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The Book of 365: All the Numbers, None of the Maths
by Hugh Brazier Jan McCannEver wondered how many dimples there are on a golf ball; or why the shipping forecast is broadcast on 198 kHz long wave? Find yourself puzzling over what is really going on in the 273 seconds of John Cage’s most famous composition? Then this book of mind-boggling number facts is for you.The Book of 365 offers an entertaining and thought-provoking mini-essay on the world around us for every day of the year, each taking a number between 1 and 365 as its starting point, encompassing science, history, art, literature, medicine, and popular culture, and covering topics as diverse as modern music and meteorites, archaeology and chilli sauce, un-birthdays and radio valve technology.On the way, uncover:At 5, the pentaradial symmetry of starfish and rosesAt 34, how the US flag got its stars and stripesAt 99, the mysteries of the 99 ice-creamAt 239, where Sherlock Holmes really livedAnd, in honour of the leap year, at the end of the book there is a bonus 366th essay!
My Life in Houses
by Margaret Forster‘I was born on 25th May, 1938, in the front bedroom of a house in Orton Road, a house on the outer edges of Raffles, a council estate. I was a lucky girl.’ So begins Margaret Forster’s journey through the houses she’s lived in, from that sparkling new council house, to her beloved London home of today. This is not a book about bricks and mortar though. This is a book about what houses are to us, the effect they have on the way we live our lives and the changing nature of our homes: from blacking grates and outside privies; to cities dominated by bedsits and lodgings; to the houses of today converted back into single dwellings. Finally, it is a gently insistent, personal inquiry into the meaning of home.
Earthborn
by Sylvia WaughThe Gwynns, a pleasant American couple, have lived outside York for the past fourteen years. Nesta, their only child, was born there and attends the local school. They seem ordinary enough and comfortable in their leafy suburb. But they have an astonishing secret unknown even to Nesta. One evening when she sees her father diminish and disappear into a stone lily pad in the garden pond, Nesta has to be told what she really is. Her parents are visitors from the planet Ormingat, sent to Earth to investigate life there. Now they have been ordered to return home. Nesta can`t take it all in, refuses to accept that she is not earthborn and finally runs away with the help of her best school mate, Amy.
Space Race
by Sylvia WaughFor almost as long as he can remember, Tom has lived happily in Belthorp. When his father breaks the unbelievable news that their family come from the planet Ormingat and must go back there, Tom is devastated. Apart from the wrench of leaving home, insuperable difficulties stand in their way as they try to reach their return ship.
Who Goes Home?
by Sylvia WaughLike Patrick in Space Race and Matthew and Alison in Earthborn, Steven is a visitor from Ormingat, living on Earth with his family for a designated number of years. But Steven is not merely an observer, he is an arranger, a facilitator with the power to direct attention away from any Ormingatriga who needs protection. When his earthly son Jacob is born with a fatal immune deficiency, Steven requests help from Ormingat in order to save his life and as a result the boy survives, but grows up surrounded by a protective shield without friends. When Steven is forced to tell Jacob of his identity and involve him in his work, Jacob resents his father's imposition. Then comes the debacle of the Derwents' accident and Nesta's flight from home, which both bring undesired publicity and the danger of detection to the Ormingat aliens. Steven, summoned to return early to the mother planet, does not want to go. If he returns he must abandon his earth wife, Lydia. And where does all this leave unhappy Jacob who makes contact not only with Mrs Dalrymple but also Nesta's family in York? A strong conclusion to the trilogy, uniting the plots from the earlier books - with a surprising and dramatic finale.
My Sister Jodie
by Jacqueline WilsonThere's no one quite like my big sister Jodie . . .Quiet, cautious Pearl has always adored her bold, brash, bad big sister Jodie. When their parents get new jobs at a grand, fusty old boarding school, Melchester College, the girls have to move there - and when they arrive, things start to change. Jodie has always been the leader - but now it's Pearl who's making new friends. Jodie just seems to be getting into more and more trouble - arguing with Mum, scaring the little children, flirting with the gardener. She really doesn't fit in with the posh teenagers at the school.Pearl begins to wonder if she needs Jodie as much as she used to. But when Firework Night comes around and a tragic event occurs, Pearl realises quite how much Jodie means to her . . .A touching, powerful story from the mega-bestselling Jacqueline Wilson, told with warmth and sensitivity.
Little Darlings
by Jacqueline WilsonSunset lives a life of luxury with her beautiful ex-model mum, her world-famous rock star dad and her two little celebrity siblings. But life on the red carpet is no compensation for parents who constantly argue, intensive scrutiny from the media, and and having no real friends.Destiny, on the other hand, is an only child living on a rundown estate with a sickly but devoted mum who constantly tells her that she's really the daughter of a famous rock star . . .When the two girls meet in unlikely circumstances, they are surprised to find in each other something they've been missing all their lives . . .
The Longest Whale Song
by Jacqueline WilsonElla's mother is in a deep coma, having just had a new baby. That means Ella has to live with Jack, her hopeless stepfather, and cope with her tiny newborn brother, as well as worrying about Mum. The only thing that's going right is her school project. It's all about whales and how they sing out to each other to attract a mate - sometimes for hours. Maybe a whale song could reach Mum, wherever she is, and bring her back to Ella and baby Samson. Surely it's worth a try?
Lily Alone
by Jacqueline WilsonLily isn't home ALONE - but she sort of wishes she was; looking after her three younger siblings is a lot of responsibility. When Mum goes off on holiday with her new boyfriend and her stepdad fails to show up, Lily is determined to keep the family together and show they can cope without any grown-ups. But taking care of 6-year-old twins, her 3-year-old sister and the family's flat feels overwhelming and Lily is worried that school or social services might discover their situation and break up the family. What could be better than to take all the little ones for a camping adventure in the park? Plenty of space to run about, no carpet to vacuum, and surely no chance anyone will guess they're there . . .
Queenie
by Jacqueline WilsonIt's 1953, the year Elizabeth is to be crowned Queen of England. Elsie Kettle can't wait to go to London to see the celebrations on Coronation Day. Elsie lives with her Nan - her mum works as a showgirl, so she's not around very often. Spirited and imaginative, but often lonely, Elsie longs for a best friend. Luckily, she and Nan are very close; Elsie just wishes she was allowed a cat to keep her company sometimes.Then tragedy strikes. Nan and Elsie both fall ill with tuberculosis, and Elsie finds herself whisked away to the children's ward of the hospital. Confined to bed for months on end, Elsie finds it very hard to adapt to the hospital's strict regime. But she invents astonishing ways of entertaining the other children on the ward, and for the first time finds herself surrounded by true friends - including Queenie, the hospital's majestic white cat.Finally, Elsie is well enough to leave hospital. But before she does, she has one very special, very unexpected visitor...A master storyteller - The Good Book Guide
Hetty Feather (Hetty Feather #1)
by Jacqueline WilsonThe mega-bestselling tale of fiery, spirited Victorian foundling, Hetty Feather.London, 1876. Hetty Feather is just a tiny baby when her mother leaves her at the Foundling Hospital. The Hospital cares for abandoned children - but Hetty must first live with a foster family until she is big enough to go to school. Life in the countryside is sometimes hard, but with her foster brothers, Jem and Gideon, Hetty helps in the fields and plays vivid imaginary games. Together they sneak off to visit the travelling circus, and Hetty is mesmerised by the show - especially the stunning Madame Adeline and her performing horses.But Hetty's happiness is threatened once more when she must return to the Foundling Hospital to begin her education. The new life of awful uniforms and terrible food is a struggle for her, and she desperately misses her beloved Jem. But now she has the chance to find her real mother. Could she really be the wonderful Madame Adeline? Or will Hetty find the truth is even more surprising? Jacqueline Wilson will surprise and delight old fans and new with this utterly original historical novel. The first book featuring feisty Victorian heroine, Hetty Feather, this is a compelling, moving, funny and totally fascinating tale that will thrill and captivate readers.
Sapphire Battersea (Hetty Feather #2)
by Jacqueline WilsonMy name is Sapphire Battersea. Doesn't that sound beautiful?When Hetty Feather, a foundling, is finally reunited with her mother, she hopes that her beautiful new name, Sapphire Battersea, will also mean a new life! But things don't always go as planned...The twists and turns of Hetty's adventure are endless - she goes to work as a maid for a wealthy man, and she even finds a new sweetheart!But Hetty's life may also take a darker path. Can she cope with the trials ahead?As wise, warm and deliciously readable as ever - Daily ExpressEnter the amazing world of Hetty Feather and follow her adventures throughout the series:1. Hetty Feather2. Sapphire Battersea3. Emerald Star4. Diamond
Emerald Star (Hetty Feather #3)
by Jacqueline Wilson'I am Emerald . . . Star,' I announced, giving birth to my new self right that moment.Brave, feisty Hetty Feather is back on another fantastic adventure!Since leaving the Foundling Hospital, Hetty has seen her fair share of drama, excitement, tragedy and loss. After the death of her beloved mama, she sets off to find a real home at last - starting with the search for her father.But Hetty is no longer a simple country girl, and begins to fear she'll never truly belong anywhere. And even when she is reunited with her beloved childhood sweetheart Jem, Hetty still longs for adventure - especially when an enchanting figure from her past makes an unexpected reappearance. Could a more exciting future lie ahead for Hetty?A brilliant end-of-series novel, the sort with just the right amount of tragedy, love, adventure and excitement. - The GuardianEnter the amazing world of Hetty Feather and follow her adventures throughout the series:1. Hetty Feather2. Sapphire Battersea3. Emerald Star4. Diamond
Diamond (Hetty Feather #4)
by Jacqueline WilsonDiamond wasn't always a star. Born to penniless parents who longed for a strong, healthy son, she was a dainty, delicate daughter - and a bitter disappointment.Discovering an extraordinary gift for acrobatics, Diamond uses her talent to earn a few pennies, but brings shame on her family. When a mysterious, cruel-eyed stranger spots her performing, Diamond is sold - and is taken to become an acrobat at Tanglefield's Travelling Circus.The crowds adore Diamond, but life behind the velvet curtains is far from glamorous. Her wicked master forces Diamond to attempt ever more daring tricks, until she is terrified to step into the ring. But there are true friends to be found, too: the gentle Mister Marvel; the kindly Madame Adeline; and the glorious Emerald Star, Tanglefield's brand-new ringmaster, and Diamond's heroine.When life at the circus becomes too dangerous to bear any longer, what will the future hold for Diamond? And will her beloved Emerald be a part of it?Enter the amazing world of Hetty Feather and follow her adventures throughout the series:1. Hetty Feather2. Sapphire Battersea3. Emerald Star4. Diamond
The Megamogs In Moggymania
by Peter HaswellWatch out! The mighty moggies are here to make mischief and mayhem!The Megamogs think of a clever plan to see off a nasty group of dogs. Glitzy leaves the gang to lead a glamorous new life. Then Miss Marbletop and Tracy have a scary adventure in Scotland. Three linked stories - ideal for builging reading confidence.
The Worst Thing About My Sister
by Jacqueline WilsonMarty and her sister Melissa couldn't be more different."That's the worst thing about my sister. She NEVER misses a chance to wind me up."Football-mad Marty loves her Converse and helping her dad with his DIY. Melissa, however, loves all things pink and girly.So it comes as no surprise that when they have to share a bedroom, Marty and Melissa struggle to get along.But all that changes after a terrible accident, which helps the sisters realise they are closer than they thought...From bestselling author Jacqueline Wilson, The Worst Thing About My Sister explores sibling rivalry and the importance of family. The Worst Thing About My Sister is full of fun, frolics and little pearls of wisdom. Here she focuses on that old family chestnut - sibling rivalry - and gives quarrelling sisters plenty of food for thought - Blackpool Gazette
The Starburster Stories
by Berlie DohertyFollow Tam on three exciting adventures to the land of Faery - where he'll battle castle nightmares, evil creatures and mischevious fairies!THE STARBURSTERAt first, Tam isn't at all keen on his baby sister, Blue. But with a little inventive persuasion from Great-grandpa, Tam changes his mind. One terrible night, Blue is stolen - and an ugly fairy changeling is left in her place! It falls to Tam to journey to the magical land of Faery, return the changeling and win back Blue...THE HUMMING MACHINEGreat-grandpa Toby is making so much NOISE! And if Tam can hear the clamour coming from his humming machine, the fairies will too. Soon enough, on the night of a blue moon, Great-grandpa vanishes. Tam must venture to Faery Land once more - but what will he find when he gets there?THE WINDSPINNERFirst the fairies took Tam's little sister, Blue. Then they took his Great-grandpa Toby. Now Tam has to keep a great secret - not only is Great-grandpa still in Faery as King, but the old King of the fairies, Oban, is now in Tam's world disguised as a boy Tam's age!At first, it's lots of fun having Oban and his magic around. He manages to charm everybody - even Tam's teacher at school. But then things start to go wrong . . . Three enchanting stories from much-loved, Carnegie Award-winning author Berlie Doherty.Young Corgi books are perfect for building reading confidence
Dancing Through The Shadows
by Theresa Tomlinson'They tell you that most lumps are nothing. ' Mum's voice wobbled. 'But mine is cancerous . . . . oh dear. Its a bit of a shock, it really is!' And so Ellen and her family must learn with the reality of her mum's breast cancer. Ellen finds solace in her dancing and coupled with an unexpected discovery in the school grounds, she is able to face the difficult times ahead . . .
Daisy and the Trouble with Sports Day (A Daisy Story #9)
by Kes GrayDaisy's getting into trouble again, and this time it's at her school Sports Day! Daisy's determined to win her race, and she and best friend Gabby have been training hard. They're going for gold! They're in the zone! They're sticking to a strict athlete's diet of Mars bars, Twiglets and cheese strings! Trouble is, everyone else in the class wants to win too . . .
Daisy and the Trouble with Piggy Banks (A Daisy Story #10)
by Kes GrayDaisy's getting into more trouble than ever before! When her best friend Gabby turns up at Daisy's house with the most awesome, immense, water-squirting micro-scooter Daisy's ever seen, Daisy knows she's got to have one too! Trouble is, they cost a LOT of money. So Daisy and Gabby hatch a money-making plan...
Charlie Small: The Puppet Master's Prison (Charlie Small #11)
by Charlie SmallFIRST PUBLISHED AS: THE PUPPET MASTERNo one knows the full story of Charlie Small. At least, not yet. His original battered journal was found washed up on a remote, windswept shore in the north of England. Now, a third instalment has been tracked down and salvaged from beneath the seat of a bus shelter in Pimlico. Having finally escaped from the perfidious pirates, Charlie travels through icy waters and hair-raising mountains and encounters man-eating bats, a wolf whose bark is worse than his bite, and ultimately finds himself ensnared by the evil Puppet Master, a figure of pure unadulterated evil. Will Charlie manage to escape his clutches, or will he remain a puppet for ever, never to adventure again?
Charlie Small: Destiny Mountain (Charlie Small #7)
by Charlie SmallORIGINALLY PUBLISHED AS: THE DAREDEVIL DESPERADOS OF DESTINYThis fourth volume of Charlie Small's journal was found by one of our editors propped behind a bottle at the back of a dusty bar in the valley where Charlie was last seen, and it's full of more adventures than ever!Having escaped the clutches of the evil Puppet Master, Charlie joins The Daredevil Desperados of Destiny, whose sole aim is to get rid of the outrageous outlaw, Horatio Ham. Charlie, aka The Lariat Kid, brings down Ham's posse of gunslingers, takes part in a daring bank raid, is caught up in a ferocious gunfight, lands up in jail, and is about to be sacrificed to The Great Bird of Death. Can Charlie possibly escape?
Charlie Small: The Underworld (Charlie Small #5)
by Charlie SmallIn the fifth journal found by us, the lucky and smug publisher, we learn that Charlie Small has become embroiled in an underworld from his nightmares . . . Previously, Charlie had bumped into the infamous Jakeman -- but when the mad professor was dragged down into the Underworld, Charlie had to follow - otherwise, how would he discover how to get back to his mum and dad? This latest adventure takes him into an unreal darkened world, where anything is possible. But will Charlie Small ever find a way out, or will he be trapped underground forever . . . ?
Charlie Small: Frostbite Pass (Charlie Small #8)
by Charlie SmallAt the end of his fifth journal, Charlie Small rocketed out of the strange and dark Underworld, over desert sands and a snowy white mountain range. With a table cloth over his head and a cushion strapped round his bottom, Charlie parachuted right into the middle of a small, swampy island. Clutching a mainly blank map that's supposed to help him find the infamous Jakeman, he sets off for the next island, only to find himself face to face with a slimy, stinking, roaring swamp monster . . . Will Charlie manage to slip through its gloopy claws?
Charlie Small: Forest of Skulls (Charlie Small #12)
by Charlie SmallWhisked away by his old adversaries, the Perfumed Pirates of Perfidy, Charlie is put to work aboard their new galleon. Held captive and forced to raid an unsuspecting ship with the bloodthirsty crew, Charlie is sure things can't get much worse... Until the pirates spot an enormous blunt-headed, sharp-toothed whale. A terrible battle ensues as the pirates try to harpoon the beast and Charlie tries his best to stop them. Will Charlie and the whale escape from the evil pirate crew's clutches? And, more importantly, will Charlie Small EVER find his way home?