Lauren have helped thousands upon thousands of dog owners overcome their dog-owning struggles and achieve long-term results, so whether you're a first-time dog owner or a seasoned pro, this positive and playful approach is the ultimate resource to help your dog thrive.

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Book SynopsisIf you have ever wanted to know what makes your dog tick, why he acts the way does, how to change the way he behaves or how to train him to a standard beyond what you dreamed possible, you need look no further that The Dog Vinci Code. In this essential manual for any dog owner, John Rogerson outlines step-by-step training techniques so simple that your dog will have no trouble grasping what you are trying to teach him. This book is about learning to communicate with your dog on an emotional level, which will in turn give him the ability to understand everyone in your family. Practicing 'the code' will gain you more control over your dog, and the confidence to offer him more freedom and less frustration than ever before, making for a more contented family member. John has devoted his lifetime to the study of dogs and owners, and his unique insight into the workings of the canine has made him one of the world's most sought-after speakers on the subject. He is also a founding member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors Support Dogs; Dog Aid, and also the British Kennel Club Accreditation scheme for dog trainers and behaviourists.

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Book SynopsisFoals imprint on their mothers and are guided by instinct. But over time they get accustomed to humans and can be reared to become trusting, faithful playmates and companions. Therefore, establishing good behaviour at the outset is fundamental to creating a well-adjusted adult horse. The authors, using their extensive experience and personal stories, explain how to balance natural behaviour with training methods to develop a well-behaved horse. The approach is knowledgeable and patient and is based on mutual respect between horse and rider. Key exercises are explained in the text by a great variety of photos, and can also be used with older horses. Practical topics covered include vaccination, hoofcare, herd behaviour, feeding and housing. The reader is guided through the health, well-being, training, education and attitude of the first three years of a horse’s life, with a focus on building trust throughout. Foals and Young Horses is a good companion guide for horse owners, riders and especially breeders. It will also be of interest to equine science students and para-professionals.

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Book SynopsisAn epic and fun history spanning from the mollusks that invented swimming to the octopuses and other intelligent cephalopods of today Publisher's Note: Monarchs of the Sea was previously published in hardcover as Squid Empire. Before mammals, there were dinosaurs. And before dinosaurs, there were cephalopods--the ancestors of modern squid, octopuses, and more creatures--Earth's first truly substantial animals. Essentially inventing the act of swimming, cephalopods presided over an undersea empire for millions of years--until fish evolved jaws, and cephalopods had to step up their game or risk being eaten. To keep up, some streamlined their shells and added defensive spines, while others abandoned the shell, opening the gates to a flood of evolutionary innovations: masterful camouflage, fin-supplemented jet propulsion, and intelligence we've yet to fully measure. Monarchs of the Sea is an epic, witty history about these bizarre but beautiful creatures that ruled the seas--and still captivate us today.Trade Review"Cephs rule! [Monarchs of the Sea], like its protagonists, is nimble, fast, surprising, smart, and weird in the very coolest sense of the word. What could be more fun than jetting back in time to primordial seas with the monsters who really ruled our planet? In these pages, Danna Staaf makes every dino-lover and every undersea adventurer's dream come true. It's a fabulous read with squishy, slimy delight on every page."--Sy Montgomery, New York Times-bestselling author of The Soul of an Octopus "This crystal-clear book will open your world to wider horizons and much deeper times. . . . Long before vertebrates evolved anything like higher intelligence, squids and octopuses were on a separate track to versatility, problem-solving, individual recognition, and deceit. Before we can know who we are, we must know who we are here with, and who has come before us."--Carl Safina, New York Times-bestselling author of Beyond Words: What Animals Think and Feel "I loved this book. . . . Staaf's approach is short and sweet, well-illustrated and strong on playful narrative."--Nature "It is a treat to come across a writer with such specialized training who is able to turn esoteric knowledge into a page-turning read for all audiences. . . . Staaf captures what is rarely seen outside the ivory tower: scientists talking among themselves with a touch of irreverence. Researchers everywhere will surely relate."--Science "This engaging book may do for early cephalopods what paleontologists did for dinosaurs in the 1960s: spark a public renaissance of appreciation for these magnificent creatures who once ruled the seas."--Jennifer Ouellette, author of Me, Myself, and Why and The Calculus Diaries "Intriguing . . . This in-depth coverage of an often neglected but ecologically vital group will change your view of squid, octopuses, and their relatives."--New Scientist "A book like [Monarchs of the Sea] is a reminder that in any scientific narrative, there are always two stories at play. There is the history of the subject you're studying, and then there is the history of its discovery."--New Republic "Fiendishly readable."--The Inquisitive Biologist "Fresh and fascinating."--The Times Literary Supplement

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Book SynopsisThis compact compendium of 20 cross-stitch charts uses a limited and identical palette of threads for each project. There are 20 circular designs in the book, and each of the patterns is accompanied by a full-colour and symbol chart for 14-count Aida or 28-count evenweave linen. Each design concentrates on a flower or a floral group that captures the very essence of the shapes and colours of the plant. The designs include seasonal wreaths, vases and jugs brimming with colour, gardens with lovely cottages and birds, flowers in a landscape, and single beautiful blooms. Each project re-creates a little bit of nature. AUTHOR: Lesley Teare is a leading textile designer and needlecraft designer and the author of several books on cross-stitch designs, including Fantasy Cross Stitch and Oriental Cross Stitch. Many of her designs appear regularly in top needlework magazines.

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Book SynopsisCovering diverse species from garter snakes to Komodo dragons, this book delves into the evolutionary origins and fascinating details of the mysterious social lives of reptiles. Reptiles have been too often dismissed as dull animals with tiny brains and simple, asocial lives. In reality, reptiles engage in a remarkable diversity of complex social behavior. They can live in families; communicate with one another while still in the egg; and hunt, feed, migrate, court, mate, nest, and hatch in groups. In The Secret Social Lives of Reptiles, J. Sean Doody, Vladimir Dinets, and Gordon M. Burghardtthree of the world's leading experts on reptilesbring together a wave of new research with a synthesis of classic studies to produce the only authoritative look at the social behaviors of the most provocative animals on the planet. The book covers turtles, lizards, snakes, crocodilians, and the enigmatic tuatara. Enhanced with dozens of images, it takes readers through a myriad of social interactTrade ReviewThe authors show that many ideas about reptile behavior are based more on folklore and bias than science. They review the research and present findings in highly readable accounts, demonstrating that reptiles interact with each other in surprising and intricate ways. The Secret Social Lives of Reptiles reveals, once again, that life on this planet is far more stunning than we can imagine.—Matthew Miller, Nature - Cool Green ScienceScience writing about family lives in turtles, snakes and crocodilians promises a much needed corrective to our assumptions about 'lowly' reptiles.—Times Literary SupplementThis is an excellent book on an underappreciated topic. The coverage is thorough and the insights are sharp, as is to be expected from a group of authors with tremendous expertise in the social behavior of diverse groups of reptiles.—Herpetological ReviewTable of ContentsForeword, by Gordon W. SchuettPrefaceAcknowledgmentsChapter 1. Social Behavior Research: Its History and a Role for ReptilesChapter 2. Reptile Evolution and BiologyChapter 3. Mating Systems, Social Structure, and Social OrganizationChapter 4. CommunicationChapter 5. Courtship and MatingChapter 6. Communal Egg-Laying: Habitat Saturation or Conspecific Attraction?Chapter 7. Parental CareChapter 8. Hatching and Emergence: A Perspective from the Underworld Chapter 9. Behavioral Development in Reptiles: Too Little Known but Not Too LateChapter 10. The Reach of Sociality: Feeding, Thermoregulation, Predator Avoidance, and Habitat ChoiceChapter 11. Looking toward the FutureReferencesIndex

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Book SynopsisThis new edition of Bradt's Sri Lankan Wildlife has been fully updated to reflect all the most recent developments relevant to visitors to this beguiling island who come to watch wildlife. Whale watching, now a major part of Sri Lanka's wildlife experience, is covered, and so too is the improved visitor access to some of the national parks. With a general increase in visitors over the past decade, more entrance gates have been opened to popular national parks and access improved to others. Sri Lanka is home to elephants, leopards, bears and water buffalo and boasts one of the highest species densities of marine mammals in the world, with populations of blue whales and sperm whales off the coast proving a compelling draw. Sri Lanka is one of the few destinations in the world where you can be out at sea whale watching in the morning, then spend the afternoon in a national park watching leopards and elephants or visiting a rainforest. A balanced, all-round natural history guide, ideal field guide and armchair read, Bradt's Sri Lankan Wildlife is illustrated with colour photographs of species and includes maps charting animal habitats to aid identification. It is an ideal companion for general wildlife travellers and wildlife enthusiasts who want some background reading on the island's natural history, and is written in an accessible, easy-to-read style by an expert who visits Sri Lanka at least once a year.Trade Review'Bradt Travel Guides simply have the best wildlife coverage of any of the popular guide books.' BBC Wildlife 'Sri Lankan Wildlife provides a very good overview.' WanderlustTable of ContentsContents Introduction Sri Lanka: a biodiversity jewel, How to use this book, The Sri Lankan environment Habitats and Reserves Habitats, National parks and reserves Mammals Asian elephant, Ungulates, Carnivores, Primates, Squirrels, Bats, Other mammals Birds Birds of town and garden, Birds of the rainforest, Birds of the highlands, Birds of the dry lowlands, Birds of the wetlands, Birds of the coast, Endemic birds Reptiles and Amphibians Lizards, Snakes, Crocodiles, Turtles, terrapins and tortoises, Amphibians Invertebrates Lower invertebrates, Arthropods, Butterflies, Dragonflies and damselflies The Underwater World Freshwater fish, Marine life, Under the sea, Marine mammals Getting About Independent travel, Tours, Suggested itinerary, Photography tips Further Information Books, Societies, Finding out more Index Features Where to watch primates in Sri Lanka Watching nocturnal wildlife Snake bites Nesting sea turtles in Sri Lanka

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Book SynopsisSardinia is in the middle of the western Mediterranean between Europe and Africa. Its location on the Mediterranean flyway makes it an important refuelling stop for migrating birds – especially on its extensive wetlands. A popular destination for birders and naturalists, Sardinia has a great diversity of fauna and flora, along with rich cultural and historical attractions. Where to Watch Birds in Sardinia, written by two ornithologists with extensive experience of Sardinian birding, provides detailed information on the 43 key birding sites in Sardinia. For each site the target species are highlighted, along with information on habitat, when to visit, other wildlife, facilities, access, how long you'll need, the photographic opportunities and recommendations for your visit. A map of each site helps with planning and navigation to the site. Often described as a micro-continent for the variety of its ecosystems, Sardinia has mountains, forests, lowlands, gorges, wetlands, long sandy beaches and rocky shores. It is home to around 300 bird species, 41 mammals, 18 reptiles and 8 amphibians as well as a hugely diverse invertebrate fauna. Owing to its geographical isolation, altitudinal variation and limited human presence, Sardinia has retained many habitats that are favourable for the development and preservation of a large number of endemic plants, accounting for 10 per cent of the island's flora and including several orchid species. Sardinia's 'must-see' birds include Greater Flamingo, Eleonora's Falcon, Purple Swamphen, Little Bustard, Audouin's Gull, Marmora's Warbler, Corsican Finch, Griffon Vulture and Barbary Partridge. In spring, April and May are the best months for migration, while for the autumn migration the best period stretches from the end of August to the end of October. Wetlands are the most important sites in springtime, with many species stopping for some days before going north. During the breeding season these areas are very important for Greater Flamingo, Audouin's Gull, Little Tern and several other species of waders, gulls and terns. The breeding season is also a good time to see 'special' resident species like the Little Bustard in display or to hear the flight call of the Corsican Finch. In winter, large concentrations of ducks and gulls are found on the island, with the occasional vagrant from Siberia or North America.Trade ReviewThis is a well written and well produced publication, ideal for field use. ... I recommend that you buy this book and visit this wonderful, thinly populated and still rather wild island. There is much to discover there. -- Andrea Corso * Ardeola *...this book provides all that you will need to plan a successful trip. -- Keith Betton * British Birds *I recommend all birders to have this book in the library, ready to be used in one of the next trips. -- Bruno Massa * Avocetta (Italian Journal of Ornithology) *Table of ContentsArchaeology Architecture Celebrations and country festivals Sport and outdoor activities Practical information Transport Accommodation Food How to use this book Regions and sites covered Site accounts Maps Itineraries Birdwatching in Sardinia Hotspots Other areas Vagrants Birding ethics Sardinia must-see species Region 1: Northwest Sardinia NW1 Asinara National Park NW2 Stintino salt marshes and Casaraccio lagoon NW3 Lake Pilo NW4 Porto Torres harbour NW5 Platamona wetland NW6 Capo Caccia NW7 Calich lagoon NW8 Campeda plateauNW9 Goceano woods NW10 Sant'Antioco di Bisarcio cathedral and Lake Coghinas Region 2: Northeast Sardinia NE1 Coghinas river mouth NE2 Monte Limbara NE3 Capo Testa NE4 La Maddalena National Park NE5 Saloni wetland NE6 Capo Figari and Figarolo NE7 Olbia wetland NE8 Island of Tavolara NE9 San Teodoro lagoon Region 3: Central West Sardinia CW1 Bosa CW2 Capo Mannu CW3 Sale 'e Porcus wetland CW4 Cabras and satellite wetlands CW5 Mistras lagoon CW6 Santa Giusta lagoon and surrounding wetlands CW7 S'Ena Arrubia wetland CW8 Marceddì lagoon CW9 Giara di Gesturi Region 4: Central East Sardinia CE1 Monte Albo CE2 Orosei Gulf CE3 Supramonte of Oliena CE4 Gennargentu massif Region 5: Southwest Sardinia SW1 San Pietro island SW2 Bau Cerbus SW3 Santa Caterina wetland and Sant'Antioco lagoon SW4 Mulargia, Porto Botte and Baiocco wetlands SW5 Porto Pino wetlands SW6 Chia basin SW7 Nora lagoon SW8 Monte Arcosu WWF reserve Region 6 Southeast Sardinia SE1 Cagliari wetlands SE2 Molentargius wetland and Poetto salt marshes SE3 Colostrai and Feraxi wetlands Suggested itineraries Itinerary 1: coast to coast in the north of Sardinia - from Olbia to Stintino Itinerary 2: from north to south along the west coast - from Stintino to Cagliari Selected bibliography About the authors Index of sites Index of species: Birds; Plants; Molluscs; Foraminifera; Corals; Arthropods; Fish; Amphibians

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Book SynopsisTHE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLERA fascinating and hilarious glimpse into Paul''s life at home in the country with his animalsPaul O''Grady''s Country Life for the first time gives a glimpse into the home life of one of Britain's best loved stars, alongside the animals he adores. Sometimes rural idyll, sometimes hell on earth, Paul's life in rural Kent has been shared over the years with some very vocal pigs, a mad cow, various rescued barn owls, the world's most sadistic geese and Christine the psychotic sheep among many other animal waifs and strays. And of course Paul tells the stories of the dogs in his life including the tiny chihuahua/Jack Russell cross with Napoleonic ambitions, Eddie, Miss Olga, Bullseye, Louis, Boycie and, of course, Buster, the greatest canine star since Lassie. In addition, Paul shares some of his favourite recipes, explores country lore and superstitions, and extols the benefits of growing your own vegetables, herbs aTrade ReviewFor the past decade, O'Grady has lived a quiet life in Kent... and he details the change of pace with typical wit and frankness. * Radio Times *

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Book SynopsisContains everything you need to know about the development and survival of life on Earth. This book includes detailed comparative anatomy, evolutionary legacies, and the breakthrough theories of eminent scientists.Trade Review'I cannot think of another book that attempts to catalogue the entire expanse of life and succeeds in such a remarkably palatable way' - New Scientist'An endlessly fascinating book and, with more than 1,000 illustrations, absolutely ideal for the whole family' - Mature TimesTable of ContentsIntroduction • 1. Earliest Life • 2. Plants • 3. Invertebrates • 4. Fish and Amphibians • 5. Reptiles • 6. Birds • 7. Mammals

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Book SynopsisIn Letters of Note: Dogs, Shaun Usher brings together a delightful collection of correspondence about our canine friends, featuring affectionate accounts of pups' playful misdemeanours, heartfelt tributes to loyal fidos and shared tales of remarkable hounds. Includes letters by: Clara Bow, Bob Hope, Charles Lamb, Sue Perkins, Marcel Proust, Gertrude Stein,E.B. White & many moreTrade ReviewPraise for Letters of Note: The literary equivalent of a box of chocolates - bite-sized and pure addictive pleasure . . . The result is beautifully produced, with photographs and colour facsimiles of much of the correspondence * * Sunday Times * *Addictive, like dipping into a bag of variously tempting assorted candies, knowing that the next one will always bring surprise and pleasure * * New Yorker * *A gloriously presented compilation * * Financial Times * *As a guide to letters that deserve a wider readership, Usher's compilation is hard to beat * * Scotland on Sunday * *Quite literally the most enjoyable volume it is possible to imagine. Every page is a marvel * * Spectator * *It is hard to see how Letters Of Note could ever be surpassed * * Mail on Sunday * *Funny, tragic, brilliantly incisive, historic, lyrical, romantic and studiedly offensive, this stupendous compendium of letters ancient and modern is my book of the year. You will never tire of it -- Stephen FryIt is inspiring, and often sad, funny, and occasionally quite surreal * * GQ * *A wonderful collection of magical missives . . . It'll have you reaching for pen and paper * * Evening Standard * *A truly extraordinary reading experience * * Big Issue * *

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"A pleasure to browse. . . . Compact but informative species accounts and the colourful photos are a constant delight."---Matthew Merritt, Bird Watching Magazine"Wildlife of Ecuador is the all-in-one nature guide for the generalist nature traveler. . . . Photographs are large, clear, and colorful, and often delightful."---Donna Lynn Schulman, 10,000 Birds"The guide is a one-stop treasure trove of information. . . . A must for those visiting or conducting research in Ecuador."---Howard O. Clark, Jr., Sonoran Herpetologist"Sections of the book focus on birds (223 species), mammals (70), reptiles (40) and amphibians (37). This serves to close a gap I personally have always found frustrating as I travel, for often books on mammals and herps don’t even exist for many regions and I drool every time I find one." * North Durham Nature Newsletter *Table of ContentsPreface 7 Acknowledgments 9 Plan of the Book 10 Biogeography of Ecuador 12 Diversity and Its Causes 12 The Andes 13 The Equator 14 Marine Currents 15 Habitats and Bioregions 17 Species Accounts Amphibians 19 Reptiles 42 Birds 72 Mammals 218 Bibliography and References 270 Appendix: Map of Main Roads and National Protected Areas of Ecuador 272 List of Photographers 274 Index of Common Names 275 Index of Scientific Names 281

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Book SynopsisEasily find stars and constellations in the night sky every day of the year.A starfinder that allows visible stars to be identified for any date and time for locations in the Northern Hemisphere. Compiled by astronomical experts, Storm Dunlop and Wil Tirion and approved by the astronomers of the Royal Observatory Greenwich.An easy-to-use practical tool to help any astronomer identify the constellations and stars every day of the year. Just dial in the date and time by rotating the inner disk showing the time until it lines up with the relevant day of the year on the outer ring. The part of the sky appearing on the planisphere shows the arrangement of the stars above you.This star chart is suitable for use anywhere in Britain and Ireland, Northern Europe, Canada and Northern USA. Best viewed as near to latitude 50 degrees north as possible.The moveable disk also comes in a wallet which contains further information about stargazing.Trade Review"This twin set of Guide and Planisphere is ideal for novices to learn their way around the sky visible to observers around latitude 50 degrees North." The Observatory magazine

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Book SynopsisEvery owner wants to do the best for their dog. This easy-to-follow guide to grooming and caring for your pet dog will help you to do just that, showing you how to achieve a professional-looking trim at home. Various breeds and styles are covered, as well as how to use equipment safely and correctly. The importance of preparation is explained, with guidance on de-matting, washing and drying correctly prior to cutting. A health check is included in the book to help readers identify and deal with problems early.

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Book SynopsisTake a tour of the universe with this awe-inspiring collection of photographs from the archives of NASA, featuring spectacular views of Earth from above, our solar system, and deep space. Featuring a preface by everyone's favorite 'Science Guy' Bill Nye, Earth and Space is an unparalleled journey through the cosmos, offering up-close views of our remarkable cosmos. More than 100 astonishing images of Earth from above (first captured by the Apollo program), the phenomena of our solar system, and the celestial bodies of deep space will captivate readers and photography lovers with an interest in science, astronomy, and the great beyond. Each extraordinary photograph gleaned from the archives of the legendary space agency is paired with explanatory text that contextualizes its place in the cosmic ballet of planets, stars, dust, and matter—from Earth's limb to solar flares, the Jellyfish Nebula to Pandora's Cluster. Anyone

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Book SynopsisDogs Who Changed the World is a beautifully illustrated, heart-warming book that celebrates all dogs and proves that every single one of them is absolute magic. Dogs have trotted at our collective side for tens of thousands of years, bound up in the story of humanity. They have inspired great works of art, caught spies, reconnected lost lovers, dragged the drowning to safety... or have just haplessly and happily ruined everything.These 50 tales acknowledge our unbreakable relationship with the dog, the first-ever domesticated animal, and their dedication, heroism and unending sense of fun. Along the way we'll meet big-boned Barry, the hefty St Bernard credited with saving the lives of more than 40 lost souls in the Swiss Alps in the 1800s. We'll discover Sigmund Freud's calm-inducing chow chow, Jofi, who would sit in on his psychotherapy sessions (and never spilled a secret), and feel the frustration of Sir Isaac Newton, whose little terror Diamond apparently knocked over a candle and destroyed the physicist's most important manuscripts.

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Book SynopsisFROM THE AUTHOR OF THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER,THE HIDDEN LIFE OF TREESA simultaneously stimulating and soothing blend of nature writing and science Strongly encourages tree hugging for our own, human sake' Guardian Summer Reads 2021A powerful return to the forest, where trees have heartbeats and roots are like brains that extend underground. Where the colour green calms us, and the forest sharpens our senses.In The Heartbeat of Trees, renowned forester Peter Wohlleben draws on new scientific discoveries to show how humans are deeply connected to the natural world. In an era of climate change, many of us fear we've lost our connection to nature, but Wohlleben is convinced that age-old ties linking humans to the forest remain alive and intact. We just have to know where to look.Drawing on science and cutting-edge research, The Heartbeat of Trees reveals the profound interactions humans can have with nature, exploring:the language of the forestthe consciousness of plantsand the eroding Trade Review‘A simultaneously stimulating and soothing blend of nature writing and science’ Guardian ‘Wohlleben confronts [climate change] directly. He is trenchant in his critique of tree plantations and wood-pellet-power plants, which claim to help the climate but, he argues, end up destabilizing it further’ New Yorker ‘[A] detailed, easy-to-read summary of what research has shown us about “the language of the forest, the consciousness of plants, and the eroding boundary between flora and fauna.” In this excellent and updated sequel to his The Hidden Life of Trees,[…] Wohlleben writes beautifully about the reciprocal bonds we can form with trees and all sorts of nature’ Psychology Today ‘It’s hard to dispute the book’s overall message; namely, that time spent in nature can serve as both a balm for anxiety and a bulwark against despair’ Globe and Mail ‘[An] eclectic look at humanity’s relationships with trees… Nature-minded readers will enjoy this episodic deep dive’ Publishers Weekly ‘Drawing on scientific evidence and his many years of experience, [Peter Wohlleben] extolls the wonders of the forest. A persuasive invitation to get outside and bathe in nature, perfect for tree huggers and fans of the author’s other books’ Kirkus Reviews ‘A return to the wonders of trees’ Booklist ‘[The Heartbeat of Trees] showcases the interconnectedness of humans and nature … Wohlleben takes a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating history, science, medicine, and mysticism. He balances poetic descriptions with analytical thoughts; beauty is at the heart of both. The result is a text that is full of wonder and insatiable curiosity, and that invites love for humanity and the natural world’ Foreword Reviews ‘[Like] a walk in the woods…[Wohlleben] urges hope, not despair, about our environmental malaise. [The Heartbeat of Trees] will appeal to fans of popular science and anyone curious about natural history’ Library Journal

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Book SynopsisBritain’s favourite basset hound is back again in this brand-new collection of witty cartoon strips from the Daily Mail Fred Basset first sauntered onto the pages of the Daily Mail in July 1963, and over more than half a century he has made himself a household name with readers all over the world. Nearly six decades after his debut, Fred and his friends continue to delight and entertain us with their trademark mix of wholesome humour, wry wit and shrewd observation. Their familiar faces and new adventures offer readers a source of comfort, contentment and amusement in our increasingly hectic, fast-paced world. Through all life’s ups and downs, Fred Basset is always here to lift our spirits. Join Fred and his lovable gang on and off the leash, as they indulge in their favourite activities – and chase plenty of rabbits, naturally. This is classic Fred Basset and an essential read for all fans.

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Book Synopsisruce McKenzie's An Ecological Guide to the Bush captures the essence of what makes the bushveld tick. Here you'll find the basic principles of how ecosystems work, with the emphasis on energy flow through the bushveld and the adaptations that the plants and animals make in facilitating this energy flow.

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Book Synopsis''A brave process of healing and self reconstruction'' Observer''Simply one of the best writers working today. Here''s to family, to glamour, and to love'' Nell Frizzell, author of The Panic YearsI looked around at my flat, at the woodchip wallpaper and scuffed furniture, and realised that I did have a life after all. What it didn''t have in it was a cat.When Rhiannon fell in love with, and eventually married her flatmate, she imagined they might one day move on. But this is London in the age of generation rent, and so they share their home with a succession of friends and strangers while saving for a life less makeshift. The desire for a baby is never far from the surface, but can she be sure that she will ever be free of the anxiety she has experienced since an attack in the street one night? And after a childhood spent caring for her autistic brother does she really want to devote herself to motherhood?Moving through the seasoTrade ReviewRhiannon Lucy Cosslett is simply one of the best writers working today. She conjures a heady, terrifying time in beautiful detail. Here's to family, to glamour, and to love -- Nell Frizzell, author of The Panic YearsAcutely evocative... Ripples with those rare nuggets of wisdom that feel as though their author has reached into your head and pulled out something you have been on the verge of saying all your life. * 'I Newspaper *What Cosslett so beautifully captures is that liminal period before any life-changing decision, when anguished uncertainty morphs into sudden resolve. * New Statesman *The most beautiful paragraphs in The Year of the Cat remind me what a rare gift Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett possesses: expansive compassion, empathy and warmth, but a scalpel precision with words. Memories are conjured so headily it feels, to the reader, less like reading than experiencing déjà vu -- Emma Forrest, author of Busy Being FreeA nuanced calibration of care, desire, trauma and anxiety that made me feel so energised. A superbly written, special book -- Olivia Sudjic, author of Asylum RoadSuch a moving, unique and elegant book, examining mental health, motherhood, creativity, love, life, youth, femininity, family and friendship. But above all, Cosslett takes her place in a long history of genius writers in the meowmoir genre by celebrating her strong bond with a true hero -- Mackerel the cat. I loved this book, and if you have a heart, you will, too. -- Nick Bradley, author of The Cat and the CityThe Year of the Cat is a tender and wise meditation on trauma and the fragmentation of memory. Weaving together a history of women and their feline companions, Cosslett charts the emergence of a lasting love, while grappling with deeper anxieties: what it means to be a carer, and a mother, in precarious times. With her signature wit and radiant prose, Cosslett has produced a remarkable work, one that speaks for her generation -- Jessica Cornwell, author of Birth NotesI feel like I have been waiting my whole life for this brilliant book, alive with Rhiannon's characteristic blend of gorgeous prose, razor-sharp analysis and enormous amounts of empathy and honesty. You'll come back to it again and again, as I have -- Lucia Osborne-Crowley, author of I Choose ElenaSharp and accurate...a brave process of healing and self reconstruction * Observer *Admirable and affecting * Guardian *A meditative read on what it means not just to be a mother, but a human being just trying to navigate all that life throws at us * Red Online *I loved it. Such a strong, nuanced book; Rhiannon's writing is as sharp as her thinking. It's funny, human, rich with thought and care * Rebecca Watson *At once thoughtful and thought-provoking. There are more and more books on the experiences of motherhood, but few make room for what Cosslett describes as 'not motherhood, or almost motherhood'... Here she is changing the game, finding a new way of writing it -- Chloe Ashby * Times Literary Supplement *

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Book SynopsisSome of the simplest, yet most powerful lessons we learn are often taught by the least likely of our family members - our dogs! We can learn something from them every day if we just open our minds and our hearts to the valuable lessons they are trying to teach. What can we learn from our dogs? Just about everything. From laughter and love, to compassion and kindness, to heartbreak and heroism, our dogs have something to teach us, every day. Treat yourself to these 101 heartwarming, amusing and inspirational stories about our protectors, our best friends, and our teachers. You’ll laugh a lot, tear up at times, and nod your head in recognition as you read these tales about the wonderful experience of sharing life with a dog. And your purchase of this book will help support the important work of American Humane, creating a better life for dogs everywhere. Chicken Soup for the Soul books are 100% made in the USA and each book includes stories from as diverse a group of writers as possible. Chicken Soup for the Soul solicits and publishes stories from the LGBTQ community and from people of all ethnicities, nationalities, and religions.

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Book SynopsisThe Herschel 400 is a list of 400 galaxies, nebulae and star clusters, picked from over 2,500 deep-sky objects discovered and catalogued by the great eighteenth-century astronomer Sir William Herschel and his sister Caroline. It comprises 231 galaxies, 107 open clusters, 33 globular clusters, 20 planetary nebulae, 2 halves of a single planetary nebula and 7 bright nebulae. In this guide Steve O''Meara takes the observer through the list, season by season, month by month, night by night, object by object. He works through the objects in a carefully planned and methodical way, taking in some of the most dramatic non-Messier galaxies, nebulae and star clusters in the night sky. Ideal for astronomers who have tackled the Messier objects, this richly illustrated guide will help the amateur astronomer hone their observing skills.Trade Review'O'Meara takes a list of admittedly faint objects and injects new life into them. Right or wrong, many amateur astronomers won't consider you a top-level observer until you've completed the Herschel 400. Don't do it for them, however. Pick up this book, set up your telescope, and do it for yourself. It's a lot of fun.' Michael Bakich, Astronomy.com'This book is a great way of pushing beyond the popular Messier catalogue to broaden your viewing horizons.' Paul Money, Sky at Night'[This book] is a far better guide to the Herschel objects than the one available from the AL. It is well presented … to be recommended to observers looking for an organized project with medium-sized telescopes after completing the Messier list.' Owen Brazell, The Observatory'The Herschel 400 Observing Guide is a very good book, whose main strength is its instructions for locating objects. Even if you are not interested in seeing all of the Herschel 400 objects, I recommend it as a good mid-range guide to the deep sky.' Lee Macdonald, Journal of the British Astronomical Association'This book is very nicely produced … The layout is very well thought out … [O'Meara] works through the objects in a carefully planned and methodical way, ensuring that the minimum of telescope time is employed in locating objects and in moving from one object to the next.' Alex Crowther, Astronomy and Space'A good resource for anyone wishing to explore the deep sky.' Astronomy NowTable of ContentsPreface; Introduction; Part I. Winter: 1. January; 2. February; 3. March; Part II. Spring: 4. April; 5. May; 6. June; Part III. Summer: 7. July; 8. August; 9. September; Part IV. Fall: 10. October; 11. November; 12. December; Appendix A. Herschel 400 observing list; Appendix B. Herschel 400 checklist; Appendix C. Photo credits; Index.

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Book SynopsisFrom deciding the best day for a picnic, to the devastating effects of hurricanes and typhoons, the weather impacts our lives on a daily basis. Although new techniques allow us to forecast the weather with increasing accuracy, most people do not realise the vast global movements and forces which result in their day-to-day weather.In this Very Short Introduction Storm Dunlop explains what weather is and how it differs from climate, discussing what causes weather, and how we measure it. Analysing the basic features and properties of the atmosphere, he shows how these are directly related to the weather experienced on the ground, and to specific weather phenomena and extreme weather events. He describes how the global patterns of temperature and pressure give rise to the overall circulation within the atmosphere, the major wind systems, and the major oceanic currents, and how features such as mountains and the sea affect local weather. He also looks at examples of extreme and dangerous weather, such as of tropical cyclones (otherwise known as hurricanes and typhoons), describing how ''Hurricane Hunters'' undertake the dangerous task of flying through them.We measure weather in a number of ways: observations taken on the land and sea; observations within the atmosphere; and measurements from orbiting satellites. Dunlop concludes by looking at how these observations have been used to develop increasingly sophisticated long- and short-range weather forecasting, including ensemble forecasting.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Trade ReviewThe perfect introduction to one of the most fascinating topics. * Professor Liz Bentley, Chief Executive, Royal Meteorological Society *Though the book is small ... there's plenty of information in here, illustrated with black and white diagrams and photography. * TGO The Great Outdoors *Table of ContentsREFERENCES; FURTHER READING; INDEX

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Book SynopsisBack from the brink of extinction, the otter is making a come-back in Britain today. Author James Williams, a life-long enthusiast of this fascinating, enigmatic creature, dispels some of the mysteries in this beautifully-illustrated book.

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Book SynopsisExplore the colourful world of alpine flowers. This practical book will help you make a quick, reliable identification of each plant, with concise descriptions and illustrations for individual plants to enable differentiation from similar species. Flowers can be identified quickly from colour and shape. The notable characters of each plant are clearly highlighted. Covering 500 species, each with colour photographs, this compact guide is designed for walkers and botanists. For each plant the common name, scientific name, flowering time, plant height, protected status, and distribution (habitat and altitude) are described.Trade ReviewEuropeans sure know how to produce pithy guidebooks that are models of economic presentation. Hoppe’s compact guidebook is a standout. It covers Europe’s Alps, a 1200-km arc straddling (from west to east) France, Monaco, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, and Slovenia, including Germany to the north and Italy to the south... Hoppe is a valuable travel companion. -- Rudolf Schmid * Taxon *The overall goal of this book, though, is to provide a comprehensive guide to the alpine flowers, in their diversity and beauty. In this, I think the authors have done quite well. The guide lists 500 species, and the content is easy to read and provides an efficient overview. With some practice and regular use, this book will be a nice field guide for first use and occasional reference and will stimulate the user to seek additional information from more comprehensive textbooks. -- Peter Schroeder * Plant Science Bulletin *Table of ContentsAn introduction to alpine flowers; Alpine flowers by flower colour; Red flowers; White flowers; Blue flowers; Yellow flowers; Green/brown flowers; Index; Botanical terms illustrated; The Alps – map of the regions covered

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Book SynopsisLocated in northern Tanzania, the Serengeti is one of the world's most famous wildlife regions. This title features more than 270 bird species most likely to be encountered in the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area.Trade Review"The bird you see in the field is often exactly what you find in the book, and equally clear is its habitat, such as a thorny acacia branch or a forest floor littered with dead leaves. Kennedy also avoids using intimidating jargon to describe bird species, opting instead to keep the tone of his descriptions light hearted while still being informative... The overwhelming majority of photographs are of exceptionally high quality."--Derek Kverno, Birding in Tanzania "Essential book if you are heading for the Serengeti... Excellent."--Derek Moore, Derek Bird Brain "Birds of the Serengeti: And Ngorongoro Conservation Area by Adam Scott Kennedy may be the best birding book available covering the general safari region for northwestern Tanzania and southern Kenya. Filled with firsthand accounts, excellent photographs, and broken down into chapters by habitats, Birds of the Serengeti: And Ngorongoro Conservation Area is the guidebook for the broader non-scientific community."--Gabriel Thoumi, MongaBay.com "The amateur birder will find this a helpful book to have in hand while in Tanzania."--Library Journal "[A] great companion to existing field guides to the region, so certainly earns its place in my bag."--Martin Sullivan, BTO News "[A]n attractive and handy layout, and informative and accessible text that discusses interesting behaviors and provides insights into species background. Rich in detail, this indispensable volume uses a habitat-based approach, making it simple for everyone--from the novice to the experienced birdwatcher--to locate diverse birds in this fascinating area of the world."--BASE "I'd like to praise the overall visual effect of the Birds of the Serengeti. The overwhelming majority of photographs are of exceptionally high quality, undoubtedly shot with the finest equipment, but also indicative of a high level of skill."--Birding Tanzania Blog "These two guides are keys to prepare you for your journey, whether it is an actual safari or an imaginary one from the comfort of your home."--Dan R. Kunkle, Wildlife Activist "This field guide is 'aimed at all levels of birding ability' and it is definitely suitable for novice birders and for those on a safari primarily for mammals and larger wildlife. The ... quality of the photographs and text would make it a fine addition to field naturalist's library with an interest in East Africa."--Robert F. Foster, Canadian Field Naturalist "The result of this innovative approach is superb. It guides the layman on where to look for birds and what to look for. I wish there was such a field guide for every Important Bird Area (IBA) in East Africa!"--Fleur Ng'weno, Scopus "Superb layout ... Both books have a thoroughly modern feel about them, thanks to the wizards of the WILDGuides production team ... Those for whom these books are really intended will find their visits to these bird-rich regions hugely enhanced."--Martin Kelsey, IBIS, Journal of the British Ornithologists' Union "The friendly text is supported by a superb layout: hundreds of excellent photographs with great use of background tones means that colour leaps out of each page, yet the blocks of text are masterfully visible and easy to read."--Martin Kelsey, IBISTable of ContentsAbout this book 9 The habitats 12 Plains 13 Marsh & water 14 Woodland, scrub & garden 15 Acacia scrub 16 Village 17 Forest 18 Up in the air 19 Nightbirds 20 Lake Victoria specials 21 Map of the Serengeti & Ngorongoro Conservation Area - NCA 22 BIRDS OF THE PLAINS The Big Ones: 1 - Ostrich 24 The Big Ones: 2 - Secretarybird & Grey Crowned Crane 26 Bustards - Kori, Black-bellied & White-bellied Bustards 28 Small plover & coursers - Double-banded & Temminck's Coursers & Kittlitz's Plover 30 Vanellus plovers - Crowned, Senegal & Black-winged Plovers 32 Sandgrouse - Black-faced, Yellow-throated & Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse 34 Storks & ground hornbill - White & Abdim's Storks & Southern Ground Hornbill 36 At the carcass - Marabou Stork & Ruppell's & White-backed Vultures 38 Vultures - White-headed, Hooded & Lappet-faced Vultures 40 Vultures in flight - all species for comparison 42 Black-and-white eagles & Egyptian Vulture - Martial & Black-chested Snake Eagles & Egyptian Vulture 44 Black-and-white eagles - Verreaux's Eagle, Augur Buzzard & Bateleur 46 Brown raptors - Black Kite & Tawny & Steppe Eagles 48 Raptors in flight - all species for comparison 50 Grey raptors - Pallid & Montagu's Harriers & African Harrier Hawk 52 Large falcon & grey kite - Lanner Falcon & Black-shouldered Kite 54 Small falcons - Grey, Common & Lesser Kestrels 56 Rollers - Lilac-breasted & Eurasian Rollers 58 Oxpeckers & starling - Red-billed & Yellow-billed Oxpeckers & Wattled Starling 60 Little brown jobs or 'LBJs' - Pectoral-patch & Zitting Cisticolas & Red-capped & Rufous-naped Larks 62 Sparrow lark & chats - Fischer's Sparrow Lark & Sooty & Anteater Chats 64 Wheatears - Capped, Northern & Pied Wheatears 66 Upright birds of the plains - Yellow-throated & Rosy-breasted Longclaws & Buffy & Grassland Pipits 68 Bishop & widowbirds - Yellow Bishop & Yellow-mantled & Jackson's Widowbirds 70 BIRDS OF MARSH & WATER Flamingos - Greater & Lesser Flamingos 72 Wetland storks - Woolly-necked, Yellow-billed & African Open-billed Storks 74 Stork & ibises - Saddle-billed Stork & Sacred & Hadada Ibises 76 Small herons - Hamerkop & Striated & Squacco Herons 78 Large, dark herons - Goliath, Grey & Black-headed Herons 80 Egrets - Cattle, Little & Great White Egrets 82 Fish eagle - African Fish Eagle 84 Smaller ducks - Red-billed Teal & White-faced Whistling & Fulvous Whistling Ducks 86 Larger wildfowl - Spur-winged & Egyptian Geese & Knob-billed Duck 88 Birds of the water's edge - Black-winged Stilt, African Jacana & Black Crake 90 Wetland plovers - African Wattled, Blacksmith & Spur-winged Plovers 92 Waders: 1 - Water Thick-knee & Ruff 94 Waders: 2 - Common Greenshank, Marsh Sandpiper & Three-banded Plover 96 Waders: 3 - Wood, Common & Green Sandpipers 98 Kingfishers - Giant, Malachite & Pied Kingfishers 100 Wagtails & waxbill - Yellow & African Pied Wagtails & Common Waxbill 102 BIRDS OF WOODLand, SCRUB & GARDEN Open woodland raptors - Brown Snake & Long-crested Eagles & Steppe Buzzard 104 Bustard, thick-knee & courser - Buff-crested Bustard, Spotted Thick-knee & Heuglin's Courser 106 Spurfowl - Red-necked, Grey-breasted & Yellow-necked Spurfowl 108 Gamebirds - Helmeted Guineafowl & Coqui & Crested Francolins 110 'Collared' doves - Ring-necked, African Mourning & Red-eyed Doves 112 Distinctive pigeons & doves - Speckled & African Green Pigeons & Emerald-spotted Wood Dove 114 Doves & mousebird - Namaqua & Laughing Doves & Speckled Mousebird 116 Parrots & hornbill - Fischer's Lovebird, Meyer's Parrot & African Grey Hornbill 118 Large cuckoos & relatives - White-browed Coucal, Red-chested Cuckoo & Bare-faced Go-away-bird 120 Three green gems - Klaas's & Diederik Cuckoos & Little Bee-eater 122 Bush kingfishers - Striped, Woodland & Grey-headed Kingfishers 124 Hoopoes - Green Wood-hoopoe, Common Scimitarbill & Hoopoe 126 Barbets - Usambiro & Spot-flanked Barbets & Red-fronted Tinkerbird 128 Honeyguides & woodpecker - Greater & Lesser Honeyguides & Bearded Woodpecker 130 Woodpeckers - Green-backed, Nubian & Cardinal Woodpeckers 132 Large bushshrikes & oriole - Grey-headed Bushshrike, Tropical Boubou & Black-headed Oriole 134 Small black-and-white birds - Brown-throated Wattle-eye, Chin-spot Batis & Black-backed Puffback 136 White-fronted shrikes - Common & Grey-backed Fiscals & Northern White-crowned Shrike 138 Black birds of woodland edge - Common Drongo, Slate-coloured Boubou & Northern Black Flycatcher 140 Tchagras & bulbul - Brown-crowned & Black-crowned Tchagras, Common Bulbul 142 Thrushes, scrub robin & babbler - Spotted Morning & Olive Thrushes, White-browed Scrub Robin & Arrow-marked Babbler 144 Attractive flycatchers of woods & gardens - White-eyed Slaty & African Paradise Flycatcher 146 Little brown jobs or 'LBJs' - Rattling Cisticola, Red-faced Crombec & Tawny-flanked Prinia 148 Green warblers - Yellow-breasted Apalis, Grey-backed Camaroptera & Grey-capped Warbler 150 Sunbirds: 1 - Scarlet-chested, Collared & Variable Sunbirds 152 Sunbirds: 2 - Marico, Beautiful & Bronze Sunbirds 154 Colourful birds of bush & garden - White-browed Robin Chat & Ruppell's & Greater Blue-eared Starlings 156 Brightly coloured starlings - Superb, Hildebrandt's & Violet-backed Starlings 158 Yellow weavers - Spectacled, Baglafecht & Village Weavers 160 Waxbills - Purple Grenadier, Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu & Bronze Mannikin 162 Striking small birds of open bush - Pin-tailed Whydah, Golden-breasted Bunting & Yellow-fronted Canary 164 BIRDS OF ACACIA SCRUB Acacia barbets & go-away-bird - Red-and-yellow & Red-fronted Barbets & White-bellied Go-away-bird 166 Medium-sized birds of acacia scrub - Blue-naped Mousebird, Abyssinian Scimitarbill & Von der Decken's Hornbill 168 Shrikes - Brubru, Taita Fiscal & Magpie Shrike 170 Small birds of acacia scrub - Silverbird, African Grey Flycatcher, White-bellied Canary & Foxy Lark 172 Acacia weavers: 1 - Grey-capped Social, Speckle-fronted & Vitelline Masked Weavers 174 Acacia weavers: 2 - Red-billed Buffalo, White-headed Buffalo & Rufous-tailed Weavers 176 VILLAGE BIRDS Village sparrows - Swahili, Kenya Rufous & House Sparrows 178 Common village birds - Red-billed Firefinch, Village Indigobird & Pied Crow 180 FOREST & CRATER HIGHLandS BIRDS Large forest birds - White-necked Raven, Schalow's Turaco & Crowned Hornbill 182 Small birds of forest edge & open areas - Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Streaky Seedeater & African Stonechat 184 BIRDS OF THE AIR Black swallows & dark martins - Black & White-headed Saw-wings & Plain & Banded Martins 186 Swallows with red rumps - Mosque, Red-rumped, Rufous-chested & Lesser Striped Swallows 188 Swallows with dark rumps - Wire-tailed, Angola & Barn Swallows 190 Swifts - Little, White-rumped, African Palm, Nyanza & Common Swifts 192 Bee-eaters - Eurasian, Blue-cheeked & White-throated Bee-eaters 194 NIGHT BIRDS Owls - Pearl-spotted Owlet, Verreaux's Eagle Owl & African Scops Owlbr 196 Barn Owl & nightjars - Barn Owl & Square-tailed / Gabon & Slender-tailed Nightjars 198 LAKE VICTORIA SPECIALS Birds of the lakeside - Blue-headed Coucal, Swamp Flycatcher & Black-headed Gonolek 200 Sunbird & weavers - Red-chested Sunbird & Grosbeak & Slender-billed Weavers 202 Lakeside weavers - Northern Brown-throated, Golden-backed & Yellow-backed Weavers 204 Terns & gull - Whiskered & White-winged Black Terns & Grey-headed Gull 206 Cormorants & small plovers - Reed & Great Cormorants & White-fronted & Common Ringed Plovers 208 Further reading & useful resources210 Acknowledgements 211 Photographic credits 212 Scientific names of the bird species included in this book 213 Index 217 Short Index inside back cover

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Book SynopsisPrized for their stamina and their acclimation to the harsh conditions of the Arabian deserts, the ancestors of the horses that are now recognized as the Egyptian Arabian purebred horse entered Egypt centuries ago, establishing the valuable bloodlines of the breed there. The breeding programs in Egypt therefore became the root source for the finest Arabian horses, attracting passionate enthusiasts from all corners of the world. Artists, poets, and historians have for centuries been inspired by their great beauty and romantic legacy. Nasr Marei is the third-generation owner of a stud farm in Giza, Egypt. His love for and knowledge of the Egyptian Arabian horse, coupled with his sensitive and striking photography, have inspired this visual tribute. His extraordinary photographs, accompanied by text that traces the history and evolution of the Arabian's journey into Egypt, celebrate the lineage of this living treasure of Egyptian heritage.

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Book SynopsisLatin names frequently unpronounceable, all too often wrong and always a tiny puzzle to unravel have been annoying the layman since they first became formalised as scientific terms in the eighteenth century. Why on earth has the entirely land-loving Eastern Mole been named Scalopus aquaticus, or the Oxford Ragwort been called Senecio squalidus dirty old man'? What were naturalists thinking when they called a beetle Agra katewinsletae, a genus of fish Batman, and a Trilobite Han solo? Why is zoology replete with names such as Chloris chloris chloris (the greenfinch), and Gorilla gorilla gorilla (a species of, well gorilla)?The Naming of the Shrew will unveil these mysteries, exploring the history, celebrating their poetic nature and revealing how naturalists sometimes get things so terribly wrong. With wonderfully witty style and captivating narrative, this book will make you see Latin names in a whole new light.Trade ReviewWho would have thought that a book about Latin names could be quite so compelling!! * Alan Titchmarsh *Brims with verbal curiosities * Nature *Nature writing at its best: insightful, entertaining and often very funny * British Wildlife *I have not fully recovered from the discovery that the proper Latin name of the western lowland gorilla is Gorilla gorilla gorilla * Independent on Sunday *Weird and wonderful * Sunday Telegraph *Charming * The Lady *The pleasure of Wright’s book is the contrast between the rigour required for giving names and the careless minds and mischievous humour of those who devise them * The Times *Fascinating and funny * BBC Countrylife *Erudite but whimsical ... a book as charming as it is wise * Irish Examiner *A great read * Grow Your Own *

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"This superbly illustrated photographic field guide packs a great deal into a relatively slim package with all the essential species covered. . . . It’s hard to see how it could be bettered."---Matthew Merrit, Birdwatching Magazine

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Book SynopsisThere is space in your heart made by the love for a cat. It is created by snuggles, quiet sounds, and gentle nudges that remind you every day of the delight in being chosen. When You Love a Cat is the perfect gift to celebrate the beautiful bond between a cat and the ones they love for a lifetime.

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Book SynopsisTable of ContentsContentsForewordWendy Makoons GeniuszIntroductionA Note on Botanical UsageInvocation1. Traditional Anishinaabe Teaching About Plants“The Year the Roses Died”The Primacy of PlantsHow do We Know This, or the Descent of Our Knowledge?Talking to PlantsIndigenous or Imported?The Use of Story in Ethnobotany2. Indinawemaaganag: All of My Relatives“How Cedar Came into the World: The Creation Story of Cedar and Bearberry”“Nookomis Giizhik: The Cedar Song”White Cedar, Nokomis Giizhik, Thuja occidentalisTraditional Anishinaabe Advice to Youth“The Lady of the Red and Black Wigwam”Cedar Medicines“The Birch Tree, the Maple Tree, and Nanaboozhoo”Paper Birch, Nimishoomis Wiigwaas, Betula papyrifera“Nanaboozhoo and the Thunderbirds”“The Runner and the Birch Sap”Balsam fir, Nimisenh, Abies balsamea3. Other Conifers Important to the Anishinaabeg“Why Some Trees Keep Their Leaves When Others do Not”“Nanaboozhoo and Paul Bunyan”The Pines, Tacobeshig, Pinus spp.White Pine, Zhingwaak, Pinus strobusRed Pine, Apakwanagemag, Pinus resinosaJack Pine, Wakikaandag, Pinus banksianaScotch Pine, Pinus sylvestrisMedicinal Virtues of the PinesFoot BathsInhalants from PinesSpruce, Gaawaandag, Picea mariana and Picea glaucaThe Virtues of SpruceThe Ancient WarriorTamarack, Mashkiigmitig, Larix laricinaThe Medicinal Virtues of TamarackEastern Hemlock, Gaagaagiwanzh, Tsuga canadensisJuniper, Juniperus horizontalis,Juniperus communis, and Juniperus virginiana4. Three Food Plants that have been Very Useful to the Anishinaabeg“Nanaboozhoo and the Dancing Men”Cattail, Apakweshkway, Typha latifolia and Typha angustifoliaLabrador Tea, Mashkiigobag, Ledum groenlandicumJerusalem Artichokes, Giizisoojiibik, Helianthus tuberosus5. Four Plants that the Anishinaabeg have Used in the Traditional, Material Culture“The Shut-eye Dance: The Creation of Red Osier, Bittersweet, and Lichens”The Cornus FamilyRed Osier, Miskwaabiimizh, Cornus stoloniferaBunchberry, Ode’iminijiibik, Cornus canadensisStaghorn Sumac, Baakwaanaatig, Rhus typhinaSphagnum Moss, Aasaakamig, Sphagnum spp.“Nanaboozhoo and the Squeaky–Voice Plant”Nanaboozhoo’s Squeaky–Voice Plant: Lycopodium, Lycopodium spp.6. Major Medicinal Plants that have Shared Their Virtues with the AnishinaabegYarrow, Waabanoganzh, Achillea millefoliumMullein, Nookaadiziganzh, Verbascum thapsus“The South Wind and the Maiden of the Golden Hair”Dandelion, Doodooshaaboojiibik, Taraxacum officinalePlantain, Omakakiibag, Plantago major and Plantago lanceolataRoses, Oginiiminagaawanzh, Rosa spp.The EupatoriumsJoe Pye Weed, Bagizowin, Eupatorium purpureumShield and Lance Plant, Boneset, Eupatorium perfoliatum and Eupatorium rugosumJewelweed, Ozaawashkojiibik, Impatiens capensis,Impatiens pallida, and Poison Ivy, Animikiibag, Toxicodendron radicansThe Monarda FamilyWild Bergamot, “Baby Saver Plant”, Monarda fistulosaBee Balm, Aamoogaawanzh, Monarda didymaGoldthread, Ozaawijiibik, Coptis groenlandicaViolets, Waawiyebag, Viola spp.“Nanaboozhoo and Name”The

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"A Birdwatcher's Yearbook Best Bird Book of the Year""Terrific. . . . Futuyma writes an accessible overview of bird evolution that lay readers, especially birders, will be able to understand." * BirdWatching *"[Futuyma] skillfully weaves together salient themes of evolutionary biology from the living aviary, stressing the important role that birds played in advancing our understanding of evolution."---Alan Feduccia, Science"This engaging and wide-ranging summary of virtually every aspect of avian evolution synthesizes the earliest insights from Darwin to those of modern phylogenetics, using birds to illustrate each concept. ... [Futuyma] may be the ideal person to explain the marvels of bird evolution."---Daniel S. Cooper, The Quarterly Review of Biology"How Birds Evolve is accessible, exhilarating science for everyone – amateur birder, professional naturalist or just the average man. It’s a great book and one to read over and over and I thoroughly recommend it to all. This is already my Bird Book of 2022 and I can't see it being bettered."---Phil Slade, Another Bird Blog"How Birds Evolve is a book full of accessible and exhilarating science for everyone and not just birders and professional naturalists. It’s simply a stunning book and one to read numerous times and an example of the amalgamation of science and nature writing at its finest and I thoroughly recommend it to everyone."---Roy Stewart, British Naturalists Association"The delight is in the detail. . . . Futuyma unpacks the story of evolutionary science alongside the story of how birds evolved. . . . [How Birds Evolve] is entertaining and passionate."---Simon Ings, New Scientist"[Futuyma’s] life-long passion and competence guide us across the pages of this book with a hint of humour."---Gaia Bazz, Community Ecology ​​​​​​​

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

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Book SynopsisTHE NEW BOOK FROM GRAEME HALL, THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING DOGFATHER I've been training puppies for years and I am yet to come across one who behaved perfectly at all times. With this book I really wanted to be realistic about the expectations we should have when training a puppy and demystify the process with clear, simple advice, based on science and experience. In this stress-free guide you will learn how to: · Choose the right puppy for your lifestyle, including the benefits of a rescue dog · Introduce them to the family, other pets and children · Tackle separation anxiety · Train your puppy, while building understanding and trust · Socialise them, so they grow into a happy, well-adjusted dog · Prevent behavioural problems later in life I love working with puppies because there is so much potential to make a lasting difference to a dog's life and to their owner's. If you can get it right (or right-ish), you are paving the way for a lifetime of reliably good behaviour. Happy training! Graeme HallTrade ReviewThe nation's favourite dog trainer * The Yorkshire Post *

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Book SynopsisThis ground-breaking book explores the issues surrounding barefoot horses in the UK and looks in detail at how to improve overall hoof health, in both shod and barefoot horses. This new edition in paperback offers practical, hands-on advice on achieving barefoot performance in a variety of disciplines - from eventing and hunting to endurance - focussing on the essential elements for healthy hooves: diet, environment, exercise and trimming or shoeing. In addition, the book has step-by step advice on rehabilitating problem hooves with case studies of horses with a range of issues, from navicular or tendon damage to metabolic disorders like laminitis and insulin resistance. The authors have successfully ridden and competed their own horses barefoot for many years and have helped many hundreds of their clients' horses work successfully without shoes.

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

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

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Book SynopsisGround training is the key to a safe and pleasurable riding experience. Designed for easy reference while working with your horse, this guide can be hung on a post. Riders of all disciplines and skill levels will benefit from these exercises that reinforce good habits and help develop a strong bond between horse and rider.

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Book SynopsisKatharine Towers' second collection is a book of small wonders. From a house drowning in roses to crickets on an August day, from Nerval's lobster to the surrealism of flower remedies, these poems explore the fragility of our relationship with the natural world. Towers also shows us what that relationship can aspire to be: each poem attunes us to another aspect of that world, and shows what strange connections might be revealed when we properly attend to it. The Remedies is a lyric, unforgettable collection which offers just the spiritual assuagement its title promises, and shows Towers emerging as a major poetic talent.Trade ReviewThere is so much to praise about the writing: clarity, generosity and grace. There are no barriers between poem and reader. . .[Towers] writes with a marvellously gentle wit and a metrical intelligence. . .Quite how she manages the balancing act between entertainment and something that comes close to a prayer, that catches at your throat, is beyond me * Guardian *Each of these short poems shines with soft, lyrical grace; she writes about birds, flowers and objects in clear, generous language that reaches out towards the reader, embracing and never pushing away. * Daily Mail *

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Book SynopsisA heartwarming true story of a small kitten who helped a family overcome tragedy and who, over the next 24 years, became that loving family's high priestess and guardian.Trade ReviewPossibly the next Marley & Me, Cleo, is an honest and un-mawkish true story of ordinary people rebuilding their lives after a tragedy, with the help of a kitten. Even non cat-lovers will be moved. * Good Housekeeping *Cat-lovers will be charmed and amused by Brown's lively description of the imperious way in which Cleo reconfigured a distraught household. And her generous and . . . admirably unsentimental account of Cleo's long life is a salutary reminder of the gratitude we humans owe to our companion animals. * Daily Mail *Possibly the next Marley and Me, Cleo, is an honest and un-mawkish true story of ordinary people rebuilding their lives after a tragedy, with the help of a kitten. Even non cat-lovers will be moved. * Good Housekeeping *Cat-lovers will be charmed and amused . . . a salutary reminder of the gratitude we humans owe to our companion animals. * Daily Mail *

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Book Synopsis*WATERSTONES WELSH BOOK OF THE MONTH*My Family and Other Animals meets The Secret Life of Cows: this rediscovered gem tells the charming tale of how a baby llama transformed a Welsh farming family forever.Things llamas like:Snaffling cherry brandy, Easter eggs, and the Radio Times.Curling up in ''tea-cosy'' position by the fire.Orbiting, helicoptering, and oompahing. Locking victims in the lavatory. Things llamas dislike:Being adopted mother to an orphaned lamb.Invitations to star on Blue Peter. Snowdonia's rainfall. The dark. Ruth Ruck's family live on a Welsh mountain farm, no strangers to cow pats on the carpet and nesting hens in the larder. When dark days strike, they embark on a farming experiment to cheer them all up but raising a baby llama proves more of an adventure than expected Reissued with a new foreword by John Lewis-

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Book SynopsisDiscover the true meaning of dog behaviour to form the deepest bond with your canine companion.What does it really mean when a dog rolls over and shows their tummy? They''re not always looking for a belly rub...Drawing on the latest research in dog psychology, this book reveals the secret meanings behind more than 80 canine behaviours, including the seven types of dog greeting and why some dogs eat your underwear!Packed with dogwatching tips and positive reinforcement training advice, this book will help you keep your dog happy, stimulated - and adorable!

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Book SynopsisThe British beach is full of creatures that we think we know - from crabs to clams, starfish to anemones. But, in fact, we barely understand how many survive or thrive. In Rock Pool the delights of childhood paddling are elevated to oceanic discoveries, as the fragile beauty and drama of intertidal existence is illustrated through the incredible lives of twenty-four individual creatures. Rock Pool is the eye-opening account of a life-long passion by a talented writer and naturalist.Trade Review`Here are three simple steps to help you feel better about the world: read Heather Buttivant's marvellous book, grab a pair of wellies and get yourself to a rocky shore ... [a] thoughtful, enlightening and entertaining read.' BBC Wildlife Magazine | 'An utterly joyous book, a celebration of our incomparable 11,000 miles of British coastline ... an eye-opening delight from start to finish.' Daily Mail

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