Search results for ""dragonfly""

A fascinating look at the insect world found in one field in France - and how important that world is to all of us - from the author of the Sunday Times bestseller A Sting in the Tale In 2003 Dave Goulson bought a derelict farm in the heart of rural France, together with 33 acres of surrounding meadow. Over the course of a decade, he created a place for his beloved bumblebees to thrive along with myriad insects of every kind. In this book you will learn how a deathwatch beetle finds its mate, about the importance of houseflies, why butterflies have spots on their wings, about dragonfly sex, bed-bugs and wasps. But it is also a wake-up call, urging us to cherish and protect life on earth in all its forms. A Buzz in the Meadow is a captivating look at our natural world and a call to arms for nature-lovers everywhere. 'Glorious' The Times 'Captivating' Independent

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Twelve-year-old Ada is a Chimera, born with human and animal DNA thanks to a genetic experiment gone wrong. Because being a "kime" is believed to be contagious, she has kept her condition - complete with infrared vision - hidden. But a surprise test outs her, and Ada is shipped off to a quarantined school for kimes. There Ada meets kids of many different shapes, stripes, and appendages, such as a girl with dragonfly wings and a seal-boy. As she adjusts to her new life, Ada senses that the facility is keeping a secret that could upend everything the world knows about Chimeras. But will someone put a stop to her efforts to uncover the truth? AGES: 10 to 12 AUTHOR: Sarah Porter is the author of the young adult novels Lost Voices, Waking Storms, The Twice Lost, and Vassa in the Night. She is also an artist and a freelance public school teacher.

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This series of stunning illustrated texts demonstrates the stories behind some of nature's greatest phenomena. In Animal Migrations find out about the astonishing journeys that animals take across the globe. With contents covering various animals and the obstacles they may encounter, from hostile habitats to prowling predators, this book is a great way to learn about a range of migrations. Key information is presented in accessible chunks and accompanied by stunning panoramic illustrations, whilst infographic panels offer the reader memorable bite-sized facts. All animals included in the text are also featured on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. With an interest range of 9-11 years, this book is ideal for children in late-KS2 who are looking to learn more about nature and environments. Contents: - Wildebeest on the Move- Humpback Whales- Monarch Butterfly - Caribou- Salmon- Arctic Tern- European Eel- Globe Skimmer Dragonfly- Plankton- Christmas Island Crabs- Army Ants- Emperor Penguins

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Dragonflies and damselflies are some of the most beautiful, fragile and resilient insects found in the natural world. With their complex behaviours, astonishing aerobatic skills and preference for freshwater habitats, they are a very rewarding group of animals to observe in the field. Dragonflies and Damselflies of Britain and Western Europe features all 98 species found in the region. Packed with outstanding photography, this comprehensive book includes close-up illustrations to highlight key identification features, diagrams of wing venation, and detailed guides to dragonfly larvae and exuviae. Each species account includes an accurate distribution map and information on field characteristics, confusion species, habitat and ecology. An introduction to the life cycle of Odonata, guidance on when and where to look for them, and the best ways to observe and photograph dragonflies and damselflies in the field are also included. These sections, combined with the identification guides, make this book the ultimate resource for any field naturalist or entomologist interested in these incredible insects.

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NOTABLE BOOK: 2022 CBCA Book of the Year, Younger ReadersIf she had stayed to load the kiln as she should have, she'd never have seen the ship. Mama said the ship still would have been there, so everything had to happen the way it did. But that's not true. Clio saw it, and the world changed. When a raiders' ship appears off the coast, the goddess demands an unthinkable price to save the town - and Clio's grandmother creates a sacred statue to save Clio's life. But Clio is torn between the demands of guarding the statue and caring for her beloved horses. Disabled in an accident, she must try to put aside her own grief at no longer being able to ride - and in the process, save a friend's life and stop a war. Rippling with emotion and drama, war and resistance, fear and determination, this novel is a brilliant companion to the highly acclaimed Dragonfly Song and Swallow's Dance.

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In the myth-rich culture of Bronze Age Crete, a volcano cuts short the coming-of-age training of a young priestess. When her world is shattered and her future appears lost, she must find the strength within herself to ensure the survival of her family. Leira is about to start her initiation as a priestess when her world is turned upside down. A violent earthquake leaves her home--and her family--in pieces. And the earth goddess hasn't finished with the island yet. With her family, Leira flees across the sea to Crete, expecting sanctuary. But a volcanic eruption throws the entire world into darkness. After the resulting tsunami, society descends into chaos; the status and privilege of being noble-born are reduced to nothing. With her injured mother and elderly nurse, Leira must find the strength and resourcefulness within herself to find safety. A thrilling new Bronze Age survival story from the award-winning author of Dragonfly Song and Nim's Island.

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Nine kittens go on an exciting boating adventure that's a (funny) catastrophe in this playful picture book that demonstrates the key math concept of patterns. A crew of hungry kittens and their captain head to the lake to catch some dinner, but the fish have surprises in store for them. Even before the cats encounter the fish, they run into trouble. What happens when confused kitties paddle every which way? Or when they all lean in the same direction? A pattern is needed to avoid a catastrophe! Patterns are the foundation on which math is built. Using strong rhythm, clever wordplay, and countable characters, CATastrophe! is a fun read-aloud that also shows what patterns can do. Helpful backmatter will deepen readers' understanding and challenge them to find more patterns in this book and in our world. There's also much to find in the illustrations-including a dragonfly and worm that each appear twenty times.

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Accomplished artist Marion Kaiser brings you this fun, beautiful and quirky guide to creating cute stone art. Getting started couldn’t be easier. It doesn’t require expensive materials or complicated techniques – all you need is a stone, some acrylic paints and varnish! It’s great for beginners, and more seasoned artists alike, and is the perfect family craft. Discover 20 fun designs in a variety of styles. Projects include animals such as a panda, elephant and lizard, insects such as a ladybird and dragonfly, and birds such as a swan and a penguin. There are other lovely things to create too, such as a cottage, a mandala and a feather. With clear step-by-step instructions accompanying each design, and beautiful photographs to inspire you, Painting Stones will soon have you on your way to creating your own rock art collection. You can even share the fun by creating a quirky treasure trail around your neighbourhood for passers-by to discover!

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Create cute pop-up animal granny squares with this collection of 3D animal granny square crochet patterns, previously published in 100 3D Granny Squares. Choose your favourite from over 30 different designs including a rabbit, a cow, a sheep, a llama, a flamingo, a ladybird and many more. Each motif features a 3D element that is integral to the animal granny square design. Use your squares for unique blankets and throws, for fun toys and accessories - the only limit is your imagination. Animals featured: Sheep, Pig, Bunny, Mouse, Llama, Dog, Rabbit, Cow, Cat, Owl, Chicken, Bear, Flamingo, Penguin, Lion, Fox, Panda, Jellyfish, Whale, Shark, Crab, Terrapin, Fish, Shell, Turtle, Starfish, Spider, Beehive, Butterfly, Dragonfly, Ladybird, Frog, Snail, Unicorn, Turkey and Reindeer Each pattern features full written instructions, as well as a crochet chart for easy stitching. Full guidance on all the crochet techniques needed is included at the back of the book.

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A practical introduction to the art of sculpting in copper with five exciting projects for beginner metalworkers and sculptors. Metalworking in copper is an ancient and rewarding art. Used by human beings for more than 4,000 years, this long-lasting, widely available and very forgiving material lends itself to the creation of beautiful figurative sculptures, as well as abstract forms. In Sculpting in Copper, lifelong sculptor Sue White-Oakes and writer Jim Pratt explain the craft of working in copper with novice metalworkers in mind. First covering basic tools and techniques, from cutting and truing to annealing and soldering, they go on to demonstrate five exciting sculpture projects - a bowl, a leaf cluster, a dragonfly, a fish and an owl - each increasing in complexity, with the aim of building your confidence as your skills progress. Providing clear, practical instruction for beginners, accompanied by helpful how-to images, this book is the essential resource for anyone wishing to explore the potential of sculpting in copper.

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“Benji & the Giant Kite is a children’s book that comes as a breath of fresh air. It does everything that a children’s book should do.” - Dragonfly Sweetness blog “The life lessons are plainly articulated and you gather a sense of where each lesson will take you and why.” - Growing with Grey blog “The enchanting story of a young boy who learns that possessing something is not quite as meaningful as letting it go.” - Jinxy Kids The second book in the Benji series from bestselling author Alan. C. Fox! In a small shop, Benji sees a beautiful kite. It’s huge and it’s bright orange. But the kite is also very expensive. Benji takes on all kind of jobs to earn the money to buy the kite . . . Then finally, the day comes he can fly it! An inspiring read-aloud picture book about ambition, perseverance, and kite-flying. For aspiring aviators ages 4 and up.

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Diana Gabaldon has captivated millions of readers with her critically acclaimed Outlander novels. In this beautifully illustrated compendium, Diana Gabaldon opens a door through the standing stones and offers a guided tour of what lies within. Including:· Full synopses of Outlander, Dragonfly in Amber, Voyager and Drums of Autumn· A complete listing of the characters (fictional and historical) in the first four novels in the series, as well as family trees and genealogical notes· A comprehensive glossary and pronunciation guide to Gaelic terms and usage· The Gabaldon Theory of Time Travel, explained· Frequently asked questions to the author and her (sometimes surprising) answers· An annotated bibliography· Essays about medicine and magic in the eighteenth century, researching historical fiction, creating characters and more· Professionally cast horoscopes for Jamie and Claire· The making of the TV series: how we got there from here, and what happened next (including ‘My Brief Career as a TV Actor’)

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Bestselling author-illustrator Mies van Hout employs vivid creatures in a jewel-tone natural setting to explore the longing we all feel at times to be like somebody else. What child has not daydreamed about having wings like a butterfly? But secretly, the flashy butterfly yearns for a stick insect’s privacy. And the stick insect wants to swim like a whirligig beetle. One after the other, the denizens of bestselling author-illustrator Mies van Hout's vibrant garden landscape wish to be like somebody else. From the glowing firefly to the capable spider to the adorable ladybugs, each one brings something to be admired. And when the dragonfly wishes to be like a child who can run, play, laugh, and build, a world of possibilities opens up. A gentle but effective story for social emotional learning, If Only... allows children to reach their own conclusions and acknowledge that while it's common to compare ourselves to others, it's best to remember and celebrate what we ourselves can do.

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Diana Gabaldon has captivated millions of readers with her critically acclaimed Outlander novels. In this beautifully illustrated compendium, Diana Gabaldon opens a door through the standing stones and offers a guided tour of what lies within. Including:· Full synopses of Outlander, Dragonfly in Amber, Voyager and Drums of Autumn· A complete listing of the characters (fictional and historical) in the first four novels in the series, as well as family trees and genealogical notes· A comprehensive glossary and pronunciation guide to Gaelic terms and usage· The Gabaldon Theory of Time Travel, explained· Frequently asked questions to the author and her (sometimes surprising) answers· An annotated bibliography· Essays about medicine and magic in the eighteenth century, researching historical fiction, creating characters and more· Professionally cast horoscopes for Jamie and Claire· The making of the TV series: how we got there from here, and what happened next (including ‘My Brief Career as a TV Actor’)

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Everybody tells Ladybug her drawing is not an elephant, but a giant ball of fluff. But… is it? A pleasantly colorful book, printed in stone paper, that invites readers to be imaginative and creative.In school, the forest children had fun discovering the names of distant jungles, jumping around in the schoolyard, learning new songs. Miss Dragonfly asked their students to draw an elephant as homework. Ladybug’s friends Snail, Firefly and other colleagues were the first to show their masterpiece. Ladybug surprised everyone by drawing a giant ball of fluff. There was no sign of the pachyderm! All the forest animals were worried: why would she have drawn something like that? Miss Dragonfly couldn’t believe it, so she warned Ladybug’s parents. It was not like her to do such thing… Who knows! Maybe she needed an ear exam… People in the forest started gossiping… But she could not be any healthier! Soon enough, Ladybug made it clear that perhaps they were wrong prejudging her creativity.Mariquita dibuja un elefante precioso, pero los demás solo ven una pelusa gigante. Un libro lleno de color, impreso en papel de piedra, que invita a los lectores a creer en el poder de la imaginación y a ser creativos.En la escuela, los niños del bosque se divierten descubriendo los nombres de selvas lejanas, saltando en el patio con sus compañeros, aprendiendo nuevas canciones. Doña Libélula, la maestra, pidió a sus alumnos que dibujaran un elefante como deberes. Los amigos de Mariquita, Caracol, Luciérnaga y otros de sus amigos fueron los primeros en enseñar su obra maestra delante de sus compañeros. Mariquita los sorprendió a todos cuando enseñó su dibujo: ¡una bola gigante de pelusa!¡No había ni rastro del paquidermo! Todos los animales del bosque estaban preocupados: ¿por qué habría dibujado algo así? Doña Libélula no daba crédito, así que llamó inmediatamente a los padres de Mariquita y los avisó. No era propio de ella hacer semejante cosa... ¡Quién sabe! Quizás necesitaba que un médico, podría tener algún problemilla de audición. La gente del bosque empezó a chismorrear, ¡pero Mariquita estaba más sana que un roble! Muy pronto, Mariquita dejó en claro que tal vez los demás estaban equivocados al criticar su creatividad.

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Moonbeam Children's Book Awards - Silver Medal WinnerNautilus Silver Book Award Winner Purple Dragonfly Book Awards - First Place "Never be ashamed of being different: it is this difference that makes you extraordinary and unique." This essential go-to guide gives you all the advice and tools you'll need to help you flourish and achieve what you want in life. From the answers to everyday questions such as 'Am I using appropriate body language?' and 'Did I say the wrong thing?', through to discussing the importance of understanding your emotions, looking after your physical and mental health and coping with anxiety and sensory overloads, award-winning neurodiversity campaigner Siena Castellon uses her own experiences to provide you with the skills to overcome any challenge. With practical tips on friendships, dating, body image, consent and appearance, as well as how to survive school and bullying, The Spectrum Girl's Survival Guide gives you the power to embrace who you are, reminding you that even during the toughest of teen moments, you are never alone.

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A fully revised, comprehensive photographic field guide to the dragonflies of Britain and IrelandBritain’s Dragonflies is the only comprehensive photographic field guide to the damselflies and dragonflies of Great Britain and Ireland. Written by two of Britain’s foremost Dragonfly experts, this fully revised and updated fourth edition features hundreds of stunning images and identification charts covering all 57 resident, migrant and former breeding species, and six potential vagrants. The book focuses on the identification of both adults and larvae, highlighting the key features. Detailed species profiles provide concise information on identification, distribution, flight periods, behaviour, habitat, status and conservation. Other sections cover biology; how to watch, photograph, record and monitor Dragonflies; conservation status and legislation; and introduced exotic species.This redesigned, updated and expanded edition features: Beautiful colour plates showing males, females, immatures and all colour forms for every species Over 500 stunning photographs, many of which are new, and more than 550 illustrations Up-to-date species profiles and distribution maps Detailed, easy-to-use identification charts for adults and larvae

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Learn how to craft breathtaking fairy homes exclusively from elements found in nature, step by step, from master fairy house architect Sally J. Smith—photos of her creations provide abundant inspiration.Imagine a fairy home that has dragonfly wings as stained-glass windows, twigs for window frames, birch bark for walls, and dried mushrooms for shingles—with Fairy Houses, you can create one in your own garden. Browse gorgeous photographs of fairy houses in nature, then: Design your home following the outlined steps Gather tools and materials Create magical fairy house components, including intricately detailed doors and windows Put it all together to create your own unique fairy house Add lighting and interiors Add finishing touches, like a bark roof covering or a stone pathway The final chapter gives step-by-step photo instructions on how to construct two different fairy homes.Both an inspiring gallery of art and a practical how-to guide, Fairy Houses will open new doors of creativity for you as you are transported to the magical realm where fairies live.

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Blood of the Mantis is the third novel in Adrian Tchaikovsky's richly imagined Shadows of the Apt series, following Dragonfly Falling. Stenwold must rally his allies for battle against the Empire, even as it seeks a dangerous artifact of enormous power.A dread ritual casts a deadly shadow . . .Achaeos the seer has finally tracked down the stolen Shadow Box. But he has only days before this magical artefact will be lost to him forever. Meanwhile, the Empire's dread forces are mustering for their next great offensive. Stenwold and his followers have only a short time to gather allies, before the enemy's soldiers march again – to conquer everything in their path. If Stenwold cannot hold them back, the hated black and gold flag will fly over every city in the Lowlands before the year's end.Yet a more insidious threat awaits. Should the Shadow Box fall into the hands of the power-mad Emperor, nothing will save the world from his relentless ambition.Blood of the Mantis is followed by Salute the Dark, the fourth book in the Shadows of the Apt series.

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Could a playful kiss on the cheek from a world-famous Revolutionary War hero change the life of a troubled young girl in 1825 New England? A Buss from Lafayette, called "a winning historical tale" by Kirkus Reviews, shows how it could have happened. The protagonist, Clara Hargraves (14) is ". . .a tomboyish, quick-witted girl who ... makes the pages of the book come to life."- Red City Review (paperback, e-book, audiobook, & teacher's guide available) "A full scale history lesson disguised as a can't put it down story." I Read What You Write Blog Gold Medalist (Middle School/Historical Fiction), 2017 Literary Classics Award 1st Place Winner (Historical Fiction), 2017 Purple Dragonfly Book Awards Bronze Medalist (Juvenile/Young Adult Fiction), 2017 eLit Awards Quarter Finalist, 2016 Booklife Prize (Middle Grade) One of the top 10 MG entries! Seal of Approval Recipient, 2017 Literary Classics Awards Named on the Grateful American Kids website as one of the best history books for kids to read Fourteen-year-old Clara Hargraves lives on a farm in Hopkinton, a small New Hampshire town, during the early

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Simple step-by-step lessons for drawing 60 animals + video tutorials via QR codes!Drawing Class: Animals is a collection of 60 fun, beginner-level lessons for drawing whimsical animals in pencil and colored pencil. Written and illustrated by artist and author Heegyum Kim, the fun, easy lessons—one for every animal—present step-by-step illustrations and instructions demonstrating how each one is drawn in pencil, with each step showing how and where to add simple shapes to create a wide variety of comical creatures, including: Home and Farm: Cat, Dog, Horse, Pig Woodlands, Plains, and Grasslands: Brown Bear, Moose, Elephant, Wolf Crawlers and Fliers: Cricket, Dragonfly, Hummingbird, Quail Rainforest: Iguana, Jaguar, Sloth, Orangutan Sea, Shore, and Wetlands: Alligator, Walrus, Frog, Shark Legendary Creatures: Dinosaur, Dodo, Unicorn For extra inspiration, several colored pencil versions of each animal are shown, along with a special feature—QR codes that give you access to a bonus video tutorial for every animal! Sharpen your pencils—it’s time for Drawing Class: Animals!

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The go-to photographic guide to all the damselflies and dragonflies recorded in Europe, including the Macaronesian Islands and western TurkeyEurope's Dragonflies is a comprehensive, lavishly illustrated and beautifully designed photographic field guide to the damselflies and dragonflies of Europe. Written by two well-travelled experts, the book covers all 140 resident and vagrant species recorded, focussing on the field identification of adult insects. Concise species profiles highlight key identification features and provide information on behaviour, habitat preferences, distribution, flight periods, status and conservation. Other sections cover identification tips, conservation status and legislation. Presenting an unsurpassed selection of images of the highest quality, this is the go-to guide for anyone wishing to know more about these amazing and fascinating insects. Comprehensive coverage of every species of damselfly and dragonfly recorded in Europe Stunning colour plates showing males, females, immatures, colour forms, subspecies and typical habitat for every species Over 1,200 superb photographs, supplemented with illustrations of fine details Detailed profiles for the 140 resident and vagrant species Unique comparison plates for difficult groups Easy to use by beginners and experts alike, avoiding technical terms

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Increasingly the segmentation between birders, butterfly watchers, dragonfly watchers and photographers is reducing as interests overlap and there is a demand for books that cover the three popular groups. The emphasis for the 148 species of butterfly and 78 dragonflies featured in this second edition is on the commoner species, covering around 90 per cent of those that a visitor is likely to see. It is also an excellent book for residents to learn about the commoner butterflies and dragonflies before progressing to more advanced technical books. The guide is focussed on field use to help beginners and experts identify species and provides information on their distribution and habitats. As identification of butterflies and dragonflies require a different approach, the two sections are done as two mini photographic field guides with common introductory sections to wildlife watching in Sri Lanka. The book includes information on the key wildlife sites, general introductions to the biology of dragonflies and butterflies, up-to-date checklists with local status and useful references for people who wish to progress further with their study of these charismatic and photogenic animals.

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Understanding Northwest Coast Art is a handy, dictionary-style reference guide to identifying and understanding the symbols, crests, and beings depicted in Northwest Coast Native American works of art such as totem poles, masks, and prints. The first section of the book features an alphabetical list of words relating to Northwest Coast art, with definitions, descriptions, and explanations and synopses of the major myths associated with them. As an aid to identification and understanding, many of the crests, beings, and symbols are illustrated in 70 reproductions of contemporary artworks and archival photos. The entries cover a wide range: crests such as Eagle, Dogfish, or Dragonfly; ancestral beings such as Creek Woman or Thunderbird; mythic beings such as Raven, the Chief of the Undersea, or Cedar Man; and supernatural beings such as Death-Bringer. Understanding Northwest Coast Art also includes brief descriptions of the design conventions, design elements, and different art styles of Northwest Coast cultural groups, along with an overview of the interconnections between art, myth, and ceremony. Easy to use and easy to read, this volume is an essential source for understanding and visually identifying the underlying themes and subjects of Northwest Coast Native American art.

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Dragonflies and Damselflies of the West is the first fully illustrated field guide to all 348 species of dragonflies and damselflies in western North America. Dragonflies and damselflies are large, stunningly beautiful insects, as readily observable as birds and butterflies. This unique guide makes identifying them easy--its compact size and user-friendly design make it the only guide you need in the field. Every species is generously illustrated with full-color photographs and a distribution map, and structural features are illustrated where they aid in-hand identification. Detailed species accounts include information on size, distribution, flight season, similar species, habitat, and natural history. Dennis Paulson's introduction provides an essential primer on the biology, natural history, and conservation of these important and fascinating insects, along with helpful tips on how to observe and photograph them. Dragonflies and Damselflies of the West is the field guide naturalists, conservationists, and dragonfly enthusiasts have been waiting for. * Covers all 348 western species in detail * Features a wealth of color photographs * Provides a color distribution map for every species * Includes helpful identification tips * Serves as an essential introduction to dragonflies and their natural history

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Michelle Ong established Carnet, her Hong Kong-based boutique jewelry house, over twenty-five years ago, and her unique one-off creations draw on Chinese motifs and her love of European culture and craftsmanship. Her multi-hued jewels crystallize natural forms with invisible mastery. The hovering translucency of dragonfly wings, the succulence of ripe fruits, the whisper-light touch of a feather, the seductive fragility of black lace, meticulously hand-wrought from silver, the velvet petals of an anemone, a voluptuously curled seashell, the evanescence of a floating cloud evoked in a scroll of diamonds: each jewel is a miniature sculptural work of art. Jade, China’s imperial gemstone, is reworked into an Art Deco-style cocktail ring. Her Chinese dragon, a fiercely benign creature, writhes in blackened gold and pavé-set emeralds, breathing a stream of fiery rubies. Ong’s work is now acknowledged among the greatest names in high jewelry, renowned for her sublime designs, idiosyncratic colour combinations and deft craftsmanship. This volume will be required reading by serious collectors and aficionados, and a source of deep delight for all those seeking inspiration from the finest of contemporary jewelry creators.

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A delightfully illustrated guide to harnessing the rhythms of nature for self-care.We could all learn a thing or two about living in balance from our friends in the plant and animal kingdom. Take, for example, the jellyfish, one of the most energy-efficient animals in the world, moving through the ocean by contracting and relaxing, with frequent breaks in between. Or the avocado tree, which can credit its existence to a mutually beneficial relationship with the pre-historic sloth, followed by some hungry, hungry humans and the advent of agriculture. And then there is the oyster, producing a pearl as the result of an immune response when a grain of sand invades her system. What better example exists of how adversity can produce something beautiful?We need look no farther than nature—from the habits of the porcupine to the sunflower to the wombat to the dragonfly—for small and simple things we can do to slow down, recharge, and living more thoughtfully, lovingly, and harmoniously.Wisdom From a Humble Jellyfish . . . is at once charming and scientific, packed with essential wisdom and practical tips worth borrowing from our plant and animal friends for life-changing self-care.

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Knitted Menagerie provides 30 easy-to-follow knitting patterns for an eclectic array of international animals. Within the pages of this bright and appealing book you’ll find 30 adorable animals to knit, ranging from sealife to birds, insects to mammals. You’ll find everyone’s favourites, including a lion, an elephant, blue whale, meerkats and a llama, and discover more unusual species to knit, such as a red-kneed tarantula, a seahorse and tropical tree frogs. The patterns vary in complexity, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Complete beginners or knitters needing a refresher course can be reassured by the comprehensive illustrated techniques section provided. Packed with fun and enticing photography that shows each of the projects from different angles, this book is sure to delight the knitter and the lucky receiver of these gorgeous, knitted creatures. Projects include: orangutan, dragonfly, octopus, fox, guinea pig, otter, puffin and puffling, owl and owlets, swan and cygnets, walrus, duck-billed platypus, beaver. 30 brand new animal patterns from best-selling knitting author Sarah Keen Suitable for beginners through to experienced knitters Projects are safe, durable and made from readily available DK yarn

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Touching Creatures, Touching Spirit illustrates with true stories that we live in an interactive, aware world in which the creatures around us in our neighborhoods know us and sometimes reach across to us, empathically and helpfully. Implications are that all beings live in a possible “common mind” from which our mass culture has disconnected, but which is only a heartbeat and some concentrated attention away. This mind encompasses microbial life and insects as well as creatures and extends to nonmaterial intelligence as well—that is to say, spirit. Creatures as varied as a collaborating dragonfly, ants rescuing each other, a sympathetic lizard, an empathic coyote, gift-giving squirrels, crazed birds, and lots of very mysteriously smart cats inhabit the stories. Precognition, dreams, paranormal experiences with birds, psychic communications with cats, visitations from ghosts with messages, rolling earth spirits—not supernatural, they seem natural enough but not visible to everyone. The intention of this book is to help people catch interactions they themselves experience with nonhuman and even disembodied beings, and who could use some support for recalling since these interactions make clear we live in a sentient world.

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Cordelia and her triplets Rosalind and Giles have lived safely in the castle at the centre of the forest all their lives, protected by the spells their mother has woven. The only time Cordelia feels truly free is when she turns into a dragonfly or a blackbird and can fly beyond the great stone walls. But then one day the outside world comes to them. Two rival dukes and their soldiers have come for the triplets – because whoever is the eldest is the heir to the throne. But their mother knows that since the Raven Crown was broken, no one has been able to rule the kingdom of Corvenne and live, and she will not give up any of her children to that death sentence. When she refuses to reveal which child is the eldest, she is taken prisoner, and Cordelia and her brother and sister find themselves on the run in a dangerous new world. And as they set out across Corvenne to rescue their mother, Cordelia begins to see that there is a deep magic at work, driving her towards a destiny that could tear her family apart, take away her freedom forever or, just maybe, heal a kingdom devastated by a war that has raged for generations.

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“A visual delight, this picture book offers openings for conversation about wishes, predictions, and one’s own enviable strengths.”—School Library Journal **Starred Review** What child has not daydreamed about having wings like a butterfly? But secretly, the flashy butterfly yearns for a stick insect’s privacy. And the stick insect wants to swim like a whirligig beetle. One after the other, the denizens of bestselling author-illustrator Mies van Hout’s vibrant garden landscape wish to be like somebody else. From the glowing firefly to the capable spider to the adorable ladybugs, each one brings something to be admired. And when the dragonfly wishes to be like a child who can run, play, laugh, and build, a world of possibilities opens up. A gentle but effective story for social emotional learning, If Only allows children to reach their own conclusions and acknowledge that while it’s common to compare ourselves to others, it’s best to remember and celebrate what we ourselves can do. “The imaginative narrative guides viewers through a series of richly colorful, dynamic collages, each showcasing a creature and its particularly enviable ability, characteristic, or situation….Originally published in the Netherlands, this radiant picture book has international appeal.”—Booklist **Starred Review**

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Selected and with an Introduction by Stuart Ross Michael Dennis has been hammering his love, his anger, his grief, and his awe into poems for over forty years. With seven books and nearly twenty chapbooks to his credit, Dennis isn't exactly a household name in Canadian poetry, but he is a natural heir to poets like Canadian icon Al Purdy and American legends Eileen Myles and Charles Bukowski. His poems are his life made into poems: direct, emphatic, honest. Bad Engine brings together mostly revised versions of about one hundred poems selected from Dennis's published work, along with several dozen new poems. This volume, introduced and edited by Dennis's long-time friend, the poet and editor Stuart Ross, marks a milestone in the career of a homegrown, no-bullshit, tells-it-likes-he-sees-it populist bard. Here the reader will find a rollicking tale of drinking with racists, poignant prayers for quiet nights with lovers, raw narratives of childhood abuse, defiant anthems of a body broken by sports injuries, a mindful meditation about a stoned dragonfly, and the not-quite resigned laughter of a man smashing away at a keyboard for four decades and becoming neither rich nor famous. Bad Engine is Michael Dennis being human.

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Renowned poet Lorna Crozier offers a masterful collection of poems inspired by Diane Laundy and Peter Coffman’s photographs taken in the Frontenac Arch Biosphere in Southwestern Ontario. Beginning in this setting, The House the Spirit Builds extends to include any region, any place that ignites the human mind and heart. Something astonishing happens when the poems and photos sit side by side and speak to one another in a language that is timeless, lucid and precise: they bring us to a wisdom that might mitigate the damage we do to others and the natural world. While acknowledging the loss and suffering that infuse our days, the poems and photographs invite us to expand our sense of wonder, our sense that all things are connected, no matter where we live. An image of a slice of light falling across a tablecloth, a black beetle on a leaf: these poems speak of moments “when the dragonfly lands and grips the skin / on the back of your hand” or “rain stops falling / but / hangs around / like the shape of lust / in bedsheets.” The impressions and expressions vary, but remind us that if we pay attention, even the smallest things can bring us joy and remind us we are not alone in our brief sojourn on this earth.

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Ponds and small lakes support an extremely rich biodiversity of fascinating organisms. Many people have tried pond-dipping and encountered a few unfamiliar creatures, such as dragonfly nymphs and caddisfly larvae. However, there is a far richer world of microscopic organisms, such as diatoms, desmids and rotifers, which is revealed in this book. Anyone with access to a microscope can open up this hidden dimension. Identification keys are provided so that readers can identify, explore and study this microscopic world. There are also many suggestions of ways in which readers can then make original contributions to our knowledge and understanding of pond ecology. The book not only explores the fascinating world of the creatures within ponds and their interactions, but also explains the many ways in which ponds are important in human affairs. Ponds are being lost around the world, but they are a key part of a system that maintains our climate. In the face of climate change, it has never been more important to understand the ecology of ponds. Includes keys to: A – Traditional key to kingdoms of organisms; B – Contemporary key to kingdoms of organisms; C – Pragmatic key to groups of microorganisms; D – Algae visible, at least en masse, to the naked eye; E – Periphyton, both attached to surfaces and free living; F - Protozoa; G- Freshwater invertebrates and; H – Common phytoplankton genera in ponds.

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Setting out from her house, fondly named Middlewood, in the Piedmont of South Carolina, Helen Correll takes long, wandering walks along Meetinghouse Creek with her dogs to observe and draw the nature of her landscape. From her studio nestled in the forest behind the house, Correll paints and writes of the day’s journey, its temper and conversation. With a foreword by naturalist Janisse Ray, Middlewood Journal: Drawing Inspiration from Nature gathers Correll’s illustrations and writings from her hikes and blog by the same name to create a treasury of discoveries, from giant red mushrooms peeking beneath a cover of leaves to hawks on a branch so close you can hear their preening. Season to season, you will discover the miniature beauties of the South, the life that you only find by slowing down, allowing the landscape to inspire: turkey tracks in creek water, persimmon trees that fool the eye, tidy little snow holes hiding the casualties of winter. Correll draws the language and color of life in the South to give breath to a poetry of names: blue darner dragonfly, horse nettle, red-bellied woodpecker, tufted titmouse, heal all, starlings, white wood aster, rue anemone, wild blue phlox. Witness the change of seasons through the blooms, bird songs, and balance of sunlight in Correll’s delicate prose and drawings in Middlewood Journal.

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Japanese origami expert Hisao Fukui shows you how to create incredibly realistic paper birds and flying insects, a winged dinosaur and even an undulating Chinese dragon!The easy-to-follow folding instructions and photos in this book present 24 challenging and amazingly lifelike models—from intermediate to complex in terms of their level of difficulty.The 24 unique models in this book include: The Swan—The multilayered wings and body give this familiar model a major three-dimensional upgrade The Crane—Far from traditional, this crane rests on its built-in platform, and has an optional open wing configuration that can double as a fancy box Peacocks—One with tail feathers stowed neatly behind, and another with its tail fan proudly displayed The Swallow—Its distinctive bifurcated tail is on display in a kinetic diving pose The Crested Kingfisher—The artfully modeled eye of this hunter appears to be on the lookout for its next meal Stink Bug—there's nothing foul about this instantly recognizable shield-shaped insect model Beetles—A Horned Beetle with unfurled wings and a Rhinoceros Beetle with an intimidating spiky head Flying Chinese Dragon—Segmented and supple, this ancient symbol of power and good fortune is poised to pounce The Dragonfly—This incredibly detailed form is the most challenging model here, but the spectacular results are well worth the effort And many more!

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A water strider darts across a pond, its feet dimpling the surface tension; a giant water bug dives below, carrying his mate’s eggs on his back; hidden among plant roots on the silty bottom, a dragonfly larva stalks unwary minnows. Barely skimming the surface, in the air above the pond, swarm mayflies with diaphanous wings. Take this walk around the pond with Gilbert Waldbauer and discover the most amazingly diverse inhabitants of the freshwater world. In his hallmark companionable style, Waldbauer introduces us to the aquatic insects that have colonized ponds, lakes, streams, and rivers, especially those in North America. Along the way we learn about the diverse forms these arthropods take, as well as their remarkable modes of life—how they have radiated into every imaginable niche in the water environment, and how they cope with the challenges such an environment poses to respiration, vision, thermoregulation, and reproduction. We encounter the caddis fly larva building its protective case and camouflaging it with stream detritus; green darner dragonflies mating midair in an acrobatic wheel formation; ants that have adapted to the tiny water environment within a pitcher plant; and insects whose adaptations to the aquatic lifestyle are furnishing biomaterials engineers with ideas for future applications in industry and consumer goods. While learning about the evolution, natural history, and ecology of these insects, readers also discover more than a little about the scientists who study them.

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Step into the vibrant world of Crepe Paper Blooms, Bugs and Butterflies with Miss Petal & Bloom, a.k.a. Eileen Lim. In this beautifully illustrated guidebook, internationally acclaimed artist Eileen reveals her secrets to crafting whimsical blooms and insects using 180gsm Italian crepe paper. To begin, the materials and basic techniques are broken down in detail, making this a perfect book for beginners. In the Blooms chapter, you'll learn how to create a host of flowers that will never wilt, including a sunflower, a rose, two kinds of peonies, a dahlia, a ranunculus, oriental poppies, anemones, hydrangeas and a magnificent king protea. Eileen also demonstrates simple ways to transform your handmade flowers into lovely bouquets - perfect as gifts for your loved ones. In the Bugs and Butterflies chapters, you'll be introduced to a collection of quirky crepe paper insects, such as two spectacular moths, two butterflies, colourful beetles, a dragonfly and a chubby little bumblebee, plus a fun range of display ideas. Finally, in the Potted Plants chapter, Eileen shares techniques for making a variety of plants, as well as tips on how to pot them. These include daffodils, irises, orchids, delphiniums, tulips, foxgloves and gorgeous succulents that you'll never need to water. With step-by-step photos for all projects, accompanied by full-size templates, you'll be inspired to give this addictive craft a go, and create beautiful paper blooms, bugs and butterflies for all occasions.

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RSPB ID Spotlight Dragonflies and Damselflies is a reliable fold-out chart that presents illustrations of 42 of our most widespread and familiar Odonata by renowned artist Richard Lewington. Watching dragonflies dart among the plants on a riverbank or at the edge of your pond is one of the joys of summer. But do you know a Southern Damselfly from a Variable Damselfly? Or can you tell the difference between a Scarce Chaser and a Keeled Skimmer? Dragonflies and damselflies – known collectively as Odonata – are some of our most fascinating insects. Although they only live for a short time, they have many behaviours that are easy to observe, including captivating aerial skills that they utilise to hunt in mid-air. The species are grouped by family and helpfully labelled to assist with identification, while artworks are shown side by side for quick comparison and easy reference at home or in the field. The reverse of the chart provides information on the habitats, behaviour, life cycles and diets of our dragonflies and damselflies, as well as the conservation issues they are facing and how the RSPB and other conservation charities are working to support them. Practical tips on how to install a wildlife pond and make your garden more dragonfly- and damselfly-friendly are also included. The ID Spotlight charts help wildlife enthusiasts identify and learn more about our most common species using accurate colour illustrations and informative, accessible text.

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There is something for everyone in The Countryman. Whether you are a country dweller, an urban nature lover, an amateur historian, or a budding naturalist, the variety of subjects covered is a real treasure trove. From the toad to the bumblebee, the cuckoo to the pheasant, the life cycle of the dragonfly, the attractions of the nightjar and the dove, the development of sheep breeds and the value of the cottager’s pig – these are just some of the characters of the natural world as described by Johnny Scott. What are the origins of Oak Apple Day and when and where is it still celebrated? What do you know about Morecambe Bay shrimps or gulls’ eggs – how do they make the journey from harvest to plate? What is a hag stone and what is its connection to a horse brass? Do you know what marl is and where would you find it? Answers to these questions and so many others are to be found within these pages. The author’s acute powers of observation and fluent style enable him to convey his lifelong experiences and knowledge of the natural world in an informative but accessible way. His understanding of the origins of country customs and celebratory festivals is extensive, and his affection for them and all that the countryside has to offer shines through. Be prepared to be enlightened, amazed or amused – or probably all three!

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___ See the British year afresh and experience a new way of connecting with nature – through the prism of Japan’s seventy-two ancient microseasons. Across seventy-two short chapters and twelve months, writer and nature lover Lev Parikian charts the changes that each of these ancient microseasons (of a just a few days each) bring to his local patch – garden, streets, park and wild cemetery. From the birth of spring (risshun) in early February to ‘the greater cold’ (daikan) in late January, Lev draws our eye to the exquisite beauty of the outside world, day-to-day. Instead of Japan’s lotus blossom, praying mantis and bear, he watches bramble, woodlouse and urban fox; hawthorn, dragonfly and peregrine. But the seasonal rhythms – and the power of nature to reflect and enhance our mood – remain. By turns reflective, witty and joyous, this is both a nature diary and a revelation of the beauty of the small and subtle changes of the everyday, allowing us to ‘look, look again, look better’. It is perfect gift to read in real time across the British year. ___ ‘A fresh new look at the microseasons of nature’s calendar, seen through Lev Parikian’s eyes – with his usual humour, attention to detail and beautifully written prose.’ Stephen Moss ‘Buy this book. Plant it somewhere handy and whenever you’re in need of a “spark of joy” pick it up and read a few pages. Its wit will make you smile. It will transport you to a wilder, gentler, more beautiful world.’ Ann Pettifor

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___ See the British year afresh and experience a new way of connecting with nature – through the prism of Japan’s seventy-two ancient microseasons. Across seventy-two short chapters and twelve months, writer and nature lover Lev Parikian charts the changes that each of these ancient microseasons (of a just a few days each) bring to his local patch – garden, streets, park and wild cemetery. From the birth of spring (risshun) in early February to ‘the greater cold’ (daikan) in late January, Lev draws our eye to the exquisite beauty of the outside world, day-to-day. Instead of Japan’s lotus blossom, praying mantis and bear, he watches bramble, woodlouse and urban fox; hawthorn, dragonfly and peregrine. But the seasonal rhythms – and the power of nature to reflect and enhance our mood – remain. By turns reflective, witty and joyous, this is both a nature diary and a revelation of the beauty of the small and subtle changes of the everyday, allowing us to ‘look, look again, look better’. It is perfect gift to read in real time across the British year. ___ ‘A fresh new look at the microseasons of nature’s calendar, seen through Lev Parikian’s eyes – with his usual humour, attention to detail and beautifully written prose.’ Stephen Moss ‘Buy this book. Plant it somewhere handy and whenever you’re in need of a “spark of joy” pick it up and read a few pages. Its wit will make you smile. It will transport you to a wilder, gentler, more beautiful world.’ Ann Pettifor

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After being called “just a worm” by two children, Worm embarks on a journey around the garden to prove them wrong. Debut author-illustrator Marie Boyd seamlessly incorporates concepts of nature, natural selection, habitats, and interdependence in this picture book beautifully illustrated with a cut-paper technique called quilling. Worm isn’t “just a worm,” no matter what anyone says. Worm is special! Right? Worm sets out across the garden to prove it, interviewing one garden inhabitant after another. Butterfly seems to have all kinds of important qualities—as do Snail, Dragonfly, Ladybug, and Spider. But what can Worm do? What makes Worm special? Maybe Worm is just a worm after all . . . and what’s so bad about that!This STEAM-themed picture book explores the many wonderful and unique ways in which Worm and friends contribute to the garden and work together to make it grow. Just a Worm celebrates everyone’s individuality and highlights the importance of interdependence—how it’s necessary for a stable, collaborative, and healthy environment. Using the ancient craft of quilling, Marie Boyd meticulously created each illustration out of strips of colored paper that she shaped, layered, and glued to produce a lush three-dimensional world.Just a Worm is a great read-aloud for family sharing and is a terrific choice for classrooms where the concepts of nature and the natural world are introduced, as well as for teaching social skills such as collaboration and empathy.Includes a quilling craft for young readers, facts about earthworms, a glossary, and a special message to readers from Worm.

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Embracing the Seasons is a soulful journey through the seasons of a year in a country garden. Gunilla Norris shares her observations of this garden and the surrounding land with its trees and shrubs, its flowers and vegetables, its various living beings, its brook and pond and stone walls—and she reflects on the abundance and meaning of nature and its cycles of renewal. The year begins with the arrival of spring, with the birds singing in the darkness of dawn and the buds knobbing up on tree branches and bushes, and moves through the warmth and richness of summer, the transitions and changes of fall, and the clarity and quietude of winter. Until it is spring once more. Along the way we encounter a pair of finches building a nest; an old quince tree in bloom and the peonies in glory; the pond with its dragonfly and snapping turtle, water lilies and frogs. We see the splendor of daylilies and the sturdiness of hostas, hear the buzz of bees and the chorus of cicadas, sense the abundance of honeysuckle and wild grape. There is the planting of dahlias, cucumbers, basil, and impatiens in the spring, and the raking of leaves and stacking of firewood in the fall; the harvest of tomatoes, peppers, and raspberries in late summer, and fresh snow and rabbit tracks in the winter woods. Embracing the Seasons opens our eyes to ordinary wonders and not-so-ordinary meanings in the small events and encounters of the everyday and invites us to remember, to care for, and to venerate the life around us.

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*SHORTLISTED FOR THE ROYAL SOCIETY SCIENCE BOOK PRIZE 2023*  ‘This book soars… Parikian is a nature writer at the top of his game.’ Steve Brusatte, author of The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs ___ This is the miracle of flight as you’ve never seen it before: the evolutionary story of life on the wing. A bird flits overhead. It’s an everyday occurrence, repeated hundreds, thousands, millions of times daily by creatures across the world. It’s something so normal, so entirely taken for granted, that sometimes we forget how extraordinary it is. But take that in for a moment. This animal flies. It. Flies. The miracle of flight has evolved in hugely diverse ways, with countless variations of flapping and gliding, hovering and diving, murmurating and migrating. Conjuring lost worlds, ancient species and ever-shifting ecologies, this exhilarating new book is a mesmerising encounter with fourteen flying species: from the first fluttering insect of 300 million years ago to the crested pterosaurs of the Mesozoic Era, from hummingbirds that co-evolved with rainforest flowers to the wonders of dragonfly, albatross, pipistrelle and monarch butterfly with which we share the planet today. Taking Flight is a mind-expanding feat of the imagination, a close encounter with flight in its myriad forms, urging us to look up and drink in the spectacle of these gravity-defying marvels that continue to shape life on Earth. ‘[Lev Parikian] brings a sense of infectious enthusiasm to his account of the evolution of flight in the natural world, from mayflies and bees to bats and hummingbirds by way of pterosaurs and archaeopteryx, combining a wealth of information with a sense of wonder.’ The Observer ‘This accessible account of the animal kingdom’s development of flight exhibits a layman’s enthusiasm for an everyday wonder.’ Rebecca Foster, TLS

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The world is changing faster and faster, with increasing uncertainty and threat of disruption in every business and nonprofit segment. Conventional approaches to strategy development and problem solving no longer work—there is no stable industry or market equilibrium structure that we will return to “when change abates.” Most company planning processes are fantasy; market conditions are changing too quickly for arm-chair strategizing to be useful. As a consequence, many management teams are stuck in a wait-and-see posture in response to extreme uncertainty in the post-Covid environment, while others are making panicky bets, including ‘leap before you look’ acquisitions. In this sequel to their Amazon-bestseller, Bulletproof Problem Solving, Conn and McLean introduce a novel approach to strategic problem solving. Based on a decade of research and 30 new case studies, The Imperfectionists posits a dynamic approach to developing organizational direction under uncertainty based on harnessing six reinforcing strategic mindsets, which they call curiosity, dragonfly eye, occurrent behaviour, collective wisdom, imperfectionism, and show and tell. Imperfectionists are curious, they look at problems from several perspectives, and gather new data and approaches, including from outside their current industry. They deliberately step into risk, proceeding through trial and error, utilizing nimble low consequence and reversible moves to deepen their understanding of the unfolding game being played, and to build capabilities. They accept ambiguity and some apparent failures in exchange for improved learning and market position. Imperfectionists succeed with dynamic, real time strategic problem solving, confidently moving forward while others wait for certainty, or make impetuous and foolish bets. These strategic mindsets for solving tough problems in uncertain times help you fight decision biases and give you the data to develop informed strategies to win. In the fast changing world we all find ourselves in, being an imperfectionist is a critical advantage for you and your organization.

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Children will get an inside look at Vietnam's vibrant culture, while learning through fun, hands-on games, songs, and activities! This multicultural children's book is perfect for story time at home or in a classroom, and is one children will come back to time and again.Young readers are introduced to many different aspects of Vietnamese culture, including: A brief look at the nation's history, from its mythological beginnings to its famous kings and heroes Tours of picturesque Halong Bay, the teeming streets of Hanoi and Saigon, the sand dunes of Mui Ne, the Dragon Bridge in Da Nang, the imperial palace in Hue, and many more colorful places! Try your hand at making authentic Vietnamese dishes including a Banh Mi sandwich, Fresh Spring Rolls and Moon Cakes to accompany the Mid-Autumn Festival celebration Re-live popular folktales and legends like "The Legend of the Areca Nut and the Betel Leaves" and "The Legend of Trong Com" Learn the beloved folk song "The Rice Drum" and the lively dance that accompanies it Experience the sights and sounds of the Tet New Year's celebration as well as other colorful festivals like the Feast of the Wandering Souls, the Mooncake Festival, the Kitchen God Festival, and the Hoi An Lantern Festival Learn to speak a few words of Vietnamese, including greetings and the proper way to say goodbye Make a beaded dragonfly; learn about Vietnamese manners and superstitions; celebrate birthdays, weddings, and important events; and taste the local fruits and delicious street food dishes! Award-winning author Phuoc Thi Minh Tran is a Vietnamese librarian and storyteller who opens windows onto a culture she knows intimately in this lavishly-illustrated book. The charming full-color illustrations and photographs bring Vietnam's history and culture vividly to life.

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Everything that lives will die. That's the fundamental fact of life. But not everyone dies at the same age: people vary wildly in their patterns of aging and their life spans - and that variation is nothing compared to what's found in other animal and plant species. A giant fungus found in Michigan has been alive since the Ice Age, while a dragonfly lives but four months, a mayfly half an hour. What accounts for these variations - and what can we learn from them that might help us understand, or better manage, our own aging? With The Long and the Short of It, biologist and writer Jonathan Silvertown offers readers a fascinating tour through the scientific study of longevity and aging. Dividing his daunting subject by theme - death, life span, aging, heredity, evolution, and more - Silvertown draws on the latest scientific developments to paint a picture of what we know about how life span, senescence, and death vary within and across species. At every turn, he addresses fascinating questions that have far-reaching implications: What causes aging, and what determines the length of an individual life? What changes have caused the average human life span to increase so dramatically - fifteen minutes per hour - in the past two centuries? If evolution favors those who leave the most descendants, why haven't we evolved to be immortal? The answers to these puzzles and more emerge from close examination of the whole natural history of life span and aging, from fruit flies to nematodes, redwoods, and much more. The Long and the Short of It pairs a perpetually fascinating topic with a wholly engaging writer, and the result is a book that will reward curious readers of all ages.

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