Search results for ""Cicada Books""

Everything you wanted to know about climate change but were too afraid to ask! The terrifying effects of a warming planet are impossible to ignore, but sometimes it's hard to pick through the facts and to understand exactly what’s happening and how. This book of bright, bold infographics illuminates the realities of climate change in hard numbers, digestible data and vivid visualizations. How will rising sea levels affect us? What is the impact of meat on the planet? What industries create the most emissions? How do renewable energies compare to one another? What are the most effective things we as individuals can do to help the planet? Without sugar-coating or fear-mongering, this is a book that conveniently unpacks inconvenient truths in a way that is accessible to readers young and old.

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Take your youngsters on a voyage across the universe and ignite their passion for exploring the night sky in this fascinating and imaginative guide to astronomy for kids ages 6 to 10. This second book in the Wooford McPaw series takes on the subject of the cosmos and everything within it. In his distinctively humorous, somewhat subversive tone, Elliot Kruszynski (in the guise of the Prof) looks at how our understanding of our place within the universe has evolved from the days of Ancient Greece, to the discoveries of Copernicus and Gallileo, through to Newton and then to Einstein and Hawking. In and amongst these stories, we find out about how the universe may have been formed, the birth and death of stars, different types of galaxies, our own solar system and the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy. Kruszynski’s comprehensive but easily understood texts are brought to life in comic-style panels with plenty of dialogue and discussion bringing the subject alive, and providing a refreshing new take on a subject matter that never ceases to boggle the mind!

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A thoughtfully designed and timely activity book in which to explore ideas of mindfulness and self-acceptance by emerging author-illustrator, Sophie Williams. "This brilliantly creative activity book inspires self-awareness, helps to navigate complex feelings and promotes positive mental wellbeing". -- Paper Ren The journey of self-discovery starts right here! Aimed at a middle-grade audience, this delightful activity book asks young readers to explore the landscape of their own psyche. They are invited to visit their mountains of strength and wetlands of weaknesses. to confront their ‘forests of fears’, and to take comfort in their ‘islands of interests’. Personality quizzes, coloring in, drawing and designing all feature. Self-examination has never been more enjoyable! At a time when the mental health of young people is a point of concern, this activity book offers a much-needed opening to ideas of self-awareness, empathy, well-being and mindfulness, with a refreshing optimism and lightness of touch.

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A simple, engaging story introducing ideas of non-binary identities, tolerance and acceptance to very young readers, from the writer of the critically acclaimed picture book, The Pocket Chaotic. Praise for Alex and Alex ''What a fun book for illustrating gender fluidity! With its polka dot endpapers and bright primary colors, this cheerful book shows that gender does not matter to good friends''. -- Youth Services Book Review ''Need many more books like this one for young children!'' -- Net Galley ''Alex and Alex is brilliant in its simplicity. I can't recommend it highly enough!'' -- Picture Book Perfect ''What a wonderful book that I think every child making their first steps socially should have read to them''. -- The Great British Bookworm ''The lack of gender and deliberate avoidance of stereotypes makes this a useful book to help children think more about what allows people to get along and like each other''. -- School Reading List ''Definitely the best book I have come across that sensitively discusses the concept of being non-binary without preaching or taking away from the playful plot for children''.-- The Value's Bookshelf Alex and Alex have lots of things in common. They love playing, and dressing up and building things. They also are very different to one another; Alex is very messy and Alex is very tidy, Alex likes running and kicking a ball and Alex likes reading and dreaming. After a trip to the museum goes a little bit awry, Alex and Alex have some cooling off time. But they always make up because Alex really really really really really really REALLY…. likes Alex! This is a book for very young readers introducing ideas of tolerance and friendship in a completely non-gendered way. Neither character is identified as a boy or a girl, and the activities that each one enjoys is a mix of traditional ‘boy’ and ‘girl’ things Aimed at children who are just at the cusp of gender awareness and role-play, it provides a much needed counter-balance to more traditional, binary pre-school literature. Boldly illustrated by Ben Javen.

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The Mellons need to build a forever home that is lean, clean and green! The Mellon family have outgrown their flat. It’s time to move, but none of the houses they look at are quite right, so they decide to build their own house. Masha is an architect. She designs a house that accommodates the Mellons’ needs, their budget, and most importantly, the environment. It is an eco-house. The Mellons Build a House is a hugely enjoyable picturebook that takes the reader step-by-step through house design and build. Heat pumps, solar panels, insulation and rainwater harvesting are all clearly explained and brought to life in Nik Neves’s warm, inclusive illustrations. A timely and essential read for aspiring young architects and construction-enthusiasts.

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A timely and relatable tale about the importance of connecting to the introvert inside. Marjorie is a happy snail. She loves her family and friends, but sometimes she just needs a bit of alone time. At these moments, Marjorie wanders off to try to find a quiet space, but her friends and family just follow her trail of slime and find her. ‘How can I find some space for myself?’ wonders Marjorie, and as she wonders, she wanders, here and there, back and forth, this way and that until she is entirely and marvellously lost. But the joys of solitude are short lived, and Marjorie swiftly realises that she can’t find her way back. Luckily, she stumbles on a good friend who helps her on her way and offers her some sage advice. A natural follow on from the critically acclaimed ‘Pocket Chaotic’, this simple, layered story is exquisitely brought to life by Christos Kourtoglou, an emerging Greek illustrator with a distinctive watercolour style. It addresses the disjunction that kids and adults feel (particularly in a post-lockdown era) between our introvert and extrovert selves.

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Robust insights into the often mind-bogglingly arduous journeys of animals all over the world. - Kirkus Reviews Migration is one of the great mysteries of the natural world. With no engines or GPS devices, birds fly thousands of miles to their African feeding grounds, salmon cross oceans so that they may return to the rivers in which they were born and monarch butterflies spend their entire adult lives traveling from the grasslands of the Midwest to the forests of Mexico. This book takes a close look at how and why different animals migrate. The science of migration and navigation is broken down into clearly understood texts, and then brought to life with beautiful packaging and vivid illustrations by Aquila illustrator, Ed J Brown.

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Long-listed for the UKLA 2023 Book Awards for Children’s Fiction. A beautifully illustrated and presented intergenerational graphic novel that follows 11-year-old Benji and his elderly grandmother, Bubbe Rosa, as they traverse Brooklyn and Manhattan, gathering the ingredients for a Friday night dinner. Praise for Alte Zachen ''The graphic novel format brilliantly allows us to see Bubbe in both her present and her past, allowing the reader to better understand her in all her cranky, opinionated grandeur, along with her sweet, caring grandson, Benji. A wonderful intergenerational story about the value of old things.” -- Marissa Moss, Children's Book Author & Illustrator ''To outsiders, Benji’s Bubbe is just a crabby old lady. To the boy, and eventually to us, she becomes a vulnerable figure deserving of great tenderness. “Alte Zachen” is less ambitious and searing than Art Spiegelman’s “Maus,” but like that graphic novel it expands our understanding of the gulf that can exist between generations, particularly those divided by catastrophe''. -- Wall Street Journal ‘’Bubbe is a delight and the love and patience Benji shows for her is so uplifting. This is award-winning storytelling’’. -- Books for Keeps ''A powerful and affecting story from author and publisher Ziggy Hanaor, with atmospheric illustrations from Benjamin Phillips''. -- Centre for Literacy in Primary Education Bubbe’s relationship with the city is complex & nothing is quite as she remembered it and she feels alienated and angry at the world around her. Benji, on the other hand, looks at the world, and his grandmother, with clear-eyed acceptance. As they wander the city, we catch glimpses of Bubbe’s childhood in Germany, her young adulthood in 1950s Brooklyn, and her relationships; first with a baker called Gershon, and later with successful Joe, Benji’s grandfather. Gradually we piece together snippets of Bubbe’s life, gaining an insight to some of the things that have formed her cantankerous personality. The journey culminates on the Lower East Side in a moving reunion between Rosa and Gershon, her first love. As the sun sets, Benji and his Bubbe walk home over the Williamsburg Bridge to make dinner. This is a powerful, affecting and deceptively simple story of Jewish identity, of generational divides, of the surmountability of difference and of a restless city and its inhabitants.

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Silly, heartfelt, nonsense poems to be read aloud with friends and loved ones. I’m having jelly for tea I’m having jelly for tea It’s not even my birthday But I’m having jelly for tea Forwards Always is a collection of poems to be read aloud. The poems are activated through performance and play. There are daft poems, quiet poems, wonky poems and dancing poems. The book is a puzzle. Make sense of it together, listen to it, take turns, hold it upside down and wear it as a hat. Have fun and find your own way forwards.

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A great journey teaches Bear that there are more important things than destinations. Bear wakes up after his long winter's sleep and joins his friend, Butterfly, on a journey. 'Where are we going?' asks Bear. 'All journeys have secret destinations', says Butterfly. As they travel through forest, over hill and across a great river, Butterfly offers her wisdom about hardships, facing one's fears and living in the moment. Bear's natural impatience gradually softens into acceptance of the world around him. As the seasons change, the friends find themselves once more in front of Bear's cave. Landscapes look different with different eyes and the end of one journey is the beginning of another. This is a heartwarming book about the circles and cycles of life and being. A gentle and inspiring way to introduce Buddhist philosophies and values to young readers.

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If Creature is not a potato, what could they possibly be???I am a potato', says Creature. No, youre not,' says Dog. Do you grow underground? Do you have lots of eyes? No? Then you're not a potato.' Then WHAT AM I?' wails Creature. Cat comes along. Do you breathe air? Do you eat and poo? Do you move around? You are an animal!' But what kind of animal are they? As their identity crisis continues, more animals join the conversation, asking questions and narrowing down the possiblities until they eventually work out the answer. This is a silly, delightful book that nonetheless teaches an important lesson about using the scientific method to draw conclusions by observing, asking questions and eliminating possibilities. Vividly brought to life in Elliot Kruszynski's punchy, graphic illustrations, taxonomy has never been this fun.

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A beguiling look at seven contemporary nomadic cultures around the world, offering a timely insight into alternative ways of life that connect us to our ancestral roots. A fascinating and beautiful survey of seven nomadic societies spread across the continents. With delicately beautiful illustrations bringing the material to life, we learn about the Sama Bajau, fishing nomads from the Philippines who spend months at sea without ever touching land. We discover the Yanomami peoples of the Amazon rainforest whose connection to their environment informs every aspect of their lives. The Nenet nomads of Siberia follow their reindeer through blasting winds to the very edge of the Arctic Circle. All these cultures face common pressures and problems. Governments want them to settle down and assimilate; local populations view them with suspicion; subsistence farming or herding is not viable in a cut-throat globalised world. This book offers a timely window on a simpler way of life, and on human traditions and cultures that connect us to our distant ancestors. Elegantly and respectfully written and illustrated, this book is a captivating contribution to the growing literature on nomadic societies, and will appeal to both the education and the gift markets.

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The book features hundreds of previously unseen images of bands including: Faith, Rites of Spring, Dinosaur Jr, Embrace, Opal, Galaxie 500, Beat Happening, Sonic Youth, Scratch Acid, Pussy Galore and early Nirvana. Interviews by key band members make this an essential resource for any fashion or music enthusiast. Following on from the success of A Scene In Between, revised edition, this new title explores the musical and sartorial treasures of the American 1980s guitar-based indie scenes. Starting in 1983 with the post-hardcore movement in Washington DC, Scene USA journeys coast to coast, covering everything from college rock to noise rock by way of the Paisley Underground, ending in 1989 with the nascent grunge scene in Seattle. Using original archive photography from scenesters and band members of the time, Sam Knee takes you on a fashion trip through an alternative musical history, which is placed in direct opposition to the glossy, Reaganite high-pop narrative that we know so well.

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Taking a flight is always exciting, and this fun and quirky activity book is the perfect travel companion for your little one's journey! ''I think it’s time for a Wowee Zowee adventure – the perfect travel companion!'' -- The BookActivist Hop on board and visit a host of weird worlds and peculiar planets in this delightfully charming and very silly activity book for the young and the young at heart. Design some ski-wear for Frostonika, spot the differences in Crystal Castles and think up a menu for the beach bar on Lazy Isle! The only limits are your own imagination! Bold, fresh illustrations by Jurg Lindenberger, bring the activities to life. A timely reminder of the thrills of travel and exploration. Let your kids creativity run wild!

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'An accessible entry into discussions on the complexity of feelings, this picture book will be returned to time and time again.' – Foreword Starred Review Welcome to the Grand Hotel of Feelings, where all kinds of feelings come and stay. Every guest has unique needs. Anger, for example, is very loud and needs plenty of space to scream and shout. Sadness speaks in a small voice and occasionally floods the bathroom. Gratitude likes wandering about in nature; you never know when she might come and sit by your side. Some feelings are big and some are small, some are fun and some are tricky, but all feelings must be listened to and acknowledged. After all, they’re just passing through. A beautiful and imaginative title that brings the complexities of emotional management to life with warmth, humour and a touch of Wes Anderson.

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The summit is what drives us, but the climb itself is what matters. This is a gorgeous atlas of eight of the world's greatest mountains on all its continents: Everest, Fuji, Matterhorn, Kilimanjaro, Denali, Puncak Jaya, Chimborazo and Vinson Massif. Clear, accessible texts by Robin Jacobs break down the geography of each mountain, its flora and fauna, the history of its conquest, tales of local populations and indigenous mythologies, and finally, how best to climb it. The routes to the summit are explained as are the individual climbing challenges posed by each mountain. Further chapters provide information on how mountains are formed, climbing terms, how to tie knots and what to do in case of an avalanche. A must have for any young explorer or climbing enthusiast!

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A light-hearted, but nonetheless informative insight into the fascinating beliefs and traditions of Ancient Egypt. Striking collage illustrations by Laura Winstone bring a freshness of tone to a subject matter that might be ancient, but never grows old. “Hello my newly dead friends. Gather round. My name is Bastet and I’m going to be your tour guide to the afterlife. Please make sure your bandages don’t trail as we walk along.” Bastet is a mummified cat who is here to take you on a journey through the mystical death rituals of Ancient Egypt. Starting with some routine disembowelment and mummification, she explains about the role of the coffins, the separation of your soul, the importance of amulets and the various types of Egyptian tombs. Together, you will cross the river Styx and face the gods in one final judgement – the weighing of the heart. Bastet will make sure you have everything you need in the afterlife, because, it turns out, you can take it with you after all!

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A laugh-out-loud story of artistic expression, told in direct speech and adorable manga-inflected illustrations by Charlotte Mei. Praise for Pippin! ''I love that this book talks about famous artists but ultimately Pippin finds his own way of creating. Perfect for budding artists''. -- Picturebook Playdate ''This is an ideal introduction to famous artists and some of their most celebrated works for young readers''. -- Library Girl and Book Boy ''This successful debut dips into artistic mediums, and shows that there is much fun and mileage to be had in imitating old masters, as well as managing to ace your own style''. -- Good Reads ‘’A great book for use in the classroom, either when children are drawing self-portraits or before studying different artists/creating art in the style of someone else’’. -- Reading Zone ''Charlotte Mei provides playful illustrations that contrast with the fine art at the heart of the book''. -- The Great British Bookworm ''This beautifully illustrated picture book will not only inspire children to want to create art but also feel confident and determined to do it''. -- School Reading List “Today I am going to paint a portrait. It is a portrait of someone very important. That someone is ME (it is a self-portrait). All famous artists paint pictures of themselves, and I am a famous artist. Or at least I will be when I’ve finished my portrait.” Pippin is painting his self-portrait, but his friends think he’s got a lot to learn about painting. They take him to see Angelique’s portrait, which takes inspiration from Cubism, Dudley’s portrait, which is inspired by the work of Chris Ofili, Momo’s portrait, which draws from the work of Yayoi Kusama, and Franklin and Aaliya’s portrait, which is a colour field painting in the style of Mark Rothko. Pippin is feeling very deflated, but his little friend Minky helps him to dig deep and find the artist inside himself. Packed with information about famous artists, their approaches and their mediums, this book simultaneously engages, informs and asks young readers to question how they themselves ‘read’ and create art.

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A Scene In Between sets out to excavate the sartorial treasures of the UK’s 1980s guitar scenes. Using original archive photography from scenesters, band members and amateur photographers of the time, Sam Knee takes you on a fashion trip through the visual racket of pivotal indie bands including Primal Scream, Spacemen 3, The Smiths, My Bloody Valentine, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Tallulah Gosh, the Vaselines and countless others. Charity shop chic, anoraks, bowlcuts, leather trousers and stripy tees are all de-riguer in this evocative photographic historical capsule. Seven years on from the release of the first edition, Sam Knee has expanded his photographic contact base, and built a loyal Instagram following of over 60,000 (including many big names in fashion and music). This revised edition features a new cover and intro, and plenty of new photographic material that will delight both fans of his work and new music and fashion aficionados.

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Remember, Humphrey; never run, never jump, and NEVER. EVER. sit on a wall! This middle-grade graphic novel tells the story of Humphrey – an egg with very overprotective parents; “Never run, never jump and NEVER EVER EVER sit on a wall. You remember what happened to your uncle…” Humphrey lives a cautious life, until the day he bumps into Princess Jean (PJ) in the park. An adventurer through and through, PJ regales Humphrey with tales of all her antics and mishaps and they don’t notice the park is closing. Oh no! How will Humphrey get home? There’s only one way out. Over. The. Wall! The Egg Incident is a joyous reversal of the traditional Humpty Dumpty tale of caution that will delight readers aged 7-11 who are tiptoeing towards independence themselves.

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Forget the birds and the bees, let’s learn about how mammals make babies and look after them! This beautifully presented science book explains the facts of life by looking at reproduction and birth in mammal species. Through short, concise texts and warm, engaging illustrations, we learn about fertilisation, gestation, birth, breastfeeding and early parenting across the mammalian order. Did you know that, unlike other mammals, whale calves are born tail first, so that the mother can push them to the surface to breathe as soon as they emerge? Or that echidnas do not have nipples? Their young lick milk that seeps from pores in their chests. Easily understood by kids as young as four, this is an informative and enjoyable way of learning about babies and where they come from.

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It's Betty's sixth birthday! There will be games and pizza-making and cake. Can you help Betty have the best party ever? Betty is turning six today. She's going to have an amazing party, but which of her incredible outfits should she wear? And where has she put her glasses? This is a delightful, interactive, read-aloud picturebook, in which young readers are asked to find, choose, count, discuss and otherwise engage with the silly, hyper-detailed illustrations of party games, dance competitions, pizza-making and goody bags. Some unexpected narrative twists and turns pack each page with lols that will delight young readers and their grown-ups alike.

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‘’I Miss You is an artful resource for those looking to ease the burdens of longing and lighten their heavy hearts’’. -- Foreword Reviews With a gentle and considerate style, this evocative little gift book proposes a series of conceptual activities to help the reader work through the sense of loss that arises when someone or something is missing from their lives. For example; Spend one minute writing a list of all the things you can remember doing with the person that you miss. Simple everyday events can make as many memories as big adventures. Write as fast as you can. When one minute is up, stick the list to a window pane so that it can be seen from outside. With beautiful, stripped back illustration and elegant packaging, this book is a striking and affordable gift for a friend or for yourself.

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With bold, bright illustrations by award-winning illustrator, Becky Thorns, this is a marvellous science/biology book that will get kids thinking about how their bodies interact with and make sense of the world around them. Praise for Cat Eyes and Dog Whistles ‘’While the science is clear and accurate, there is also room for gentle humour, as we explore ear wax, distinctive smells, and dizziness, and the sections on animals and their senses are informative and entertaining in equal measure’’. -- Just Imagine ''A lively and engaging narrative gives brilliant insight, accompanied by colourful and equally lively illustrations. It’s time to make sense of the senses!'' -- The BookActivist ''Adorably illustrated. A great way to introduce growing kids to the science of the body in living beings''. -- Armadillo Children's Magazine ''A fascinating book to help children in KS2 learn about how humans and animals experience and relate to the world around them''. -- School Reading List ‘’Useful for accompanying the science curriculum, it's very informative and children will like the drawings, which have a humourous edge to them’’. -- Reading Zone You won’t believe your eyes… or ears or nose….! Learn how our bodies make sense of reality in this fact packed book about sensory perception. They say that seeing is believing – and there’s some truth in that. Highly sensitive receptor cells in our eyes, ears, noses, tongues and skin relay messages to the brain and allow us to interpret the things going on around us, creating our sense of reality. But how do our senses work? And how do they differ from the senses of other animals? This book takes young readers step by step through the biology of each of the senses. Clear texts are peppered with fascinating facts. Did you know that, unlike the other senses, smells are delivered directly to the parts of our brain that are responsible for memory and emotion, meaning that smells can trigger feelings in a way that sight or sound can’t? Did you know that a cow has about 250,000 taste buds, compared to 5,000 of a human, and a mere 30 of a chicken? Or that earwax is 80% dead skin?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Mix and match the faces of the members of a family to hilarious effect. Family Flip Flap is a re-issue of a limited run book from 1982 (previously entitled Family Scramble), illustrated by classic children’s illustrator, Maureen Roffey. The tops and bottoms of faces are bisected so that they can be mixed and matched to uproarious effect; Aunt Helen sucks a dummy, Tiny Tess mends a car, Mummy makes a mess and Daddy does his homework. Children ages two and up will delight in subverting traditional adult-child roles in this deceptively simple flip flap book. Clear, accessible illustrations maintain their vintage feel whilst being further revived by the use of neon colour throughout and gorgeous packaging.

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

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

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

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Craftivism is a term coined by Betsy Greer, referring to the raising of social consciousness through the medium of craft. The Craftivist Collective is at the forefront of this movement. Their mini cross-stitched banners and tiny urban installations touch upon issues of environmentalism, corporate greed and gender equality in a warm and humorous way – quietly encouraging people to reflect upon these subjects in their own space and time. Through the process of crafting (usually in public places) the craftivists contemplate the issue that they are raising, and also introduce it to members of the public, who inevitably ask what they are doing. The final product is thoughtprovoking without feeling intrusive or overwhelming. Sarah Corbett set up the Craftivist Collective in 2009, and it now has a worldwide following. Craftivist followers in New York, Los Angeles and Berlin have taken inspiration from the website and photographed their work in prominent places. In this little volume, Sarah Corbett introduces some of the ideas behind craftivism alongside how-to instructions for a selection of craftivist projects and hints and tips for beginners. In the words of the Craftivist Collective, ‘a spoonful of craft helps the activism go down’.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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