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Four Seasons in Japan: From the author of The Cat and The City, 'vibrant and accomplished' David Mitchell, a BBC Radio 2 Book Club Pick
by Nick BradleyA heartwarming and profound novel about the power of books and connection between generations, that is also a love letter to Japan and its literature.‘Transportive, mesmerising and beautiful... Every book worm would love this.’ Glamour‘A finely drawn evocation of Japan, of youth, age, dreams, disillusionment, struggles and strength... A poignant and beautiful book.’ Hazel Prior, author of Away with the Penguins‘Heartwarming.’ CosmopolitanFlo is sick of Tokyo.Suffering from a crisis in confidence, she is stuck in a rut, her translation work has dried up and she's in a relationship that's run its course.That's until she stumbles upon a mysterious book left by a fellow passenger on the Tokyo Subway.From the very first page, Flo is transformed and immediately feels compelled to translate this forgotten novel, a decision which sets her on a path that will change her life.As Flo follows the characters across a year in rural Japan, through the ups and downs of the pair's burgeoning relationship, she quickly realises that she needs to venture outside the pages of the book to track down its elusive author.And, as the two protagonists reveal themselves to have more in common with her life than first meets the eye, the lines between text and translator converge, and it soon becomes clear that Flo’s journey is just beginning…Praise for Four Seasons in Japan:‘A gentle, tender and thoughtful book, exploring literature, love, human connection, Japanese culture and the disillusion of youth…crafted in such a way that you want to savour every chapter.’ Culturefly‘Four Seasons in Japan doubles as a love letter to Japanese culture, its landscape, and literature, exploring the comfort found in books and the (mis)understanding between generations.’ Country & Town House‘A poignant, quiet and affecting novel full of love as well as loss.’ Observer‘A novel that occupies multiple worlds in multiple ways ... a postmodern riddle while also making for an emotionally engaging story ... there's something here for everyone.’ The Times
Animals, politics and morality: Second edition (Issues in Environmental Politics)
by Robert GarnerHow do we treat animals? How ought we to treat them? These are the two central questions tackled in the extensively re-written and up dated second edition of this well-regarded and much-cited text. It remains the only book which combines in a single volume, not only a concise and accessible account of the on going debate about animals in moral and legal philosophy, but also a detailed analysis of how this debate is central to an understanding of the ways in which animals are treated.In the last decade in Britain, we have witnessed major campaigns and public controversy over the export of live animals, and the use of animals in research. Major campaigns have been mounted against companies such as Shamrock and Huntingdon Life Sciences. The impact of genetic engineering on the welfare of animals has also emerged as an important area of concern. In addition, the controversy over hunting has become even more pronounced, with the launch of the pro-hunting Countryside Alliance.
The Detective's Daughter: A gripping Sunday Times crime club thriller to lose yourself in (The Detective's Daughter #1)
by Lesley ThomsonAs winter closes its grip on snow-bound London, a cleaner determines to solve the case that her detective father never could. A Kindle number one bestseller. It was the murder that shocked the nation. Kate Rokesmith, a young mother, walked to the banks of the Thames with her three-year-old son. She never came home.For three decades, the case file has lain, unsolved, in the corner of an attic. Until the detective's daughter, Stella Darnell, starts to clear out her father's house after his death...Reviews for The Detective's Daughter: 'A haunting novel about loss and reconciliation, driven by a simple but clever plot' Sunday Times 'This book has a clever mystery plot – but its excellence is in the characters, all credible and memorable, and in its setting in a real West London street, exactly described' Literary Review 'A thoughtful, well-observed story... It reminded me of Kate Atkinson' Scott Pack 'A cerebral thriller... Evokes chills from more than just the frigid winter nights' Forward Reviews Magazine 'Lesley Thomson gets better and better' Ian Rankin
Mosby's Comprehensive Review for Veterinary Technicians E-Book
by Monica M. Tighe Marg BrownUse this study tool to prepare for success in your courses and certification exams! Written by and for veterinary technicians, Mosby's Comprehensive Review for Veterinary Technicians, 6th Edition provides complete preparation for the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE®) as well as other state/provincial examinations in veterinary technology. An easy-to-read outline format breaks down and simplifies important information, and hundreds of review questions in the book and on the Evolve website help you assess your understanding of the material. Realistic practice exams help you polish your test-taking skills. From experienced educators Monica Tighe and Marg Brown, this book is also ideal for vet tech graduates who need a quick, everyday reference.Review of all areas of the veterinary technology curriculum is mapped to VTNE® domains, tasks, and knowledge statements.Streamlined outline format makes content easy to read and simplifies the classification and grouping of the material.Comprehensive, full-color coverage includes all areas of veterinary technology, such as A&P, clinical sciences, diagnostics, restraint and handling, animal nutrition, pharmacology and anesthesia, and professional and practice management skills.Comprehensive 350-question test in the book includes an answer key and provides a solid review of the vet tech curriculum and the information you need to know to pass the VTNE. Coverage of dogs, cats, large animals, birds, reptiles, and laboratory animals ensures you are prepared for all aspects of the national board examination.Learning features include chapter outlines, key terms, learning objectives, a glossary, summary boxes and tables, and end-of-chapter review questions.Online practice exam engine on the Evolve website simulates the computer-based VTNE testing environment with 500 questions (three times the number on the exam), allowing you to take a timed mock examination or to study in quiz mode and to randomize test questions, receive instant feedback, and obtain test scores.Practical appendices include abbreviations and symbols, the metric system and equivalents, medical terminology, species names, and normal values.NEW! New photos and illustrations make it easier to understand and recognize essential concepts including histology, hematology, diagnostic microbiology and mycology, virology, urinalysis, and parasitology.NEW! Discussion and review questions throughout the book are thoroughly reviewed and updated by experts in the field.
The Lives of Spiders: A Natural History of the World's Spiders (The Lives of the Natural World #11)
by Dr. Ximena NelsonA beautifully illustrated guide to the natural history and breathtaking diversity of spiders around the worldSpiders are dominant predators in virtually every terrestrial ecosystem on the planet. A marvel of evolution with species numbering in the tens of thousands, they have been walking the earth since before the dinosaurs. Spiders manipulate the silk strands of their webs to act as a sensory field, which vibrates across wide frequencies that they can read in detail, while young spiders spin silk lines that interact with the electrical fields in the atmosphere, enabling them to balloon across huge distances. Some spiders even gather in groups to impersonate ants in astonishing displays of collective mimicry. The Lives of Spiders explores these and other wonders, blending stunning imagery, lively writing, and the latest science to explore the natural history of the world&’s diverse arachnid life.Features a wealth of color illustrationsSheds invaluable light on the life history, ecology, and stunning diversity of spidersCovers silk and web building, venoms, predators and prey, mating and dancing, spider cognition, and much moreDiscusses the impacts of human activity on spiders
Human-Animal Interactions in Zoos: Integrating Science and Practice
by Terry L. Maple Courtney Collins Amanda D. Webber Ellen Williams Geoff Hosey Vicky Melfi Sarah Webber Samantha J. Chiew Jon Coe Neil D’Cruze Angela J Dean Polly Doodson Lucy Dumbell Ashley N. Edes Kelly S Fielding Georgina Groves Lauren M. Hemsworth Paul H. Hemsworth Julia Hoy Violet Hunton Mark J. Learmonth Emily M McLeod Georgia Oaten Chris Pawson Bonnie M. Perdue David M. Powell Samantha WardHuman-Animal Interactions (HAI) are a primary welfare interest to both animal scientists and practitioners. In zoos and aquariums, the study of Animal-Visitor Interactions (AVI), including both the impact of visitors on animals (the visitor effect) and the impact of animals on visitors (the visitor experience), have become a focus for understanding HAIs in zoos. The study of HAIs in zoos has grown to consider a number of factors, including animal-staff interactions and bonds, modern exhibit design and technology, direct and indirect interactions, as well as positive and negative impacts on both animals and visitor alike. This thought-provoking book summarizes the latest research concerning the impacts of HAIs in zoos, including considerations for conducting research and managing HAIs. The book: Explores the interactions of animals with keepers, veterinary professionals, and other staff, and the effects of those interactions on the welfare of animals. Considers the impact of visitors on the well-being of animals. Covers the effects of interactions on education and the visitor experience. Outlines the use of technology to enhance experience, and improve animal welfare. Details theoretical, ethical, and practical considerations relevant to HAIs in zoos. An invaluable resource for animal behaviour and welfare scientists, students and practitioners, as well as anyone working with zoo animals.
Value Added Products From Bioalgae Based Biorefineries: Opportunities and Challenges
by Shailendra Kumar Arya Madhu Khatri Gursharan SinghThis book covers wide aspects of algal technology and algae-based biorefinery aspects. Algae are the most prevalent, primitive, and abundant microbes on Earth, however, the commercialization of algal-based value-added products is still low due to the negligible dissemination of knowledge flow among the stakeholders and researchers.This book provides up-to-date information on the cultivation of microalgae, their harvesting, downstream processing, and diverse applications. It further discusses the macromolecules existing in microalgae, such as proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids, poly-unsaturated fatty acids, peptides, exo-polysaccharides, flavonoids and antioxidants. This book also highlights the advantages and some real-time challenges before the establishment of sustainable algal-based biorefineries. Further, it includes clear flow charts and figures in each chapter to aid in interpretation of every technical concept. This book motivates readers, entrepreneurs, and young farmers to exploit easily growing microalgae through cottage to large-scale biorefineries and start their own businesses for the production of value-added products.
Setting Free The Bears (Quinteto/tusquets Ser. #Vol. 88)
by John Irving'The brown bears paced, brushing their thick coats against the bars; their heads swayed low to the ground, in rhythm with some ritual of stealth they were born knowing and pointlessly never forgot'It is 1967 and two Viennese university students decide to liberate the Vienna Zoo, as was done after World War II. The eccentric duo, Graff and Siggy, embark on an adventure-filled motorbike tour of Austria as they prepare for "the great zoo bust." But their grand scheme will have both comic and gruesome consequences, as they are soon to find out...
The Advent of PhyloCode: The Continuing Evolution of Biological Nomenclature
by Michel LaurinBiological nomenclature is an essential tool for storing and retrieving biological information. Yet traditional nomenclature poorly reflects evolutionary theory. Current biological nomenclature is one of the few fields promoting deliberately vague usage of technical terms. A new code based on evolutionary studies and phylogenetic results (the PhyloCode) will be a major milestone in biological nomenclature. Unfortunately, The PhyloCode and the companion volume are highly technical publications intended for practicing systematists. This book will reach a broader readership of those using nomenclature but who remain unaware of its theoretical foundations.Key Features Responds to the biodiversity crisis and the recent implementation of the PhyloCode Summarizes the spectacular progress of phylogenetics which makes it both increasingly easy and crucially important to define precisely taxon names Provides a 300-year historical perspective featuring high-profile characters, such as Linnaeus and Darwin Summarizes for a broad readership a widely scattered, highly technical and underappreciated scientific literature Documents the activities of the International Society for Phylogenetic Nomenclature, a scholarly society in which the author has played a prominent role
The Ghost of Grania O'Malley
by null Michael MorpurgoThe Ghost of Grania O’Malley is another gripping ghost story from Britain’s best-loved children’s author, Michael Morpurgo. Now available as an ebook. Everyone knows the Big Hill is full of gold, and now the islanders are intent on cutting the top off it and making themselves rich. Jessie and Jake are determined to save the Big Hill but what can they do? A plan is needed, and fast. Could the ghost of Grania O'Malley, the pirate queen, be the answer? You don’t know what you can do until you try. Former Children’s Laureate and award-winning author of War Horse, Michael Morpurgo, demonstrates why he is considered to be the master story teller with this enchanting tale.
The Last Walk: Reflections on Our Pets at the End of Their Lives (Emersion: Emergent Village Resources For Communities Of Faith Ser.)
by Jessica PierceFrom the moment when we first open our homes—and our hearts—to a new pet, we know that one day we will have to watch this beloved animal age and die. The pain of that eventual separation is the cruel corollary to the love we share with them, and most of us deal with it by simply ignoring its inevitability. With The Last Walk, Jessica Pierce makes a forceful case that our pets, and the love we bear them, deserve better. Drawing on the moving story of the last year of the life of her own treasured dog, Ody, she presents an in-depth exploration of the practical, medical, and moral issues that trouble pet owners confronted with the decline and death of their companion animals. Pierce combines heart-wrenching personal stories, interviews, and scientific research to consider a wide range of questions about animal aging, end-of-life care, and death. She tackles such vexing questions as whether animals are aware of death, whether they're feeling pain, and if and when euthanasia is appropriate. Given what we know and can learn, how should we best honor the lives of our pets, both while they live and after they have left us? The product of a lifetime of loving pets, studying philosophy, and collaborating with scientists at the forefront of the study of animal behavior and cognition, The Last Walk asks—and answers—the toughest questions pet owners face. The result is informative, moving, and consoling in equal parts; no pet lover should miss it.
The Dawn of the Deed: The Prehistoric Origins of Sex
by John A. LongWe all know about the birds and the bees, but what about the ancient placoderm fishes and the dinosaurs? The history of sex is as old as life itself—and as complicated and mysterious. And despite centuries of study there is always more to know. In 2008, paleontologist John A. Long and a team of researchers revealed their discovery of a placoderm fish fossil, known as “the mother fish,” which at 380 million years old revealed the oldest vertebrate embryo—the earliest known example of internal fertilization. As Long explains, this find led to the reexamination of countless fish fossils and the discovery of previously undetected embryos. As a result, placoderms are now considered to be the first species to have had intimate sexual reproduction or sex as we know it—sort of. Inspired by this incredible find, Long began a quest to uncover the paleontological and evolutionary history of copulation and insemination. In The Dawn of the Deed, he takes readers on an entertaining and lively tour through the sex lives of ancient fish and exposes the unusual mating habits of arthropods, tortoises, and even a well-endowed (16.5 inches!) Argentine Duck. Long discusses these significant discoveries alongside what we know about reproductive biology and evolutionary theory, using the fossil record to provide a provocative account of prehistoric sex. The Dawn of the Deed also explores fascinating revelations about animal reproduction, from homosexual penguins to monogamous seahorses to the difficulties of dinosaur romance and how sexual organs in ancient shark-like fishes actually relate to our own sexual anatomy. The Dawn of the Deed is Long’s own story of what it’s like to be a part of a discovery that rewrites evolutionary history as well as an absolutely rollicking guide to sex throughout the ages in the animal kingdom. It’s natural history with a naughty wink.
Dolphin Confidential: Confessions of a Field Biologist
by Maddalena BearziWho hasn’t fantasized about the unique thrill of working among charismatic and clever dolphins in the wild? Now we no longer have to rely solely on our imaginations . With Dolphin Confidential, Maddalena Bearzi invites all of us shore-bound dreamers to join her and travel alongside the dolphins. In this fascinating account, she takes us inside the world of a marine scientist and offers a firsthand understanding of marine mammal behavior, as well as the frustrations, delights, and creativity that make up dolphin research. In this intimate narrative, Bearzi recounts her experiences at sea, tracing her own evolution as a woman and a scientist from her earliest travails to her transformation into an advocate for conservation and dolphin protection. These compelling, in-depth descriptions of her fieldwork also present a captivating look into dolphin social behavior and intelligence. The central part of the book is devoted to the metropolitan bottlenose dolphins of California, as Bearzi draws on her extensive experience to offer insights into the daily lives of these creatures—as well as the difficulties involved in collecting the data that transforms hunches into hypotheses and eventually scientific facts. The book closes by addressing the critical environmental and conservation problems facing these magnificent, socially complex, highly intelligent, and emotional beings. An honest, down-to-earth analysis of what it means to be a marine biologist in the field today, Dolphin Confidential offers an entertaining, refreshingly candid, and always informative description of life among the dolphins.
Techniques in Small Animal Soft Tissue, Orthopedic, and Ophthalmic Surgery
by Kristin A. ColemanPractical reference with tips and tricks for successfully performing common surgeries in small animal patients Designed to help general practitioners confidently perform surgery, Techniques in Small Animal Soft Tissue, Orthopedic, and Ophthalmic Surgery offers fast access to step-by-step procedures for the most common surgeries in small animal patients. This book discusses the relevant anatomy, brief pathophysiology, pre-operative considerations, potential complications, and treatment options and detailed techniques for a wide range of surgical procedures, as well as the equipment needed to perform them. Written by specialists from around the world, the 54 chapters each cover multiple treatment options or variations to techniques described in the literature, featuring soft tissue, orthopedic, and ophthalmic surgeries. Practical tips and tricks for success in the operating room applicable to technicians, general practitioners, and surgeons are included throughout the book. High-quality color photographs accompany the surgical descriptions, along with video clips demonstrating some of the techniques hosted on a companion website. Techniques in Small Animal Soft Tissue, Orthopedic, and Ophthalmic Surgery includes information on: Simple eyelid mass removal, steps for prolapsed third eyelid gland, surgery for successful entropion repair, and enucleation Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome in dogs and cats and various surgical interventions, how to address aural hematoma, pinnectomy, and total ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy Ventral bulla osteotomy, mandibulectomy, sialoadenectomy, thyroidectomy, unilateral cricoarytenoid lateralization, and peripheral lymph node extirpation Extracapsular suture stabilization for the cranial cruciate ligament-deficient stifle, medial patellar luxation repair, femoral head and neck ostectomy, and canine elbow dysplasia Limb amputation in companion animals, skin reconstruction options, digit amputation, gastropexy, gastrointestinal procedures, splenectomy, and liver biopsies And many more procedures! Techniques in Small Animal Soft Tissue, Orthopedic, and Ophthalmic Surgery covers common surgeries performed in general practice, giving general practitioners, veterinary students, and new surgeons practical tips and tricks from experienced surgeons in an easily referenced format.
Techniques in Small Animal Soft Tissue, Orthopedic, and Ophthalmic Surgery
by Kristin A. ColemanPractical reference with tips and tricks for successfully performing common surgeries in small animal patients Designed to help general practitioners confidently perform surgery, Techniques in Small Animal Soft Tissue, Orthopedic, and Ophthalmic Surgery offers fast access to step-by-step procedures for the most common surgeries in small animal patients. This book discusses the relevant anatomy, brief pathophysiology, pre-operative considerations, potential complications, and treatment options and detailed techniques for a wide range of surgical procedures, as well as the equipment needed to perform them. Written by specialists from around the world, the 54 chapters each cover multiple treatment options or variations to techniques described in the literature, featuring soft tissue, orthopedic, and ophthalmic surgeries. Practical tips and tricks for success in the operating room applicable to technicians, general practitioners, and surgeons are included throughout the book. High-quality color photographs accompany the surgical descriptions, along with video clips demonstrating some of the techniques hosted on a companion website. Techniques in Small Animal Soft Tissue, Orthopedic, and Ophthalmic Surgery includes information on: Simple eyelid mass removal, steps for prolapsed third eyelid gland, surgery for successful entropion repair, and enucleation Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome in dogs and cats and various surgical interventions, how to address aural hematoma, pinnectomy, and total ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy Ventral bulla osteotomy, mandibulectomy, sialoadenectomy, thyroidectomy, unilateral cricoarytenoid lateralization, and peripheral lymph node extirpation Extracapsular suture stabilization for the cranial cruciate ligament-deficient stifle, medial patellar luxation repair, femoral head and neck ostectomy, and canine elbow dysplasia Limb amputation in companion animals, skin reconstruction options, digit amputation, gastropexy, gastrointestinal procedures, splenectomy, and liver biopsies And many more procedures! Techniques in Small Animal Soft Tissue, Orthopedic, and Ophthalmic Surgery covers common surgeries performed in general practice, giving general practitioners, veterinary students, and new surgeons practical tips and tricks from experienced surgeons in an easily referenced format.
Insect Decline and Conservation in the Neotropics
by Jorge L. León-Cortés Alex Córdoba-AguilarThis book provides for the first time an integrative analysis of the major drivers of decline and threats of insects and related arthropods in the Neotropical region. Thus, it is an urgent first step towards filling an information gap in this region. It identifies the main causes of decline, provides and discusses examples from the better-studied insect faunas to develop and advance principles and practical conservation management for the rich Neotropical insect faunas. The book is aimed at students, naturalists, environmental managers, and others who have training in entomology/insect ecology and can apply the results of surveys of key insect faunas to assess their vulnerability to environmental change and establish guidelines for their conservation.
La Vie: A year in rural France
by John Lewis-StempelAN INDIE BESTSELLER'It reminded me all over again of why I threw up everything for the magic of La Belle France' Carol Drinkwater, author of The Olive Farm'An utterly beguiling immersion in La France Profonde, keenly observed and beautifully told' Felicity Cloake, author of One More Croissant for the RoadFor fans of Peter Mayle, 'Britain's finest living nature writer' takes the plunge and buys an old farmhouse deep in the French countryside - a perfect slice of sunny escapist joy from the perennial Sunday Times bestseller.The Charente: roofs of red terracotta tiles, bleached-white walls, windows shuttered against the blaring sun. The baker does his rounds in his battered little white van with a hundred warm baguettes in the back, while a cat picks its way past a Romanesque church, the sound of bells skipping across miles of rolling, glorious countryside.For many years a farmer in England, John Lewis-Stempel yearned once again to live in a landscape where turtle doves purr and nightingales sing, as they did almost everywhere in his childhood. He wanted to be self-sufficient, to make his own wine and learn the secrets of truffle farming. And so, buying an old honey-coloured limestone house with bright blue shutters, the Lewis-Stempels began their new life as peasant farmers.Over that first year, Lewis-Stempel fell in love with the French countryside, from the wild boar that trot past the kitchen window to the glow-worms and citronella candles that flicker in the evening garden. Although it began as a practical enterprise, it quickly became an affair of the heart: of learning to bite the end off the morning baguette; taking two hours for lunch; in short, living the good life - or as the French say, La Vie.
Springtime with Frog and Toad
by Arnold LobelFrog and Toad stories have delighted both children and adults for more than fifty years, celebrating friendship and life in the most joyful and heart-warming way. This charming collection, which brings together three springtime stories, is the perfect seasonal gift for children.
Summer with Frog and Toad
by Arnold LobelFrog and Toad stories have delighted both children and adults for more than fifty years, celebrating friendship and life in the most joyful and heart-warming way. This charming collection, which brings together three summer stories, is the perfect seasonal gift for children.
Shetland: A Shetland Mystery (Shetland Ser. #7)
by Ann CleevesIn this gloriously illustrated companion to her crime novels featuring Inspector Jimmy Perez, Ann Cleeves takes readers through a year on Shetland. Discover its past, meet its people, celebrate its festivals and see how the flora and fauna of the islands change with the seasons.An archipelago of more than a hundred islands, Shetland is the one of the most remote places in the United Kingdom. Its fifteen hundred miles of shore mean that wherever one stands, there is a view of the sea. It has sheltered voes and beaches and dramatically exposed cliffs, lush meadows full of wild flowers in the summer and bleak hilltops where only the hardiest of plants will grow. It is a place where traditions are valued and celebrated, but new technologies and ways of working are also embraced. Whether it is the drama of the Viking fire festival of Up Helly Aa in winter, or the piercing blue and hot pink of spring flowers on the clifftops, the long, white nights of midsummer or the fierce gales and high tides of autumn, Shetland is vividly captured in all its bleak and special beauty.A book to treasure, full of photos and insightful notes about the stunning location of the Shetland series, now a major BBC One drama starring Douglas Henshall.
Little Foxes
by null Michael MorpurgoA spellbinding animal story from War Horse author and former Children's Laureate, Michael Morpurgo. Bullied at school, nagged in Aunty May's tenth-floor council flat, there's only one place ten-year-old Billy really feels alive – in the wilderness by the canal. There he watches a cygnet on the water and protects a family of fox cubs. Then his secret place is discovered and the fox family decimated. Unwanted and unloved, Billy and the last fox run for their lives … A gripping and poignant animal adventure from the master storyteller of An Eagle in the Snow, Listen to the Moon, Shadow, and An Elephant in the Garden. ––– Former Children's Laureate Michael Morpurgo needs no introduction. He is one of the most successful children's authors in the country, loved by children, teachers and parents alike. Michael has written more than forty books for children including the global hit War Horse, which was made into a Hollywood film by Steven Spielberg in 2011. Several of his other stories have been adapted for screen and stage, including My Friend Walter, Why the Whales Came and Kensuke's Kingdom. Michael has won the Whitbread Award, the Smarties Award, the Circle of Gold Award, the Children's Book Award and has been short-listed for the Carnegie Medal four times. He started the charity Farms for City Children in 1976 with his wife, Clare, aimed at relieving the “poverty of experience… many young children feel in inner city and urban areas. Michael is also a patron of over a dozen other charities. Living in Devon, listening to Mozart and working with children have provided Michael with the ideas and incentive to write his stories. He spends half his life mucking out sheds with the children, feeding sheep or milking cows; the other half he spends dreaming up and writing stories for children. "For me, the greater part of writing is daydreaming, dreaming the dream of my story until it hatches out – the writing down of it I always find hard. But I love finishing it, then holding the book in my hand and sharing my dream with my readers." Michael received an OBE in December 2006 for his services to literature.
A Flying Visit (A Percy the Park Keeper Story)
by Nick ButterworthAn exciting picture book about much-loved Percy the Park Keeper and his animal friends from the bestselling creator of One Snowy Night.
How to Catch a Star (Read aloud by Paul McGann)
by null Oliver JeffersThis is a read-along edition with audio synced to the text, performed by Paul McGann. An inspirational story of a boy who loved the stars so much, he decided to catch one of his very own. The beautifully illustrated, original debut picture book from shining talent Oliver Jeffers. There once was a boy who loved stars so much that he wished he had one of his very own. Every night he watched the stars in the sky from his bedroom window and dreamed of how he could be their friend and how they could play hide-and-go-seek together. So, one day, he decided to set about catching a star of his very own…
Arthur High King of Britain: High King Of Britain (New Windmills Ser.)
by null Michael MorpurgoAn enchanting take on the legend of King Arthur from Britain’s best-loved children’s author, Michael Morpurgo. Marooned on a sandbank, a boy faces certain death. With the sea closing in and the current about to drag him to a watery grave, his final wish is to see heaven. Waking in a strange bed, the boy meets an old man sitting by the fire with his dog. It is King Arthur, the great warrior of legend, and from his lips the boy hears of Camelot, chivalry, magic, evil and betrayal. Former Children’s Laureate and award-winning author of War Horse, Michael Morpurgo, demonstrates why he is considered to be the master storyteller with this contemporary twist on Arthurian Legend. Other titles you might enjoy: An Eagle in the Snow The Fox and the Ghost King War Horse The Sleeping Sword ––– Former Children's Laureate Michael Morpurgo needs no introduction. He is one of the most successful children's authors in the country, loved by children, teachers and parents alike. Michael has written more than forty books for children including the global hit War Horse, which was made into a Hollywood film by Steven Spielberg in 2011. Several of his other stories have been adapted for screen and stage, including My Friend Walter, Why the Whales Came and Kensuke's Kingdom. Michael has won the Whitbread Award, the Smarties Award, the Circle of Gold Award, the Children's Book Award and has been short-listed for the Carnegie Medal four times. He started the charity Farms for City Children in 1976 with his wife, Clare, aimed at relieving the “poverty of experience… many young children feel in inner city and urban areas. Michael is also a patron of over a dozen other charities. Living in Devon, listening to Mozart and working with children have provided Michael with the ideas and incentive to write his stories. He spends half his life mucking out sheds with the children, feeding sheep or milking cows; the other half he spends dreaming up and writing stories for children. "For me, the greater part of writing is daydreaming, dreaming the dream of my story until it hatches out – the writing down of it I always find hard. But I love finishing it, then holding the book in my hand and sharing my dream with my readers." Michael received an OBE in December 2006 for his services to literature.
Lil' Muffin Drops the Mic: The brand-new children’s book from comedian Romesh Ranganathan!
by Romesh RanganathanFrom comedy superstar Romesh Ranganathan comes a hilarious and heartfelt tale that proves rap battles and baking muffins really can mix. The perfect story for readers age 8+ and fans of David Baddiel and Adam B Wins the Internet!Ever since his dad left, James can't seem to stop worrying about everything. His favourite hobby, baking, is a fun (and delicious!) distraction, but no matter how many AMAZING brownies he makes, James still feels like there's a missing ingredient in his life . . .Until he discovers rapping, and he's COMPLETELY hooked. It's not long before James starts writing his own raps about everything - from music and cakes to his giant pet rabbit, Graham!So when he hears that grime artist star Brukka is on the hunt for young talent, James starts to wonder: could this be his chance to share his MUFFINS, his MUSIC, and maybe even his feelings with the whole school? If he could only find the confidence . . .Full of laugh-out-loud illustrations from bestselling illustrator James Lancett, this is the children's read of the summer!