Search results for ""Author Abi""

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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It looks like a wet and dreary day for Bear and his trio of friends. How could he possibly have fun when he is soaked? But Badger, Rabbit, and Moose don’t seem to mind. In fact, Moose can still hula hoop! And it looks like so much fun. Might Bear like to try? Here is a story that shows that fun is not dependent on sunshine and blue skies. In fact, it might be more fun to be soaked!

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Award-winning interiors blogger Abi Dare of These Four Walls reveals a softer, more relaxed approach to minimalism that will enhance your wellbeing and simplify your home.Many of us yearn to turn our homes into calming sanctuaries, but there are still misconceptions of minimalist decor as sterile, unattainable, and devoid of personality. In her first book, interiors stylist and writer Abi Dare busts the myths, demonstrating that minimalist spaces can be warm, welcoming, and as individual as their inhabitants. The Soft Minimalist Home shows how a diverse range of people have created minimalist havens that reflect their tastes and tell their stories. An apartment in London brings unexpected pops of colour, a 1920s Dutch townhouse is filled with light, and a family home in Sweden takes its cues from nature. These home tours are interspersed with practical advice on topics such as choosing a palette, optimizing storage, and adding coziness through texture. Throughout,

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

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Flamingos Are Pretty Funky introduces young readers to flamingos and their fantastic and (truly) fabulous traits. A companion to Wombats Are Pretty Weird, this funny, reader-friendly narrative nonfiction picture book about the natural world features sidebars, comic panels, and extensive back matter.Flamingos are tall, wading birds known for their bright pink color. Their nests look like tiny volcanoes, and they live in areas that are considered extreme—from nearly boiling bodies of water filled with corrosive chemicals to cold, mountainous regions where ice freezes around their feet. And if you ask their snake friend, Joey, those aren’t the only things that are fabulous about flamingos!Abi Cushman’s Flamingos Are Pretty Funky contains informative, expressive, and funny illustrations of flamingos in their natural habitats. This enlightening picture book offers an entertaining blend of narration, sidebars, spe

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For James Salisbury the only thing worse than being found guilty...is being found not guiltyWhen James Salisbury, the owner of a British car manufacturer, ploughs his 'self-drive' car into a young family, the consequences are deadly. Will the car's 'black box' reveal what really happened or will the industry, poised to launch these products to an eager public, close ranks to cover things up?James himself faces a personal dilemma. If it is proved that he was driving the car he may go to prison. But if he is found innocent, and the autonomous car is to blame, the business he has spent most of his life building, and his dream of safer transport for all, may collapse.Lawyers Judith Burton and Constance Lamb team up once again, this time to defend a man who may not want to go free, in a case that asks difficult questions about the speed at which technology is taking over our lives.'It is Abi Silver's imaginative touches as well as her thorough legal knowledge that make her courtroom thrillers stand out' Jake Kerridge

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Age: 5–6 (Year 1/P2) Level: Key Stage 1 Subject: phonics In this fiction phonics book, the kids in the Hunter family love finding things! Will they manage to follow the clues that Dad sets for Sanjay's birthday trail? Part of the Bug Club reading series used in over 3500 schools Helps your child develop reading fluency and confidence Suitable for children aged 5–6 (Year 1/P2) Phonics phase: 5 This book aligns with Letters and Sounds (2007) Phase 5. This title is part of Pearson's Bug Club, a reading programme used in over 3500 schools. Bug Club books are designed to help children enjoy learning to read. For more Bug Club books and learn at home resources, search for Bug Club.

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In this postapocalyptic fantasy, a sea of sand swallows everything but the past. In an endless sea of sand drifts the Mud Whale, a floating island city of clay and magic. In its chambers a small community clings to survival, cut off from its own history by the shadows of the past. The Sea of Sand harbors many mysteries, and an encounter with one of them awakens deep memories of the past for the Eldest of the Mud Whale. But everyone is still reeling from the recently revealed harsh secrets about the true nature of the Mud Whale. How can Chakuro and the others handle the new knowledge these strange visions grant?

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In this postapocalyptic fantasy, a sea of sand swallows everything but the past. In an endless sea of sand drifts the Mud Whale, a floating island city of clay and magic. In its chambers a small community clings to survival, cut off from its own history by the shadows of the past. The people of the Mud Whale have been trapped on the floating island since their ancestors were exiled to the Sea of Sand nearly a hundred years ago, yet their prison has mostly felt like a home. But now the true extent of the punishment inflicted on the criminals of Faláina has come to light, and the cost exacted by their home is immense.

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The battle for the Mud Whale has become a deadly rout as the Marked fight to protect their home and their comrades from the invading apátheia soldiers. Meanwhile, Chakuro and the rest of the boarding party have made it safely onto the imperial battleship Skyros, but their mission turns bloody when they reach the thymia-shielded chamber at the heart of the ship. How will they destroy the enemy Nous and save the Mud Whale without access to their power?

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In this post-apocalyptic fantasy, a sea of sand swallows everything but the past. In an endless sea of sand drifts the Mud Whale, a floating island city of clay and magic. In its chambers a small community clings to survival, cut off from its own history by the shadows of the past. Chakuro is the archivist for the Mud Whale, diligently chronicling the lives and deaths of his people. As one of the short-lived thymia wielders, he knows his time is limited and is determined to leave a better record than his predecessors. But the steady pace of their isolated existence on the Mud Whale is abruptly shattered when a scouting party discovers a mysterious young girl who seems to know more about their home than they do… A gripping post-apocalyptic fantasy adventure in the vein of Nausicaä. * Releases 6 times a year for 9+ volumes. Series is ongoing. * Anime to be released Fall 2017. * For fans of Hayao Miyazaki, Moebius, Garth Nix, Phillip Pullman, Tamora Pierce. * Ties into the ongoing trend of post-apocalyptic stories with YA protagonists such as Hunger Games, Divergent, The 100, The Knife of Never Letting Go, and The Last of Us. * The European-comics-influenced art and fantasy setting lend this title crossover potential for mainstream comics readers.

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A magical NEW story filled with adventure, wonder and edge-of-your-seat excitement, set in a world of daring dragons and magical maladies by the best-selling author of Sky Song, Abi Elphinstone . . .‘This new fantasy series for younger readers is bubbling with action and imagination… A joy.’ The Daily Mail'Elphinstone has the confidence to embrace fantasy's most popular tropes - unicorns, dragons, dark-hearted villains - and make them thoroughly her own.'  TheTelegraph Rusty Fizzbang, vet to magical beasts, needs an apprentice. Ember Spark, looking for adventure, is his newest recruit - and together with an unlikely friend, Arno, she is sent to help a baby dragon whose parents have gone missing. But keeping magical beasts a secret isn’t an easy task, especially with arch-villain, Jasper Hornswoggle, hot on their heels and keen to derail them… Praise for

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New York Time's "The Best Cookbooks of 2023" A sweet baking book of fantastically imaginative remixed Filipino American dessert recipes, plus essays on the Filipino American experience by baker-fundraiser Abi Balingit.When the pandemic started her lonely work-from-home life in 2020, Abi Balingit channeled all her energy into the one thing that brought her joy: baking. In her tiny, dimly lit, shared kitchen, she produced hundreds of “pasalubong” (souvenir) boxes filled with especially creative treats that blended the Filipino treats and Western style baked goods she grew up with. Each time, she’d sell out within hours and donated the proceeds to support her community in need.Now Abi shares some of these cult-favorite desserts with Mayumu (which means “sweet” in one of the 8 major languages in Philippines), an incredibly fresh baking book of 75 recipes that span from the never-before-seen, incredibly inventive flavor combinations that Abi dreamed up, to the more familiar, classic Filipino favorites: Adobo Chocolate Chip Cookie Strawberry Shortcake Sapin-Sapin (Rice Cakes) Ube Macapuno Molten Lava Cakes Matcha Pastillas Melon Chicharron Crumble Halo-Halo Baked Alaska Throughout, essays following Abi’s heritage and self-discovery introduce the flavors and experiences that have shaped her life, from visiting the motherland and her parents’ birthplace in Pampanga, Philippines, to California where she grew up and went to school, to her now home Brooklyn, NY. This beautiful book is a celebration of the Filipino American experience, perfect for home bakers wanting both nostalgic and excitingly new recipes.

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Run little fingers along these chunky, die-cut shapes and guess what created the tracks! Lift the flap to find out if you are right! Develop observation and prediction skills by exploring tracks that can be found in a variety of settings. Did a tractor leave this trail? Or a duck? A rewarding and tactile experience, full of surprises.

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Run little fingers along these chunky, die-cut shapes and guess what created the tracks! Lift the flap to find out if you are right! Develop observation and prediction skills by exploring tracks that can be found in a variety of settings. Did a tractor leave this trail? Or a duck? A rewarding and tactile experience, full of surprises.

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

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

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

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

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

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