Search results for ""author abi""

Micky Flanagan is one of Britain's best-loved cheeky-chappy comedians, thanks to his stand-up routines about how he's gone from growing up in London's East End in the 1970s to his life now in middle-class suburbia. To date he has two sell-out tours under his belt, nominations from the British Comedy Awards and the Edinburgh Fringe (for Best Comedy Newcomer), not to mention regular stints on 8 Out of 10 Cats, Mock the Week and The Last Leg, as well as guest appearances on The Jonathan Ross Show, Alan Carr: Chatty Man, The Graham Norton Show and The One Show. Yet a career as a professional comedian was not something that he had ever dreamed of when, as a troublesome teen, he left school aged 15 to work in a fish market. Abi Smith looks at how Micky, who was laughed at by his teachers when he said he wanted to be a vet, has triumphed from his early days working as a fish porter in the East End and as a dishwasher in New York. In this page-turning biography you'll also discover why his mum labelled him a drama queen, and how he tried his hand at various professions - including trainee teacher and painter and decorator - before having the last laugh by becoming one of the country's most popular funny men. So, pour yourself a cup of Rosie Lee, take the weight off your plates and prepare for a right giraffe as you read this engaging tale of 'an East Boy done good'.

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The stunning prequel to Abi Elphinstone's mesmerising The Unmapped Chronicles series. Magic, adventure, and a whole new world is waiting to be discovered! The perfect series for adventurers aged 9+ and fans of Michelle Harrison, Piers Torday and Jamie Littler. The Unmapped Chronicles will not only leave children entertained, but will also empower them to battle climate change and environmental issues.*DYSLEXIA FRIENDLY TEXT DESIGN!*Where the map ends, the adventure begins . . .It is midnight in Crackledawn – a midnight full of magic. Sea dragons stir in the depths of the ocean, silver whales surface beneath the moon and sand goblins line the shores. Everyone is waiting for the phoenix, the guardian of the kingdom’s magic, to rise up from the forests of Everdark.But there is no sign of the phoenix tonight. Something else surges up out of Everdark instead: a harpy bent on stealing Crackledawn’s magic.It is up to an eleven-year-old girl called Smudge and a grumpy monkey called Bartholomew to set sail beyond the legendary Northswirl and stop the harpy before it’s too late.So, grab your compass and roll down your sail – the first adventure in THE UNMAPPED CHRONICLES is about to begin . . .Praise for Abi Elphinstone!'Imaginative, adventurous and wonderful' Robin Stevens, author of A Murder Most Unladylike series 'The Unmapped Chronicles series is irresistible' Lauren St John, author of The White Giraffe'Abi Elphinstone has created a complete world so believably and effortlessly, I can only marvel' Piers Torday, author of The Last Wild Trilogy 'Brimming with enchantment and adventure' Catherine Doyle, author of The Storm Keeper's Island‘Abi Elphinstone is proving to be a worthy successor to CS Lewis’ The TimesAlso by Abi Elphinstone:The DreamsnatcherThe Shadow KeeperThe Night SpinnerSky SongRumblestarWinter Magic (Anthology)Jungledrop The Crackledawn Dragon

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When eminent psychiatrist Dr Liz Sullivan is found dead in her bed, suspicion falls on local gamer and YouTube celebrity Jaden 'JD' Dodds. Did he target her because of her anti-gaming views and the work she undertook to expose the dangers of playing online games? And what was her connection with Valiant, an independent game manufacturer about to hit the big time, and its volatile boss? Judith Burton and Constance Lamb team up once more to defend JD when no one else is on his side. But just because he makes a living killing people on screen doesn't mean he'd do it in real life. Or does it?

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In this postapocalyptic fantasy, a sea of sand swallows everything but the past.In an endless sea of sand drifts the Mud Whale, a floating island city of clay and magic. In its chambers a small community clings to survival, cut off from its own history by the shadows of the past.The emperor and the great Nous Ánthropos have arrived on the shores of Kívotos! Chakuro tries to stand against the emperor and his terrible plan, but the show of resistance only gets him and Lykos pulled to the bottom of the Sea of Sand. Everyone knows that nothing survives sinking under the sands, but death isn’t what awaits them in them depths—it’s knowledge.

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In this postapocalyptic fantasy, a sea of sand swallows everything but the past. In an endless sea of sand drifts the Mud Whale, a floating island city of clay and magic. In its chambers a small community clings to survival, cut off from its own history by the shadows of the past. The promised land of Amonlogia has turned out to be a nightmare for the people of the Mud Whale. Suou and the Unmarked are being held hostage, and in order to save them, Ouni and Chakuro agree to serve the duke as soldiers. Orca’s forces and an inevitable bloody battle draw ever closer, but the duke has a far darker mission in mind for Ouni—one that will rock the very foundations of Amonlogia!

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When food magnate Brett Ingram collapses and dies at a public event, his seafood allergy is blamed and the caterer, Nick Demetriou, charged with manslaughter. Nick hires legal duo Judith Burton and Constance Lamb to defend him. They scrutinise the colourful panellists at the event - a food blogger, a beef farmer, a food scientist, a TV chef and a radio host - who all seem to be holding something back. There's something fishy about the allergy story. Did one of the speakers have a hand in the businessman's death? And what of the nasty incidents that keep befalling them? Should the net be cast wider to include opponents of Brett's mysterious Ambrosia initiative? In another of Abi Silver's nail-biting games of courtroom cat-and-mouse, Judith and Constance must find the truth among a smorgasbord of lies and deception.

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In this postapocalyptic fantasy, a sea of sand swallows everything but the past. In an endless sea of sand drifts the Mud Whale, a floating island city of clay and magic. In its chambers a small community clings to survival, cut off from its own history by the shadows of the past. The Mud Whale has finally reached the shores of Amonlogia, but it quickly becomes clear that Sir Rochalízo wasn’t being entirely up-front when he said the people of the Mud Whale would all be welcome. His father the duke has placed harsh conditions on their citizenship, and they only have three days to agree…or face the consequences!

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Wombats might be pretty weird, but they’re pretty awesome, too! Wombats Are Pretty Weird is funny, kid-friendly, and informative, and features sidebars, comic panels, extensive backmatter, and a map. Acclaimed author-illustrator Abi Cushman’s nonfiction debut contains everything anyone could ever possibly want to know about wombats!Wombats are elusive, burrowing marsupials. Their teeth never stop growing, they have backward-facing pouches, and they’re the only animal to have cube-shaped poop. And if you ask their snake friend, Joey, those aren’t the only things that are weird about wombats!Abi Cushman’s Wombats Are Pretty Weird contains informative, expressive, and funny illustrations, and offers an entertaining blend of narration, sidebars, speech balloons, and dialogue between Joey the snake and the wombats he meets in the wild. A refreshing departure from traditional informational books, Wombats Are Pretty Weird is a child-friendly guide to understanding the weird and wonderful world of wombats.Features extensive backmatter, including a glossary.

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Ever since she turned eighteen and moved from an adolescent mental health ward to an adult one, Heather’s life has felt isolated and grey. She’d never attempt to suggest that climbing over the back fence of the hospital in the middle of the night is her sanest decision, but with a life that feels empty and a head full of memories that she doesn’t want to think about, she doesn’t feel like she has a choice. Heather is barely over the fence, however, when she meets Maeve. While, at first, Heather only allows Maeve to accompany her to keep the younger girl out of harm’s way, events soon lead to the lives of the two teenagers becoming increasingly entangled. As the night goes on, Heather is soon forced to consider who will be saving who.

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Both very funny and as propulsive as a thriller . . . impossible to put down' RACHEL COOKE, Observer'The kind of book you will find yourself saying urgently, over and over, to friends: 'Have you read it?' CAITLIN MORAN'Gripping, funny and always honest' DAVID NICHOLLS'Extraordinary . . . utterly compelling and so honestly told' NIGELLA LAWSON'Truly breathtaking. I could not have loved it more' CAREY MULLIGAN________________________An ordinary day.The end of ordinary life.One morning in June, Abi had her to-do list - drop the kids to school, get coffee and go to work. Jacob had a bad headache so she added 'pick up steroids'. She returned home and found the man she loved and fought and laughed with for twenty years lying on the bathroom floor. And nothing would ever be the same again. But this is not a pity memoir. It's about meeting your person. And crazed late night Google trawls. It's about the things you wished you'd said to the person that matters then wildly over-sharing with the barista who doesn't know you at all. It's about sushi and the wrong shoes and the moments you want to shout 'cut'. It's about the silence when you are lost in space and the importance of family and parties and noise. It's the difference between surviving and living. It's a reminder that, even in the worst times, there is light ahead. It's a love story.

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'The kind of book you will find yourself saying urgently, over and over, to friends: 'Have you read it?' CAITLIN MORAN'Gripping, funny and always honest' DAVID NICHOLLS'I honestly couldn't put it down' MARINA HYDEAn ordinary day.The end of ordinary life.One morning in June, Abi had her to-do list - drop the kids to school, get coffee and go to work. Jacob had a bad headache so she added 'pick up steroids'. She returned home and found the man she loved and fought and laughed with for twenty years lying on the bathroom floor. And nothing would ever be the same again. But this is not a pity memoir. It's about meeting your person. And crazed late night Google trawls. It's about the things you wished you'd said to the person that matters then wildly over-sharing with the barista who doesn't know you at all. It's about sushi and the wrong shoes and the moments you want to shout 'cut'. It's about the silence when you are lost in space and the importance of family and parties and noise. It's the difference between surviving and living. It's a reminder that, even in the worst times, there is light ahead. It's a love story.

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How can you pack for the journey of a lifetime?George Baxter has settled for a comfortable life, content as the years unfold predictably - until Win, his wife of twenty-six years, dies.With his loyal dog Monty by his side, George throws himself into his work as an antiques dealer. His business is at the heart of the village and all sorts pass through the doors, each person in search of their own little piece of history. When George meets local widow Sylvia Newsome, he imagines a different kind of future. But life has more revelations to offer him. Over the course of an English summer George uncovers some unexpected mysteries from his past, which could shape his tomorrows . . .

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Adunni and Ms Tia are back, now forced to confront their pasts and find the courage to roar for themselves''A novelist of great power, wit, and invention''ELIZABETH GILBERT, author of City of Girls''Daré has proved, once again, that she is a masterful storyteller to be reckoned with''TARA M. STRINGFELLOW, author of Memphis''A touching tale of connection and love''ANNE GRIFFIN, author of The Island of Longing''An edge-of-your-seat return to the world of The Girl with the Louding Voice''CHARMAINE WILKERSON, author of Black Cake''An enduring story of hope, love and the power we hold''ORE AGBAJE-WILLIAMS, author of The Three of UsPlucky fourteen-year-old Adunni is in Lagos, excited to finally enrol in school. Having escaped her rural village in a desperate bid to seek a better future, she''s found refuge with Tia, a kind and

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Turn your wardrobe and accessories into a stylish, kaleidoscope of colour, and dip into the world of tie dye! Tie dye has taken the fashion world by storm. Once associated with the hippie movement, tie dye is now chic and edgy, and – in our eco-conscious world – can transform your old clothes into beautifully colourful, patterned pieces. With a few twists, elastic bands and a volume of dye, your once-loved T-shirts, denim jackets, hoodies, skirts and shorts turn into iconic, vibrant pieces that you'll love to wear, whatever the weather! Tie dye is something everyone can do, even beginners. In this book, master both basic and more advanced tie-dye styles project by project, using hand-made or fibre-reactive dyes. Now you can create designs such as bullseye, shibori and mandala patterns without hurting the planet. The beginning of the book includes a chapter on natural dyes and how to make them in your own kitchen, saving not just money but the environment too by avoiding the use of harsh chemicals. It will also discuss some eco-friendly alternatives for those who do not want to make their own dyes, as well as planet-friendly mordants that will ensure your dyed creations hold their colour. Illustrated steps and clear instructions accompany all 11 projects and tie-dye techniques, and each project comes with an alternative colourway to inspire. Thrifted or upcycled garments and accessories are used to make all the projects, so you can see how once-loved or upcycled clothing can easily turn into beautiful, vibrant pieces that you’ll love to wear.

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Bring reading to life with well-known, family favourite characters! Help your child progress at home with Bug Club and Disney decodable readers for phonics phases 1-3.. Bug Club captures children''s imagination, nurtures lifelong readers, and is proven to work: research shows that after 18 months, children using Bug Club were 11 months ahead of their expected reading age. Bug Club at home will complement children''s school learning as they develop comprehension and fluency and provide independent reading practice with fully decodable phonics patterns. Children can engage with extra learning content, and activities at the back of each book now with their favourite Disney characters! The books all feature our specially designed dyslexia-friendly font and are set on pastel coloured backgrounds to help reduce visual stress. Already used by 1.5 million children in over 3,300 Primary schools in the UK, Bug Club

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In this postapocalyptic fantasy, a sea of sand swallows everything but the past.In an endless sea of sand drifts the Mud Whale, a floating island city of clay and magic. In its chambers a small community clings to survival, cut off from its own history by the shadows of the past.The people of the Mud Whale and Kivotós are all that stand between the world and certain destruction. But even with their combined strengths, are they enough to stop a monster driven by madness and caprice★ Or will they all drwon in the crashing waves of a Kataklysmós unleashed★

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In this postapocalyptic fantasy, a sea of sand swallows everything but the past.In an endless sea of sand drifts the Mud Whale, a floating island city of clay and magic. In its chambers a small community clings to survival, cut off from its own history by the shadows of the past.The Mud Whale has been overrun with tárichos, a virulent parasitic growth that turns everyone it touches into mindless husks controlled by the Nous Geráki. The only way to stop the spread of the tárichos is to destroy the Nous, but that won’t be an easy task—or one without sacrifice.

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Wimbledon's Greatest Games features 50 of the most exciting and absorbing tennis matches ever played on the All England Club's courts. Journey back in time and relive the unforgettable feats of Rod Laver, Althea Gibson, Boris Becker, John McEnroe, Billie Jean King, Jimmy Connors, Pete Sampras, Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Martina Navratilova and Serena Williams among many others. From the roar of the crowd to the emotion of the players, the drop-shots, the volleys, the epic rallies and the double-faults, each thrilling contest comes alive as the action from the famous venue is brought to you in vivid detail. So, serve yourself a Pimm's, sit back and let Abi Smith transport you to Centre Court as you explore this comprehensive collection from the greatest tournament of all. Capturing gentlemen's, ladies' and doubles matches that have shaped the game, Wimbledon's Greatest Games is an action-packed, ace-filled guide that every SW19 fan will want to devour.

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A magical wintry story filled with adventure, wonder and edge-of-your-seat excitement, this is the perfect read for fans of Michelle Harrison, Piers Torday and Emma Carroll.‘Once an adventure digs its claws in, there is not an awful lot you can do about it. Especially when magic is involved . . .’ In the snowy kingdom of Erkenwald, whales glide between icebergs, wolves hunt on the tundra and polar bears roam the glaciers. But the people of this land aren’t so easy to find - because Erkenwald is ruled by an evil Ice Queen and the tribes must stay hidden or risk becoming her prisoners at Winterfang Palace.Join Eska, a girl who breaks free from a cursed music box, and Flint, a boy whose inventions could change the fate of Erkenwald forever, as they journey to the Never Cliffs and beyond in search of an ancient, almost forgotten, song with the power to force the Ice Queen back. This is a story about an eagle huntress, an inventor and an organ made of icicles. But it is also a story about belonging, even at the very edges of our world . . .'A shimmering thrill-ride of a book. I loved every page.' Lauren St John, author of The White Giraffe 'Sky Song made my heart sing - I loved it!' Kiran Millwood Hargrave, author of The Girl of Ink and Stars'A dazzling snowstorm of an adventure, with hope at its heart' Emma Carroll, author of Letters from the Lighthouse‘I cannot recommend highly enough… a brilliant, heart-stopping, tear-inducing, soul-soaring adventure’ MG Leonard, author of Beetle Boy‘A truly magical tale’ The Guardian‘Abi Elphinstone is proving to be a worthy successor to CS Lewis’ The Times'Abi Elphinstone’s books are full of adventure, wit, heart, and, above all, bravery’ Katherine Rundell, author of The Explorer ​

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The people of the Mud Whale have fought off the forces of the Allied Empire—for now—and their only hope for continued survival is to find an ally from beyond the Sea of Sand. So when the bombastic Captain Rochalízo sails his ship alongside their island, Mayor Suou is ready and eager to befriend the stranger. But even if Rochalízo can offer asylum, they have no way to navigate the Mud Whale. That is, until the mysterious Aíma begins unlocking the Mud Whale’s secrets for Chakuro… A gripping postapocalyptic fantasy adventure in the vein of Nausicaä.

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In this postapocalyptic fantasy, a sea of sand swallows everything but the past. In an endless sea of sand drifts the Mud Whale, a floating island city of clay and magic. In its chambers a small community clings to survival, cut off from its own history by the shadows of the past. The promised haven of Amonlogia is closer than ever, but the dark history of the Mud Whale still poses a terrible threat to its people. Somehow, learning the truth about the past has freed Ouni’s thymia from all constraints, and he is forced to lock himself away to avoid hurting the others. But even with that precaution, his very presence is a danger to his people as imperial forces prepare to capture the daímonas and kill everyone else on the island!

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For courses in reinforced concrete. A practitioner’s guide to reinforced concrete design Reinforced Concrete Design integrates current building and material codes with realistic examples to give readers a practical understanding of this field and the work of its engineers. Using a step-by-step solution format, the text takes a fundamental, active-learning approach to analyzing the design, strength, and behavior of reinforced concrete members and simple reinforced concrete structural systems. Content throughout the 9th edition conforms to the latest version of ACI-318 Code. It expands discussion of several common design elements and practice issues, and includes more end-of-chapter problems reflecting real-world design projects.

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Erin is 19. She's never really left England, but she has watched Bear Grylls and wonders why it's always men who get to go on all the cool wilderness adventures. So Erin sets off on a voyage into the Alaskan wilderness, a one-woman challenge to the archetype of the rugged male explorer. As Erin's journey takes her through the Arctic Circle, across the entire breadth of the American continent and finally to a lonely cabin in the wilds of Denali, she explores subjects as diverse as the moon landings, the Gaia hypothesis, loneliness, nuclear war, shamanism and the pill. Filled with a sense of wonder for the natural world and a fierce love for preserving it, The Word for Woman is Wilderness is a funny, frank and tender account of a young woman in uncharted territory.

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How can you pack for the journey of a lifetime?George Baxter has settled for a comfortable life, content as the years unfold predictably - until Win, his wife of twenty-six years, dies.With his loyal dog Monty by his side, George throws himself into his work as an antiques dealer. His business is at the heart of the village and all sorts pass through the doors, each person in search of their own little piece of history. When George meets local widow Sylvia Newsome, he imagines a different kind of future. But life has more revelations to offer him. Over the course of an English summer George uncovers some unexpected mysteries from his past, which could shape his tomorrows . . .A New Map of Love by Abi Oliver, a bestselling author under a different name, is a life-affirming second novel about second chances at love.

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For readers of THE VIRGIN SUICIDES or THE GIRLS, a story of two extraordinary, magnetic women and their disappearances - a hundred years apart - from the small New England town they call home.Henrietta and Jane are growing up in a farmhouse on the outskirts of town, their mother a remote artist, their father in thrall to the folklore and legend of their corner of New England. When Henrietta falls under the spell of Kaus, an outsider and petty criminal, Jane takes to trailing the couple, spying on their trysts, until one night, Henrietta vanishes into the woods.Elspeth and Claire are sisters separated by an ocean. Elspeth's pregnancy at seventeen meant she was quickly married and sent away from her Scottish village to make a new life in America. When she comes to the attention of the local mill owner, a series of wrenching and violent events unfolds, culminating in her disappearance.As Jane and Claire search in their own times for their missing sisters, each uncovers the strange legend of Cold Thursday, and of a family apparently transformed into coyotes. But what does his myth really mean? Are their sisters dead, destroyed by the men who desired them? Or have they made new lives, elsewhere, beyond the watchful eyes of the community they longed to escape?

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When breakfast TV host and nation's darling Rosie Harper is found brutally murdered at home, suspicion falls on her spouse, formerly international football star, Danny 'walks on water' Mallard, now living out of the public eye as trans woman, Debbie. Not only must Debbie challenge the hard evidence against her, including her blood-drenched glove at the scene of the crime, she must also contend with the world's prejudices, as the trial is broadcast live. For someone trying to live their life without judgment, it might be too much to bear. Legal duo Judith Burton and Constance Lamb feel the pressure of public scrutiny as they strive to defend their most famous client yet. Another thought-provoking courtroom drama from the acclaimed author of the Burton & Lamb series.

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In this postapocalyptic fantasy, a sea of sand swallows everything but the past.In an endless sea of sand drifts the Mud Whale, a floating island city of clay and magic. In its chambers a small community clings to survival, cut off from its own history by the shadows of the past.Katakysmós has been unleashed on Kivótos, and it is slowly consuming Chakuro and all the others who came to the village to make their last stand. Now the refugees on the Mud Whale must make the choice between fleeing through forbidden territory or making a desperate last stand of their own against the destruction of their whole world.

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In this postapocalyptic fantasy, a sea of sand swallows everything but the past.In an endless sea of sand drifts the Mud Whale, a floating island city of clay and magic. In its chambers a small community clings to survival, cut off from its own history by the shadows of the past.Chakuro, Suou and Shuan ventured the battleship Karcharías, hoping to convince Orca to release Ouni and Lykos. But instead of rescuing their friends, they are now caught up in Orca’s plan to destroy the Mud Whale and all its residents in order to unleash an apocalypse that will overthrow the Nouses and create a parallel world where humans will never again feel pain or sadness. When words prove useless against Orca’s sophistry, will the team from the Mud Whale be forced into violence?!

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