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'Absorbing' Sunday Times, Historical Fiction Picks'I was blown away by this dark, enchanting story of witchcraft, power and injustice' Mary Chamberlain'A mesmerising combination of gothic horror and elegant restraint' Francesca De Tores, author of SaltbloodMembers of Countess Báthory's household have been sent out to gather new serving girls and the kindly old man who gave Boróka a home as a baby knows that it is dangerous to turn them away. As the 15-year-old girl reluctantly leaves the safety of the only home she has ever known in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains, the future looks uncertain - and dangerous.Boróka is frightened of the countess's reputation and the whispers of cruelty and unexplained deaths. She finds the women who run Cachtice Castle terrifyingly cold and the other girls are as scared as she is. Despite this, Boróka slowly begins to find her feet - until a bout of plague breaks out at the castle. Powerful forces are moving against a woman whose wealth poses such a threat to the king. And when the show trial begins against the infamous 'Blood Countess' where will Boróka's loyalties really lie?

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Transform your life in a big way by embracing the small moments of joy, or sparkles, you encounter every day.In a world inundated with negativity, finding sparkles stands out as a refreshing and innovative approach to wellness. The concept revolves around the transformative power of recognizing and celebrating small, positive moments—the sparkles that often go unnoticed in the chaos of daily life. By consistently acknowledging and savoring these moments, you can gradually reshape your thought patterns in a way that improves your mental well-being and overall health. In Daily Sparkles, find over 1,000 little things to be happy about in every season (spring, summer, fall, and winter) because sparkles happen year-round. For nonseasonal moments of joy, the everyday section has you covered for the mornings, afternoons, and nights. If you can use your mental energy to look for the good stuff that nourishes and heals you, there will be many moments of happiness in your life with the instant mood boost of these micro-moments. Embrace the joy of:The morning sun coming through the window when you wake upThe first spring flower of the seasonSnuggling with your petFeeling the sand between your toes at the beachWatching the sunset outside in the fresh airSmelling freshly baked breadFinding the perfect parking spotTaking the first sip of a latte while sitting at a coffee shopAnd more!Take a moment to pull away from the fast-pace of life and start seeing the beauty everywhere. With a glittering foil cover to inspire your search, reveal the tiny sparkles of joy hidden all around you with this beautiful book as your guide.

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An uplifting celebration of every child's own family story. From the bestselling author of Rain Before Rainbows and I'm Sticking With You, Smriti Halls, and star illustrator Chaaya Prabhat.You are your mother’s bright eyes and her joyful wide grin,Your father’s big heart and his kindness within . . .Inspired by the author's own experience of raising her children to celebrate their British and Indian heritage, Best of All is a gorgeous and heartwarming book exploring what makes us who we are.This treasure of a book is perfect to share with multi-heritage children, and to celebrate any child's unique family history.Smriti's lyrical verse is paired with vibrant artwork from up-and-coming artist Chaaya Prabhat. Brimming with love and joy, the lush language and stunning illustrations make repeat reading a pleasure.

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Push, pull and slide the scenes to zoom about town in Busy Cars! Lower the convertible's roof, swish the windscreen wipers and charge the car at the end of the day in this book about fun, fast, four-wheeled vehicles.Perfect for toddlers who like to play as they read, they will love this bright and colourful board book with gentle rhyming text and wonderful illustrations by Mel Matthews, which is part of the popular Busy Book series.Listen along to an audio recording of this story by scanning the QR code on the back cover.Discover more vehicle stories with Busy Garage, Busy Trucks and Busy Scooters.

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Celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day in this fully illustrated insight into the final months of the Second World War.From the long-awaited opening of the second front in the West on D-Day, 6 June 1944, to the final surrender of Germany on 8 May 1945, the Allied armies in north-west Europe under the supreme command of Eisenhower fought a gruelling series of battles against Axis forces hardened by years of war and desperate to defend their homeland from destruction.Written by a leading military historian, Julian Thompson, Victory in Europe contains 30 facsimile items of Second World War reproduced throughout the book. Re-live this momentous period of history through maps, diaries, letters, sketches, secret memos and reports, posters and labels all sourced from the archives of the Imperial War Museums.

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NOW A MAJOR FILM STARRING STEVE COOGAN AND JONATHAN PRYCEThis is the true story of the unlikely friendship between a flightless bird and a teacher out of his depth…'So touching that I didn't want it to end. I really loved this book' Michael Bond, creator of Paddington'Heartwarmingly eccentric' Guardian'Charming' Daily Mail-Tom Michell is in his roaring twenties: single, free-spirited and seeking adventure. He has a plane ticket to South America, a teaching position in a prestigious Argentine boarding school, and endless summer holidays.What he doesn't need is a pet. What he really doesn't need is a pet penguin.But while on holiday in Uruguay he spots a penguin struggling in an oil slick and knows he has to help. And then the penguin refuses to leave his side . . .Clearly Tom has no choice but to smuggle it across the border, through customs, and back to school. He names him Juan Salvador.Whether it's as the rugby team's mascot, the housekeeper's confidant, the host at Tom's parties or the most flamboyant swimming coach in world history, Juan Salvador transforms the lives of all he meets - including Tom, who discovers a compadre like no other . . .–Readers adore The Penguin Lessons:'I can't remember the last time I read a book that made me smile so continuously' 5***** Reader Review'How could a penguin transform so many lives? Read it and see. You'll not regret it' 5***** Reader Review'Delightful, uplifting, enjoyable, fun and beautifully written' 5***** Reader ReviewPraise for The Penguin Lessons'Lively and endearing' Publishers Weekly'Warm and unique ... it's hard not to wish you were there' Bookseller'One of the most touching tales we've read all year' Heat

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The most comprehensive survey to date of contemporary video and moving-image art from the last decade Video has never been more prevalent in contemporary art than it is today. At a time when moving images have saturated daily life, artists continue to draw new possibilities from the medium. From live-action documentation to hand-drawn animation, participatory video-game technologies, and computer-generated imagery,Vitamin V: Video and the Moving Image in Contemporary Art presents over 850 images from more than 100 artists. Discover recent work by established names as well as rising stars in the contemporary art world, all nominated by a global panel of high-profile art-world figures. Richly illustrated with multiple examples of works by each artist, including stills and installation views,Vitamin V is the first book in Phaidon’s celebrated Vitamin series to focus on the moving image. An insightful essay by renowned scholar Erika Balsom surveys the history of video art from the 1960s until today.

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A Sunday Times Art Book of the Year. This is a unique and compelling journey through five centuries of the city known as ‘La Serenissima’ – a perfect companion for both lovers of Venice and lovers of its art. Venice was a major centre of art in the Renaissance: the city where the medium of oil on canvas became the norm. Nowhere else has been depicted by so many great painters in so many diverse styles and moods. Venetian views were a speciality of native artists such as Canaletto and Guardi, but the city has also been represented by outsiders: J. M. W. Turner, Claude Monet, John Singer Sargent, Howard Hodgkin, and many more. Then there are those who came to look at and write about art. The reactions of Henry James, George Eliot, Richard Wagner and others enrich this tale. Nor is the story over. Since the advent of the Venice Biennale in the 1890s, and the arrival of Peggy Guggenheim in the late 1940s, the city has become a shop window for the contemporary art of the whole world, and it remains the site of important artistic events. In this elegant volume, Gayford – who has visited Venice countless times since the 1970s, covered every Biennale since 1990, and even had portraits of himself exhibited there on several occasions – takes us on a visual journey through the city’s past five centuries.

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A magnificent look at the science of plants from the internationally bestselling and multi award-winning team behind Tiny, Lots and Grow.This tree doesn’t look like it’s doing very much: it just stands there in the sunlight, big and GREEN. But this tree is busy... Starting with the secret workings of a tree, this book transports readers billions of years into the past; back to the moment when plant life first appeared on our planet. Covering its evolution, the steady emergence of fossil fuels and the extraordinary communities of plants around the world today, Nicola Davies and Emily Sutton combine essential biology with a powerful message, calling on readers to celebrate and cherish the most precious colour on Earth: GREEN."Gorgeously illustrated." The Times“A remarkable and very special work of non-fiction.” Independent on Grow

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'Such a vivid, human and original book,' Tim HarfordWhat if we could find a way to see everything anew? For fans of Thinking, Fast and Slow and The Power of Habit, a groundbreaking new study of how disrupting our well-worn routines, both good and bad, can rejuvenate our days and reset our brains to allow us to live happier and more fulfilling lives.Have you ever noticed that what is thrilling on Monday tends to become boring on Friday? Even exciting relationships, stimulating jobs, and breathtaking works of art lose their sparkle after a while. People stop noticing what is most wonderful in their own lives. They also stop noticing what is terrible. They get used to dirty air. They stay in abusive relationships. People grow to accept authoritarianism and take foolish risks. They become unconcerned by their own misconduct, blind to inequality, and are more liable to believe misinformation than ever before.But what if you could regain sensitivity, not only to the great things in your life, but also to the terrible things you stopped noticing and so don't try to change?

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The bestselling survey of art history, newly expanded with additional artworks and fresh commentary across six overarching themes: looking, materials, mind, devotion, power, and sex.How is art made? How can we interpret the meaning behind it? And what is the significance of the way in which it is displayed? Using six common themes that bind together art from around the globe, this lively and illuminating journey through art history seeks to answer these questions and more, drawing parallels across different time periods and cultures - from cave paintings to contemporary multi-media works.This expanded edition of Dana Arnold's bestselling survey offers new illustrations and fresh insights - the perfect companion for anyone seeking to learn more across a stunning breadth of art.

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The superstar series full of facts, stats, stories and info so you can decide which football legend is the Greatest Of All Time! Written by Matt Oldfield, the bestselling author of ULTIMATE FOOTBALL HEROES and UNBELIEVABLE FOOTBALL, and Seth Burkett, EX PROFESSIONAL PLAYER.In this epic clash, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland go head-to-head . . .- Read about how Mbappé broke records when he signed for Paris Saint Germain- Why Haaland got the nickname the "Striking Viking"- When Mbappé won the World Cup for France - and scored four goals in two finals- But how Haaland won two trebles for Manchester City in a single season. . .It’s a tough competition – are you ready to VOTE FOR THE GOAT?The perfect gift for football fans, and there’s a whole set to collect!OUT NOW!Messi v. RonaldoPelé v. MaradonaKane v. BellinghamAND AVAILABLE TO PRE-ORDER!Saka v. Yamal

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'Mikey Please has one of the most brilliant minds I know; the perfect combination of science, philosophy and madness' Daniel Kwan, Oscar-winning director of Everything Everywhere All At OnceHumankind has been reduced to the height of handspan - a transformation that is both potentially lethal and exasperatingly inconvenient On a remote coastal path, Giles awakes in his new body to discover a world reshaped and magnified into a place of astounding abundance and deadly peril. Desperate to reconnect with his loved ones, he seeks the help of fellow survivors, and together they embark on a quest across the altered landscape. But as their journey unfolds, the more the question persists - are they still truly human, or has their reduction in size marked the beginning of a descent into savagery, an evolution into something other? Elsewhere, one week earlier, Professor Elizabeth Goodwin makes a monumental discovery - God is alive and physically among us, but not in the form we've been taught to expect. As Goodwin prepares to make first contact with the omnipresent ocean-spanning creature, forces conspire in the wings, and the spectre of imminent catastrophe inches closer and closer still . . . Dark, witty, and wildly ambitious, Mikey Please guides us into The Expanded Earth, a high-stakes adventure packed with jeopardy and life-affirming beauty - a story that ultimately celebrates the capacity of small things to effect great change. The first in a spellbinding trilogy, this beautifully illustrated debut novel marks the arrival of a new talent and perhaps a new genre - the world of the micropocalypse.

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'Sits you at the dressing table of history: a place of dreams, doubts, self-harm and hopes' -Sunday TimesAt the heart of this history is the female body. The century-span between the crinoline and the bikini witnessed more mutations in the ideal western woman's body shape than at any other period. In this richly detailed account, Virginia Nicholson, described as 'one of the great social historians of our time...' (Amanda Foreman) and a truly brilliant researcher has produced a most remarkable social history revealing the power, the pain and the pleasure involved in adorning the female body. She asks how custom, colour, class and sex fit into the picture, and shrewdly charts how the advances made by feminism collided with the changing shape of desirability. Full of surprising facts - the feminist plastic surgeon, the radioactive corset - alongside stories of the 'New Women' who discovered freedom by bobbing their hair, those who were the early adopters of trousers, and early Black beauty entrepreneurs, this book chronicles the codes, the contradictions, the lies and the highs of beauty. Virginia Nicholson shows how the pursuit of beauty can be oppressive but also a way of negotiating the world and that adornment can be a deep pleasure. It's complicated!`This is a fascinating book: funny, unexpected, forgiving, political, personal, glamorous and yes, quietly, angry. Read it for the amazing stories; stay for the self-knowledge. Or the Revolution' -Louisa Young, Prospect

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A brilliant collection of short stories and short form fiction from the pen of Sir Terry Pratchett, one of the world's best-loved authors.'Clever, neatly constructed and funny … Pratchett is one of the great comic writers and storytellers of our time' GuardianA Blink of the Screen charts the course of Pratchett's long writing career: from his schooldays through to his first writing job on the Bucks Free Press; to the origins of his debut novel, The Carpet People; and on again to the dizzy mastery of the Discworld series.Here are characters both familiar and yet to be discovered; abandoned worlds and others still expanding; adventure, chickens, death, disco and, actually, some quite disturbing ideas about Christmas, all of it shot through with his inimitable brand of humour.With an introduction by Booker Prize-winning author A.S. Byatt and drawings by the author himself, this is a book to treasure.Front cover may vary.

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A novel in verse about teenage love and friendships, lost and found.Daisy can feel like a solo act at home. On the outside of her twin brothers' intense relationship, she leans towards her parents, particularly her father, for support. As a passionate classical musician, she is not wildly popular at school, but she has one close friend and a life filled with musical performance. Her life is turned upside down when her boyfriend suddenly breaks up with her, and Daisy is left disconnected from her one true love, music.When she makes a new friend at school, mysterious Flora, Daisy finds a glimmer of peace in her chaotic life. Just as everything seems to be getting better, they all fall apart. Family tensions heighten as Daisy's dad falls ill and Daisy needs to decide should she find her way back to who she was or look towards who she is going to become.

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A gorgeous gift edition of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. A timeless heroine, Alice is quick-witted, determined and resourceful. In her extraordinary adventures she meets a series of unforgettable characters, from the bossy White Rabbit to the grinning Cheshire-Cat and the Mad Hatter, all of whom are as famous as Alice herself.Gloriously illustrated with the original line drawings by John Tenniel, plates coloured by John Macfarlane, a ribbon marker and a foreword by award-winning children's author Hilary McKay. This beautiful hardback Macmillan Classics edition of Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, which was first published by Macmillan in 1865, is a truly special gift to treasure.

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Whether you want to explore the Smithsonian Museums, stroll along the Wharf, or dine in the city's increasingly sophisticated restaurant scene, the local Fodor's travel experts in Washington D.C. are here to help! Fodor's Washington D.C. guidebook is packed with maps, carefully curated recommendations, and everything else you need to simplify your trip-planning process and make the most of your time. This new edition has been fully-redesigned with an easy-to-read layout, fresh information, and beautiful color photos.Fodor's Washington D.C. travel guide includes:AN ILLUSTRATED ULTIMATE EXPERIENCES GUIDE to the top things to see and doMULTIPLE ITINERARIES to effectively organize your days and maximize your timeMORE THAN 20 DETAILED MAPS and a FREE PULL-OUT MAP to help you navigate confidentlyCOLOR PHOTOS throughout to spark your wanderlust!HONEST RECOMMENDATIONS FROM LOCALS on the best sights, restaurants, hotels, nightlife, shopping, performing arts, activities, side-trips, and morePHOTO-FILLED “BEST OF” FEATURES on “What to Buy,” “Under the Radar,” “D.C. with kids,” and moreTRIP-PLANNING TOOLS AND PRACTICAL TIPS including when to go, getting around, beating the crowds, and saving time and moneyHISTORICAL AND CULTURAL INSIGHTS providing rich context on the local people, politics, art, architecture, cuisine, music, and moreSPECIAL FEATURES on “What to Watch and Read Before You Visit,” and “What to Eat and Drink” LOCAL WRITERS to help you find the under-the-radar gemsUP-TO-DATE COVERAGE ON: The Washington Monument, the White House, the Capitol Building, the National Mall, the Lincoln Memorial, the Smithsonian museums, Arlington National Cemetery, Georgetown's boutiques, U Street's restaurants, Alexandria, Mount Vernon, Annapolis, Baltimore, and more.Planning on visiting other parts of the east coast? Check out Fodor's New York City, Fodor's Boston, and Fodor's Maine Coast.*Important note for digital editions: The digital edition of this guide does not contain all the images or text included in the physical edition.ABOUT FODOR'S AUTHORS: Each Fodor's Travel Guide is researched and written by local experts. Fodor's has been offering expert advice for all tastes and budgets for over 80 years. For more travel inspiration, you can sign up for our travel newsletter at fodors.com/newsletter/signup, or follow us @FodorsTravel on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. We invite you to join our friendly community of travel experts at fodors.com/community to ask any other questions and share your experience with us!

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Knights in training Ellie and Caedmon must complete three quests that put them on opposing sides or risk losing their Knighthood and magic forever -- now in paperback.Best friends Ellie Bettlebump and Caedmon Tuggle are different as the day is long. Caedmon's a human, from a non-magical realm known as Wisconsin. Ellie, on the other hand, is full of magic-illegal magic. What they have in common is far more important, however. After the adventure of a lifetime, they are both officially Knights of the Round Table...in training. To graduate to the next level at the Knights Academy, they must complete three quests proving their heroism. If they fail, they'll have to achieve the dreaded Impossible Quest, and repeat the same year forever.Unfortunately, their quests prove more than a little difficult. Ellie is exposed as a witch and her magic is locked away by the powerful DeJoie family. In an effort to free herself from their control, Ellie winds up embroiled in a plan that could ruin the Knights of the Round Table: steal the source of the knights' power, and a wicked sorcerer will restore her magic.As fate would have it, one of Caedmon's quests leads him to protect the source of the knights' power. If Caedmon wants to graduate-not to mention save the realms from certain disaster-he'll have to betray his best friend, forcing him to choose what truly matters most to him: knighthood or friendship.As centuries of secrets collide and an ancient evil arises, Ellie and Caedmon must overcome this test of loyalty and friendship. If they don't, they will lose more than their battle against evil forces keeping them apart.They will lose each other.

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THE REST IS HISTORY CLUB BOOK OF THE MONTH 'One of the most engaging and fascinating histories of Europe I've read for years.' DOMINIC SANDBROOK'Highly original and insightful' PD SMITH, GUARDIAN'Thrillingly unique, knowledgeable, perceptive and profound' IAN DUNTThe history of Europe told through twenty-nine key borders that define the past, present and future of our continentEurope's internal borders have rarely been 'natural'; they have more often been created by accident or force.In Borderlines, political historian Lewis Baston journeys along twenty-nine key borders from west to east Europe, examining how the map of our continent has been redrawn over the last century, with varying degrees of success. The fingerprints of Napoleon, Alexander I, Castlereagh, Napoleon III and Bismarck are all there, but today's map of Europe is mostly the work of the Allies in 1919 and Stalin in 1945.To journey to the centre of the story of Europe, Baston takes us to its edges, bringing to life the fascinating and often bizarre histories of these border zones. We visit Baarle, the town broken into thirty fragments by the Netherland-Belgium border, and stop in Ostritz, the eastern German town where Nazis held a rock festival. We meander the back lanes of rural Ireland, and soak up the atmosphere in the coffee houses of the Ukrainian city of Chernivtsi. Through these borderlands, Baston explores how places and people heal from the scars left by a Europe of ethnic cleansing and barbed wire fences, and he searches for a better European future - finding it in unexpected places.'An eye-opening read that combines Baston's travels along Europe's fault lines with incredible insights on how they got there in the first place.' KATJA HOYER'Beautiful. A true gem... [his] unique take on human nature through the history and heritage of the borderlands ends up being deeply moving.' - IRISH INDEPENDENT'Extraordinarily perceptive and original' ANTHONY SELDON'Refreshing and important' RAFAEL BEHR

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This beautiful pocket-sized hardback gift book contains carefully curated prescriptions in verse compiled by Deborah Alma, the founder of the Poetry Pharmacy. Life is lived with feeling - these poems will bring you tranquility.Includes poems by W. B. Yeats, Walt Whitman, William Shakespeare, Edna St Vincent Millay, D. H. Lawrence and many more.The Poetry Prescription series compiled by Deborah Alma is the perfect antidote for life’s ailments. Inspired by the achingly cool Poetry Pharmacy shops in London and Shropshire - social media favourites with a clear focus on promoting wellbeing through the written and spoken word.Each of the 8 themed titles offers an array of poems to inspire, heal and comfort. Whether readers are looking to find solace for times of ill-health, loss and grief, cope with matters of the heart, need poetic inspiration for courage and confidence, or want to find peace and tranquillity in wild spaces, there is a collection for everyone. Perfect for reading aloud or for quiet contemplation, these books are a much needed balm for our busy lives.Other books in the series include Poetry Prescription: Comfort, Poetry Prescription: Words for Love, and Poetry Prescription: Becoming.

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This beautiful pocket-sized hardback gift book contains carefully curated prescriptions in verse compiled by Deborah Alma, the founder of the Poetry Pharmacy. Life is lived with feeling - and these poems will bring you courage.Includes poems by William Blake, Emily Dickinson, Edward Thomas, W. B. Yeats, William Shakespeare and many more.The Poetry Pharmacy series compiled by Deborah Alma is the perfect prescription for life’s ailments. Inspired by the achingly cool Poetry Pharmacy shops in London and Shropshire - social media favourites with a clear focus on promoting wellbeing through the written and spoken word.Each of the 8 themed titles offers an array of poems to inspire, heal and comfort. Whether you are looking to find solace for times of ill-health, loss and grief, cope with matters of the heart, need poetic inspiration for courage and confidence, or want to find peace and tranquillity in wild spaces, there is a collection for everyone. Perfect for reading aloud or for quiet contemplation, these books are a much needed balm for our busy lives.Other books in the series includes Poetry Prescription: Comfort, Poetry Prescription: Words for Love and Poetry Prescription: Wild Remedy.

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"I wrote to Macmillan to suggest a new idea: a 'Nursery Edition' of Alice with pictures printed in." – Lewis Carroll's diary, 15th February 1881The Nursery Alice, originally published by Macmillan & Co. in 1890, was the very first colour edition of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. It was intended, wrote Carroll, "to be read by Children aged from Nought to Five. To be read? Nay, not so! Say rather to be thumbed, to be cooed over, to be dogs'-eared, to be rumpled, to be kissed . . ." With this new, younger readership in mind, Carroll rewrote Alice himself, simplifying and abridging the original text, while Sir John Tenniel redrew, enlarged and coloured twenty of his iconic illustrations (with Alice in a yellow dress to reflect the 1890s craze for yellow!). The resulting book is a delightfully engaging experience; readers prompted to interact not only with the story but also with the images and even the physical book itself, in a way that is thoroughly modern.Gloriously reproduced by Macmillan, the original publishers of both Lewis Carroll's Alice books, this edition retains every word of the original The Nursery Alice and restores the exquisite delicacy of Tenniel's artwork - lost in reproductions across the decades - along with the delightful cover artwork by Emily Gertrude Thomson. This gem of a book is the perfect introduction to Alice, and a delight for child and adult readers alike.

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This fun and familiar tale of cat chase invites you to spot Cat in every scene as he hides from Suzy, from award-winning author and illustrator, Eva Eland.Suzy is visiting Auntie today, and she wants to play with Cat. But where is he? Always just out of her reach, Suzy calls for him – all she wants to do is play dressing up, or dance together, or pretend they’re mummy and baby . . . but Cat doesn’t like the sound of that one bit. Will he change his mind at nap time, when Suzy is quiet and curled up in bed?From award-winning author and illustrator, Eva Eland who brought us When Sadness Comes to Call:'Packs an emotional punch' Sunday Independent, Best Books of 2019'Outstanding, don't miss it' Irish Independent

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'A funny, wild, crazily imaginative debut.' The GuardianA National Book Tokens 'best new children's books of 2025' pickThe universe makes no mistakes…Twelve-year-old Arian never wanted a foster sister, much less the weird and annoying one who has joined his family. From her outlandish outfits and bizarre behaviour to her claim that the random stick she carries is a magical weapon, Madlock is creeping Arian out. There’s just one thing the pair can agree on: that she’s from another planet. Of course, Arian never meant literally…When Madlock summons a portal to another world, Arian is launched into an adventure of intergalactic proportions. For an ancient enemy is stirring in the shadows, and the universe has a bigger plan for them than the pair could ever have imagined

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Winner of Children's Book of the Year at The Week Junior Book Awards 2024!Shortlisted for the Fortnum & Mason Awards Food Book of the Year 2024! Find out what children eat all around the world in this beautifully illustrated book, written by bestselling poet and author Laura Mucha, alongside acclaimed cookbook author Ed Smith.From pasta to passionfruit, baguettes to biryani, ramen to rambutan, there are so many different dishes and delicacies all around the world. In this fascinating book, young children can learn all about what people in other countries eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as where our food comes from, and the stories, cultures and traditions behind what we eat. A unique, warm-hearted book that will teach children understanding, empathy and respect of differing experiences, cultures and tradition.With engaging, colourful artwork on every page by award-winning illustrator Harriet Lynas. "When my two were little, this would have been a favourite book, something that showed them the world, introduced different foods and cultures, had some amazing facts and that I - rather selfishly - would have enjoyed and learnt from too" - Diana Henry, Waitrose Weekend"Engaging information, combined with colourful illustrations, makes this a winning choice for any budding young chef" - GQ Magazine

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Meet the funniest trio in town! There’s Blue, the thoughtful bookworm, Barry, the brilliant inventor, and Pancakes, the happy-go-lucky adventurer. Despite their differences, they ALWAYS have each other’s backs…One day, Blue and Barry are enjoying a quiet afternoon when Pancakes bounds in with a surprise – she's made a rocket out of balloons! And a whole planet named Balloonia! Blue and Barry agree to take a quick peek at Pancakes' creations, but what's meant to be a fun tour quickly turns into an ordeal as the gang finds themselves face to face with the biggest and meanest Balloonian of all – BALLOON KONG!

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'A masterpiece. On behalf of everyone grappling to understand their unique brains, thank you! Truly life changing' Alex Partridge, host of ADHD Chatter and bestselling author of Now It All Makes SenseWhat is it like to experience both Autism and ADHD?You've probably heard of Autism or ADHD by now. Often thought of as contradictory conditions, much of the discourse around both focuses on their neurological differences. But what about those diagnosed with both? Where do the two conditions intersect and overlap?Explaining AuDHD is a straight-talking guide for those trying to understand Autism and ADHD as a combined diagnosis. Using real-life stories of people living with AuDHD, this book offers advice for those grappling with a diagnosis, and provides a framework for readers to advocate for themselves and discuss it with loved ones.Written in accessible prose by Autism and ADHD expert Dr Khurram Sadiq, Explaining AuDHD is a vital resource for anyone questioning their own neurodiversity, undergoing assessment, or making sense of their recent diagnosis..'This is going to be a game changer for so many people in the best way' Ruth Liptrot, Channel Five News

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The masterful Kate DiCamillo, twice winner of the Newbery Medal, has outdone herself with a hilarious and achingly real love story about a girl, a ghost, a grandmother and growing up.It’s the summer she turns 10, and for Ferris Wilkey, it is a summer of sheer pandemonium. Her little sister, Pinky, has vowed to become an outlaw. Uncle Ted has left Aunt Shirley and, to Ferris’s mother’s chagrin, is holed up in the Wilkey basement to paint a history of the world. And Charisse, Ferris’s grandmother, has started seeing a ghost in the doorway to her room – which seems like an alarming omen given that she is feeling unwell. But the ghost is not there to usher Charisse to the Great Beyond. Rather, she has other plans – wild, impractical, illuminating plans. How can Ferris satisfy a spectre with Pinky terrorizing the town, Uncle Ted sending Ferris to spy on her aunt, and her father battling an invasion of raccoons?

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Are you seeking more balance, to create more harmony in the home or to learn to regulate your emotions? According to Chinese philosophy, equilibrium is the key to a happy life because everything - from the stars in the sky to the changing seasons and even your thoughts and feelings - exists on a fine balance of energy. This crucial balancing act is known as yin yang: the belief that all things act against an equal and opposite force. Think day (yang) and night (yin). Happy and sad. Through the ancient philosophy of yin yang, you can discover how to live in tune with yourself. This pocket-sized guide will help you: - Understand the Taiji symbol, and the principles of duality, dependence, dynamism.- Discover how the five Chinese elements that make up our natural world can connect us with the ebbs and flow of life.- Apply the lessons of yin yang in your life - from movement, sleep and diet, to your emotions and environment.- Improve your relationship with your partner by embracing your unique energies, to welcome change, handle conflict and embrace flow.Gemini PocketsFrom little guides to soothe your soul to all-access passes to the lives of pop icons, and from quizzes and puzzles for literature lovers to books on food, nature, fashion, and more, Gemini Pockets are the perfect fit for your life and interests.

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'JAW-DROPPING' AXIE OHA girl who lost her magic. The boy who found it. And a city having one Hell of a time . . .Rui is an Exorcist-in-training with one goal in mind - honing her magic to avenge her mother's death. Yiran is the black sheep of an illustrious family. The world would be at his feet - had he been born with magic. But when an accident causes Rui's power to transfer to Yiran, everything turns upside down. Without her magic, Rui has no tool for vengeance. With it, Yiran finally feels like he belongs.As dangerous monsters overrun the city, Rui will do whatever it takes to regain her power. Even if that means making a deal with a shadowy stranger to track down a god who does not wish to be found . . . A sparkling urban fantasy with an achingly slow burn romance at its heart, Darker By Four is the perfect book for fans of Legendborn and The Mortal Instruments, as well as anyone looking to immerse themselves in a shadowy world brimming with magic.AUTHORS LOVE JUNE CL TAN'If you ever wanted a book that reads like a comfort anime that also isn't afraid to skewer you with angst and explosive fight sequences, then look no further' JOAN HE'A complete page-turner of a fantasy!' KAT CHO'A rich and vividly drawn world of revenants, exorcists, death gods and stolen magic' VANESSA LEN'Both ruthless and tender, this book leads you through a perilous world of death while grounding you in raw emotion' KYLIE LEE BAKER

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'A thoroughly rapacious woman...as cruel as she is greedy' Cicero'A woman who took no thought for spinning or housekeeping...meddlesome and headstrong' Plutarch'[She] caused the death of many, both to satisfy her enmity and to gain their wealth' Cassius Dio'She acted in a haughty manner towards those who were placing her in a position to be arrogant' Orosius'Nothing of the woman in her except her sex' Velleius PaterculusThe charismatic Fulvia amassed a degree of military and political power that was unprecedented for a woman in Ancient Rome. Married three times to men who moved in powerful circles, including Marc Antony, Fulvia was not content to play the usual background role that was expected of a wife - instead she challenged the Roman patriarchy and sought to increase her influence in the face of determined opposition. It's rare to know so much about a particular Roman woman, but Fulvia was so despised by her male detractors that she was much written about. Acclaimed historian Jane Draycott has used original sources to piece together Fulvia's life and sort fact from fiction, while also exploring the role of women in Roman society.

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Inside Rick Steves Rome you'll find:- Fully updated, comprehensive coverage for spending a week or more exploring Rome- Rick's strategic advice on how to get the most out of your time and money, with rankings of his must-see favourites- Top sights and hidden gems, from the Colosseum and the Sistine Chapel to corner trattorias, cozy wine bars, and the perfect scoop of gelato- How to connect with local culture: Indulge in the Italian happy hour tradition of aperitivo, savour a plate of cacio e pepe, or chat with fans about the latest soccer match- Beat the crowds, skip the lines, and avoid tourist traps with Rick's candid, humorous insight- The best places to eat, sleep, and experience la dolce far niente- Self-guided walking tours of lively neighbourhoods and sights like the Roman Forum, St. Peter's Basilica, and the Vatican Museums- Detailed neighbourhood maps and a fold-out city map for exploring on the go- Useful resources including a packing list, Italian phrase book, a historical overview, and recommended reading- Coverage of Central Rome, Vatican City, Trastevere, and more, plus day trips to Ostia Antica, Tivoli, Naples, and PompeiiMake the most of every day and every dollar with Rick Steves Rome.Spending just a few days in the city? Try Rick Steves Pocket Rome.

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F eatured in   The Wall Street Journal, RHS The Garden, Gardens Illustrated, The English Garden, Country Life,   and   Rain Magazine ‘This book is perfect for anybody who wants a deeper understanding of the rose's place in our humankind. The carefully curated images and texts offer a wide range of subjects for all to enjoy.’ – David J C Austin ‘A visual treat… The importance and power of the rose in culture and symbolism jumps off the pages in this glorious book.’ – RHS The Garden magazine A gorgeous visual survey of the rose, exploring our enduring connection to one of nature’s most universally beloved flowers From a couture Dior gown and a rose-adorned Barbie to ancient mosaics and Victorian Valentine’s cards, this curated collection of more than 200 stunning images celebrates the world’s most iconic flower. Discover the extraordinary ways the universally beloved bloom has been depicted through time and across cultures, both within and beyond the garden. Featuring 220 exquisite images, The Rose Book reveals depictions as diverse as the plant’s own endless varieties – from wild ramblers to cultivated Hybrid Teas, botanical illustrations to fashion design, fragrance to film, fine art to photography. Works by figures such as Pierre-Joseph Redouté, Christian Dior, Georgia O’Keeffe, Irving Penn, Tiffany & Co., Alexander McQueen, Vincent van Gogh, and more are artfully paired to reveal intriguing juxtapositions. Captivating essays explore the horticultural history of the rose, the flower’s abundant presence in fashion, and the storied use of its scent in fragrance and perfume. The book also includes a rose glossary by Michael Marriott, and an epilogue by Shane Connolly. Whether as a symbol of beauty and love, a political and religious icon, or a beloved ornamental plant with countless cultivars, the rose has been an undeniable force in popular culture for millennia, from Ancient Greece to today.

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Featured in   Literary Hub,   Publishers Weekly, and   Imagination SoupA beautiful, informative, and interactive introduction to 10 of the world’s most amazing animals and their ‘secret powers’ This dazzling non-fiction board book invites curious children to learn about the wonders of the animal kingdom. The Secret Powers of Animals features 10 fascinating creatures, each with physical features that offer amazing abilities. From an African elephant and a narwal to a domestic cat and a dung beetle, these awe-inspiring species reflect earth’s incredible biodiversity. Following in the footsteps of Superpowered Animals, selected by Smithsonian Magazine as one of the ten best children’s books of 2023, this new board book edition for children aged 2-5 presents simplified information through playful text and a lift-the-flap guessing game format. With its frame-worthy animal illustrations and informative science-led approach, this stylish, unique book will wow any animal-loving child. Ages 2-5

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Have you ever been a little anxious about going to a party?Jim Panzee doesn't feel like going to Porcupine's party. Parties mean dancing, and Jim really doesn't like dancing! But when his friends drag him along anyway, Jim decides it might be time to speak up!This hilarious sequel to Grumpy Monkey shows children that it's ok to dance to their own tune.

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Shortlisted for the International Booker Prize and Dua Lipa's monthly read for Service95 Book ClubIn November 2021, an inflatable dinghy carrying migrants from France to the United Kingdom capsized in the Channel causing the death of 27 people on board. Despite receiving numerous calls for help, the French authorities wrongly told the migrants they were in British waters and had to call the British authorities for help. By the time rescue vessels arrived on the scene, all but two of the migrants had died. The narrator of Delecroix’s fictional account of the events is the woman who took the calls. Accused of failing in her duty, she refuses to be held more responsible than others for this disaster. Why should she be more responsible than the sea, than the war, than the crises behind these tragedies?A shocking, moral tale of our times, Small Boat reminds us of the power of fiction to illuminate our darkest crimes.

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Luke, Connor, Thea and Violet spend their first holiday together alone in their father's house in the south of France. The boys don't really know him, and they don't really know their half-sisters, either. Luke, the most easy going of the four, is keen to bring a new shape to their overlapping, unconventional family; Connor and Thea, born just six months apart but a world of difference between them, are struggling to hide their attraction to each other; Violet, the youngest, is trying to figure some things out about herself, and trying desperately to forget others. Sex in all its multiple forms is on the minds of the siblings during the hot, lethargic summer days spent next to the pool, but the land around them is starting to respond to something inexplicable and eerie. Animals begin to act strangely. There is a buzzing sound that only Connor can hear, and when Violet one night sees a plane light abruptly disappear in the sky, it signals the beginning of something that threatens so much more than their turbulent holiday.With considerable power and unfolding revelation, We Are Together Because starts as a sensual summer drama and very quickly becomes about our own survival, asking us what is truly important in life, and how far we've strayed from our place in a more fluid, vibrant, natural world.

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Join the fun of Toddler Time! One Mole Digging a Hole is an engaging counting story from Julia Donaldson, author of The Gruffalo, and Nick Sharratt. With a FREE audio reading and song!All the animals are busy lending a hand in the garden in this lively numbers book! The parrots are pulling up carrots, the bears are picking pears and a swarm of bees are pruning the trees. Even the smallest toddler will enjoy the wonderfully silly animal antics in this book, so join in the fun – you've never seen a garden like it!In sturdy board book format, One Mole Digging a Hole is perfect for younger readers and ideal for reading out loud together! Julia Donaldson's charming story and Nick Sharratt's mischievous and funny illustrations make this bright and playful book a sure winner.Look out for other Toddler TIme stories: Animal Music, Goat Goes to Playgroup, and Chocolate Mousse for Greedy Goose.

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'A spectacular journey... Highly recommended!' Dr Simon Smith, The Shakespeare Institute 'A fascinating and hugely entertaining guide to Shakespearean mathematics.' Prof Sarah Hart, author of Once Upon A Prime'The Bard by Numbers, brilliantly accounted for by Rob Eastaway.' Johnny BallWhat's the connection between Shakespeare and maths? A lot, as it turns out!- Why was it hazardous to play with dice?- How did audiences get to the theatre on time?- Why was 'nothing' so significant to the Tudors?- What could Falstaff buy with a groat?- Were cryptic messages hidden in the First Folio?- And why did Shakespeare never end a line with the word orange?Shakespeare grew up in a time of remarkable mathematical innovation. From astronomy to probability, new mathematical ideas were taking off. In this highly engaging book, Rob Eastaway uncovers the many surprising ways that maths and numbers shaped Shakespeare's plays.

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An exciting pick-your-path adventure series for kids to practise making good choices and learn character-building skills and principles.You've Got This! Maya Pyramid Mystery is part of the new You’ve Got This series, a captivating collection of pick-your-own adventure stories for children aged 8-11.Exciting, high-interest topics make these books page-turners for kids, keeping them reading and giving them control. They can control the story’s narrative based on their own choices - all while learning character-building skills and principles.This learn-to-read adventure story series for children offers:Reading material aligned with the curriculum, making this the perfect supplementary material for schools.An exciting pick-your-own-adventure format, for children to revisit these books and choose different paths through the adventures.Compelling storylines appropriate for children aged 8-11, as they make real-life choices in amazing storyscapes.Cami is heading off on the trip of a lifetime to an ancient Maya city in Mexico. The only snag? She'll also be babysitting her two younger brothers. They go missing and she stumbles on the find of the century, but can she pull the pieces of an ancient mystery together to save her brothers and save the day? Navigate the paths of grit, resilience, and initiative… What will you decide?Children will love the funny and irresistibly page-turning narrative, and will want to revisit this book time and time again to choose the multiple different paths through the adventures.

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From New York Times bestselling psychologist Dr. Tasha Eurich comes the myth-busting guide to transforming adversity into strengthWe’ve been taught that resilience is the secret to overcoming life’s most difficult moments. According to New York Times bestselling author and organizational psychologist Dr. Tasha Eurich, there is one major problem with this assumption. Scientifically, resilience isn’t an unlimited resource, especially with the growing pressure, uncertainty and chaos we’re experiencing today.Shatterproof offers an urgent alternative. What if, instead of merely bouncing back from stressors and setbacks, we could harness them for forward growth? Drawing on decades of research, fascinating stories and insights from her own struggle with a life-defining health crisis, Eurich will smash your beliefs about what it takes to thrive through adversity. Readers will learn how to turn stress into strength, exhaustion into energy and confusion into confidence.When we become shatterproof, we learn that the things that break us can also remake us – paving the way to feel better, do better and live better than ever before.

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Discover the sea creatures that call the ocean home in this beautiful collection of twenty original tales. A special gift for nature lovers of all ages!The ocean is full of life, from the icy depths of the Antarctic to the tropical waters of the coral reefs. Explore the stormy seas with Seal, go fishing with Small Penguin, play hide-and-seek with Seahorse and find a new home with Hermit Crab! With colour illustrations on every page, TALES FROM THE OCEAN is perfect for sharing with younger readers or for older children to read independently.

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A dazzling, fairy-filled adventure - with letters, flaps and a sprinkle of magic!It's Zizzi Moonbeam's first day as a party planner at Fairy HQ and she's fizzing with excitement! Watch her whizz to the rescue to ensure every party runs smoothly... Rain on the day of your garden party? A bridesmaid's dress covered in jam? No problem is too big for Zizzi Moonbeam! But oh no - it looks like she's forgotten to reply to one of her letters. There's no time to solve this party pickle on her own! Will one of her new fairy pals swoop in to help Zizzi save the day?With gorgeous artwork from Natalie Smilie, this book is the perfect gift for lovers of the RAINBOW MAGIC and AZIZA'S SECRET FAIRY DOOR series.

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Which animals eat their own poo and what do bird droppings have to do with spa treatments? How come some creatures make their homes from dung and why are beetle faeces part of the average grocery shop? Get to the bottom of these questions and many more in this book which proves the power of poo and what it can do for humans and animals alike. Loo-se yourself in this book and get the scoop about poop!With fascinating facts, hilarious text and quirky illustrations, this non-fiction book teaches readers about how extraordinary poop can be! From it's many uses around the world to all kinds of animal excrement, this book covers a much-loved topic in a new and silly way. Alex Woolf's brilliantly funny writing and Isobel Lundie's hysterical illustrations give non-fiction a stinky spin.If your child enjoyed Poo: A Natural History of the Unmentionable or The Clue is in the Poo, they will love this educational and side-splittingly funny book about poo.

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Big ideas for curious minds are simply explained in this fascinating book about the secrets of bees.**Winner of The Children's Wainwright Prize for Non-Fiction 2025**Bees are incredible! There are so many different kinds found all over the world, from honeybees to diggers, leafcutters, and even meat-eating vulture bees.Discover how a bee's eyes see the world in a unique way, how bees pollinate plants, how they communicate with a waggle dance, and how without bees, the world would be a very different (and much less wonderful) place.The first in a series of illustrated single-subject STE(A)M books for children aged 7-10, exploring some of the universe's most fascinating subjects.Created in consultation with Professor Beverley Glover and Dr Sally Lee of the Cambridge University Botanic Garden.Written in accessible, bitesize chunks and filled with bright, colourful illustrations on every page. For more big ideas, don't miss other titles in the series: Think Big: The Speed of Light

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