Search results for ""quarto publishing plc""

The first man and woman are lonely. What to do? They decide to fashion children out of clay. As they are baking the little figures in their fire, they're constantly interrupted by visits from the sky-god, Nyame. As a result, some of the children are pale and underdone, some are left in so long that they come out very dark, and the rest are every shade between. Frané Lessac's gorgeous gouache paintings, inspired by West African masks and pottery, and Eric Maddern's vivid text make this one of the most compelling of creation myths for young readers.

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With the wind in his hair, and blowing his hooter, Along came the prince on the back of a scooter. “ Rapunzel, Rapunzel, please let down your hair!” Called the prince from down on the bottom stair… But Rapunzel just sat – As still as a wall;She didn’ t think much of the prince at all.Rapunzel sits on the sixteenth floor of an inner city block, bored, dreaming and looking out at the rain. No one can rouse her from her apathy, not the milkman or the postman or the baker or her aunt – or even the prince. But when at last a letter is delivered, it contains news that has Rapunzel on her feet again. She has a new job at the library! And suddenly her life is busy, sparkling, exciting and stimulating. “ For despite her long hair and her ravishing looks, she loved nothing better than reading good books!”

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What do one thousand things really look like? Let Little Mouse show you in this stunning collection of first words to see and say. Search-and-find Little Mouse on every page and discover new words with every turn of the page. Stylishly laid out, this visual encyclopedia covers everything from space, to the human body, to the world around us, and is full of things to spot and learn along the way. Perfect for parents or guardians to use at home with little ones, this book contains one thousand first concepts: enough to explore, entertain and educate for hours on end. Learning with Little Mouse is fun!

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In the dark depths of winter, snow is falling and the animals are freezing and famished. Brave Crow sets out on a dangerous journey to find the Sun, and beg for warmth. Will Crow succeed, and what will happen to his colourful rainbow feathers? Inspired by a Lenape Native American myth, this beautiful debut picture book shows how courage and kindness are what really matter.

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This exciting anthology of poems celebrates festivals all over the world. From Chinese New Year to Carnival, from Thanksgiving to Holi, and from Purnima to Diwali.This book of poetry includes explanations of the festivals at the back of the book, and colourful and atmospheric illustrations by Shirin Adl.

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Alvina has two grannies who she loves with all her heart. Grannie Vero is from the Caribbean island of Trinidad. Grannie Rose is from the north of England. When Alvina's parents go away on holiday, both the grannies move in to Alvina's house to look after her. But the two grannies want to do different things, eat different food, play different games and tell different stories. The grannies get crosser and crosser with each other, but Alvina thinks of a way they can do all the things their own way so the grannies can become the best of friends.

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'This magnificent, monumental portrait at a stroke makes all others redundant, and re-establishes Lawrence as one of the most extraordinary figures of the 20th century' Sunday Times Michael Korda’ s Hero is an epic biography of the mysterious Englishman whose daring exploits made him an object of intense fascination, known the world over as Lawrence of Arabia. An Oxford Scholar and archaeologist, one of five illegitimate sons of a British aristocrat who ran away with his daughters' governess, T.E. Lawrence was sent to Cairo as an intelligence officer in 1916, vanished into the desert in 1917, and re-emerged as one of the most remarkable and controversial figures of the First World War. He united and led the Arab tribes to defeat the Turks and eventually capture Damascus, an adventure he recorded in the classic Seven Pillars of Wisdom. A born leader, utterly fearless and seemingly impervious to pain and danger, he remained modest, and retiring. Farsighted diplomat, brilliant military strategist, the first media celebrity, and acclaimed writer, Lawrence was a visionary whose achievements transcended his time: had his vision for the modern Middle East been carried through, the hatred and bloodshed that have since plagued the region might have prevented. The democratic reforms he would have implemented as British High Commissioner of Egypt, are those the Egyptians are now demanding, 91 years later. Ultimately, as this magisterial work demonstrates, Lawrence remains the paradigm of the hero in modern times.

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‘ An extraordinary history… The range of voices breathing new life into past events is vast’ **** Mojo ‘ The Morrissey and Marr recollections are particularly revealing’ The Word The Buzzcocks. Joy Division. The Fall. The Smiths. The Stone Roses. The Happy Mondays. Oasis. Manchester has proved to be an endlessly rich seam of pop-music talent over the last 30 years. Highly opinionated and usually controversial, stars such as Mark E. Smith, Morrissey, Ian Brown and the Gallagher brothers have always had plenty to say for themselves. Here, in John Robb’ s new compilation, Manchester’ s gobbiest musicians tell the story of the city’ s thriving music scene in their own words. When the Buzzcocks put on the Sex Pistols at Lester Free Hall in 1976, they kickstarted a musical revolution and a fervent punk scene exploded. In 1979 the legendary Tony Wilson founded Factory Records, the home of Joy Division/New Order and later the Happy Mondays. The Hacienda, the Factory nightclub, became notorious in the late 1980s as a centre of the influential Madchester scene, led by the Mondays and the Stone Roses, with a unique style and sound of its own. Then, from the ashes of Madchester rose ü ber-lads Oasis, the kings of Britpop and the biggest UK band of the 1990s. John Robb is a leading music journalist and the author of the bestselling biography of the Stone Roses. His other books include Punk: An Oral History, The Charlatans … We Are Rock and The Nineties: What the F**k Was That All About? He lives in Manchester.

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This delightful trickster tale based on characters from traditional Caribbean and West African folk-tales is brought to vivid life with vibrant illustrations. Poor Anancy and rich Mr Dry-Bone both want to marry Miss Louise, but she wants to marry the man who can make her laugh. She does not laugh at Mr Dry-Bone's conjuring tricks and acrobatics so Anancy decides to ask the animals for help in winning her over.

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Learn about the incredible life of Salvador Dalí, one of the pioneers of the Surrealism movement.Little Salvador was born in Figueres, Spain, in the shadow of the death of his elder brother. In his teenage years, he was introduced to Cubism and Surrealism, which had a profound effect on his life. After an education in fine art, he began a career as an artist. Many people doubted Salvador and found him and his work to be too eccentric, but he proved his doubters wrong by creating some of the most iconic and enduring artworks to have ever graced the world. Salvador''s life inspires generations of little creators to follow their own style. This powerful book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the artist''s life.Little People, BIG DREAMS is a bestselling biography series for kids that explo

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When Grandma says she’s seen a tiger in the garden, Nora doesn’t believe her. She’s too old to play Grandma’s silly games! Everyone knows that tigers live in jungles, not gardens. So even when Nora sees butterflies with wings as big as her arm, and plants that try and eat her toy giraffe, and a polar bear that likes fishing, she knows there’s absolutely, DEFINITELY no way there could be a tiger in the garden . . . Could there? This beautiful picture book – now in board book format – about the power of imagination is the winner of the Waterstones Children's Book Prize 2017, Illustrated Books Category. ‘A journey of discovery’ – The Guardian‘A stunning testament to the power of imagination’ – Metro

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By the author of Once Upon a Unicorn Horn, shortlisted for the 2020 Waterstones Children's Book Prize. The second title in a new series about how magical creatures came to have their gifts. Do you know how dragons got their fire? It all began once upon a magic kingdom, when a fearsome, terrifying dragon stalked the land. He was so mean he ate kittens for breakfast, he was so scary he made children scream, and he was so evil that he blew huge storms out of his jaws, which is why it was always so cold. Or so the stories said. When two children called Freya and Sylas met the dragon, they found something very different indeed…

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This board book version of Amelia Earhart – an international bestseller from the beloved Little People, BIG DREAMS series – introduces the youngest dreamers to the world-famous aviation pioneer. When Amelia was young, she liked to imagine she could stretch her wings and fly away like a bird. As a grown woman, she set a new female world record for flying up to 14,000 feet. She also flew across the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans, and eventually undertook the most dangerous mission of all: to fly all the way around the world.Babies and toddlers will love to snuggle as you read to them the engaging story of this fascinating icon, and will also enjoy exploring the stylish and quirky illustrations of this sturdy board book on their own.Little People, BIG DREAMS is a bestselling biography series for kids that explores the lives of outstanding people, from designers and artists to scientists and activists. All of them achieved incredible things, yet each began life as a child with a dream. This empowering series of books offers inspiring messages to children of all ages, in a range of formats. The board books are told in simple sentences, perfect for reading aloud to babies and toddlers. The hardback and paperback versions present expanded stories for beginning readers. With rewritten text for older children, the treasuries each bring together a multitude of dreamers in a single volume. You can also collect a selection of the books by theme in boxed gift sets. Activity books and a journal provide even more ways to make the lives of these role models accessible to children.Inspire the next generation of outstanding people who will change the world with Little People, BIG DREAMS!

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Part of the critically acclaimed Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the incredible life of Georgia O'Keeffe, one of America's greatest artists, in this true story of a talented painter who broke boundaries. As a child, little Georgia viewed the world differently from other people. She roamed outdoors with her sketch book, while other girls played. As an adult, she painted all day. From New York City to New Mexico, she was influenced by the landscapes of her environment. As her paintings became more popular, she became one of the most succesful artists of her generation, and an inspiring role model for young girls everywhere who wanted to express themselves creatively. This moving book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the artist's life.Little People, BIG DREAMS is a bestselling biography series for kids that explores the lives of outstanding people, from designers and artists to scientists and activists. All of them achieved incredible things, yet each began life as a child with a dream. This empowering series of books offers inspiring messages to children of all ages, in a range of formats. The board books are told in simple sentences, perfect for reading aloud to babies and toddlers. The hardback and paperback versions present expanded stories for beginning readers. With rewritten text for older children, the treasuries each bring together a multitude of dreamers in a single volume. You can also collect a selection of the books by theme in boxed gift sets. Activity books and a journal provide even more ways to make the lives of these role models accessible to children.Inspire the next generation of outstanding people who will change the world with Little People, BIG DREAMS!

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Splish and splash and bring playful scenes to life in full colour just by wetting the pages of this clever bath book, as you meet a vivid array of creatures who are playing in the water! From the creators of the Wee Gallery come these beautifully illustrated bath books that magically change color when you dip them in water. Colour Me: Who's in the Water? introduces children to a vibrant range of cute baby animals who are playing in the water, just like them! See a happy penguin shaking off water and watch a sleepy otter holding hands with mum. Meet a dolphin, a bear, and even an elephant who are all having fun in the water! Squeezable and lightweight, each black-and-white creature transforms in a child’s hands, delighting babies and young children and helping aid their sensory development. Bath time becomes a magical experience like no other with these stunning books from Wee Gallery that are durable and safe to withstand hours of splashy fun, time and time again. Wee Gallery are a husband and wife team who create beautiful and innovative books, toys and puzzles specially designed to help babies and children develop through visual learning. Other titles in the Wee Gallery Bath Books series include Colour Me: Who's in the Rainforest?, Colour Me: Who's in the Ocean?, Colour Me: Who Loves Pets?, Colour Me: Who Loves Dinosaurs? and Colour Me: Who's in the Rainforest?

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Go deep sea diving in the ocean and see what you can spot with this great new Spot the... book! Look for hidden objects and animals as you work your way through every scene, taking in all the sights. Wonderfully detailed, bold illustrations of busy scenes will keep your child entertained for hours, while they learn fun facts along the way - perfect for rainy days or long journeys!The back of the book contains extra spot activities, 'Did you Know?' facts, and fun craft ideas to get children engaged with different cultures and the world around them.With many different topics to choose from, the 'Spot The...' series is guaranteed to keep children, age 4-7, entertained and engaged.Other titles in the 'Spot The...' series:Spot the Snail in the Garden Spot the Dinosaur on the Island Spot the Monkey in the Jungle Spot the Snail in the Garden Spot the Bird on the Building Site Spot the Mouse on the Move Spot the Zebra at the Zoo Spot the Mummy at the Museum Spot the Lamb on the Farm Spot the Puppy in the City Spot the Robot in Space

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Join T. rex as he plays in the park, tries PE and goes to a sleepover. Along the way, discover just how big, strong and fast he really was! Have you ever wondered how dinosaurs would cope if they were alive today? What if they went to the dentist? What if they went to a birthday party? What if they came round for dinner?What if a dinosaur…? gives young readers a simple introduction to four dinosaur species: Tyrannosaurus Rex, Diplodocus, Stegosaurus and Triceratops. By imagining dinosaurs in modern-day scenarios, readers can learn about their size, diet and other features. For example, a Stegosaurus weighed as much as three cars – so just imagine how it would play on a seesaw! Making use of an engaging question and answer format, this book will keep young readers entertained and help them to understand and retain dinosaur facts.Other books in the series include: There's a Diplodocus at the Door There's a Stegosaurus on the Stairs There's a Triceratops in the Tree House

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Cycling Book of the Year - Cross British Sports Book Awards When the 'Iron Curtain' descended across Europe, Dieter Wiedemann was a hero of East German sport. A podium finisher in The Peace Race, the Eastern Bloc equivalent of the Tour de France, he was a pin-up for the supremacy of socialism over the 'fascist' West. Unbeknownst to the authorities, however, he had fallen in love with Sylvia Hermann, a girl from the other side of the wall. Socialist doctrine had it that the two of them were 'class enemies', and as a famous athlete Dieter's every move was pored over by the Stasi. Only he abhorred their ideology, and in Sylvia saw his only chance of freedom. Now, playing a deadly game of cat and mouse, he plotted his escape. In 1964 he was delegated, once and once only, to West Germany. Here he was to ride a qualification race for the Tokyo Olympics, but instead committed the most treacherous of all the crimes against socialism. Dieter Wiedemann, sporting icon and Soviet pawn, defected to the other side. Whilst Wiedemann fulfilled his lifetime ambition of racing in the Tour de France, his defection caused a huge scandal. The Stasi sought to 'repatriate' him, with horrific consequences both for him and the family he left behind. Fifty years on, and twenty-five years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Dieter Wiedemann decided it was time to tell his story. Through his testimony and that of others involved, and through the Stasi file, which has stalked him for half a century, Herbie Sykes uncovers an astonishing tale. It is one of love and betrayal, of the madness at the heart of the cold war, and of the greatest bike race in history.

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Running 93 miles from the heathland and forest on the Norfolk-Suffolk border, via stunning sandy beaches, picturesque villages and wild, empty salt marsh to the traditional seaside resort of Cromer on the north Norfolk coast, the Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path is a wonderfully varied and interesting National Trail. There is the archaeological interest of the Roman road whose route the trail first follows to the coast, the magnificent architecture of Norfolk’ s characteristic flint churches, and for birdwatchers an embarrassment of riches, from the rare stone curlews of Breckland to the marsh harriers sailing above the reedbeds at the spectacular nature reserves of Titchwell and Cley. This official guide, published in conjunction with Natural England, is the only companion you need.

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2014 marked the 25th anniversary of the first bout in the epic battle between Nigel Benn, Michael Watson and Chris Eubank to contest the WBO Middleweight Championship that would keep us entertained for five manic, magnificent and ultimately tragic years, marking the start of an epic saga in British Boxing. The fight took place a month after the Hillsborough disaster and was screened live on TV, in a slot now dominated by talent contests. It was a time when kids could stay up late to watch 12 rounds of madness. It was also the last Golden Era of British Boxing. While for us these greats of British boxing provided entertainment away from the hooliganism of football, for them it was much more personal. Rivalries exist in every sport, but their loathing was real and in the ring it nearly became deadly. But this is what the swaggering early-90's Britain tuned in for. These three fighters were Britain's alpha-ego. They made the country proud. No Middle Ground takes us back to the years when these boxers pounded the heavy bags and tells their story as well as that of Britain's love affair with the sport, and how these fight came to define them and us. In tracing the boxers' journeys to centre-stage Sanjeev Shetty reveals the story of the dark side of Thatcher's nation - the blood, the sweat, the dangerous hatred that fuelled these men, and the ultimate price they would pay for their moment in the sun.

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For someone who shuns the limelight so completely that he conceals his name, never shows his face and gives interviews only by email, Banksy is remarkably famous. From his beginnings as a Bristol graffiti artist, his artwork is now sold at auction for six-figure sums and hangs on celebrities' walls. The appearance of a new Banksy is national news, his documentary Exit Through the Gift Shop was Oscar-nominated and people queue for hours to see his latest exhibition. Now more National Treasure than edgy outsider, who is Banksy and how did he become what he is today? In the first attempt to tell the full story of Banksy's life and career, Will Ellsworth-Jones pieces together a picture of his world and unpicks its contradictions. Whether art or vandalism, anti-establishment or sell-out, Banksy and his work have become a cultural phenomenon and the question 'Who is Banksy?' is as much about his career as it is 'the man behind the wall'. 'Britain's unlikeliest national treasure' Independent 'A fascinating portrait that elicits admiration for a man who, despite his increasingly unconvincing efforts to retain some shred of his vandal status, has had an undeniable impact on art' The Times

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Nobody knows the city of light like Paris resident and travel writer John Baxter – and nobody is able to write about its culture quite so intriguingly. Let him guide you around the Paris you’ve always wanted to know. How was Ernest Hemingway received by the city he wrote so much about, and where did he rub shoulders with other literary greats? Are Parisian waiters really as rude as their reputation, and why do they race each other down the street in the annual Course des Garcons de Café? And where can you find fascinating remnants of the city’s history of violent revolution, jazz music, and bold artistic movements? From the reality of the city’s café culture and its literary luminaries, to some of its more curious landmarks, obscure events, and unusual inhabitants, Untold Paris will give the first-time visitor a vivid impression of the city and offer seasoned travelers a new vision of the city

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A touching ecosystem story about friends in nature and the nature of friendship, by the bestselling author of The Leaf Thief.Produced in collaboration with Kent Wildlife Trust’s bison rewilding project, this is the heartwarming story of Bison and her forest friends. Bison feels very sad and lonely. She’s big and hairy, and sometimes a bit clumsy… and she doesn’t know why anybody would want to be her friend. But wise woodpecker knows that everybody likes different things, and that the other animals probably feel a lot differently than she imagines. Soon enough, as Bison eats her breakfast, has her bath and does her – ahem – business, she meets many different creatures who love her exactly because of her big, shaggy ways. As well as celebrating these differences, this enchantingly illustrated book explains to children, in terms that they can relate to, how the di

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A hilarious exploration of grumpiness: this is a book for any child who has ever woken up to find everything unreasonably annoying. Today is a terrible day for Wolfie: it's cloudy (there is a single cloud), the water in the bubble bath is ice cold, there aren't enough chocolate chips in the cookies, and everyone else seems to be having an amazing day (lucky them). No one understands Wolfie at school. But then Penguin comes along... and she does understand. Suddenly things start to get a whole lot better.  This is a story about how when you're feeling misunderstood, sometimes all it takes to change your perspective completely, is a like-minded friend. A wonderful and relatable story about the loneliness that comes with feeling grumpy and how a friend can give a rainy or cloudy day, a sunny new spin. It reassures children while encouraging them to

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Journey through the farm and high-five animals as you go, in this fun interactive board book with flaps and a mirror!At the Farm, meet an array of friendly, high-fiving farm animals: horse, sheepdog, cow and sheep! Upbeat rhyming text encourages babies and toddlers to lift the large flaps and high-five the animals hiding underneath. Featuring a mirror on the last page so little ones can see themselves in the story! Learning to high-five is one of the most joyful milestones in a baby’s development. Like clapping and waving, it’s an exciting way to strengthen bonds with friends and family, celebrate happy moments and let the world know you’ve arrived. High-Five Me: At the Farm is a playful, interactive board book with bright, modern illustrations, familiar animals, easy-to-grab flaps and a fun mirror, which children will love! High-Five Me is an entertaining series of lift-the-flap

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Take a tour of America''s great outdoors and discover the beauty and diversity of its most iconic and majestic national parks.*A 2019 Outstanding Science Trade Book for Students: K–12 (National Science Teachers Association and the Children''s Book Council)*Packed with maps and fascinating facts about the flora and fauna unique to each of the 21 parks portrayed, this lushly illustrated coast-to-coast journey documents in large format the nation’s most magnificent and sacred places – and shows why they should be preserved for future generations to enjoy.Explore Florida''s river-laced Everglades, travel down the white water rapids of the Grand Canyon, trek across the deserts of Death Valley, and scale the soaring summits of the Rocky Mountains with this book that brings you up close to nature''s greatest adventures.Divided by region (East, Central, Rocky Moun

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From famous wordsmith Tom Read Wilson comes another breathtaking adventure through the English language. Discover the fascinating origin stories behind the words we use in this delightful follow-up to Every Word Tells a Story.Did you know, for example, that:  The word ''astronaut'' means ''star sailor'' in Ancient Greek? Or that the word ''fart'' comes from the world''s oldest language, Sanskrit, in the form of ''pard''? Or, that the word ''volcano'' comes from the Roman god of fire Vulcan? Unlock a whole new side to language in this abundant literary adventure. The etymological route, definition and word origin are explored for four words from every letter of the alphabet, unlocking over 100 wonderful word tales. One word per letter is brought to even more life with an extended poem that can be read or enjoyed aloud, making this a wonderful book to read alone o

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Meet the tiny-but-tough tardigrade and the awe-inspiring blue whale in this illustrated introduction to invertebrates, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. Learn everything about more than 275 species, specially selected by natural historian Jules Howard and brought to life by the detailed artwork of Jarom Vogel. With fact panels breaking down each animal’s most unique traits, as well as its habitat, size and diet, every page in Encyclopedia of Animals is sure to introduce young readers to their new favourite critter. Beloved species like the African elephant, great white shark and western gorilla get their own dedicated feature page, while more unusual species include the hellbender, Chan’s megastick and pink fairy armadillo. Discover the shrimp that punches its prey with superheated water, marvel at the frog whose beating heart can be seen through its skin, and learn

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A practical card deck packed with simple placement and plant care tips to help you fill your home with plants. Organised by living space: Do cacti like the kitchen? Will ferns thrive in the bathroom? This deck will help you choose the right plants for key spaces. Supported by experts at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, UK. Packaged in an attractive gift box containing 60 cards organised into tabbed sections. The perfect gift for home gardeners and anyone who wants to succeed in keeping houseplants alive! Fill your house with plants using this practical card deck. Find the perfect spot for every species and surround yourself with life-enhancing greenery in key living spaces. Organised by areas of the home, this inspiration deck will help you choose the right plants for your home: which are delicate and which are indestructible? How much sunlight and water do they need? The box opens with a hinged lid to reveal 6 categories of living spaces: steamy bathroom, bright kitchen, living room, sunny windowsill, near radiator, and survives anywhere, and 60 illustrated houseplant care cards. Each card includes growing advice and tips for creating the perfect plant-filled home. Endorsed by experts at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, this deck provides all the information you need about all kinds of house plants – cacti, succulents, air plants, foliage and flowering plants – to help you fill your home with plants.

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In this handy alpine-growing guide, Kew Gardens' alpines expert shares tips and advice on how to grow and maintain these unique plants, including 12 practical projects to try at home. Alpines are often considered tricky to grow, but given their natural mountain homes, they are actually remarkably hardy. They’re perfect for dry, free-draining soils and do well in containers, gravel gardens and in walls and other crevices and small corners. Plus, their miniature stature makes them perfect for those with small gardens or a tiny space to fill – in fact, you don’t need a garden at all! Alpines do very well on either a balcony or doorstep. Packed with information and inspiration, this book teaches you everything you need to know about 50 specimens of alpines, from ideal humidity, light and temperature, to maintenance instructions so that your plants can thrive. It includes 12 easy-to-follow projects for you to try

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A celebratory, inclusive and educational exploration of Lunar New Year for both children that celebrate and children who want to understand and appreciate their peers who do.Lunar New Year captures the magic of the celebration by exploring how Ling and her family enjoy the biggest Chinese festival of the year. The new year festival lasts for 15 days full of preparation, celebration and symbolism. Join Ling, her sister Mei and granny Po Po as they clean the house from top to bottom, pick fresh flowers from the garden, visit friends and family, and carry red lanterns through their neighbourhood. Ling invites the reader into her home and family, allowing the reader to experience this special celebration first-hand through an authentic narrative non-fiction story. A fun 16-page 'factivity' section follows the story and delves into more detail about how the festival is celebrated in China and beyond. Enriching activities are also included, such as guess the riddle, make your own red envelope and a recipe to make delicious Lunar New Year 'pot sticker' dumplings. Learn all about the magic of Lunar New Year, by exploring: The preparations in the lead-up to the festival The Reunion dinner on New Year's Eve New Year's day fireworks Dragon dancing and the New Year Monster The lantern festival ... and more! ​ In the Celebrations & Festivals series, you are invited into a family's celebrations as you explore the magic and excitement of religious and cultural festivals around the world. The heart-warming story is followed by a fun 'factivity' section packed with information on the festival in more detail along with activities, recipes and craft projects to enjoy.

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A jigsaw puzzle for nature lovers: Offers a screen-free getaway to America’s most beautiful wild places Sturdy gift box contains: 500-piece puzzle and an educational poster; finished puzzle measures 37 × 47.5 cm / 14.5 × 18.75 in. Enjoy National Parks from anywhere: Perfect for a rainy day, family fun, or mindful relaxation Edutainment for ages 8+: Includes a double-sided poster with the full puzzle image on one side and information on the featured national parks and their flora and fauna on the other  Get ready to explore! Immerse yourself in America’s great outdoors with this 500-piece puzzle featuring the United States’ awe-inspiring national parks. With this exciting extension of the best-selling National Parks of the USA book series, piece together nature’s greatest adventures, from America’s highest cliffs to its deepest basin 282

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Follow the story of a little girl as she learns to slow down, be patient and appreciate that some things in life are worth waiting for. When you’re little, the world can seem like a truly slow-moving place. Waiting for school to finish, staring at the clock, wishing it would move. Joining seemingly never-ending queues, urging them to speed up. Staring longingly at a hot cake baking in the oven. Jumping into bed, lying down and drifting off to sleep. Waiting can seem to last a lifetime. And then, as soon as you wake up… the race begins – hurry up, let’s get a move on – we’re going to be late! This book is all about a little girl learning to be patient. As she slowly opens her eyes to the wonder of nature, she uncovers that some things are really worth waiting for. Animals wake from hibernation, seeds bloom into flowers, trees turn into forests and snails form beautiful, glittering trails.<

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Meet Steve, a rather – hot – cross bunny and his more positive pal, Nugget, a cute chick. Steve has failed to make any chocolate eggs for the Easter egg hunt. What is he going to do? Egged on by Nugget he decides to make an egg his own way. Not only is Steve’s attempt egg-normous but it hatches a… dragon! Chaos and drama unfold as the baby dragon rampages though town, gobbling up Easter eggs as it goes with unegg-spected results! Fun, rhyming text makes this is a wonderful Easter story with a twist, packed with laughter and super silly escapades. Who needs cute bunnies when you have hot-cross Steve and a dragon baby who poos chocolate... but can they save Easter?

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PARP! What’s that smell? In this interactive board book, a group of animals enters a rocket to the moon – but it smells like someone keeps breaking wind! Was it one of them? Or was it egg sandwiches, false teeth or stinky socks? As the animals throw smelly items out through the rubbish chute it slowly becomes clearer who the ‘parper’ is… and it’s not who you expect! This sturdy board book includes pull-out sliders, which reveal extra story details – whether it’s the rocket launching or the mystery stinky culprit! Bright, playful illustrations, and lovable animal characters will make Parp! In Space a firm family favourite. This robust board book and its fun sliders will withstand hours of hilarious fun.

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If I Were King is a heartwarming picture book about the importance of home and family from the fantastic illustrator Chelsea O’Byrne. Thomas is fed up with his annoying family. He has been stuck inside with them for ages and he can’t even escape into his books without his annoying little brother distracting him.‘If I were a king, I would be in charge! No more eggs and toast for breakfast, I’d eat CAKE! I would read books all day long, and wear a glittering gold crown that I’d never take off.’But after a night of particularly strong wishing, he wakes up a king and can do anything he wants! Living in the castle are all the other children who had the same wish. Things are fun at first but, even though he is allowed cake for breakfast, it doesn’t seem as fun as if he could share it with his naughty little brother.This moving story about the power of imagination and the even greater power of home is told with tenderness with words and beautiful illustrations by the enormously talented Chelsea O'Byrne.Funny, relatable and full of character, this book will be enjoyed by readers young and old alike!

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A laugh-out-loud story with heart, based on true events about one boy’s trip to the loo and learning that everyone has accidents sometimes. A father is just trying to take his kids for a refreshing swim in the pool, but every time they jump in..."DAD! I NEED TO POO!" By the time they get to the loo: "I don't need to go anymore!" Sound familiar? Back and forth, back and forth they go. "Just poop already!” yells the big sister.Until finally, the little brother… does. Oops!Based on true events in the real life of one unfortunate little brother...A laugh-out-loud story with heart, because when you gotta go, you gotta go!

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Waterstones Children's Laureate, Joseph Coelho, tells the story of a hairy monster that rips two best friends apart. And there’s only one little word that can make it go away! This big hairy monster slowly balloons in size, ruining everyone’s fun. But this isn’t any old monster. This is a hairy argument that just won’t go away. They try calling it names, yelling at it, and even ignoring it. Nothing works."The argument came from nowhere. It sat huge and bloated in the middle of the playground between me and my best friend." Until… the best friends say that one little word that makes everything better. They learn how to shrink the monster until it vanishes completely. And soon, they can't even remember what it looks like! We all know how an argument can balloon into something we never expected. What starts as a simple tiff has the power to really hurt our feelings. This book describes those intense feelings perfectly and provides a comforting solution in the form of an apology, which serves to cool down and reunite the friends. The perfect metaphor for difficult discussions that can get in the way of daily life, and a gentle way to introduce your child to the concept of compromise. Coelho's gentle and lyrical verse pairs perfectly with Allison Colpoys' classic illustrations to create a book which will be treasured by young readers. This is an ode to the power of an apology, and to treasuring a special bond that runs deeper than even the friends realized.

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Stressed by your spending? Always feeling like you should do more? Join Sheridan Stewart on an inspiring journey towards spending less, feeling happier and focusing on the important things. What began as a 90-Day challenge simply to spend less, becomes an exploration of what matters most. I Am Enough contemplates what it means to have enough, do enough and ultimately be enough. Told with insight and humour, this book is an antidote to the constant pressure we are under to do more, have more and be more. Busy radio presenter and broadcaster, author and mid-lifer Sheridan Stewart created the 90-Day Enough Challenge out of necessity. She had been struggling with burnout for years but couldn’t find a way to break the cycle of dashing about feeling guilty about spending too much, eating too much and not being a good enough wife, friend, volunteer, work colleague and human being. Sheridan’s quest to prioritise calm, self-care and what really matters in life is inspirational. The practical programme which she has created is in three parts with a detailed timeline, tips and checklists for every step of the journey. SURRENDER: The first part of the book is about surrender – learning to let go and strip life back to the essentials: getting enough sleep and support, utilizing what we have instead of buying more and doing enough without being sucked into the relentless pursuit of perfectionism. MAYBE I CAN BE ENOUGH? The second part of the book makes a shift from not only doing things differently but beginning to feel and view things differently. Even though to the outside observer, Sheridan’s life may appear the same – same job, same relationships, same environment – she learns to see life through a different lens. She begins to take small actions that better served her physical, emotional and financial wellbeing and shows the reader how to do the same. CHOOSE TO MAKE THE CHANGE LAST: The third part of the book is about choice. As Sheridan nears the end of her 90-Day Challenge, she starts to explore implementing lasting change. As a chronic dieter and a driven over-achiever, she is aware of how quickly old patterns and behaviours can take hold. Why will this time different? Over the course of this journey, Sheridan learns to trust herself, and you can too by following in her footsteps on a journey towards financial and emotional happiness.

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Discover nature’s most colourful creatures in a major new book on colour in the animal kingdom.For many animals use of colour is essential to surviving in the wild. Both a built-in defence mechanism and a cunning tactic for attack, this biological advantage helps animals hide from dangerous predators and catch unsuspecting prey. It is used in many different ways, primarily to mask one’s identity, movement or location, and changes over time as animals evolve and adapt to live.This stunning photographic collection reveals 100 creatures from around the world paired with fascinating insights from leading UK zoology author Steve Parker. Each animal will have a profile of 300 words paired with striking photographic examples featuring a wealth of colour and ingenious uses of colour for display or disguise. Learn how: The octopus can change its opacity, colour and pattern in response to threats. The walking leaf insect has evolved a strikingly similar shape and colour to the leaves it eats. The arctic fox changes its fur colour to white in the winter, perfectly blending in with the snow – but climate change is disrupting this age-old adaptation. This study of some of the most innovative uses of colour by animals, packed with beautiful photography and fascinating insights, will delight all lovers of the natural world.

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Starry Night is a fascinating, fully illustrated account of Van Gogh's time at the asylum in Saint-Remy, during which he created some of his most iconic pieces of art. Despite the challenges of ill health and asylum life, Van Gogh continued to produce a series of masterpieces – cypresses, wheatfields, olive groves and sunsets during his time there. This fascinating and insightful work from arts journalist and Van Gogh specialist Martin Bailey examines his time there, from the struggles that sent him to the asylum, to the brilliant creative inspiration that he found during his time here. He wrote very little about the asylum in letters to his brother Theo, so this book sets out to give an impression of daily life behind the walls of the asylum of Saint-Paul-de-Mausole and looks at Van Gogh through fresh eyes, with newly discovered material.An essential insight into the mind of a flawed genius, Starry Night is indispensable for those who wish to understand the life of one of the most talented and brilliant artists to have put paintbrush to canvas.

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Dynamic naturalist Michael Blencowe has travelled the globe to uncover the fascinating backstories of eleven extinct animals, which he shares with charm and insight in Gone.'Really, really well-written.' – CHRIS PACKHAM Inspired by his childhood obsession with extinct species, Blencowe takes us around the globe – from the forests of New Zealand to the ferries of Finland, from the urban sprawl of San Francisco to an inflatable crocodile on Brighton’s Widewater Lagoon. Spanning five centuries, from the last sighting of New Zealand’s Upland Moa to the 2012 death of the Pinta Island Giant Tortoise, Lonesome George, his memoir is peppered with the accounts of the hunters and naturalists of the past as well as revealing conversations with the custodians of these totemic animals today. Featuring striking artworks that resurrect these forgotten creatures, each chapter focuses on a different animal, revealing insights into their unique characteristics and habitats; the history of their discovery and just how and when they came to be lost to us. Blencowe inspects the only known remains of a Huia egg at Te Papa, New Zealand; views hundreds of specimens of deceased Galapagos tortoises and Xerces Blue butterflies in the California Academy of Sciences; and pays his respects to the only soft tissue remains of the Dodo in the world. Warm, wry and thought-provoking, Gone shows that while each extinction story is different, all can inform how we live in the future. Discover and learn from the stories of the: Great Auk. A majestic flightless seabird of the North Atlantic and the ‘original penguin’. Spectacled Cormorant. The ‘ludicrous bird’ from the remote islands of the Bering Sea. Steller’s Sea Cow. An incredible ten tonne dugong with skin as furrowed as oak bark. Upland Moa. The improbable birds and the one-time rulers of New Zealand. Huia. The unique bird with two beaks and twelve precious tail feathers. South Island Kōkako. The ‘orange-wattled crow’, New Zealand’s elusive Grey Ghost. Xerces Blue. The gossamer-winged butterfly of the San Francisco sand dunes. Pinta Island Tortoise. The slow-moving, long-lived giant of the Galápagos Islands. Dodo. The superstar of extinction. Schomburgk’s Deer. A mysterious deer from the wide floodplains of central Thailand. Ivell’s Sea Anemone. A see-through sea creature known only from southern England. A modern must-read for anyone interested in protecting our earth and its incredible wildlife, Gone is an evocative call to conserve what we have before it is lost forever.

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In On the Tip of My Tongue, logophile and television star Tom Read Wilson takes a delicious dive into the etymology and usage of words, euphemisms and bon mots. Written with his trademark sparkling wit, the star of Celebs Go Dating and self-avowed word-lover presents a hilarious and fascinating guide which aims to leave you never lost for words again. Divided into sections spanning dating, personal development, show business, compliments, curses, and how to dodge offence while speaking your mind, this book will equip you with the words needed to navigate all the situations of modern life with style and grace. From treppenwitz (the German word for the feeling of a missed riposte in an argument) to Callipygian (a 17th Century word referring to someone with well shaped buttocks) to JOMO (the Joy of Missing Out), this guide covers a wide and varied range of words, from those with roots in antiquity to new ones being coined in the present day. With Tom’s wit and lifelong love of words by your side, you'll always be able to pick the perfect word, phrase or quip, whether you are trying to understand the many metaphors for sex or trying to tell your mother you love her. This is a delightful and hilarious etymological solution to the dilemmas and conundrums of modern life and a must-read for every budding vocabularian.

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This newly updated and extended version of Step Into Your Power, filled with insights, stories and activities, teaches you how to discover your own inner strength and mental resilience, and to learn how to harness your own power. You’ve heard about heroes and read about the greats, but maybe you’re not feeling so great yourself right now? Learn from the lived experience of author Jamia Wilson and illustrator Andrea Pippins as they mentor you through growing up in the modern world, and teach you how to Step into Your Power. In this friendly guide, learn how to look after yourself, ‘organise, don’t agonise’, make good choices, get out of ruts, branch out, shake up your mindset and ask for help. How do you overcome a setback? How do you cope when you or a family member gets sick? How do you change your mindset when you can’t change your situation? Step into My Power offers advice and tools to help you face these challenges. Divided by into the topics of Power, Community, Choices, Act!, Self-Care and a new section on Dealing With Difficult Times, this empowering reference includes self-care advice and activities on every page which you can take and make your very own. Take this time to explore what it means to know and trust your insights and capabilities with stories, images, activities, resources and action prompts that you can interact with on your own time and, most importantly, on your terms. A warm and friendly growing-up guide, this book is crucial for the time we are living in right now.

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This fascinating and insightful book tells the thrilling story of the SS Canberra, the luxury passenger liner which was requesitioned as a troop transport in the Falkands War.Vast and brilliant white, P&O's flagship the SS Canberra was a final salute to a bygone era of opulence even as she embarked on her maiden voyage, For a decade she carried passengers between Britain and Australia, a 90-day voyage of pampering and decadence.But in March 1982, Britain went to war to defend the Falkland Islands and the SS Canberra found herself, surreally, requisitioned as a troop ship to carry the Marines and Paratroops into battle.Against all odds she surived, playing a vital role as a hospital ship, and at the end of the war she arrived back in Southampton to a hero's welcome, where she became fondly known as the Great White Whale.This is the extraordinary and, as yet, untold story of how the crew of a luxury ocean liner — waiters, cooks, nurses and cleaners — found themselves suddenly thrust onto the front line.A Very Strange Way to Go to War is a candid and captivating story, drawing from first hand accounts and previously unpublished archives, of the heroic courage of ordinary British men and women in the face of great adversity, at the outpost of empire.

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