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Pollinators, parasites, purifiers, predators, decomposers – insects arguably play the most important roles in the functioning of the Earth’s ecosystems. This lavishly illustrated and highly authoritative book is structured around southern Africa’s 13 distinct biomes; it reflects the essential role insects play in most ecological processes such as pollination, predation, parasitism, soil modification and nutrient recycling; details how they serve as food for multitudes of other organisms, including bacteria and fungi, as well as specially adapted plants, insect-feeding arthropods, reptiles, birds and mammals; depicts the insects and phenomena described in some 2,000 photographs that accompany the accessible text; highlights the crucial role insects play as ecosystem service providers, giving intimate insight into the beauty and importance of insects in the natural world. Includes a guide to each of the 25 insect orders found in southern Africa, with images showing their diagnostic characters. This key publication detailing the latest research in the field of entomology will appeal to academics and nature enthusiasts alike.

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Southern Africa is without equal in terms of geology, a treasure trove of valuable minerals with a geological history dating back some 3 600 million years. In addition, the evolution of plants and animals, especially mammals and dinosaurs, is well preserved in the region, which also has among the best records of the origin of modern man. The story of earth and life provides an insight into this remarkable history - how southern Africa's mineral deposits were formed, how its life evolved and how its landscape was shaped. Along the way readers will be enthralled by accounts of the Big Bang that marked the beginning of time and matter, by drifting and colliding continents, folding and fracturing rocks, meteors colliding with the Earth, volcanic eruptions, and the start of life. Other topics include why South Africa is so rich in minerals, how glacial deposits came to be found in the Karoo, why dinosaurs became extinct, how mammals developed from reptiles, and how closely humans are related to the apes. The answers to many such questions can be found in this title. Anyone interested in the landscape and ecosystems in which we live will be intrigued by this title.

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What if a boring lesson about the food chain becomes a sing-aloud celebration about predators and prey? A twinkle-twinkle little star transforms into a twinkle-less, sunshine-eating-and-rhyming-Black Hole? What if amoebas, combustion, metamorphosis, viruses, the creation of the universe are all irresistible, laugh out loud poetry? Well, you're thinking in science verse, that's what. And if you can't stop the rhymes the atomic joke is on you. Only the amazing talents of Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith could make science so much fun.

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Say "I Love You" to different animals and objects in this sweet installment of the Baby Touch series.Touch and feel all kinds of loving animals and objects in this adorable addition to the Baby Touch series. From soft lions to shiny mermaids, this immersive board book is filled with heart-shaped holes to look through, bold illustrations, and interactive moments that celebrate family and friendship.

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Celebrate Easter in this jubilant installment of the Baby Touch series!Enjoy Easter with this festive addition to the Baby Touch series. This delightful board book is filled with bold Easter-themed illustrations and exciting, interactive moments on every page for young readers.

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A classic story of magic, mystery, and adventure in a fairy-tale world.Princess Irene’s great-great-grandmother has a testing task for Curdie. Curdie will not go alone though; she provides him with a companion, the oddest and ugliest creature Curdie has ever seen, but one who turns out to be the most loyal friend he could have hoped for.

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After surviving a terrible shipwreck, Robinson Crusoe discovers he is the only human on an island far from any shipping routes or rescue. At first he is devastated, but slowly, with patience and imagination, he transforms his island into a tropical paradise. For twenty-four years he lives with no human companionship - until one fateful day, when he discovers he is not alone...Puffin Classics edition has been specially abridged.

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As soon as Pollyanna arrives in Beldingsville to live with her strict and dutiful maiden aunt, she begins to brighten up everybody's life. The 'glad game' she plays, of finding a silver lining in every cloud, transforms the sick, the lonely and the plain miserable - until one day something so terrible happens that even Pollyanna doesn't know how ot feel glad about it.

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*Part of the six books for six decades collection*Midnight, 1984.In a sprawling, run-down housing estate in south London, a man returning from a night out in the West End finds himself pursued by a strange hooded figure.So naturally when the Doctor and Romana arrive in the TARDIS the next day, they find themselves in the middle of a crime scene.But when child genius Matthew Pickles - inventor of a hugely popular handheld videogame - arrives to help them crack the case, they discover there is more to this than meets the eye.Someone has been messing with technology that's not of this earth, blurring the lines between human . . . and cyber. And it looks like they're out for revenge.In a world on the brink of gadgets and gismos and dangerous tech, the pair must uncover the killer, before they strike again.

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Dixie O'Day and his best friend Percy are off on holiday, and drive straight into adventure!Peaches Miaow, the fabulous pop star, has her pricelss diamond necklace stolen from the Hotel Splendide in the crime of the century. Can Dixie and Percy track down the sinister figures at the heart of the mystery?Pack your bags for a thrilling trip filled with glamourpusses, cat burglars and seaside fun in this gorgeous chapter book with a chapter for each night of the week, as well as plenty of exciting extra material.

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Join Topsy and Tim as they prepare to move house with Mummy and Dad. In Topsy and Tim Move House, the twins are moving house but there is a lot of work to do. There are curtains to take down, toys to pack and pets to look after. It is an exciting time for Topsy and Tim, but Kitty, their cat, isn't quite so sure about the move... Topsy and Tim are just like you! They find fun and adventure in the real world. A trusted and well-loved pair who can help guide parents and children through 'first experiences', Topsy and Tim books have been beautifully updated with contemporary artwork. Topsy & Tim remain instantly recognizable to parents while in a fresh style that will appeal to a new generation of fans. These wonderful books deserve a place on every child's bookshelves.Other titles are Topsy and Tim The New Baby, Topsy and Tim Have a Birthday party, Topsy and Tim Go on an Aeroplane, Topsy and Tim Play football, Topsy and Tim Go on a Train, Topsy and Tim Learn to Swim, Topsy and Tim Start School, Topsy and Tim Go Camping, Topsy and Tim Go to Hospital, Topsy and Tim Go to the Zoo, Topsy and Tim Go to the Dentist, Topsy and Tim At the Farm, Topsy and Tim Go to the Doctor, Topsy and Tim Have Itchy Heads, Topsy and Tim Meet the Firefighters, Topsy and Tim Meet the Police, Topsy and Tim Safety First, Topsy and Tim Go for Gold, Topsy and Tim Visit London, Topsy and Tim Meet Father Christmas, Topsy and Tim Help a Friend

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When Fox dies the rest of his family are absolutely distraught. How will Mole, Otter and Hare go on without their beloved friend? But, months later, Squirrel reminds them all of how funny Fox used to be, and they realise that Fox is still there in their hearts and memories.

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April knows she was abandoned in a rubbish bin as a newborn baby, fourteen years ago. Now she's happily settled with her foster mother, Marion - but there's a part of April that's desperate to know where she really came from, and who she really is. If only she could remember her real mother - or even find her . . .An engrossing, engaging and highly moving novel from the acclaimed bestseller Jacqueline Wilson.

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"For my lunch today", he said, I would like a nice JUICY little child."The Enormous Crocodile is planning what to have for his lunch. He's the greediest croc in the whole river, and he wants to eat something juicy and delicious. But what can the greedy grumptious brute guzzle up? Beware! He's looking for someone to feast upon... someone who looks a lot like YOU!The text in this edition of The Enormous Crocodile was updated in 2022 for young independent readers.

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"Once upon a time there was a village child who was so pretty - so pretty as never was seen . . ."So begins Beatrix Potter's retelling of Red Riding Hood. A darkly delicious adaptation of the classic tale, filled with trademark Potter wit and flourishes, little Red Riding Hood sets off to Granny's house with a very hungry wolf in tow. But nobody saw her pass. Brilliantly brought to life with artwork by one of the world's greatest illustrators, Helen Oxenbury, this is the perfect gift for Beatrix Potter fans, big and small.

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The ultimate adventure retold for children!Odysseus must battle his way home from war with the Greek Gods pitted against him. But what will he find when he gets there?From the gory tale of the Cyclops to the trickery of the Trojan Horse, Homer's classic, The Odyssey, is filled with stories of bravery, cleverness and heroism. This picture-book retelling of Odysseus's epic journey is the perfect introduction to this essential story. "Pienkowski is a genius" Independent

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"This is how it all began..." From 'A Necklace of Raindrops' to 'The Patchwork Quilt', here are eight classic stories to treasure and enjoy. Beginning and ending with a birthday, this spell-binding collection conjures up a world filled with magic, where wishes can come true. A necklace of raindrops that keeps its owner dry in the heaviest rainstorm; a tiger that runs faster than the wind; a huge floating apple pie with a piece of sky in it; a baker's cat who swells to the size of a whale when his mistress feeds him yeast; a house that stands on one leg - these are just some of the objects and characters that figure in these delightful stories.

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