A spellbinding story from the Sunday Times-bestselling author of The Girl of Ink & Stars, winner of the Waterstones Children's Book Prize. 'A story bursting with imagination, sparkle and tender heart ... I adored it!' JASBINDER BILAN 'Both souful poetry and thrilling adventure; powerful and delicate, chilling and comforting' SOPHIE ANDERSON 'Ripping propulsive plot, gorgeous imagery, floating fairytale prose ... absolutely loved it' ROSS MONTGOMERY In an Italian city ravaged by plague, Sofia's mother carves beautiful mementoes from the bones of loved ones. But one day, she doesn't return home. Did her work lead her into danger? Sofia and her little brother Ermin are sent to the convent orphanage but soon escape, led by an enigmatic new friend and their pet crow, Corvith. Together they cross the city underground, following clues in bones up to the towers of Siena, where - circled by magpies - the children find the terrible truth ... The fourth children's novel by Times number one bestselling author Kiran Millwood Hargrave, winner of the Waterstones Children's Book Prize and the British Book Awards Children's Book of the Year From the author of The Island at the End of Everything, The Way Past Winter, Julia and the Shark and The Mercies - chosen for the Richard & Judy Book Club A darkly beautiful historical novel featuring Kiran's trademark magical realism and an enthralling mystery, presented as a gorgeous flapped paperback with stunning cover foil Longlisted for the Diverse Book Awards 2021

One afternoon many years ago, James Rebanks met an old woman on a remote Norwegian island. She lived and worked alone on a tiny rocky outcrop, caring for wild Eider ducks and gathering their down. Hers was a centuries-old trade that had once made men and women rich, but had long been in decline. Still, somehow, she seemed to be hanging on.

Back at home, Rebanks couldn’t stop thinking about the woman on the rocks. She was fierce and otherworldly – and yet strangely familiar. Years passed. Then, one day, he wrote her a letter, asking if he could return. Bring work clothes, she replied, and good boots, and come quickly: her health was failing. And so he travelled to the edge of the Arctic to witness her last season on the island.

This is the story of that season. It is the story of a unique and ancient landscape, and of the woman who brought it back to life. It traces the pattern of her work from the rough, isolated toil of bitter winter, to the elation of the endless summer light, when the birds leave behind their precious down for gathering, like feathered gold.

Slowly, Rebanks begins to understand that this woman and her world are not what he had previously thought. What began as a journey of escape becomes an extraordinary lesson in self-knowledge and forgiveness.

The beauty and fascination of birds is unrivalled. Every day of the year, immerse yourself in their world with an entry from A Bird of Day, where Dominic Couzens offers an insight into everything from the humble Robin to Emperor Penguins, who are in the midst of Arctic storms protecting their young on 1 July. Or discover the fate of the Passenger Pigeon which became extinct through overhunting on 1 September 2014. If you ever visit the Himalayan uplands, go in late November when you can see a flock of the cobalt blue Grandala birds, which is one of the wonders of the natural world. The author is a world expert on birds and particularly bird behaviour and he reveals endless fascinating stories of birds from all over the globe to give a rich tapestry of avian life with stunning photography, illustration and arresting art. All of bird life is covered, from nesting, migration, and courting to birdsong and curious bird behaviour. From the promiscuous Fairywren of Australia, who gives petals to his mistresses, to the singing instructions of the female Northern Cardinal in North America, this is a delightful dip-in-and-out book for any nature lover.

Parrots are considered to be one of the most intelligent types of bird and it is their innate characteristics that have made them popular to keep as pets since the Roman times, although parrot-keeping reached its peak only in the last century. Their popularity can be attributed to their colourful plumage, their intelligence and flair for mimicry, their playful behaviour and ability to bond with human beings. Naturally they require a considerable amount of dedicated care, attention and psychological stimulation in order to lead happy, balanced and contented lives. It is therefore essential that parrot owners are aware of their pet's needs, day-to-day requirements and their responsibilities as owners. This new paperback edition for 2021 covers the day to day care of your parrot; how to create the right environment for your parrot; dietary needs and the importance of feeding a balance diet; practical advice on grooming and feather plucking; common disease in parrots; recognising the symptoms; managing behaviour and effective training. Finally, there is a chapter on breeding parrots; incubation and hand rearing.

The ostrich is a relatively new agricultural animal in many parts of the world, and even in South Africa it was domesticated only a little over a century ago. Recently however there has been a huge growth in interest in ostrich farming, and production of ostriches for low-fat meat and leather is now a reality in many parts of the world. This book is the first comprehensive volume to review the world scientific literature on ostrich biology, production and health.* Written by leading authors from South Africa, Europe, Israel and the USA* Deals with the ostrich in farmed and natural environments* Essential reading for those interested in avian and poultry science

Jim Emerton bred and raced birds for 40 years and had birds return to the loft from as far as 879 miles away. Now in retirement from active racing, he devotes his time and energies to sharing his experiences, his observations and his expertise with the rest of the fancy. Here in one volume is a comprehensive collection of his thoughts about pigeons and pigeon racing, ranging from short pieces originally written for the leading fanciers' magazines to full-length articles and interviews. "What unites us in principle is the common good of the sport, and with this in mind I do what I can for others - it all oils the cogs of the sport. Some will see me as a know-all, yet I am a quiet little man making my mark, that's all. What is true is that I have made a life study of pigeons, and as a teacher I like to impart knowledge and experience...My aim is purely to tell it as it is to me, and if this is illuminating to others, then so be it."

A newly-updated practical guide to pet-keeping, covering all aspects of choosing and caring for small mammals including rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils and jirds, chinchillas, rats and mice - plus birds, herptiles, invertebrates and fish. Each chapter features the most popular breeds in each species, based on general availability and suitability. Find out how to choose the best pet for your lifestyle plus practical tips on buying a pet; housing and exercise; foods for a balanced diet; pet health and what to do when your pet is sick. This is a perfect reference book on petcare for any owner. Expert advice on choosing and buying a pet, the breeds, housing, feeding, handling, showing and health care. Helpful information and fascinating insights about every aspect of caring for the most popular pet species. How to select the right pet for your lifestyle, including choosing exotic species and the most suitable pets for young children and families. Maintaining a pet's health, plus the equipment needed to house, feed and exercise pets correctly, and detailed advice on training, handling, showing and breeding pets.

An immersive blend of chicken-keeping memoir and animal welfare reporting by a journalist who accidentally became obsessed with her flock. Since first domesticating the chicken thousands of years ago, humans have become exceptionally adept at raising them for food. Yet most people rarely interact with chickens or know much about them. In Under the Henfluence, Tove Danovich explores the lives of these quirky, mysterious birds who stole her heart the moment her first box of chicks arrived at the post office. From a hatchery in Iowa to a chicken show in Ohio to a rooster rescue in Minnesota, Danovich interviews the people breeding, training, healing and, most importantly, adoring chickens. With more than 60 billion chickens living on industrial farms around the world, they're easy to dismiss as just another dinner ingredient. Yet Danovich's reporting reveals the hidden cleverness, quiet sweetness and irresistible personalities of these birds, as well as the complex human-chicken relationship that has evolved over centuries. This glimpse into the lives of backyard chickens doesn't just help us to understand chickens better - it also casts light back on ourselves and what we've ignored throughout the explosive growth of industrial agriculture. Woven with delightful and sometimes heartbreaking anecdotes from Danovich's own henhouse, Under the Henfluence proves that chickens are so much more than what they bring to the table.

This is the picture book for every little one's shelf, about how sometimes the smallest people make the biggest difference. A beautiful owl lives in the tree outside Ben's house. Ben calls him Mr Hoot. When grown-ups want to chop down Mr Hoot's tree, Ben has to act fast to save him. This warm, funny and inspiring story shows how we can all protect the wildlife that lives all around us. With characteristic warmth and humour, Helen Stephens' exquisite new picture book celebrates the precious wildlife that lives all around us, and shows how even the smallest of us can help to protect it. Hugely topical: a warmly funny environmental book with heart - will inspire children to look out for, love and protect their local wildlife Striking cover design with gold foil - a perfect gift book Helen Stephens is an Instagram star with nearly 20,000 followers. She also launched her own online illustration course, The Good Ship Illustration

Repeat after me: Parrots aren't just for pirates! While parrots have a historical reputation for being a pirate's best friend, in the modern-day U.S.--where birds are the nation's third most popular household pet-thousands of landlubbers are in on the act! And that's not surprising--parrots are as affectionate, friendly, and fun to be with as a dog or cat. They are also relatively low-maintenance, with no rude 5 a.m. awakenings with demands for food or punishing walks. Renowned avian care and behavior consultant Nikki Moustaki is your friendly guide to the colorful world of this intelligent and chatty pet. In this book, you'll be introduced to the vibrant diversity of the parrot world, which covers a wide variety of Psittacidae family members, including macaws, cockatiels, and parakeets. You'll also learn the best ways to choose, care for, and love your resplendently feathered companion. Pick your perfect parrot Devour the latest on nutrition Tame and train Make the perfect home Whether you're just setting out in the parrot world or are a seasoned voyager on the parrot-y seas, this 2nd edition of Parrots For Dummies has something for you and your pet--and will repay the hard-won pirate gold you spent on it a thousand times over!

Thousands of backyard poultry keepers are signing up all over the country, experiencing afresh the joys of their first hen, their first egg, their happy chuckle in the morning garden. Keeping poultry in the city brings with it not only joys but responsibilities. "The Urban Hen" is the perfect companion for the city poultry keeper and shows you how to maintain a happy, healthy garden or backyard flock in towns and cities everywhere. In this book you'll discover how to: find the best poultry for the small garden - and how to house them properly; feed your birds, tune in to their daily needs and enjoy your own eggs; avoid annoying the neighbours by showing that it is possible to keep poultry without attracting unwelcome pests; recognise healthy happy birds and learn their daily routine; recognise poorly hens; treat them or get help; and, incubate and care for fertilised eggs and raise chicks.

Under the title AMoaminA we find what is the most extensive, the most frequently copied and translated and the medically most sophisticated medieval text devoted to the care of falcons. At the same time it represents the only hitherto observable case of the textual traditions operative in the translation of a scientific work from Arabic into Latin and Italian, supplemented here by additional reference to a Franco-Italian and an independent Spanish version. Volume 1 provides an edition of the Italian and Latin versions of the treatise. Volume 2 attempts an accurate definition of the scientific vocabulary and a lexical comparison between the various versions of AMoaminA.

Canaries have been domesticated since the fifteenth century, when the Spanish first imported them from their Canary Isles home, attracted by their melodic song. Since then their popularily as a caged bird has spread throughout the world, This book instroduces several of the different types of canary that are popular today, and offers invaluable advice on the responsibilities of ownership and how best to care for these beautiful birds.

This visually appealing guide provides all the information that you need in order to start keeping poultry. A buyer's guide shows what features to look for in healthy poultry, and essential information is provided on good poultry husbandry to ensure optimum welfare. A beautifully illustrated guide to poultry breeds of the world follows. Each breed is illustrated with a lavish photograph, and comprehensive text describes the breed type and characteristics. A final chapter looks at popular goose, duck and turkey breeds. If you are interested in keeping chickens in the back yard, selling eggs for profit, or exhibiting pure breeds, this is the perfect book for you.* Includes a comprehensive visual directory of the world's pure breeds or poultry, turkeys, ducks and geese, describing the key characteristics of each. * Common everyday questions are answered, including What is involved in keeping poultry at home? Can chickens make suitable pets? How do I make a poultry house? What is the financial outlay? and What breeds should I choose? * Information is provided on poultry housing, maintenance, feeding, security, health and hygiene.

Cheerful and warm, our Sweet Creatures Small Bullet Journal by one of our favourite painters Allyn Howard based in Brooklyn, NYC, is right on trend with your other favourite stationery/home fashion designs. We love her Red Cardinals, Blue Jays, Hummingbirds, Squirrels and other woodsy creatures. Especially sweet for backyard birdwatchers. Goes perfectly with our Red Cardinal Playing Cards (ISBN 9781623258610). Our Small Bullet Journals are slim paperback notebooks with dot-grid or lined pages and are the perfect place to make your list, jot ideas or doodle. 120, lined pages Pages edged with black dip-dyed edges Exposed binding lays flat Book measures 114 x 177 mm We choose the best images from well-known classic and contemporary fine artists, plus talented emerging illustrators and designers from around the globe. Allyn Howard is a painter and illustrator based in Brooklyn, New York. Inspired by her childhood, her work reflects an interest in nature, often from the vantage point of small curious animals. Allyn uses water-based acrylics on wood, paper, and canvas, merging a decorative style with a colourful, painterly one.

KEEP YOUR PARROT STIMULATED AND ACTIVE, AND HE WILL KEEP YOU ENTERTAINED
By nature, parrots are inquisitive, intelligent, and social animals. You can capitalize on these characteristics and obedience train your bird, teaching him behaviors that will make your life and his more enjoyable--behaviors such as stepping on your hand or wrist on command, and going to a designated perch. Then you can progress to teach him all kinds of tricks. He'll love the attention, communication, and socialization. From the essential basics of obedience training to awesome tricks that will amuse and amaze your friends, Parrot Tricks covers:
* Techniques to use during the ""get acquainted"" period
* Setting up a training area and using food as a training tool
* Training basics such as targeting, luring, and using cues
* Necessary obedience skills such as step up, come, perch, and stay
* The basic retrieve command, the foundation of many tricks
* Simple tricks such as shake hands, high five, kiss, and take a bow
* Tricks based on the retrieve command, including basketball, ring on the peg, and stacking cups
* Advanced tricks such as pulling a wagon, pushing a grocery cart, raising a flag, and riding a skateboard
* Innovative tricks that showcase your bird's natural abilities
* Chaining tricks, such as recycling and going to the mailbox
* Verbalizations and talking using the Rival/Model Method or the Positive Reward Method
* Directions for making simple props

With this book, patience, and practice, you'll build your understanding of and relationship with your bird as you build a repertoire of tricks. You can get your parrot to jump through hoops for you--literally

Your Happy Healthy Pet

The authoritative information and advice you need, illustrated throughout with full-color photographs--now revised and redesigned to be even more reader-friendly
Outgoing, cheerful, inquisitive little acrobats, conures are entertaining companion birds. They're small in size, but big in personality. This guide helps you make your conure a part of your family, with information on:
* Choosing your conure
* Creating a safe, stimulating home for your bird
* Everyday care, including feeding and bathing
* Clipping your conure's wings--why, when, and how
* Training tips, from getting your conure comfortable with you to potty training to teaching tricks such as Ride in the Wagon, Nod Your Head, and Play Dead
* Teaching your conure to talk

Conures are often cuddly and almost always wonderfully affectionate, so you'll get a lot of love from your little feathered friend

Your Happy Healthy Pet

The authoritative information and advice you need, illustrated throughout with full-color photographs--now revised and redesigned to be even more reader-friendly
Outgoing, cheerful, inquisitive little acrobats, conures are entertaining companion birds. They're small in size, but big in personality. This guide helps you make your conure a part of your family, with information on:
* Choosing your conure
* Creating a safe, stimulating home for your bird
* Everyday care, including feeding and bathing
* Clipping your conure's wings--why, when, and how
* Training tips, from getting your conure comfortable with you to potty training to teaching tricks such as Ride in the Wagon, Nod Your Head, and Play Dead
* Teaching your conure to talk

Conures are often cuddly and almost always wonderfully affectionate, so you'll get a lot of love from your little feathered friend