Search results for ""cicada""

Excavating four billion years of history from the ground beneath our feet! This book looks at the fossil record and all that we can learn from it. From bacteria to sponges to fish to tetrapods to reptiles to dinosaurs to mammals and finally to humans, it excavates the story of four billion years of life on this planet. The science of paleontology is clearly broken down by fossil expert, Rob Wilshaw, and easily understood by children as young as six. Sophie Williams’ warm, engaging illustrations bring the fascinating texts to life. Following on from the success of Earth-Shattering Events, this is a lively and vital book that will delight not just dinosaur enthusiasts but anyone interested in evolution and the incredible history of this very special planet that we inhabit.

Read more less

A refreshing introduction to flags of the world and the stories they tell. Do you know why the Union Jack is asymmetrical? Or what the meaning is behind the black stars on many African flags? Well maybe it’s time to find out! This is a gorgeous, accessible atlas of flags around the world. It is packed with fascinating flag facts clearly arranged by Robin Jacobs and joyously presented by illustrator Ben Javens. The flags are grouped by continent and then by theme, creating a coherent historical narrative that serves as a great launch point for discussions around identity, geography and nation building.

Read more less

Gory Rory is having a TERRIBLE day, and the LAST thing he needs is a KISS. Everything is going wrong for Gory Rory Fangface. First, he ran out of cereal and then his favourite jumper was in the wash and then it rained on the way to school. Does Gory Rory need a kiss? No, he most certainly DOESN’T. The day gets progressively worse; he’s forgotten his homework, it’s egg salad for lunch, and then mum is late for pick-up. A kiss perhaps? NO WAY. On the way home it rains again, there’s homework to finish and the internet is down. Gory Rory has reached the end of his tether – it really has been the WORST DAY EVER. But sometimes... just sometimes... when you really really need them... kisses can make it all better. A heartwarming story about the power of affection to lighten up even the darkest of days.

Read more less

'A fresh author / illustrator pairing here from Cicada Books. This is a great story, perfectly concluded by Bartholomew’s Dad calmly helping him to get properly ready for school.' -- It's All About Stories 'With pants and loo roll all over the endpapers, this book is bound to be a winner - and it's possibly the perfect story for parents with children who just cannot get up in time for school.' -- School Reading List Bartholomew struggles to get himself ready as the monsters from last night’s dreams sabotage the most simple of morning routines. A vast purple monster sits on his chest, making it hard to get up. A slug monster slimes his clothes, so he can’t get dressed. Brushing teeth, eating breakfast, and even going to the toilet all present challenges as the monsters mess around at Bartholomew’s expense. Will Bartholomew’s dad ever manage to get him out the door?Hilarious illustrations bring Bartolomew’s frustration and befuddlement alive in this deceptively simple story that anyone who is not a morning person is bound to relate to.

Read more less

Shortlisted for the Royal Society Young People's Book Prize 2020 and the UKLA Book Awards 2021. Long-listed for the School Library Association Information Book Award 2020. 'Helping to educate the future generation about science fields with emergent interest' --Cressida Cowell, Waterstones Children’s Laureate A journey into the wonderful world of your microbiome. Within our bodies hides an entire world of organisms called microbes. They digest our food and protect our immune systems, and without them, we would die. Through Katie Brosnan’s personable illustrations, we follow the digestive process from the moment the food enters our mouths to the moment the waste leaves our bodies. Along the way we are introduced to a variety of microbes – good and bad – and gain an insight into the vast ecosystem that exists inside us. Scientists are only now beginning to comprehend the significance of our microbiome. This is a gorgeously presented introduction to a most fascinating scientific frontier.

Read more less

We often get asked about books to support the ‘Awesome Earth’ or ‘Natural Disasters’ topics for KS2 and we think we may have just found the perfect one. -- Books for Topics Featuring clear information about a comprehensive range of events, this colourful and fascinating guide is a real eye-opener. -- BookTrust An atlas of the most extreme meteorological and geological disasters that nature has to offer! We humans take our domination of the planet for granted, but sometimes nature reminds us that this is an illusion. Tectonics rip open the earth, vast waves sweep away coastal towns, magma spews from volcanoes and hurricanes lay waste to entire countries.This book explores nature at its most destructive. Clear, coherent explanations break down the science behind phenomena including hurricanes, tornadoes, avalanches, earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanoes, alongside fascinating facts about the biggest and the worst. Informative, accessible illustrations by Sophie Williams make this so much more than your standard geography book.

Read more less

This is the story of a boy who loves his grandma, but can’t stand all her rules! She has rules for every room in the house – don’t jump on the bed, or play with the dolls, or leave the loo seat up, or play on the stairs…. But there is one rule that is more important than all the others. DON’T touch the big blue and white vase in the living room.When grandma pops out to the shops, the boy does his absolute best to follow the rules, but of course things go a little bit wrong. Like a terrible domino effect, one thing leads to another, until the big vase goes flying. CRASH! The boy tries to fix the vase but it comes out all wrong.When Grandma comes home, her horror swiftly turns to understanding when she sees how distraught her grandson is. She gives him the biggest hug she’s given him for a long long time. ‘You can break a vase’, she says, ‘but you could never break my heart. And anyway, I think I like the vase better this way!’This is a heart-warming tale about forgiving one’s mistakes, and about how some rules are not quite as important as they might seem. Gorgeous pencil illustrations bring the eccentric grandma and her pattern-filled house alive.

Read more less

Short-listed for the 2022 Queen’s Knickers Awards Have you ever stopped to think about what is happening at this very moment in time? In this poetic book about the present moment, Matthew Hodson explores what is happening in the natural world, at this very moment in time. Praise for At This Very Moment ''Soothing, rhythmic, often repetitive words and distinctive illustrations make this a lovely, quiet book that radiates calm''. -- Kirkus ''Matthew Hudson has created something quite unique for a class library. A book that, by its very nature, is a chance to be still, connect and relax''. -- Just Imagine ''Told with simplicity and a variety of landscapes, this is an enchanting story''. -- My Shelves Are Full ''A lullaby of a book''. -- The Literacy Tree ''This simple yet captivating book presents pre-school readers with highly illustrated scenes of what is happening right now''. -- School Reading List At this very moment There's a mouse There’s a small mouse waking up in the early morning sun And at this very moment There’s a whale There’s a blue whale singing whale song, deep beneath the sea As you sit and read this book Somewhere there’s a plum A plum so ripe a worm will come And eat it for its tea At This Very Moment is a beautifully poetic bedtime book for children ages 2 and up. Using simple but evocative language, it describes all the wonderful things that are going on around the world right now, this very second. In doing so, it asks the young reader to be present in this moment in time and to feel at one with the giant, magnificent organism that is our planet. In an entirely organic and unselfconscious way, this book encourages mindfulness and reflection as well as a sense of marvel at the world we live in. And at this very moment Somewhere there’s a baby There are babies everywhere Drifting off to sleep…

Read more less

Introducing a young child to the idea of a new sibling can be tricky to get right. This activity book offers parents a new way of starting a conversation with their child about the baby developing in mummy’s tummy. By doodling, colouring in and engaging with the illustrations, the older sibling is invited to think and talk about themselves, and in doing so, to think about the new baby and what life might be like when it arrives: These are the names of some baby animals, what is your name? What do you think Baby’s name should be? Which of these people look like members of your family? How do you think Baby will look? Baby can only drink milk, but you can eat all sorts of things. What are your favourite foods? The activities are brought to life in bright, on trend, paper cut illustrations. The first edition of this book was received to much critcal acclaim and featured as one of the top 10 parenting books in The Independent, 2016. It has sold in excess of 4,000 copies. An original, brilliant idea, in the form of a beautifully illustrated paperback picture book. -- It's All About Stories! This book is full of super activities to do with a soon to be sibling, from colouring to drawing to making choices of clothes, food and family. A lovely way to spend time together and encourage speech and conversation about the new arrival and to allay any fears and worries. -- My Shelves Are Full

Read more less

A beautifully illustrated picturebook about a sock that loses his pair and the identity crisis that ensues. It’s Phil and Dale’s favourite time of the week - the WASH! The two socks impress each other with their acrobatics; flipping, spinning and shrieking, much to the disapproval of the other clothes in the washing machine. But why should they care? They’ve got each other and that’s all that matters... right? When Phil goes missing, Dale is left contemplating life in solitude. After a brief encounter with a red shirt, he finds himself alone in the washing machine, lost and pink. When he is finally reunited with his buddy, Phil fails to recognise him and the socks must decide what being a pair means if one of you has changed.... Written in comic book form, with gorgeous crayon illustrations, this a tale of friendship and identity that will delight children and adults alike. A brilliant message reminding us to celebrate the differences of our friends! This story would be a good tool for in the classroom to discuss the importance of the language that we use towards each other. A lovely story to share with children. -- Reading Zone

Read more less

The quirkiness of the illustrations and the simple narrative will delight readers, young and old, as they see how embracing differences and working together can have positive outcomes. This is a book which will be read again and again and enjoyed by all. - IBBY UK 'This is a stylish picturebook with themes of compromise and friendship. -- Books for Keeps 'From the witty title, to the delightful endpapers, The Pocket Chaotic is a charming story about becoming independent and growing up.' -- Mr. Alex's Bookshelf Alan and Betram are next-door neighbours. They are also best friends. They are also very, very different to one another. Bertram is extremely neat, and Alan is wildly messy. When Bertram gets a cat, called Pierre, he is dismayed to find that Pierre prefers it at Alan’s house. Alan tries to help his friend out – giving him his old sheepskin coat, his chipped bowl and finally, his beat up old sofa. At last, Pierre and Bertram are happy, but Alan is not – he has no company and no sofa. Fortunately, Bertram comes up with a brilliant solution to the problem… The Problem With Pierre plays with the format of the book, splitting each spread down the middle – the page on the left is Bertam’s neat-as-a-pin living room, and the right hand page is Alan’s homely chaos. When, at the end, Bertram knocks through the wall between the two houses, and puts the sofa in the middle, there is a coming together of content and format that is sure to delight readers young and old.

Read more less

Winner of the New York Times Top 10 Best Illustrated Children’s Books of 2019. A book to promote interest in numbers and wonder at the scale they can represent, with lots to interrogate and talk about. -- School Library Association Potential goldmine of teaching ideas. -- School Reading List Double the numbers to go from 1 to 1,000,000 in 40 pages. A stunning visualization of numbers big and small. We start with a single tree; 1. As we turn the page, we are presented with a sum doubling the number on the page before it: 1+1 = 2; 2+2 = 4; 4+4 = 8. In this way, we reach a million (actually 1,048,576) within 44 pages. Each sum is brought to life with a simple graphic illustration in the distinctive style of Sven Völker. The dots form the back of a ladybird, the bubbles in a cup of soda and the water in a swimming pool. On each page, a single neon dot illustrates what one means in the context of the sum. Gloriously simple in its concept and execution, this is a book that will bring mathematics alive to parents as well as children and will also make a stunning gift book.

Read more less

The story of a mouse and elephant who become pen pals despite some minor size differences. CK Smouha is the author of Born Bad, Sock Story and Iced Out (Cicada 2018 and 2019). Freddy the mouse is practising his skateboarding when a vast, white shape descends from the sky. It’s a huge letter from a science-loving elephant called Annabel! The two begin a correspondence in which they learn about each other’s very different lifestyle. One day, Freddy’s letters stop coming and Annabel must go to the big city to help him out of a pickle. This is a madcap romp about two friends who could not be more different. Hilarious illustrations play with scale discrepancies and are complemented by die cuts, flaps and special colours, bringing a message of tolerance and acceptance to life. Don’t be fooled by Penpals Forever: this hilarious book with cool illustrations actually conveys a serious message about tolerance and friendship, however different you might be from one another. -- School Librarian At its heart there is a lovely story about overcoming differences and distances to be friends – something it often seems like the whole world could do with learning! -- Father Reading and T This is a fun book that’s ultimate message is about accepting and tolerating differences, looking out for each other and, quite simply, how to be a good friend. -- Armadillo Children's Book Review Magazine

Read more less

Vajournal is a canvas on which to explore feminist rage. Thought provoking activities ask readers to list all the people they have ever slept with, describe their worst and best sexual experiences, and to relay their hopes and dreams, feelings about their bodies and experiences of every - day sexism. Plenty of blank space is left for thoughts and observations of female experience. Isabella Bunnell's beautiful illustrations bring the pages to life and invite further doodling and visual engagement.

Read more less

All sports have their quirks and rituals, but cycling has more than most. As the inexorable rise of the bicycle continues, many casual cyclists are moving into a more serious brand of cycling – riding in road races, groups or cycle clubs. And stumbling straight into a minefield of form and etiquette that those who have grown up in the clubs are well acquainted with. From how to choose the right bike frame to the rules of cycling in a paceline, there are things that any serious cyclist should know. Covering kit, bike, group riding, technique and training, The Road Cyclist’s Companion is a beautifully presented book that is an essential for anyone looking to step up their cycling ambitions.

Read more less

The first in a series of books by Elliot Kruszynski, exploring the histories of modern technologies, introduced and explained by a helpful (if somewhat arrogant) dog called Professor Wooford McPaw. Praise for The History of Cars ''A broad history, ideal for car lovers''.-- Kirkus ''Lots of vroom for car enthusiasts and history buffs alike''. -- Booklist ''This marvellous exploration of the history, design, engineering, technology and innovation of car-making is essential reading for any child with an interest in cars''. -- BookTrust ''A fantastic must-have book for any child with an interest in cars''. -- Just Imagine ''This is a great book for children who have expressed an interest in motor vehicles, for learning about changes in technology over time or as an introduction to the world of non-fiction books''. -- Reading Zone ''This book offers an interesting and informative history of cars with plenty of light-hearted, chatty asides!''-- North Somerset Teacher's Book Award In this title, Professor McPaw explores the history of the car, starting with the steam engine in the early 1800s, the advent of the combustion engine in 1872, the popularisation of the car by Henry Ford in the early 1900s, the evolution of motor racing, luxury cars of the 1950s, the Japanese innovations of the 1970s, and finally the new technologies of electric and self-driving cars today. The book is engagingly illustrated by Elliot Kruszynski, whose bright, clean, informative style appeals to children across a broad age range. The Professor and his sidekick (in this case a car, but changing with each book), discuss the intricacies of historical episodes along the way, lending a humorous, personal touch. Comic strip interludes capture key moments, like the first cross-country road trip by the wife of Karl Benz, inventor of the first gas-powered car; or the advent of Ford’s assembly line. Striking a refreshing balance between authoritative, clearly conveyed information, and witty, bright commentary, Professor McPaw will be a captivating tour-guide through the fascinating developments of the modern world.

Read more less

'Distinctive illustrations accompany this thought-provoking tale about the importance of self-expression, which could be used to explore the concepts of emotional intelligence, diversity and acceptance with young children. -- Book Trust The illustrations bring these colourful characters to life, especially in the depiction of Bailey and his amazing tail.' -- Reading Zone Dex is a Staffie with an unruly tail. All the other members of Dex's family are tough as nails, but Dex is cut from a different cloth. He likes to chat and play, and when he does, his tail wags wildly. When he's sad, his tail tucks under. Everyone can see exactly how he's feeling. The rest of Dex's family find it very embarrassing, so Dex tries to rein his tail in - to no avail. One day at the park, Dex is doing his best to control his tail when a big red dog called Bailey bounds up to him. Bailey has the waggiest, most ridiculous tail Dex has ever seen. They have a marvellous time playing, until Dex catches sight

Read more less

This super fun, bold and scribbly book about dogs and their owners is a lovely one for young ones and even older babies who will like the bold lines and contrast of the drawings. -- BookTrust 'Very cute read that is recommended for early childhood age.' -- Net Galley Nourishing and hilarious twenty minutes. -- School Reading List What came first - dogs that look like their owners or owners that look like their dogs? I wanted a dog... This one was perfect! Nobody wanted him because he looked scruffy.... but I’m a scruffy guy so that suited me just fine.After picking out the scruffiest dog at the pound, the narrator is surprised to find that Scruff isn’t what he initally seemed. He doesn’t want to catch sticks... or roll in the mud or swim in the pond. What could be the problem? It turns out that Scruff just loves being pampered! So the narrator goes along with it. They wash, brush, trim and polish together, until they are anything but scruffy! In their newly groomed state they go to the dog show... and win the prize for the dog that looks most like its owner! A funny story that is sure to charm dog-mad little ones and their parents.

Read more less

A beautiful little story that encompasses values such as perseverance, assertiveness and positivity through the most unlikely of antagonists, the modest little fly! -- IBBY UK Fly Flies has a really strong message about staying true to yourself and not being swayed by others. It’s a terrific book. -- Get Kids Into Books Fly just wants to have fun flying, but everyone she meets thinks she’s doing it all WRONG! Fly is happily practicing her flying in the park, doing some wibbles and some wobbles and some waveys. Blackbird, Seagull, Starling and Hawk take turns giving Fly advice about the best way to fly; fly in a straight line, glide on the wind, fly in a flock, dive onto your food.... Fly tries to take their advice on board, but each time finds that this is not HER way to fly. With a sweet, witty twist at the end, this is a delightful book about staying true to yourself in the face of people who insist they know better.

Read more less

A brisk guide for the aspirant bike rider all the way from choosing a first bike to techniques for wheelies and bunny hops and the finer points of riding in a group. This multi-layering of information makes this an inspirational read on many levels. Praise for Young Cyclist's Companion! "A clear, fun, accessible, accurate, and encouraging guide for kids who love to bike". -- Kirkus Starred Review "Much like Chris Hoy’s guide, The Young Cyclist’s Companion is a fun and accessible guide sure to entertain and inform, well-supported by illustrations and photographs". -- We Love Cycling "Packed with a surprisingly large amount of useful and entertaining information. Best of all it makes you want to get out and ride". -- Bikemonger "A fantastic foray into the world of cycling and all things ‘bike’ for children, which could not have come at a better time". --The Literacy Tree "A great, bright and catchy non-fiction book, well supported by photographs and illustrations. This would be a great gift for children who have shown interest in cycling". -- Reading Zone "With a clever blend of introductory explanation and more in-depth tips for budding enthusiasts, this comprehensive hardback guide to owning and riding a bicycle will appeal to a wide range of children in KS2". -- School Reading List Who doesn’t remember what it feels like to be a young person on a bike. Cycling offers kids an unrivalled freedom and independence. With global cycling trends on a new, post-pandemic high, ever more young people are experiencing the joys of the beautiful machine. This book is aimed at young people who are already proficient cyclists and are keen to learn more. It explains all the basics: How to choose a bike (types of bike, getting the right fit), basic maintenance (changing a tire, cleaning your bike), cycling techniques (pedalling, gearing, cornering, bunny hops) and next level cycling (competitions and training). Alongside these informative texts there is a cornucopia of facts and trivia about the unusual habits of famous cyclists, the weirdest, biggest, furthest and longest bikes and journeys, the most useful cycling life-hacks, etc.

Read more less

In this beautiful search-and-find book, readers are invited to find a variety of endangered animals within their habitats. Densely detailed landscapes of a rainforest, coral reef, mountains and skies are harbouring within them numbats, and snow leopards and mountain gorillas. Isabella Bunnell’s glorious watercolours makes the job of scouring the images even more fun. At the back of the book a glossary lends an additional educational element, describing each species in detail and explaining why they are endangered. In these urgent times, awareness of the rich bio-diversity of our planet has never been more vital. This is a great way of getting children as young as three engaging with environmental issues. Reviews: Vibrantly illustrated, this is an important book that all children should read…books like these raise awareness in the people we need to educate the most--the children who will inherit the perilous habitats we are leaving behind. -- Kids Book Review This most stunning search-and-find book of endangered animals is a complete gem -- Picturebooks Blogger A beautiful way to introduce children to the concept of habitats as well as the importance of a balanced ecosystem. -- School Library Journal

Read more less

Long-listed for the BookTrust Storytime Prize 2020. A great book to read aloud, children will love joining in with 'Don't hug the pug!' and be highly amused by the rather smelly outcome! -- Book Activist A sweet story with an unexpected twist at the end. -- Parent's In Touch A simple story told in comic-book form about a baby that does a lot of hugging.... with one caveat! Baby likes to cuddle. Grown-Up lets him cuddle the rug, the jug, the bug and the slug. But DON'T HUG THE PUG! Why not? What's wrong with the pug....? A hilarious and deceptively simple story that will have little ones shrieking with laughter. The combination of speech bubbles, rhymes, very short sentences and a stinky twist makes this a perfect book for both the pre-school audience and early readers.

Read more less

Louis is a young street magician. He is setting up for his show but he can’t find his rabbit anywhere. He looks inside his hat but finds only a bouquet of flowers, which is caught by a a passing woman as he throws it away in disgust. He looks under his cups, spilling out dozens of balls, which are pounced upon by a group of kids. An endless string of scarves comes out of his sleeve and is wrapped around the neck of a posh lady.... With each trick, his audience grows, and unbeknownst to Louis, his show is unfolding brilliantly... But WHERE could that pesky rabbit be hiding??? Finally, Louis looks in his bag…. climbs in it…. and disappears. Now the rabbit AND Louis are missing! The audience hold their breaths until, POOF! Louis appears on the table in a puff of smoke. They erupt in a roar of applause. Louis, bemused, notices them for the first time. He takes off his cap to take a bow. The rabbit is sitting on his head. This is funny but also empowering story about a child, unaware of his own talents, who creates a diverse community around him, delighting in his show.

Read more less

It’s Phil and Dale’s favourite time of the week - the WASH! The two socks impress each other with their acrobatics; flipping, spinning and shrieking, much to the disapproval of the other clothes in the washing machine. But why should they care? They’ve got each other and that’s all that matters... right? When Phil goes missing, Dale is left contemplating life in solitude. After a brief encounter with a red shirt, he finds himself alone in the washing machine, lost and pink. When he is finally reunited with his buddy, Phil fails to recognise him and the socks must decide what being a pair means if one of you has changed. A brilliant message reminding us to celebrate the differences of our friends! This story would be a good tool for in the classroom to discuss the importance of the language that we use towards each other. A lovely story to share with children. -- Reading Zone

Read more less

This fact-filled guide for kids 7 to 17 explores the world of architecture as you’ve never seen it before, from tiny shacks to vast palaces – and everything in between! Praise for Atlas of Amazing Architecture ''Given the global spread of coverage and the unusual buildings chosen, this is a must for children’s history, art, and architecture collections''.-- Booklist Starred Review ''A delightful and informative trip around the globe''. -- School Library Journal ''Peter Allen has written and illustrated a book that is stunning. I am sure there will be many, like me, who will revisit it time and time again and still find out something new and interesting''. -- Just Imagine ''A vibrant, wonderful journey across the world and will open the eyes of young readers to the awe-inspiring architecture all around us''. -- The BookActivist ''Both young and older readers will be drawn in, delighting in a wide-ranging exploration of fascinating buildings who are now getting a bit more exposure thanks to this fun and informative book''. -- The AOI ''Bursting with fascinating detail, this book is ideal for any budding young architect''. -- BookTrust ''A wonderful book to generate interest in the built environment''. -- Goodreads This atlas of architectural wonders eschews the classic children’s book fare of the Pyramids and the Taj Mahal, and instead takes a broader view of what constitutes amazing architecture. Buildings include: the Jameh mosque of Isfahan in Iran, Native American plank houses in New Mexico, Stave Churches in Norway, The Djinguereber Mosque in Mali, and extraordinary 18th century wooden churches on Kizhi Island, Russia. Over 50 buildings span all the continents equally throughout history. Each of these buildings is visually striking and architecturally noteworthy; they introduce new engineering technologies or define a movement or capture the essence of a moment in human history. However, despite their significance, they are, for the most part, not part of the main Western architectural canon. This book seeks out a more diverse, inclusive approach to what constitutes amazing architecture, and presents it with fresh illustration and clear, punchy text. Established illustrator Peter Allen, whose work has been published extensively by Usborne and Walker, brings the illustrations alive in his typical playful and dynamic style.

Read more less

A book about becoming independent for the first time. This stylish book with a relatable story is a joy for children and adults alike. The beautiful illustrations use muted tones with pops of neon orange, mixing gentle watercolour and bold strokes' -- Book Trust 'A charming and well-crafted picture book story.' -- School Reading List A young kangaroo called Alexander lives in his mum, Nancy’s pocket. Alexander loves his mum, but there’s one thing she does that really drives him nuts. She is always putting stuff in her pocket. Alexander tries to keep things neat, but the more he tidies, the more stuff she shoves in there. When he complains, his sister calls him a baby – it’s time to leave the pouch anyway. But Alexander loves it in there – it’s warm and cosy and smells of mum.Then one day, it gets really bad. Twelve bobby pins, a tube of toothpaste, a bottle of water, a packet of chewing gum, two bus tickets, some keys, a toy car and a cookbook all find their way into Nancy’s pouch. And that’s just for starters. Finally Alexander’s had enough. ‘I can’t take it any more!’ he shouts. ‘I’m moving out!’ So Alexander moves into the room next to his sister’s. They make it all cosy, with a furry blanket and shelves for all his stuff. So it’s just like his mum’s pouch. Almost. The penultimate spread is Alexander sleeping with all his stuff strewn around him. The final spread is Nancy clearing out her pocket with a wink. It was time for Alexander to go.This is a heartwarming tale about a connection between a son and mother and a journey towards independence, beautifully brought to life.

Read more less

A young white woman has been bludgeoned to death in a rural church on Cicada Road, just outside the small town of Walterboro, South Carolina-a state that has been roiling with racial tenson since the shooting of an unarmed Black man by a white police officer.

Read more less

Award-winning artist Shaun Tan brings his story-making to life in this beautiful sketchbook, now with brand new content.A treasure trove of sketchbook pages, jottings, doodles and drawings from life reveal much about Shaun's personal style and themes in this inspiring collection. Extensive brand new content includes pencil sketches for upcoming books, development work for Eric and cover design ideas for Cicada, along with new oil paint landscape sketches and character studies. This is a must-have for any Shaun Tan fan, particularly art and illustration students, as well as any lover of story and the creative process.

Read more less

From the Newbery Medal winning author of Seedfolks, Paul Fleischman, Joyful Noise is a collection of irresistible poems that celebrates the insect world. Funny, sad, loud, and quiet, each of these poems resounds with a booming, boisterous, joyful noise.The poems resound with the pulse of the cicada and the drone of the honeybee. Eric Beddows′s vibrant drawings send each insect soaring, spinning, or creeping off the page in its own unique way.Paul Fleischman has created not only a fascinating guide to the insect world but an exultant celebration of life.

Read more less

From the Newbery Medal-winning author of Seedfolks, Paul Fleischman, Joyful Noise is a collection of irresistible poems that celebrates the insect world.Funny, sad, loud, and quiet, each of these poems resounds with a booming, boisterous, joyful noise. The poems resound with the pulse of the cicada and the drone of the honeybee. They can be fully appreciated by an individual reader, but they're particularly striking when read aloud by two voices, making this an ideal pick for classroom use. Eric Beddows′s vibrant drawings send each insect soaring, spinning, or creeping off the page in its own unique way.With Joyful Noise, Paul Fleischman created not only a fascinating guide to the insect world but an exultant celebration of life.

Read more less

"Definitely the best cicada book for kids. Adults will appreciate it as well, as it is well written, factually accurate, and beautifully illustrated." —Cicadamania.com Discover why cicadas are all the buzz in the most complete, comprehensive book for kids about these noisy but harmless insects.Every year, annual cicadas emerge and pierce the air with their buzzing calls. Also every year, at least one brood of 13 or 17 year cicadas emerges in some part of the eastern or central United States. In Spring 2021, a group of 17 year periodical cicadas called Brood X will make their appearance in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Author Laurence Pringle and illustrator Meryl Henderson have created the story of this fascinating and often misunderstood insect, one that deserves to be protected.

Read more less

All her life, Zephyr has tried to rise above her humble origins as a no-name orphan. Now she is a god in a warrior''s body, and she has never felt more powerless. Her lordess, Xin Ren, holds the Westlands, but her position is tenuous. In the north, the empress remains under Miasma''s thumb. In the south, the alliance with Cicada is in pieces. Fate also seems to have a different winner in mind for the three kingdoms, but Zephyr has no intentions of respecting it. She will pay any price to see Ren succeed - and she will make her enemies pay, especially one dark-haired, dark-eyed Crow. What she''ll do when she finds out the truth - that he worked for the South all along... Only the heavens know.

Read more less

For nearly half a century Jared Carter has been quietly mapping the American heartland. Line by line, his poetry has shown us the landscape, sounded the voices, conjured the music, and tested the silence of the ever-changing and yet ever-constant Midwest that figures so prominently in the American story. And yet what we find in Carter’s poetry is endlessly new. Here, in poems selected from his first five books, is the summer-long buzz of the cicada and the crack of the cue ball, the young rebel on his big Harley, and the YMCA secretary who backstrokes her way across the indoor pool. Here, too, are thirty new poems in fixed form that illustrate Carter’s continued quest for a poetry of “universal interest.” Taken together, these selections are, truly, poetry in the American grain.

Read more less

Tiny Science - giving MINI-scientists MAXIMUM understanding of the MICROscopic - get to grips with astonishing nanotechnology!A fun and visual series exploring the science of things we cannot see with the naked eye, zooming right in on the itty-bitty creatures, objects and machines that have an enormous impact on us and the world around us. Perfect for children keen to get up-close to the building blocks of our world.Tiny Science: Nanotechnology places nanotech UNDER THE MICROSCOPE to find answers to TECH-riffic questions, such as ... - How has the cicada insect inspired nanotechnology?- How can a window clean itself? - What could possibly go wrong?!Fun cartoon-style illustrations interact with real-life pictures of many amazing microscopic features, making this series ideal for engaging readers aged 8 and up.It's time to explore the infinitesimal!Other Tiny Science books in the series:GermsCellsGenes and DNAMicroscopic CreaturesAtoms and Molecules

Read more less

Tiny Science - giving MINI-scientists MAXIMUM understanding of the MICROscopic - get to grips with astonishing nanotechnology!A fun and visual series exploring the science of things we cannot see with the naked eye, zooming right in on the itty-bitty creatures, objects and machines that have an enormous impact on us and the world around us. Perfect for children keen to get up-close to the building blocks of our world.Tiny Science: Nanotechnology places nanotech UNDER THE MICROSCOPE to find answers to TECH-riffic questions, such as ... - How has the cicada insect inspired nanotechnology?- How can a window clean itself? - What could possibly go wrong?!Fun cartoon-style illustrations interact with real-life pictures of many amazing microscopic features, making this series ideal for engaging readers aged 8 and up.It's time to explore the infinitesimal!Other Tiny Science books in the series:GermsCellsGenes and DNAMicroscopic CreaturesAtoms and Molecules

Read more less

The people of China tell of an ancient tale, where the mantis hunts the cicada, unaware of the yellow bird behind it. In a small corner of one of its many cities, a random act of violence sets off a spinning top, entwining the lives of three people.Baorun, the compulsive bondage expert, is forever aided and abetted by Liu Sheng, a brash troublemaker, to indulge in his obsessions; and the lady Fairy Princess, ever-youthful, becomes the target of the pair’s escalating antics.As the years pass, many things begin to change, but in the dysfunctional world of a mental hospital at the end of Red Toon Street, just who is prey, and who is predator?Often insightful and occasionally unsettling, Shadow of the Hunter is a memorable tale concerned with guilt, injustice, madness and the struggle not to lose one’s soul to history. It is one of Su Tong’s most acclaimed works, now available in English for the first time.

Read more less

This original animal alphabet series with its sophisticated imagery was created to appeal to adults but children delight in it as well. The book explores unusual imagery juxtapositions pairing alphabet letters with animals and unexpected objects beginning with that same letter. The series started when artist Leslie Haines discovered a human-faced walrus in an old engraving book. She was so drawn to that image that she felt inspired to create a visual story with the walrus as the central figure. The cicada-carrying cat was next, and from there, the rest of the alphabet was not far behind. Letterpress type, vintage engravings, original drawings, found objects, photography, and old book pages all mix together in collages that reveal original, inventive, and humorous scenarios. Animal Abecedary is truly a one-of-a-kind alphabet book that will bring hours of enjoyment and discovery to all ages.

Read more less

The fascinating world of the Hopis is brought to light in this original and informative collection of thirty animal tales featuring Field Mouse, Coyote the Trickster, Cicada and his flute, Medicine Man Badger, the Chipmunk Girls and the Antelope Kids, and many other manifestations of serpents, insects, and birds. These ancient folk tales are traditionally told in midwinter, when the nights are long and cold and all the crops are in. Highly entertaining, the narratives reveal attitudes toward important aspects of Hopi culture, such as courtship and relations between the sexes, friendship, courage, industry, healing, and the treatment of children. Ekkehart Malotki, who compiled the original tales in the Hopi vernacular, has meticulously edited and translated the tales in this special English language edition. An introduction by the distinguished folklorist Barre Toelken examines the cultural relevance of Hopi oral literature and places the tales within a wider, comparative context.

Read more less

The people of China tell of an ancient tale, where the mantis hunts the cicada, unaware of the yellow bird behind it. In a small corner of one of its many cities, a random act of violence sets off a spinning top, entwining the lives of three people.Baorun, the compulsive bondage expert, is forever aided and abetted by Liu Sheng, a brash troublemaker, to indulge in his obsessions; and the lady Fairy Princess, ever-youthful, becomes the target of the pair’s escalating antics.As the years pass, many things begin to change, but in the dysfunctional world of a mental hospital at the end of Red Toon Street, just who is prey, and who is predator?Often insightful and occasionally unsettling, Shadow of the Hunter is a memorable tale concerned with guilt, injustice, madness and the struggle not to lose one’s soul to history. It is one of Su Tong’s most acclaimed works, now available in English for the first time.

Read more less

Kokopelli the flute player is one of the most popular icons that American culture has adopted from the Native peoples of North America. The Kokopelli name and image are everywhere, adorning everything from jewelry, welcome mats, T-shirts, and money clips to motels, freeway underpasses, nature trails, nightclubs, and string quartets. Kokopelli evokes mystery and wonder, ancient ceremonies and spirituality, Mother Earth and the purity of nature. But what exactly is Kokopelli? Just how Native American is this ubiquitous flute player? In this fascinating book, the distinguished scholar of Hopi culture and history Ekkehart Malotki describes the development of the Kokopelli phenomenon in American mass culture from its beginning to Kokopelli’s present status as pan-Southwestern icon. He explores the figure’s connections with the Hopi kachina god Kookopölö and Maahu, the cicada, and discusses how this rock-art image has been appropriated and misunderstood. Kokopelli sheds light on a little-understood aspect of Hopi culture and testifies to the continuing power of Native cultures to spark the popular imagination and interest of outsiders.

Read more less

SUZUKI IS JUST AN ORDINARY MATHS TEACHER...UNTIL HIS WIFE IS MURDERED.Seeking justice, he leaves his old life behind to infiltrate the criminal gang responsible. What he doesn't realise is that he's about to get drawn into a web of the most unusual professional assassins, each with their own agenda:THE WHALE convinces his victims to take their own lives using just his words.THE CICADA is a talkative and deadly knife expert.THE PUSHER dispatches his targets in deadly traffic 'accidents'.Suzuki must take on the three assassins to avenge his wife - but can he keep his innocence in a world of seasoned killers?THEIR MISSION IS MURDER. HIS IS REVENGE.PRAISE FOR BULLET TRAIN:'Unlike anything you're likely to have read before...white-hot with double-crosses' Financial Times'Entertaining...high-speed...with lots of twists and turns...it has a Tarantino-meets-the-Coen-Brothers feel to it' The TimesPart high-octane thriller, part farce, this is an unusual and thoroughly enjoyable read' GuardianThe action accelerates up and down the ten carriages but the question is: who will get off alive? Daily Mail

Read more less

Julian Stannard has been described as the poet of cabaret. His poems sing and weep in equal measure; a poetry of wretchedness and hilarity, of discombobulation and the bizarre. In his new collection a dead brother returns on a white horse, a musical stag slips off to New York, the Kray Twins reappear, a summer pudding is carried across a heath, a pair of buttocks escapes their owner, a couple makes love on a rain-soaked stoop, the Mongols catapult concubines over the parapets, a dead friend walks out of his grave like a twenty-first century Lazarus, a blind boy breaks into the Kelvingrove Gallery and makes off with Salvador Dali’s crucifixion, Ezra Pound – half fish, half man – rises to the surface of the Venetian lagoon, and after ten years in the Cicada Lunatic Asylum the narrator finds peace in the Umbrian town of Bastardo.Please Don’t Bomb the Ghost of my Brother is international in scope and tirelessly ludic. The poems engage with the Covid pandemic, the war in Ukraine and personal loss. Stannard’s poems sing and weep in equal measure: a poetry of wretchedness and hilarity, of discombobulation and the bizarre, mindful of lacerating loss and the redemptive power of strangeness, a special type of humour. They supply a feast of stories.

Read more less

A slave who represented his masters in court and negotiations, Aesop relied on allegorical animal stories, collected here in The Complete Fables, to convey his key points. This Penguin Classics edition is translated from the Greek by Olivia and Robert Temple with an introduction by Robert Temple.In a series of pithy, amusing vignettes, Aesop created a vivid cast of characters to demonstrate different aspects of human nature. Here we see a wily fox outwitted by a quick-thinking cicada, a tortoise triumphing over a self-confident hare and a fable-teller named Aesop silencing those who mock him. Each jewel-like fable provides a warning about the consequences of wrongdoing, as well as offering a glimpse into the everyday lives of Ancient Greeks. All Aesop's fables, full of humour, insight and savage wit, as well as many fascinating glimpses of ordinary life, have now been brought together for the first time in this definitive and fully annotated modern edition.Little is known for certain about the life of Aesop (c.620-564 BC), though details of his life are scattered throughout the works of ancient Greek writers including Aristophanes, Xenophon, Aristotle and Herodotus, who give grounds for thinking that he was a slave, and Plutarch, who identifies him as an entertaining storyteller, executed by the Delphians by being thrown off a cliff.If you enjoyed The Complete Fables, you might like Ovid's Metamorphoses, also available in Penguin Classics.'Ground-breaking ... this version of the fables is a revelation ... the translation is excellent'Peter Jones, Sunday Telegraph'Aesop remains a fundamental figure in Western literature'Frederic Raphael, Sunday Times

Read more less

Pat Hammond is not your ordinary artist. In fact, she doesn’t even consider herself an artist. She takes everyday objects, such as spinning tops and jars of cicada shells, and infuses them with new meaning and hope. Through humor and personalization, she uses insignificant and unconventional objects to illuminate a “grand truth” about the world, and even about herself.Author Christopher Ornelas found out about Hammond through her remarkable kite collection—hundreds of kites amassed over twenty years. Hammond’s kites, which have been featured at the Smithsonian and the Modern Museum of Art, were gathered from every corner of the world, including Guatemala, Korea, and Polynesia.Hammond also designs her own kites, drafting ideas and sketches for numerous creations she has dreamed of flying. While many of these kites have never made it into the air, they demonstrate her untamed creativity: a corset on a string titled “Of Corset Flies,” a kite made of chicken wire titled “Flew de Coop.” Hammond’s idiosyncratic humor soars beyond her kites, and as Ornelas quickly discovers, they are just a stroke on the canvas of an artistic life that includes troves of trinkets laced with whimsy and beautiful intentions, all displayed in Hammond’s home in San Antonio, Texas. Hammond’s love for the unexpected and her fascination with science and physics are contagious. She is passionate about bees and collecting honey, and her shelves upon shelves of books touch on subjects as varied at Goya and Asimov. From her assortment of animal specimens (bird wings, butterflies, beetles) to crates of small spinning tops (she makes hundreds of them from round metal discs and matchstick spindles), every item is an exploration illustrating the heart of an artist and the legacy of a true free spirit.With a foreword by poet and friend Naomi Shihab Nye and intimate photographs of Hammond’s home and collections, Name Them—They Fly Better offers a portrait of a woman who has sought to transform each moment into a creative act.

Read more less