'Spellbinding ... a pitch-perfect treasure' LoveReading4Kids Set your sails east with this stunningly original new history of the world. Peter Frankopan, number one bestselling author and historian, explores the connections made by people, trade, disease, war, religion, adventure, science and technology in this extraordinary book about how the east married the west with a remarkable voyage at its heart - the journey along the Silk Roads. From ancient world laws laid down by King Hammurabi and the mighty Persian empire, to terrifying huns, the rise of Europe, two world wars and politics today, The Silk Roads illustrated edition moves through time and history sewing together the threads from different peoples, empires and continents into a phenomenal history of the globe. With stories from each and every corner of society, Frankopan's magnificent brand new text based on his literary triumph The Silk Roads, sumptuously illustrated by Neil Packer, is a must-have world history. 'An extraordinarily vivid book on an often-neglected corner of history' Inis Reading Guide 'Not just children, but people of any age will find this book an absorbing read' New York Journal of Books 'Peter Frankopan's text is pitched at exactly the right level for children to read and for adults to share with them. The illustrations of Neil Packer are completely captivating ... this is a perfect marriage and a book to treasure' Armadillo magazine 'Studded with stylish, evocative illustrations from Neil Packer ... this is an ambitious account that nevertheless tackles big themes in a friendly, accessible way' History Revealed magazine

_______________ 'A very touching and honest story ... Rico and Nick make a great team!' - Jacqueline Wilson _______________ An empowering adoption story by eleven-year-old Premier League Young Writer of the Year Rico Hinson-King, illustrated by the award-winning Nick Sharratt There is a kid. Let's call him Charlie. On the outside he looks like every other football-mad boy of his age. But he isn't ... A story of hope and resilience, this gentle, inspiring picture book tells the tale of Charlie, a little boy who was taken into care when he was very small. Charlie dreams of finding his forever home to share with his sisters. Sometimes he feels scared. Sometimes he wants to scream and cry (and he does, just a little). But he is strong. He is tough. Strong and Tough is by the amazingly talented ten-year-old Rico Hinson-King. Rico, like Charlie, found strength and resilience along the journey to find his forever family (and played lots of football along the way!). Rico is a Junior Premier League footballer with a knack for words too, who wrote his story so that other children going through similar circumstances can feel less alone, and to encourage empathy in others. His moving and powerful words are paired with warm, friendly illustrations by the award-winning Nick Sharratt, who famously illustrated many of Jacqueline Wilson's books including the Tracy Beaker series.

In this 48-page book, Maynard presents children ages 8 to 12 a beautifully photographed and illustrated introduction to the history, geology, flora, and fauna of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the park with the highest visitation of any national park. Maynard captures the color and diversity of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a World Heritage and International Biosphere Research site that is home to more than 2,000 plant and animal species, including more than 1,600 flowering plants, more than 130 tree species, and 30 salamander species. Along with photographs by Ann and Rob Simpson and illustrations by Robert Rath, the book features the park's plants and creatures, large and small, from dainty lady's slipper orchids to mighty tulip poplars, from whiskered river otters to ambling black bears, from delicate fireflies to brightly colored salamanders????????????????????????including Jordan's red-cheeked salamanders that don't exist anywhere else in the world. Maynard also captures the rich area history, ranging from the early Cherokees to Spanish explorers who called the area "the Land of Angels" to the settlers who arrived in the 1700s and built log homes and water-powered mills. Readers will learn about early-day logging in Elkmont and the park's creation in the 1930s. Finally, lace up your hiking boots and hit the trail with one of the eight kid-friendly hikes that Maynard suggests to sites ranging from Laurel Falls to Le Conte Lodge. Dive into the story of the place the Cherokee Indians called Shaconage or "Blue, Like Smoke." Going Along to the Great Smoky Mountains is a wonderful guide to the a wonderful national park.