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Based on the well-loved classic fairy tale. An emperor is convinced he has a magical outfit that only clever people can see. He struts around in his new clothes, proudly showing off to everyone. Is he really as special as he thinks, or is he just making a fool of himself?The Emperor's New Clothes is from Early Reader Level 1 and is perfect for children aged from 4+ who are taking their first steps beyond phonics.Each book has been carefully checked by educational and subject consultants and includes comprehension puzzles, book band information, and tips for helping children with their reading.With five levels to take children from first phonics to fluent reading and a wide range of different stories and topics for every interest, Read It Yourself helps children build their confidence and begin reading for pleasure.

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The heartwarming, magical Japanese bestseller about grief, love and a cat who will do anything to see his beloved owner again 'A much-needed dose of comfort and positivity' SHANNA TAN After a long and happy life with a loving human family, tabby cat Fuuta has passed into the afterlife. But he is not as far from his owner Michiru as it seems. Sometimes the divide between the lands of the living and the dead can be traversed. Eager to see Michiru again, Fuuta interviews for a position at Café Pont, which sits in the liminal space between the two worlds. The café is known for its unique service: its living customers can request meetings with the person they'd most like to see again, through the specially selected spirits of messenger cats. Fuuta must investigate and deliver his messages without unnerving the living, or worse, upsetting the balance of the universe itself. It is a weighty task for a tabby cat, but Fuuta rises to the challenge. After all, the job offers a special reward: he will get to see Michiru again. And he'll do anything to reunite with his family.

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We have always looked up at the sky and wondered. Ever since the ancient Babylonians began to track celestial objects on clay tablets, scientific inquiry has been driven by the innately human desire to understand what is out there, and where we fit in among it all. In this wonderful book, Dr Sarah Alam Malik  takes us on a journey through the discoveries that have propelled and continually overturned our perception of the cosmos. From Aristotle’s Earth-centred worldview to the Copernican revolution and Isaac Newton unifying the terrestrial and celestial under the law of gravity, fascination about our universe has never diminished. One of the marvels of our existence is that we can imagine worlds far beyond our own, from the fiery deaths of faraway suns to the search for life beyond Earth. This capacity to share a much grander and more mysterious reality may be among the greatest privileges life has to offer. This is the story so far. A Brief History of the Universe (and our place in it) is at once a fascinating story of discovery and a beautiful celebration of our endless curiosity. 

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Packed with hundreds of invigorating puzzles that are perfect for quick five-minute breaks or entire evenings of relaxation. Crafted by puzzle expert Dr Gareth Moore, each challenge sharpens focus and provides therapeutic calm—ideal for de-stressing and boosting mental agility. Portable and inviting, this puzzle paperback comes with all the solutions tucked at the back for ease and satisfaction. Rejuvenate your mind with a gentle workout that’s as fun as it is restorative.Written by internationally renowned puzzle expert Dr Gareth Moore, The Mammoth Book of Word Searches 2 is the perfect way to relax and boost your IQ.

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The Mammoth Book of Crosswords 2 is a generously sized paperback brimming with over 300 delightful and sometimes infuriating crosswords.Perfect for lightning-fast five-minute puzzles or an evening-long brain workout, it's your ideal companion at home or on the go. Crafted by puzzle master Dr Gareth Moore, each page delivers a therapeutic dose of calm alongside a boost in mental agility. Recharge and rediscover focus—this is crosswords at their most satisfying and soothing.Written by internationally renowned puzzle expert Dr Gareth Moore, The Mammoth Book of Crosswords 2 is the perfect way to relax and boost your IQ.

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A richly drawn account of a single day in the Viking world, chronicling an hour in the life of 24 individuals from every corner of Viking society. From the bestselling 24 Hours series.Between the infamous Lindisfarne raid in 793 CE and the Norman conquest of 1066, the peoples we know now as the Vikings became one of the most far-ranging and influential civilizations in history. The Vikings are frequently portrayed as raiders, marauding across medieval Europe and Britain, but the culture and society of the medieval Nordic peoples was so much more diverse, multifaceted and influential than it is often depicted.In 24 Hours in the Viking World, author and Viking expert Kirsten Wolf chronicles an hour in the life of 24 individuals from every corner of Viking society over the course of a single day. From the warrior to the thrall, the shipbuilder to the farmer, the poet to the oracle, each chapter offers a snapshot of the world as it was in medieval Scandinavia, and an insight into how these people lived, loved, worked, fought and died.The latest entry in the bestselling 24 Hours series, 24 Hours in the Viking World presents an absorbing, grounded and tangible look at what it was really like to be alive during this pivotal era in history.Also available:24 Hours in Ancient Rome (9781789291278)24 Hours in Ancient Egypt (9781789293517)24 Hours in Ancient Athens (9781789293500)24 Hours in Ancient China (9781789296488)

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A captivating and swashbuckling romantasy for fans of DAUGHTER OF THE PIRATE KING and TO KILL A KINGDOM.Ximena Reale is certain of one thing: the only good pirate is a dead one. Ximena has spent her life training to become one of the black-cloaked cazadores, seafaring hunters who capture the pirates pillaging the Luzan Empire. But although Ximena is the top candidate at la academia, that will not be enough for a daughter of the notorious Reales - pirate captains who were executed for their crimes against the Empire. So when Gasparilla, the most infamous pirate in Luza's history, attacks the capital, Ximena offers to catch him in exchange for being named a cazadora. The Empire accepts, on one condition: she must compete for her cloak against Dante de León, the pompous and infuriating son of the High Minister. Knowing this is her chance to prove herself once and for all, Ximena must set out on a dangerous quest across the archipelago to hunt Gasparilla. But no matter how far she sails, her family's pirate legacy continues to haunt her, and she soon has to question the very laws she's always fought to uphold . . .

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WINNER OF THE WINDHAM CAMPBELL PRIZE 2025WINNER OF THE PRIX ÉMILE GUIMET DE LITTÉRATURE ASIATIQUE 2017WINNER OF THE RYSZARD KAPUSCINSKI AWARD 2017SHORTLISTED FOR THE ORWELL PRIZE 2015SHORTLISTED FOR THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF LITERATURE ONDAATJE PRIZE 2015SHORTLISTED FOR THE PRIX DU MEILLEUR LIVRE ÉTRANGER 2016In Capital, Rana Dasgupta reveals the new version of Delhi which erupted out of its economic boom in the 1990s. An unsparing look at the causes and consequences of globalisation, Capital is at once a history, a warning and a looking glass.Slums and markets bulldozed or burnt down. Luxury shopping malls and apartment blocks erected in their place. Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of people from the rural hinterland streamed in, looking for work. The transformation of the city was stern, abrupt and unequal. Delhi brimmed with ambition and rage.In this prescient account of the mayhem and disparity that would emerge from India's globalisation, Rana Dasgupta shows us a city's rebirth, for better and worse, through the eyes of its people. Capital is a book for our times.

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A Japanese superfood powder made from finely ground green tea leaves. Matcha has been used in tea ceremonies since the 12th century, and is now a global obsession thanks to its incredible benefits for body and mind.Research shows that matcha can reduce the risk of cancer, improve heart health, aid recovery from exercise and help prevent ageing; the traditional matcha tea alone contains the nutritional equivalent of 10 cups of regular green tea, with 137 times more antioxidants, acting as the body's defence agents.From a simple matcha latte, to matcha poached chicken, ice cream, infused salt and noodles, Matcha: A Cookbook explores the history, health benefits and 40 delicious recipes using this super healthy ingredient.Content includes:BreakfastsSoups, Sides & SnacksMain DishesSweet & Drinks

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When Max’s life-craft is pulled into a wormhole, he needs a whole galaxy of luck to return to safety … Chris Bradford crafts Interstellar for kids in this space-bending survival story. Max Nova is headed to Mercury with his father, a space trucker, when their ship is suddenly diverted. They have a new urgent mission. An abnormal gravity reading has been detected near the sun. There are fears that this could signal the start of a supernova! But what Max and his father discover is much more dangerous – and far stranger – than any supernova. Flung to the outer reaches of the universe, Max must navigate a galaxy of dangers to find his way home before time runs out! Particularly suitable for readers aged 9+ with a reading age of 7.

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THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THE MAJOR DOCUMENTARY COMING SOON IN 2026Karl Lagerfeld ran Chanel for 35 years, reinventing it from a brand nearing bankruptcy with only one boutique back to one of the top fashion houses in the world.But who was the man behind the myth?In this deliciously entertaining book, the author draws on his personal relationship with Lagerfeld to take us inside the most exclusive rooms in the fashion industry, behind the catwalk, and into a world of brilliantly talented artists, stylish socialites, and famous stars-some of the most elusive and unforgettable figures of fashion's inner circle for the past four decades.Journalist and author William Middleton spent years working in Paris for Women's Wear Daily, W, and Harper's Bazaar, interviewing and socialising with Lagerfeld many times over the years, getting to intimately know not only his work and his professional journey, but also what the elusive designer kept private from the world.

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Newton's law explains why ketchup drips from your burger - but it can't explain why it happens whenever you wear a white shirt. That would be Murphy's law: if something can go wrong, it will. Just as the laws of physics govern the natural world, our working lives are shaped by unwritten rules that won't appear in textbooks, but whose impact remains significant. Here, the bestselling authors of The Decision Book bring together timeless principles and unwritten laws that determine success in today's workplace. Some are immediately intuitive, others are backed by long study. Some are world famous, others guarded secrets. But they all have one thing in common: they explain working life better than any MBA. From KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid) to the IKEA Effect (we're biased towards things we've had a part in making), these models will help you think more clearly, make smarter decisions and survive any amount of stupidity the world throws at you.

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Imagine if you could follow in the footprints of the saints when they were alive?Or walk around the places of the Bible stories? Imagine if you could hear from people who were there at the time?Look out for the golden footprints and maybe you can!In Footprints of Faith: The Builders - you'll encounter people whose work created things that impact us even today and who made a difference all around the world.Join our adventurers and step into the stories:Saints:Oscar Romero of El SalvadorAidan of Lindisfarne Hildegard of BingenJuan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin Mary WardBible Stories:Building a basket Exodus 2: 1-10Mending nets Luke 5: 1-11Who is my neighbour? Luke 10: 29-37Doubting Thomas John 20:24-29The road to Damascus Acts 9:1-23

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'A fantastic, sharp, and witty debut... Two Left Feet is not one to miss!' Hannah Bonam-Young, New York Times bestselling author of People WatchingIn a league with no room for love, two players are about to change the game.Oliver Harris is football royalty in London. Ordinarily, the star of the Camden Roses is calm, cool, and collected, keeping his club relevant with his prowess in the midfield and mighty left foot. But this season, the threats abound: there’s Camden’s management to contend with – complete with a new, prickly Dutch coach, eager for better results – and a mid-season injury, which sidelines him when his team needs him most. When a recruit is called up to fill in, Oliver fears he’ll be replaced. If he can mentor this younger talent, then they might just have a chance at winning, together.After a string of lacklustre performances in his native Spain, Leonardo Davis-Villanueva is looking for one last shot at the club he always dreamed of, where he once played in the youth academy. Oliver immediately finds confident, eager Leo irritating. He can barely go through the motions, let alone coach him, without outright hostility. When he comes to admire Leo’s skill and warms to his humor and energy, though, he begins to see Leo as a friend – and then, to his mounting horror, as something more.Leo craves Oliver’s attention and partnership; Oliver can’t afford to fall in love with his teammate. He’s always kept a tight lid on his sexuality in a league that’s never had a player come out. As the season heats up, a lot more than football hangs in the balance. Can Oliver – and Leo – win when it counts most?

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On Ladybird Lane, someone's got a bare botty.It's a little puppy - her name is Lottie.Lottie has lost her nappy but this little pup has had enough of soggy nappies and is excited to try on her big pup pants. Join in by lifting the flaps to help Lottie every step of the way as she learns to use her potty. There will be some little accidents along the way, but her friends are learning too and maybe, one day, she'll even be able to use the grown-up loo!Readers will also enjoy looking out for Dotty the helpful ladybird who is hiding on every spread, ready to help Lottie through all the stages of potty training.Also available:Ladybird Lane: Stanley's BedtimeLadybird Lane: Poppy's Party

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'Marvellous fun' THE TIMES'Glorious ' LUCY COOKE'Colourful' GUARDIANAt a time when people are testing the boundaries of just about everything related to sex and gender, The Sexual Evolution shows that diverse sexual behaviour is not a new development, or even a human one. It's the product of billions of years of experimentation throughout the animal kingdom. Evolutionary biologist Nathan H. Lents takes readers on a journey from silent crickets to lesbian albatrosses to bonobos who kiss, revealing what this incredible array of sexual diversity can teach us. Amusing, enlightening and meticulously researched, this is a book that will demolish biases held by even the most open-minded among us.

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Over 15 years ago, The Big Issue began to ask well-known figures from the worlds of entertainment, politics, literature, business and more, one simple question:If you could write a letter to your younger self, what would it say?This collection of 70 inspiring, moving and honest interviews includes Billie Piper on feeling burnt out, Monica Ali on self-belief, Mica Paris on sudden loss, Nancy Sinatra on marrying young, Fearne Cotton on battling imposter syndrome, Alesha Dixon on risk-taking and so much more.ALL ROYALTIES FROM SALES OF THIS BOOK GO TO THE BIG ISSUE.

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A single terrible mistake cost David Hawkins everything. His marriage. His relationship with his daughter - and his career in the SAS. Now Hawkins is a man on the downward slope of life. Banished from the Regiment, relegated to a desk job at one of Britain's biggest private defence contractors, haunted by the memories of the past.But when a talented young engineer dies in mysterious circumstances, Hawkins is sent down to Plymouth to investigate. Working alongside the company's new cyber-security expert, Alex Millar, Hawkins must find out who murdered the engineer - and why.What begins as a straightforward case soon turns into a deadly manhunt, as Hawkins and Millar pursue their quarry from the streets of Liverpool to the Firth of Clyde, in a frantic race against time to expose a deadly conspiracy targeting the heart of the UK's defences. Win, and they'll prevent a terrifying attack. Fail, and Britain will be at the mercy of its deadliest enemy...

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Number One for Fiendish Fun! Join Horrid Henry in another bumper book of mischief.Horrid Henry loves to hate school, and he and his classmates are always getting up to mischief. Discover six of the best and funniest stories about Henry's school days, including a run-in with a new teacher, some very creative writing and of course the dreaded case of nits . . .An irresistible introduction to reading for pleasure, with six illustrated stories plus a joke and activity section - the perfect gift for Horrid Henry fans everywhere, and ideal entertainment for school holidays and journeys.This collection contains the following stories:- Horrid Henry's New Teacher- Horrid Henry: Nits Nits Nits!- Horrid Henry: Underpants Panic- Horrid Henry's Newspaper- Horrid Henry: Waking the Dead- Horrid Henry's Autobiography

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AVAILABLE TO PRE-ORDER NOWThree mobsters. Two detectives. A deadly race against time.Jackson Jones and Mackenzie Cunningham - two of the best private investigators in the business - are presented with a case they aren't allowed to refuse. The heads of L.A.'s three major crime families have tasked them with finding sensitive information hidden by a man in critical condition before he flatlines. Or else.The pair can't agree on how to furnish the office of their new joint venture, Safe and Sound Investigations, let alone the nature of their feelings for each other. But with a masked man on their tail, they are going to have to stick together if they are going to have any chance of solving the case.READERS ADORED SOUNDS LIKE A PLAN:'A witty, fast-paced, and swoon-worthy mystery.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Riveting from start to finish . . . definitely a must-read!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Action packed and definitely eventful, I also found myself chuckling.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'A really great read. The dialogue was fast and furious and the interactions between the leads were smart and funny.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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A collection of life-affirming poems to guide you through. Settle down with 100 Poems to Live By and learn which verses can be dispensed to lift your spirits.A brilliant new anthology of 100 poems designed to lift your mood and help you to overcome stress, specific worries and general anxiety. Features well-known favourites alongside undiscovered gems and modern classics. Each poem is introduced, explaining how it can help a certain ‘ailment’ and offering the poem as a helpful prescription. Offering a wide range of verses that will be of great benefit to those in need of a pick-me-up for the soul.100 Poems to Live By brings together some of the best works from poets spanning centuries, including William Wordsworth, Charlotte Brontë, Emily Dickinson, Dylan Thomas, Seamus Heaney, Sylvia Plath and Benjamin Zephaniah. Compiled by Joseph Piercy, these specially selected lines will bring comfort, banish melancholy, provide hope and give courage.These are 100 life-affirming remedies for anyone searching for love, meaning, belonging, purpose and fulfilment in their everyday lives. The poetic prescriptions will see you through whatever comes your way in life, and can be referenced, shared and treasured for many years to come.Also available:100 Books to Live By (9781789298208)100 Speeches to Live By (9781789298635)

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What do you get when a celebrity and a fan meet on a dating app?Meet Jessy and Patrick.All Jessy wants is to figure out what to do with her life. She hates her job, lives in a crappy London apartment and her love life is non-existent. . .That is until her twin sister begs her to join her newly launched dating app, Butterflies.Lead singer and front man of These Exiles, Patrick just wants a break after coming off tour. But when he’s mistakenly arrested, his record label insists on doing damage control. Their latest scheme? Getting Patrick on the dating apps and into a relationship.When Jessy and Patrick match on Butterflies, neither plan to actually meet. . . but then they literally bump into each other and chaos ensues. With their faces plastered all over the internet, and Patrick’s record label jumping on the publicity, the two find themselves unexpectedly ‘dating.’Can they keep up the farce in front of the whole world, or will they start to believe their own lie?

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Soon after reuniting with her guardian aboard the roaming pagoda, Zhi Ging comes to a heart-wrenching realisation. If she is to stand a chance against the relentless Ami, she must return to Hok Woh, the mysterious underwater realm, and become a full Cyo B'Ahon. At Hok Woh, Zhi Ging is swept up in thrilling challenges and dragon boat races. Then, a chilling truth is revealed: she isn't the only one Ami is hunting, there are others in danger.Racing against time, Zhi Ging and her friends set out for the legendary cloud sea to stop Ami once and for all. But when the moment comes, Zhi Ging must face her alone and make an impossible decision to protect those she loves.Join Zhi Ging and return to the magical underwater realm of Hok Woh in this explosive conclusion to the magical Paper Dragons series. Perfect for fans of Nevermoor and Dragon Mountain.

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'A moving exploration of family, migration, class, queerness and belonging… beautifully rendered' JESSICA ANDREWS 'A deeply observant, perceptive writer' JOANNA CANNON 'Evocative, layered and emotionally resonant… deserves to be on your reading list' GLAMOUR 'Masterful… It will stay with you long after you finish it' JJ BOLA ‘Love was a tightrope between freedom and control. He didn’t know how others seemed to walk it with ease’ –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––- Elom can’t make sense of love. It’s like a language he can’t speak, though he’s heard the words before. He wants to feel understood – by his well-meaning yet misapprehending family, his self-assured partner Ben, and his boisterous friends – but he never knows the right thing to say. How can you know yourself, in a world that’s constantly changing? Set across Ghana and Scotland, this is an intimate portrait of one man’s search for belonging, a family’s attempt to love, and the choices that make a life. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––- GLOWING READER REVIEWS ‘Fiamanya's writing is just gorgeous – it's tender, it's unflinching, and it's totally immersive’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ‘This is one of the best books I’ve read this year, and I truly hope more people discover it’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ‘All in all this was an absolutely stunning debut novel, I cannot wait to read more of Fiamanya's work in the future’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ‘Hauntingly beautiful and heartbreaking, this took my breath away. Wow, what a gorgeous novel. I can't recommend this enough’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Winning is a team sport, right? True, we need to collaborate to make sense of today's challenges. But simply bringing people together is no guarantee of success. Too often, so-called teams are just groups of individuals, attending too many aimless meetings. It doesn't have to be that way. Using the author's high-performing teams framework, Are You a Team or a Meeting? shows team leaders and members alike how to:* create teams of the right size and composition* focus on team purpose to help you prioritise* encourage healthy challenge and open communication* develop systems, habits and behaviours that help teams win

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Pre-order this gorgeous destination romcom now! Can a bookshop bring two hearts together? Beth loves everything about living in Venice. The meandering canals and the cobbled street have captured her heart, so when she loses her job and fears she’ll have to return to England, she’s devastated. Until she stumbles upon a book barge for sale, it seems like fate. Beth has long harboured a dream of opening a specialised bookshop that combines her two passions: art and books. She just needs to be brave enough to take a chance, and maybe a little help from a local. Enter Marco, a gorgeous, passionate local art promoter, and their chemistry is instant and electric. Beth needs Marco's local knowledge to launch her business, but as they work together, both seem determined to ignore the sparks flying between them. The closer they become, the more their attraction grows. Soon, they will have to choose – face their fears and give love a chance – or walk away forever. A gorgeous escapist romance, perfect for fans of Rebecca Raisin and Cressida McLaughlin.

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Waking bumsBaking bums, making hot cross bunsmatching bumshatching bums - welcome little ones!Find bunting bums and egg-hunting bums, floral bums and choral bums and many MANY more bushy-tailed bums in this lively, laugh-out-loud springtime celebration - with a bum-tastic Bunny Bottom Brunch finale!The bouncy read-aloud text and hilarious illustrations will have every child (and grown-up) springing with laughter!With 101 bunny bums to count - from bushy-tailed bunnies to characters dressed up as bunnies -this is the perfect Easter gift for little bunnies everywhere!

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A dreamy collection of short stories by the world's best-loved storyteller. Perfect for 'one more story' before bed!From midnight journeys to fairyland to toys coming to life and causing mischief, there's a perfect bedtime story for everyone in this cosy collection from Enid Blyton. Snuggle in close as you read these stories under the stars!These traditional tales are ideal for younger children being read to and for newly confident readers to read alone. Each story stands alone and is the perfect length for reading at bedtime or in the classroom.Enid Blyton remains one of Britain's favourite children's authors and her bumper short story collections are perfect for introducing her to the latest generation of readers.Read all of Enid Blyton's bumper short story collections. New in 2026:Perfect Pet StoriesStories of Magical SpellsFive-Minute Christmas Stories***Enid Blyton® and Enid Blyton's signature are registered trade marks of Hodder & Stoughton Limited. No trade mark or copyrighted material may be reproduced without the express written permission of the trade mark and copyright owner.

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Join Clara Capybara and her crew of colourful rainforest friends for some slippery-slidey chaos and fun! Everyone likes every capybara, but everyone likes Clara extra – because Clara has a SPA! For Clara, it’s great being the coolest capybara in town. It’s even greater getting to lounge around in the lemon lake of her glorious Lemon Lake Spa, as much as she’d like – while her trusty assistant Fergie Frog does all the hard work. But one hot summer day, has Clara lemon-lounged a little too long? With pipes bursting and Fergie running out of hands to plug them all, we’re about to find out! · A fun-filled readloud storybook, perfect for age 3+. · Fabulously funny and charming artwork from acclaimed illustrator Robert Starling · A cast of capybaras, frogs and other rainforest animals!

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Howl's Moving Castle meets The House in the Cerulean Sea in Andrea Eames’ Sunday Times bestselling cosy fantasy: a cheeky butcher's daughter, a befuddlingly handsome sorcerer, and his clever talking cat unlock magical secrets in the dark heart of their kingdom – and just might discover the meaning of true love. Everyone in Foss Butcher’s village knows what happens when the magic-workers come; they harvest human hearts to use in their spells. That’s just how life in her kingdom works. But Foss, plain, clumsy, and practical as a boot, never expected anyone would want hers. When a sorcerer snags a piece of Foss’s heart without meaning to, she is furious. For once a heart is snagged, the experience is … well, unpleasant. So, Foss finds herself stomping toward the grand City to keep his enchanted House and demands that he fixes her before she keels over and dies, or whatever happens when hearts are Snagged. But the sorcerer, Sylvester, is not what she expected. Petulant, idle, and new to his powers, Sylvester has no clue how to undo the heart-taking, or how to do much of anything really, apart from sulk. Foss’s only friend is a talking cat and the walls themselves have moods. As Foss searches for a cure, she accidentally uncovers that there is much more to the heart-taking – and to the magic-workers themselves – than she could have ever imagined…

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'What a wonderful book!  The storytelling, the research, the deep love of her subject -- this must be the climax of Rappaport's long and illustrious career' Lucy Worsley   To Queen Victoria she was Aunt Julie; to Catherine the Great she was Grand Duchess Anna Feodorovna, granddaughter-in-law. This is the story of Princess Juliane-Henriette-Ulrike of Saxe-Coburg, the Rebel Romanov.  Born in 1781 in a small impoverished duchy of Germany, Julie's quiet life took a fairy-tale turn when she married into the Russian Imperial Family - the Romanovs. But this world of baroque splendour, of opulent palaces and grandeur, was no happily ever after. Taken to Russia at just fourteen, her marriage was hastily brokered to save the Saxe-Coburg duchy from financial ruin. Her husband, Grand Duke Konstantin, was cruel and abusive, Julie was uprooted from her home, family, language and culture. As Russia and Europe were thrown into tumult by the murder of Emperor Paul and the rise of Napoleon, Julie finally made her escape back to Germany, where she lived for two decades as a social pariah, denied a divorce by the Imperial Family. Forced to give up two illegitimate children to protect her family's honour, she eventually built a life for herself in Switzerland, where she entertained poets and philosophers, regaling them with tales from the Russian court.  Helen Rappaport recreates the extraordinary life of this forgotten figure. In doing so she sheds new light on the Romanovs, reveals the sacrifices Julie made to further her family's interests - her brother became king of Belgium, her sister gave birth to Queen Victoria - and investigates the true nature of Julie's relationship with Tsar Alexander I. Rich in history, drama and royal intrigue, Julie's remarkable story is told at last.

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What happens when we consider Africa through a feminist lens and feminism through an African one? And what does it mean to centre selfhood in this journey? In this shining, wide-ranging inquiry, Minna Salami explores these questions through an unhesitating and incisive vision of African feminist political philosophy. Drawing from feminist thought, postcolonial theory, historical insights, and African knowledge systems, Salami combines personal reflection with cultural criticism to offer a vivid and cohesive discussion about power, identity, patriarchy, imagination, and the human condition. Grounded in Africa’s enduring visions of agency and autonomy, Can Feminism Be African? opens new paths for rethinking the narratives that shape our world. This is a timely and thought-provoking read, calling us to rethink the past, present, and future through new perspectives.

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Welcome to Neverthorn Academy.Where a bunch of magical school misfits are about to save the world.Or, more likely, die trying . . .--Since dropping out of Neverthorn Academy, after the death of her mother, Harlow Dragon has been working as an enchanted-jewel thief.The last thing she expects is for the school to make an offer she can’t refuse: come back to Neverthorn and join seven others with secret magical abilities in House Phoenix. There, they’ll be trained in potions, rune casting and combat.Because Nocta – a powerful dark wizard who has been plaguing the magical realm for decades – has the mortal world in his sights, and the students of House Phoenix are all that stand in his way.But Harlow failed at Neverthorn once before. And nothing reminds her of this more than tall, brooding Typhon – Harlow’s old classmate and nemesis – who is now the professor tasked with unlocking her own, special power.Except Harlow is sure that Typhon and the other professors are hiding a dark secret.One she must figure out before Nocta arrives to bring about the end of the world . . .--Readers love Shannon Mayer'I love Shannon Mayer and her ability to create paranormal worlds that just suck you in' Reader Review'Shannon Meyer’s work is fun to read. Her spicy romance and suspense blend to make a novel that delights readers' Reader Review'I love Shannon Mayer. Creative, tough, prolific, and smart' Reader Review

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After his dad's boat crashes, Ed finds himself on a strange beach. He meets a girl - headstrong Steff - who doesn't know where they are, either.As Ed and Steff explore, they discover the deep lore of this new realm. They meet a pack of wolves with a secret and an armoured pangolin called Astolpho, who reveals the only way home involves a dragon who lives at the top of an impossibly tall, rocky spire . . .Traditional fantasy elements are mixed deliciously with Tom's unique humour and originality, in this breathtaking, heartfelt, utterly immersive story.

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Immerse yourself in these enjoyable word grid puzzles. Packed full of 300 themed Kriss Kross puzzles to test your word power and logic. You will find 100 easy, 100 medium and 100 hard puzzles in this collection so you can work your way up through the difficulty levels. These engaging puzzles combine elements of word search and crossword styles, offering a fun and stimulating way to boost your mental agility and deductive reasoning. Can you correctly place all the words in the grid? Perfect for passing the time while traveling, on holiday, or relaxing at home, this collection provides hours of enjoyable brain exercise. Solutions are conveniently included at the back of the book, so you can check your answers and track your progress with ease.

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A new reign is coming. . . Rebellion, dark magic, desire and horror collide in the start to this epic Ancient Egyptian inspired fantasy trilogy perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo, Tahereh Mafi and Sabaa Tahir. An instant New York Times bestseller! 'A bold and opulent fantasy that glimmers with magic and intrigue!' - Emily Thiede, author of This Vicious GracePrincess. Priestess. Rebel. Thief.The kingdom of Khetara awaits an uncertain future . . . As the gilded royal court revels in decadence, turning a blind eye to the civil unrest threatening to overspill the rural southern lands, an inescapable storm of change is brewing. For the pharaoh is dying and fate will come for them all.In the golden capital, the royal princess, SITA, is caught in a web of sensuality, deceit and murder as her older brother lusts for power and excess. Meanwhile her younger brother, rejects his royal heritage to find refuge in the sacred temple and the ancient knowledge it holds. Unbeknownst to the royal heirs, NEFF, a young girl haunted by prophetic blood-drenched dreams, holds the key to their destinies.To the south, the flames of rebellion ignite as RAE, a farmer's daughter, resists the pharaoh's oppressive rule and inspires an army. And in the depths of the desert, tomb-raider KARIM stumbles upon a long-buried secret and awakens the monster within . . .Who will sit on the throne when the bloodshed is done?A scintillating, explosive, richly layered lush fantasy told in multiple viewpoints - this is the start of a must-read epic trilogy!

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'FULL OF SUPERB, AND SUSTAINED, TENSION AND HEAVY DOSES OF FOLKLORE AND EERIE HISTORY' New York Times*A Library Reads Pick!**Most Anticipated by Goodreads, E! News, BookRiot, and more!*Unbearably tense and utterly propulsive, Daisy Pearce's critically acclaimed horror debut is perfect for anyone who loves Midsommar and The Haunting of Hill House.Reader reviews:'I was completely hooked! . . . I'll definitely be recommending it far and wide' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'This entire book was a craving satisfied. Suspense, mystery, heavy folk horror themes and a hefty dose of creepiness' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'I absolutely loved this book! . . . From the things Alice says, to the creepy atmospheric town full of their superstitious beliefs, unhinged believers and folklore, the entire book was just the perfect haunted story' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐SHE'S LOOKING FOR THE TRUTH, BUT SOMETHING ELSE IS STARING BACK.Newly trained child psychologist Mina has little experience. In a field full of experts, she's been unable to find work, instead aimlessly spending her days stuck in the stifling heat wave sweeping across Britain. So it feels like a welcome reprieve when journalist Sam Hunter approaches her with a proposition. Alice Webber is a thirteen-year-old girl who claims she's being haunted by a witch. Living with her family in the remote Cornish village of Banathel, Alice's symptoms are increasingly disturbing. Taking this job will give Mina some experience, Sam will get the scoop of a lifetime, and Alice will get better - Mina is sure of it. But as Alice's behaviour becomes increasingly inexplicable and intense, the dark cracks in Banathel begin to show. The village has a deep history of superstition and witchcraft. They believe there is evil in the world, and they have ways of . . . dealing with it. Mina is desperate to understand how deep their sinister traditions go - and how her own past may be the biggest threat of all.'A haunting suspense novel that readers will not soon forget' Library Journal'A taut tale that chillingly intertwines psychological and supernatural suspense' Kirkus'A deliciously creepy and twisty chiller that fans of The Conjuring and Stephen King will love' Bestselling author Mark Edwards'Pearce provides visceral descriptions of people and places and smells and sounds to create a world where no one can trust their senses. Readers will be left questioning which is more disturbing, the rot within or the evil of other people' Booklist'Pearce has written something magical with the capacity of leaving me genuinely frightened. There are scenes in this book I'll never forget' Kristi DeMeester, author of Such a Pretty Smile'A terrific tale of cults, witch bottles, curses, witchcraft and the 'old ways'"Horror DNA'The perfect dark, creepy, witchy read to keep you warm with fright this winter... creepy, emotional, complex, and incredibly atmospheric' Horror BoundBooks by Daisy PearceSOMETHING IN THE WALLSDARK IS WHEN THE DEVIL COMES

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Argentina, 1939: "My darling Valentina, I beg you to not go through with this marriage. I know your duty to your family means the world to you, but I pray our love means more. Let us run away together, and never be parted again..."London, Present day. Rose once thought she was alone in the world, having just lost her beloved mother a few months ago. So, when she is presented with a mysterious box containing a small figure of a horse, a scrap of glittering silk and the hope of a lost family being found, Rose will stop at nothing to find them.When her search takes her to a sprawling and luxurious estate in Argentina, where the best polo horses in the world were once raised, Rose wonders if she's mistaken. But when she meets a charming local, Benjamin, he takes her by the hand and encourages her to rediscover her roots.As they spend long sunlit days riding horses, and cosy evenings eating dinner with his family, Rose wonders how she will ever return to the grey skies back home. But then she discovers a heart-wrenching story of two forbidden lovers: of a wilful Spanish heiress and a hardworking stable hand, ripped apart by an arranged marriage and one of the largest inheritances in the country, which intertwines Rose and Benjamin's families in ways she could never have imagined.As Benjamin's family grow wary of the stranger in their home dredging up the pain of the past, Rose finds herself at a crossroads. Will her great-grandmother's story give her the courage to fly in the face of convention and follow her heart? Or will she too have to give up the one she loves most to heal family ties...A heartbreaking and page-turning novel about following your heart and never giving up love. Perfect for fans of Santa Montefiore, Lucinda Riley and Victoria Hislop.

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In a radically fresh reading of Mary Magdalene’s story, a renowned scholar of mystical traditions sheds new light on the Divine Feminine as a force for change and healing.For more than 20 years, Andrew Harvey has trained his fine scholar’s eye on sacred texts and mystical truths to illuminate the message of inspired activism that they hold. Today, we need this message more urgently than ever. In this new book, Andrew takes a fresh, impassioned look at the story of Mary Magdalene and Jesus to distill its meaning for our world and show us how to embody this truth in our own lives.The Magdalene Revolution will:· Examine how Mary Magdalene is presented in the New Testament—sometimes splendidly, but also absurdly and even dangerously· Explore the truths revealed about her in texts such as the Gospel of Mary and other Gnostic gospels· Propose a radical reclamation of the divine feminine by recognizing Mary Magdalene as the Bride to Jesus’s Bridegroom—a female and co-equal Christ in her own right· Illuminate a new paradigm of fully embodied divine and human love that each of us can live out in our daily lives “We are in the time of the Second Coming,” Andrew writes. “The old story is dying, and a new story with Mary Magdalene’s and Jesus's love at the center is being born, because it completes and activates the full range of Christ consciousness.” In Mary Magdalene's great spirit of healing and transfiguration, this book offers us this new human story—and a path to transform not only ourselves, but our world.

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In high school, he broke her heart-now he's the famous football player whose image she's meant to clear. Game on. NFL superstar Jake Sullivan's playboy reputation is finally catching up with him. To keep his sponsors happy, he needs to wipe the slate clean-and fast. He's never backed away from a challenge, so he's confident he can charm the hotshot city journalist sent to write a glowing piece on him without revealing the real reason behind his behavior. Harper Cassidy is determined to show the world the real Jake. The one who broke her teenage heart. Pulling up to his (admittedly idyllic) family ranch, Harper steels herself for his ridicule once he realizes who she is. But when his stormy dark eyes and stupidly handsome face give nothing away, her blood boils. He doesn't even remember her! Her boss wants her feature to convince people he's a good guy. Yeah, right. They would both rather be anywhere else, but for the next five weeks they're stuck with each other. So why does Harper's heart flutter when Jake offers up his sweatshirt and their hands accidentally brush? Why can't Jake resist taking Harper to places he's never shown anyone? And stranger still: supposed playboy Jake hasn't glanced at a single woman since Harper arrived in his spare room... They both came into this game determined to win. But somewhere along the way, the rules have started to change... An enemies-to-lovers forced proximity sports and cowboy romance, Score to Settle is perfect for fans of Stephanie Archer, Liz Tomforde and Elsie Silver. The first in the Oakwood Ranch series, it can also be read as a standalone. TROPES:???Enemies to lovers???Forced proximity???Sports romance???Grumpy sunshine???Slow burn???Workplace romance (sports star vs journalist)???Found family

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In this epic conclusion to Star Wars: The High Republic, the Jedi face a final confrontation against the Nihil and Marchion Ro.The Force is everything. A single life connected to all life. All things connected to all other things. This is what the Jedi believe, and this is why they fight. For life . . . and the light.For too long, the light has been threatened by Marchion Ro, a sinister despot who will stop at nothing in his quest for power. The conflict with Ro and his marauding Nihil forces has left scars across the galaxy and held the Republic hostage. Countless lives have been lost, beacons of hope have fallen, and the collective courage and resolve of the Republic have been tested like never before. Through it all the Jedi Order has endured, an unwavering candle against the encroaching darkness.But the Jedi have yet to solve the mystery of the Nameless creatures who feed on the Force. Ro has loosed them upon the galaxy, striking fear into the heart of even the most stalwart Jedi. And yet with every life saved and world freed from Nihil control, the all-consuming blight, which devours everything wherever it appears, threatens to wipe it all away.Everything now depends on nine brave Jedi, led by Avar Kriss and Elzar Mann, who embark on a treacherous journey to the Nameless homeworld. Their quest: to finally solve the mystery of the Nameless and their connection to the Force, and to stop the blight before its damage becomes irreversible.But a final confrontation with Marchion Ro awaits. Ro, who is willing to sacrifice everything he’s achieved to secure a final victory against the Jedi and carve his name into the very stars for all time.Nothing less than the fate of everything, perhaps even the Force itself, is at stake.

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It's a busy day at the building site! Let's get to work!Can you help shovel the dirt with digger? And lift a heavy load with the crane?Use the bright and durable felt flaps to help the animals in this interactive and exciting board book, ideal for imaginative play!For fans of Maisy and Uh Oh, Niko, this series is perfect for those busy toddlers who always want to help out!Looking for more fun? Check out the other books in the series:Play Pals to the RescuePlay Pals at the ParkPlay Pals at the Hospital

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'For anyone who has wondered whether they'll ever be in charge of their emotions, this book has the answer: yes' - Angela Duckworth, author of Grit'This book does much more than make sense of emotions – it breaks new ground on how to manage them' - Adam Grant, author of Think AgainWhether it’s anxiety about the dentist, boiling rage when we’re stuck in traffic or devastation after a painful break-up, our lives are filled with situations that send us spiralling. But as difficult as our emotions can be, they are also a superpower. When they’re activated in the right ways and at the right time, they function like an immune system, alerting us to our surroundings, telling us how to react to a situation and helping us make the right choices.But how do we make our emotions work for us rather than against us? Acclaimed psychologist Dr Ethan Kross has devoted his scientific career to answering this question. In Shift, he dispels common myths – for instance, that avoidance is toxic or that we should always strive to live in the moment – and provides a new framework for shifting our emotions so they don’t take over our lives.Shift weaves groundbreaking research with riveting stories of people struggling and succeeding to manage their emotions – from a mother whose fear prompted her to make a spur-of-the-moment decision that would save her daughter’s life mid-flight to a nuclear code-carrying Navy SEAL who learned how to embrace both joy and pain during a hellish training activity. Dr Kross shows us that we already have access to a wide array of tools and demonstrates how to harness them to be healthier and more successful.Filled with actionable advice, cutting-edge research and inspiring stories, Shift puts the power back into our hands, so we can control our emotions without them controlling us – and help others do the same.'Packed with gems of wisdom and endless actionable advice on emotional regulation, Shift is essential reading for everyone. I couldn’t put it down’ – Chris Evans'A revolutionary guide to mastering your emotional life' – Charles Duhigg, author of Supercommunicators

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'I stayed up far too late reading this, I couldn't put it down . . . I didn't want it to end' - Vogue WilliamsA story about identity and place, about finding out who you are, who your people are, and what it means to be a family.Maeve Gaffney arrives in a small West Cork town in pursuit of a dream: to be reunited with Tim, the lad she fell for years ago and who, unbeknownst to him, fathered her daughter, Emer. For Tim, now married and a pillar of the community, Emer's existence is a shock - but the chance to rekindle an old flame with her mother is tempting. For Agnes, a lonely landowner, Maeve and Emer's arrival is an opportunity to make money - and maybe new friends. For Malachi, a man of few words but deep emotions, it's . . . complicated. For Emer, it's about growing up and finding her voice. For all five, the arrival of this beautiful, wild mother and her silent, observant daughter sparks a devastating chain of events none of them could have predicted.

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THE BELOVED GIFT BOOK, OVER 5 MILLION COPIES SOLD WORLDWIDEA gift for your mum, a lifetime of stories for you.Mum, Tell Me is the beautiful keepsake gift book and guided journal, inviting your mother to share her memories, dreams, and wishes, asking her to record everything from her favourite band as a teenager and her childhood games to her proudest accomplishment and her first memory of you.It’s full of curious, fun and surprising questions about her life – questions you'd always wondered about, and plenty you hadn't.- What did you want to be when you grew up?- Did you ever have your heart broken?- What is one of the most beautiful or special things you've achieved in life?- How did motherhood change you?Mum can write or put photographs or anything she wishes in its pages, transforming it into a lasting chronicle of her dreams and stories. Then she gives it back to you, so you can treasure her memories forever.A beautiful gift for Mother's Day, her birthday, Christmas, or any occasion.144 pages to fill with memories. A thoughtful and elegant edition, with a clean and contemporary design.Divided into four thematic sections: childhood and growing up; love and motherhood; free time and hobbies; who you are now.A customizable gift book that will become a wonderful family keepsake and can be the starting point for great conversations.The end result will be a deeply personal keepsake, one that helps you remember what is really important in life: the people we love and the stories we share with one another.

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Escape into a world of cute and cosy with this spring colouring book! Unwind and enjoy a moment of calm as you bring springtime scenes to life.Choose a whimsical nature scene and make it yours with this cosy spring colouring book, full of heartwarming scenes of blooming flowers and adorable characters that will fill you with the magic of the season.De-stress with adorable characters on a leisurely stroll through a sunny meadow, water the garden to see colourful flowers burst into life, and watch a family of birds as baby birds emerge from their nest to take their first flight. It’s time to daydream about the joys of spring through colouring!This spring colouring book features:30 tear-out postcard-style pages that are thick and won’t leak through colour.Bold and high-quality designs that are easy to colour.Cute and playful spring illustrations that are inspired by Japanese popular culture.A relaxing mindfulness activity that supports wellbeing and promotes time away from a screen.Super Cuties Cosy Colouring is a fantastic mindfulness activity, perfect for a relaxing night with a hot chocolate or a quiet, rainy day. Cultivating creativity and calm, colouring is also a wonderful alternative to screen-based activities and encourages self-expression and the development of concentration and focus.More in the seriesThe fun doesn’t stop here! Collect the Super Cuties Cosy Colouring series and fill your year with dreamy seasonal scenes and feel-good fun. If you enjoyed Super Cuties: A Cosy Christmas Colouring Book, why not get into the Halloween spirit with Super Cuties: A Cosy Halloween Colouring Book?

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FT - THE BEST SUMMER BOOKS OF 2025‘If only my Cantonese parents weren’t so allergic to the word love…’‘A wonderfully heartwarming memoir with lots of foodie insights.’ Rachel Khoo‘A real and delightful surprise – and also very funny.’ Ella RisbridgerWhat is the most unsayable thing you have ever wanted to say to your parents? For newly single food journalist Candice Chung, there’s been one thing on her mind lately: she has never told them, 'I love you.’ Simple. Reasonable. If only her estranged Cantonese parents weren't so allergic to the word ‘love’.With a 13-year relationship coming to an end, Candice Chung finds herself losing not only her first love but also her most reliable restaurant review partner. And so when her parents offer to be her new plus-ones, she faces a dilemma: is it better to eat together in polite silence or to try to broach how, for the past decade, they've managed to drift so profoundly apart?Through shared meals and culinary adventures, Candice and her parents begin to break their silence. Yet when a new relationship begins to bloom, it forces her to try to address what still remains unsaid. To do so, she must find a new vocabulary - a way to unscramble what her family has been trying to express all along. Not through words, but with food.Set against the backdrop of this burgeoning new relationship, grasped-at date nights mid-pandemic and an uncertain future across seas,Chinese Parents Don’t Say I Love You is packed with heart, humour and those bright-hearted moments around a dinner table that bring us together.‘A world-spanning love story, a book of philosophy via the dinner table, a tender portrait of family trying to communicate: Candice Chung's gorgeous memoir is all of these things and more.’ Rebecca May Johnson, author of Small Fires‘Tenderly shows how food steps up to provide the emotional support, comfort, and safety that humans need, when words cannot.’ Hetty Lui McKinnon‘Will undo anyone whose love language is food.’ Tara Wigley, co-author of Ottolenghi SIMPLE

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Colour in pictures of a range of Bible stories with this wonderful book, Bible Stories Colouring.Designed to ignite your child’s imagination and deepen their understanding of biblical stories, this book offers a delightful combination of exciting scenes to colour and inspiring quotes.Each beloved story is crafted beautifully for little minds, guiding them through fascinating Bible tales while providing a creative outlet.With intricate illustrations by Charlotte Pepper, children can express themselves artistically while learning valuable lessons. The detailed drawings ensure hours of enjoyable colouring!Whether used at home, in Sunday School, or as a thoughtful gift, this colouring book promises to be a cherished resource, fostering joyful learning and spiritual growth.Dive into the world of Bible stories and let your child’s imagination shine with vibrant colours and captivating tales!

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