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Wittgenstein's Poker: The Story Of A Ten-minute Argument Between Two Great Philosophers
by David Edmonds John EidinowOn 25 October 1946, in a crowded room in Cambridge, Ludwig Wittgenstein and Karl Popper came face to face for the first and only time. The encounter lasted only ten minutes, and did not go well. Almost immediately, rumours started to spread around the world that the two philosophers had come to blows, armed with red-hot pokers . . .
The Children of Castle Rock
by Natasha FarrantSt Trinians and Lauren St John collide in this hilarious and thrilling bestselling adventure from Natasha Farrant!When Alice Mistlethwaite is shipped off to boarding school in Scotland it's nothing like she imagines. Run by the mysterious Major, there are no punishments and the students are more likely to be taught about body painting or extreme survival than maths or English!Then Alice's dad goes missing and she must run away to find him. Can she persuade her new friends to help?So begins an epic quest across wild Scottish highlands and islands, where friendships will be made and broken, lies will be untangled and the children will face danger and excitement at every turn . . .Both hilarious and heartfelt, this is the classic adventure story brought bang up to date, and told in Natasha's inimitable voice.'Thrilling adventure.' The Times'This wise and touching novel has originality and a fresh voice.' Sunday Times'A gripping adventure . . . I stayed up all night reading it!' Emma Carroll, author of Letters from the Lighthouse
Space Tortoise
by Ross MontgomeryA beautiful, moving and heartwarming tale about bravery, kindness and welcoming strangers, from the team behind The Building Boy.Once, in an old rusty bin in an old rusty playground in an old empty park . . . . . . there lived a little tortoise.But Tortoise is lonely. He's never seen any other tortoises, and wonders where they could all be hiding. Then, one day, he looks up and the night sky, and sees a million blinking lights winking at him. "That must be where the other tortoises are - at the top of the sky! I wish I could join them." But how can a little tortoise get to the top of the sky? And so begins a magical journey . . .'A heartwarming story.' Guardian'*****' Books for Keeps'Will make your spirits soar into the stratosphere.' Daily Mail'So popular that it is permanently scanned out of our school library - to the extent that I am not entirely sure of its current whereabouts.' Times Educational Supplement'We love this book!' Joel, age 1, Toppsta'Love love this funny and quirky book.' Sophie, age 2, Toppsta'Perfect for sharing at bedtime.' Brobee, age 5 & Toodee age 3, Toppsta
Matt Millz Stands Up! (Matt Millz #2)
by Harry HillMatt did it! His performance at the T Factor has given him the fame he dreamed of. Kitty is getting more gigs booked in with a whole new stable of comedic acts. Unfortunately, Matt hasn't had time to come up with new jokes so it isn't long before he is greeted with the worst heckle for a comedian: 'heard it before!'. But when Kitty suggests he takes a break to work on his routine, Matt can't stand to go back to his normal life. So he signs up with the stylish Excalibur Agency, brushing his concerns (and Kitty) aside. A life of celebrity awaits! But it doesn't take long for the shine to wear off and when they try and force him on to his first Live At the Apollo, without any preparation and no new jokes, how can Matt save himself from the ultimate humiliation?
The Chocolate Monster (A Ruby Roo Story)
by Pip JonesWatch out! There's a chocolate monster on the loose! This utterly delightful chocolatey story is the latest picture book sensation from Pip Jones - the funniest voice in young fiction today - and rising star illustrator, Laura Hughes.BREAKING NEWS: a chocolate monster is on the loose! Keep watch, and closeall cupboard doors.No chocolate bar's secure.If left at large, The Chunk will turn up at YOUR house, for sure.And worse still this fiend will make sure you take the blame! Keep your eyes peeled and join in the hunt for The Chunk in this brilliant new picture book charmingly illustrated by rising star Laura Hughes.'A bubbly picture book on a chocolatey theme.' Lovereading4kids'Delectable rhyming treat.' Red Reading Hub
Dozy Bear and the Secret of Food (The World of Dozy Bear #2)
by Katie BlackburnGrumble grumble went Dozy's tummy. He was hungry! 'I'll go and find some FOOD,' Dozy decided, and off he trotted into the woods. And that's how his adventure began!The curious little Dozy Bear learns the secret of food in this innovative, thoughtful picture book which encourages youngsters to try something new . . . Dozy is hungry, but he doesn't like the food that Mama and Papa bear like. He only wants fish! But can a food adventure with the other animals in the forest change his mind? This charming story gently introduces the idea that trying new foods can be fun - perfect for any parent who has ever struggled at dinnertime.
Spies: With IGCSE and A Level study guide (Faber Educational Editions #3)
by Michael FraynDesigned to meet the requirements for students at IGCSE and A level, this accessible educational edition offers the complete text of Spies with a comprehensive study guide. Highlights of Andrew Bruff's guide include:- detailed analyses of character, setting and theme;- close examination of the novel's plot, structure and narrative techniques;- key quotations and activities both for the student working alone and in the classroom.In the quiet cul-de-sac where Keith and Stephen live the only immediate signs of the Second World War are the blackout at night and a single random bomb site. But the two boys start to suspect all is not as it seems when one day Keith announces a disconcerting discovery: the Germans have infiltrated his own family. And when the secret underground world they have dreamed up emerges from the shadows they find themselves engulfed in mysteries far deeper and more painful than they had bargained for.
The History Boys: With GCSE and A Level study guide (Faber Educational Editions #5)
by Alan BennettDesigned to meet the requirements for students at GCSE and A level, this accessible educational edition offers the complete text of The History Boys with a comprehensive study guide. Highlights of Andrew Bruff's guide include:- detailed analyses of character, theme and structure;- a clear introduction to the context of the play and its author;- key quotations and activities both for the student working alone and in the classroom.An unruly bunch of bright, funny sixth-form boys in pursuit of sex, sport and a place at university. A maverick English teacher at odds with the young and shrewd supply teacher. A headmaster obsessed with results; a history teacher who thinks he's a fool.In Alan Bennett's award-winning and hugely popular play, staffroom rivalry and the anarchy of adolescence provoke insistent questions about history and how you teach it, about education and its purpose.
Poppy the Police Horse: Fables From The Stables Book 4 (Fables from the Stables)
by Gavin PuckettPoppy was fit, strong and healthy - her parent's delight.But for reasons unknown she was born without sight.But lucky for you lot, she had an amazing sense of smell. So she's recruited by the police force to solve the toughest crimes by nose . . .
Hayley the Hairy Horse (Fables from the Stables)
by Gavin PuckettHayley the Horse is a beauty!Her sleek tail was glossy, her black mane perfection. Her coat shone so bright you could see your reflection. And when she gets a haircut . . . she is proud to see her locks used to make fine paintbrushes and bows for violins. But when the famous violinist La Rue comes to town and spots Hayley, he hatches a plan to steal her whole tail.So Hayley has to be strong - this horse couldn't fail. There was no way on earth he was taking her tail!She is going to put on a performance that the Queen will never forget!A laugh-out-loud horsey fable from our favourite Welsh policeman!
The Silent Musician: Why Conducting Matters
by Mark WigglesworthA conductor is one of classical music's most recognizable figures. Many people who have never actually been to an orchestral concert have an image of what one looks like. But rarely does such a well-known profession attract so many questions: 'Surely orchestras can play perfectly well without you? Do you really make any difference to the performance?'This book is not intended to be an instruction manual for conductors, nor is it a history of conducting. It is for all who wonder what conductors actually do. Exploring the relationships with the musicians and music they conduct, and the public and personal responsibilities they face, leading conductor Mark Wigglesworth writes with engaging honesty about the role for any music lover curious to know whether or not the profession really matters.
Matt Millz on Tour! (Matt Millz)
by Harry HillHave you heard the one about the new Matt Millz book? It's here, and it's brilliant!Matt's dream of becoming a stand-up comic is fading. Six months on from his success at the Apollo, the gigs have dried up, and it's back to the daily drudge of schoolwork for Matt and his pals. But then his twelve-year-old manager Kitty has a brainwave: if they can persuade their teachers to take a school play up to the Edinburgh Festival, they could hold a comedy night too.But Matt's got a rival new school-mate Jamie who is pushing to be in the comedy line-up. And Jamie is good. But is he too good to be true?Packed with action, jokes and stand-up tips, every aspiring young comedian will love this new Matt Millz adventure.
Squishy McFluff: Supermarket Sweep! (Squishy McFluff the Invisible Cat #5)
by Pip JonesFrom the funniest voice in young fiction today, the seventh in this irresistible series for young readers about imaginary friends in hilarious rhyming text and with adorable illustrations by Ella Okstad.'In a change to our scheduledprogramme tonight,I proudly present,for your joy and delight . . .'(in the glare of the bulbs, Ava tipped her tall hat)'AMAZING AVA! AAAAAAND . . .HER INVISIBLE CAT!'Ava and Squishy are going to see the circus, but when one of the acts doesn't turn up they must perform in his place!Another joyful, hilarious, instant classic of a tale for five year olds and upwards, stunningly illustrated by Ella Okstad.'A surefire hit.' Guardian'Charming.' The Times'Bound to ensure catisfaction.' Independent'Cleverly bridging the gap between picture books and longer fiction, the lovable Squishy is certain to be a success with under-sevens.' BookTrust'In delightful rhyme reminiscent of Dr Seuss, this charmingly illustrated book is bound to become a bedtime fave.' Gurgle
Bad Panda
by Swapna HaddowAre you sick of being utterly adorable?Tired of being cuddled and hugged?Fed up of having your head confused for your bottom because you just so happen to be SOOOOPER-DOOOOOPER fluffy?Lin: If you answered yes to any of those questions, then you're in the right book.Everyone thinks that Lin is the cutest panda in the world. So much so that they ship her off to the local zoo, away from her beloved brother, to be ogled at by the masses. But Lin HATES being cute, and now she will do everything in her power to prove that she's the baddest, meanest, most un-cute animal in the zoo.Laugh-yourself-out-of-bed hilarious, the first in a new series from the creators of DAVE PIGEON.
Bad Panda: The Cake Escape
by Swapna HaddowOn EVERY PAGE you will find:Guaranteed laughs! Stylish two-colour illustrations!General PANDAmonium! Lin the panda is on a mission: to find her best friend, Fu. He's disappeared from the zoo! Has he been stolen by the Horrid Human? Only her badness can help her find him . . . Luckily this panda is as fearless as she is fluffy! Just don't call her 'cute' . . .
Tamworth Pig Stories
by Gene KempFeatures two classic tales about Tamworth, the kind-hearted and very wise pig with a flair for publicity, and his human friends, Thomas and Blossom - The Prime of Tamworth Pig and Tamworth Pig Saves the Trees. In these tales Tamworth, Thomas and Blossom campaign to 'Save The Trees' and 'Grow More Grub and Eat Less Meat'.Carolyn Dinan's classic interior illustrations complement these exciting adventures.
Sound Within Sound: Opening Our Ears to the Twentieth Century
by Kate MollesonA radical new book by journalist, critic and BBC Radio 3 broadcaster Kate Molleson, which fundamentally changes the way we think about classical music and the musicians who made it on a global scale.'Wonderful . . . This is a book of discovery that speaks of music as a life force, that urges us to live our lives through music. 'COSEY FANNI TUTTI'A marvellous book that opens our ears to sonic worlds that will enrich and delight us, whoever and wherever we are.'IAN McMILLAN'A clear-eyed, utterly fascinating exploration of outsiders in classical music. Molleson's excellent book challenges and enlightens.'SINÉAD GLEESONThis is the impassioned and exhilarating story of the composers who dared to challenge the conventional world of classical music in the twentieth century.Traversing the globe from Ethiopia and the Philippines to Mexico, Jerusalem, Russia and beyond, journalist, critic and BBC Radio 3 broadcaster Kate Molleson tells the stories of ten figures who altered the course of musical history, only to be sidelined and denied recognition during an era that systemically favoured certain sounds - and people - over others.A celebration of radical creativity rooted in ideas of protest, gender, race, ecology and resistance, Sound Within Sound is an energetic reappraisal of twentieth-century classical music that opens up the world far beyond its established centres, challenges stereotypical portrayals of the genre and shatters its traditional canon.'Sound Within Sound is absolutely inspiring. Everyone who loves music should own this book.'CHARLOTTE HIGGINS'A necessary and deeply humane reshaping of music histories. It undoes the narrowing constraints of the classical canon, leaving the culture - and the reader - beautifully enriched.'EMMA WARREN'Marvellous . . . required reading.'THE WIRE
Nina Simone's Gum: A Memoir of Things Lost and Found
by Warren EllisFrom award-winning musician and composer Warren Ellis comes the unexpected and inspiring story of a piece of chewing gum. Featuring an introduction from Nick Cave.'Warren has turned this memento, snatched from his idol's piano in a moment of rapture, into a genuine religious artefact.'NICK CAVE'In praise of meaning-rich relics and magical things. Totally heartwarming project.'MAX PORTER'A unique study of a fan's devotion, of transcendence and of the artistic vocation - it's got depth and great warmth. It's a beautiful piece of work.'KEVIN BARRYOn Thursday 1 July, 1999, Dr Nina Simone gave a rare performance as part of Nick Cave's Meltdown Festival. After the show, in a state of awe, Warren Ellis crept onto the stage, took Dr Simone's piece of chewed gum from the piano, wrapped it in her stage towel and put it in a Tower Records bag. The gum remained with him for twenty years; a sacred totem, his creative muse, growing in significance with every passing year.In 2019, Cave - his collaborator and great friend - asked Warren if there was anything he could contribute to display in his Stranger Than Kindness exhibition. Warren realised the time had come to release the gum. Together they agreed it should be housed in a glass case like a holy relic. Worrying the gum would be damaged or lost, Warren decided to first have it cast in silver and gold, sparking a chain of events that no one could have predicted, one that would take him back to his childhood and his relationship to found objects.Nina Simone's Gum is about how something so small can form beautiful connections between people. It is a story about the meaning we place on things, on experiences, and how they become imbued with spirituality. It is a celebration of artistic process, friendship, understanding and love.
The Bach Cello Suites: A Companion
by Steven IsserlisA unique Companion to J S Bach's iconic Cello Suites from internationally-renowned cellist Steven Isserlis.'Isserlis is the master of the material, yet always able to make it accessible . . . It is an absolute treat to be led to this sublime music by such an ethusiastic expert.'MICHAEL PALIN'The book I've always wanted: an accessible, eloquent guide to the world's greatest - and maybe most elusive - pieces of music. And written by the man I'd want to tell me about it. This is such a delight.'DERREN BROWNBach's six Cello Suites are among the most cherished of all the works in the classical music literature. Shrouded in mystery - they were largely unknown for some two hundred years after their composition - they have acquired a magical aura which continues to attract and fascinate audiences the world over. To cellists they represent a musical bible, to listeners, scarcely less. Through what are on the surface simple dance suites, Bach takes us on a spiritual journey like no other, leading us from joy to tragedy, concluding in jubilation, even triumph.Award-winning international cellist Steven Isserlis, whose recent recording of the Suites met with the highest critical acclaim, goes deep into that emotional journey, bringing to bear all his many years' experience of performing the Suites. His book is intended as a rewarding companion for all music lovers, ranging from the casual listener to the performing musician. By offering his own very personal observations of the music, Isserlis's aim is to take the reader further into the world of the Suites in order to enhance the experience of hearing some of the greatest works ever composed.Praise for Steven Isserlis' BACH: THE CELLO SUITES'The most wonderful cello-playing, surely among the most consistently beautiful to have been heard in this demanding music.'GRAMOPHONE'Isserlis has done the impossible. He has given the listener something new, and indeed something outstandingly good . . . This recording can sit proudly on the shelf alongside the great recordings of Casals and Rostropovich. In fact, I may find myself picking it up as the favourite.'BBC RADIO 3
Ellie Pillai is Brown
by Christine PillainayagamThe perfect coming-of-age romance by the most spectacularly funny and original debut voice.My name is Ellie. Ellie Pillai . . . And I suppose I am a little bit weird, but then, aren't we all, just a little bit?Most days, Ellie Pillai is somewhere between invisible, and not very cool - and usually she's okay with that. But suddenly, Ellie feels different. Maybe it's the new boy at school who makes her brain explode into rainbows every time she sees him (and also happens to be going out with her best friend), or maybe it's her new drama teacher, the one who seems to have noticed she exists. Suddenly, her misfit style, her skin colour, her songwriting and all that getting lost in the music in her head seem to be okay too. Because maybe standing out isn't a bad thing after all.'I adored this.' Simon James Green, author of Alex in Wonderland'I loved the fresh and original voice.' Bookseller, Highlights of the Season'A hilarious and heart-warming story.' Aisha Bushby, author of A Pocketful of Stars'Warm, funny and hopeful.' A M Dassu, author of Boy, Everywhere'A fresh, funny, feel-good story.' Rashmi Sirdeshpande
Black Teacher: 'A Hugely Important Memoir' (Bernardine Evaristo)
by Bernardine Evaristo Beryl GilroyThe rediscovered classic: a trailblazing Guyanese woman's memoir of post-war London, introduced by Bernardine Evaristo ('full of wit, perceptiveness, humour and compassion')Benjamin Zephaniah: 'A must-read. Her life makes you laugh. Her life makes you cry. Get to know her.'Jacqueline Wilson: 'A superb but shocking memoir ... Imaginative, resilient and inspiring.'Steve McQueen: 'Gilroy blazed a path that empowered generations of Black British educators.'David Lammy: 'This empowering tale of courage, resistance, and triumph is a breath of fresh air.'Diana Evans: 'Important, enlightening and very entertaining, full of real-life drama ... Inspirational.'Paul Mendez: 'Written with a novelist's ear and sense of atmosphere ... A vital and unique testament.'Alex Wheatle: 'A pioneer in many fields and wonderful example for all of us ... Essential reading.'Christie Watson: 'A beautiful memoir of one woman's strength and dignity against the odds.'Being denied teaching jobs due to the colour bar. Working in an office amidst the East End's bombsites. Serving as a lady's maid to an Empire-loving aristocrat. Raising two children in suburbia. Becoming one of the first black headteachers in Britain.In 1952, Beryl Gilroy moved from British Guiana to London. Her new life wasn't what she had expected - but her belief in the power of education resulted in a revolutionary career. Black Teacher, her memoir, is a rediscovered classic: not only a rare first-hand insight into the Windrush generation, but a testament to how one woman's dignity, ambition and spirit transcended her era.Reader Reviews:'Incredibly important ... Such an interesting read, and I am so glad that it is being republished.''Wonderful and insightful. I really, thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.''Eye-opening ... A powerful reminder of how far we have come ... Beautifully written ... I wish everyone could have a teacher like Beryl!''Really lovely, and a surprisingly quick read ... I wish I could have met her.''A great piece of history [with] so much relevance even today as it touches upon issues of race, education and female empowerment.''Excellent [on] what it was really like for the Windrush Generation... Highly recommended.'
Ellie Pillai is (Almost) in Love
by Christine PillainayagamNote to self: what is falling in love, and am I really sure I want to do it? Ever since Ellie and Ash Anderson got together, Ellie Pillai has been discovering love, and kissing and doubting yourself, and questions.so.many.questions. Like, what happens when your boyfriend (boy that is more than just a friend) hand is half way down your back, fumbling at the place where a bra hook should exist, but instead there's a neon pink band that reads 'HELLO KITTY' because your dad shrunk all your bras in a 90° hot wash, when your dad never does your washing - ever. When Ellie goes to visit Granny in New York, she has to say goodbye to best friends Hayley and Jess, and hello to her annoying cousin Hope (walking model for argan oil), not to mention cryptic text messages from Ash and a meet-cute with a Dirty Blond stranger, who might just be less of a stranger than a boy from school who wants her to join his band...Suddenly Ellie Pillai is back in the spotlight, and everything feels a bit more complicated when you're falling in love or possibly falling flat on your face. And what happens if you're not actually sure who you should be falling in love, with?
How to Write One Song: Loving The Things We Create And How They Love Us Back
by Jeff TweedyThere are few artistic acts more mysterious than writing a song. But what if a shift in perspective - and some practical guidance - could overcome that mystery? Anyone wanting to experience more creativity and mindfulness will be inspired to do just that after reading How to Write One Song.Why one song? The difference between one song and many songs isn't a charming semantic trick - it's an important distinction that can simplify a notoriously confusing art form. The idea of becoming a capital-S Songwriter can seem daunting, but when approached as a focused, self-contained practice, the mystery and fear subsides and songwriting becomes an exciting pursuit.How to Write One Song brings readers into this intimate process - lyrics, music and how they come together. It's equally about the importance of making creativity part of your everyday life and of experiencing the hope, inspiration and joy available to anyone who is willing to get started.
The Reactor: A Book about Grief and Repair
by Nick Blackburn'One of the finest accounts of the mysterious workings of grief I have ever read.' Helen MacdonaldI tore the arse of my pyjamas one morning, about a year before he died, and my father sewed it up perfect in a few minutes, just like that. I was looking at them this morning actually, his line of white stitches. It's beautiful really. They've held.'Beautiful, strange and completely compelling.' Olivia Laing'I read it with awe and sorrow.' Fatima BhuttoAfter the sudden death of his father, Nick Blackburn embarks on a singular, labyrinthine journey to understand his loss. How do you create an existence when all you can see is a void?The Reactor is a memoir about absence and creative possibilities, assembled like the pieces of a puzzle. Through philosophy, music, fashion, psychology, art and film, Blackburn travels a vast panorama of ideas and characters to offer an entirely new exploration of grief. This is a book about looking for and finding chain reactions and human connection - a work of enduring fragmentary beauty.
In Good Hands: The Making of a Modern Conductor
by Alice FarnhamPassing the Baton: Conducting in the 21st Century explores the ways in which gender, culture and socio-economic status influence a conductor's language, career, confidence and even their body. With her own personal story at the heart, leading conductor Alice Farnham interviews conductors - both men and women - at different stages in their career, looking at what it takes to become a conductor. Alice has set many women on a path to the profession, and her book gives a particular voice to female conductors, what it takes to succeed, and just what the job entails. This is not a handbook for conducting, though it describes the job to the layman. A book for all music lovers, professional musicians and anyone interested in leadership.