A love letter to the joys of childhood reading from Wonderland to Narnia. When Lucy Mangan was little, stories were everything. They opened up new worlds and cast light on all the complexities she encountered in this one. She was whisked away to Narnia - and Kirrin Island - and Wonderland. She ventured down rabbit holes and womble burrows into midnight gardens and chocolate factories. She wandered the countryside with Milly-Molly-Mandy, and played by the tracks with the Railway Children. With Charlotte's Web she discovered Death and with Judy Blume it was Boys. No wonder she only left the house for her weekly trip to the library or to spend her pocket money on amassing her own at home. In Bookworm, Lucy revisits her childhood reading with wit, love and gratitude. She relives our best-beloved books, their extraordinary creators, and looks at the thousand subtle ways they shape our lives. She also disinters a few forgotten treasures to inspire the next generation of bookworms and set them on their way. Lucy brings the favourite characters of our collective childhoods back to life - prompting endless re-readings, rediscoveries, and, inevitably, fierce debate - and brilliantly uses them to tell her own story, that of a born, and unrepentant, bookworm. 'Passionate, witty, informed, and gloriously opinionated' Jacqueline Wilson author of The Story of Tracy Beaker

In this classic work by the renowned wit and pundit whom the "New York Times" has lauded as "one of America's foremost arbiters of taste and mores . . . an acclaimed expert on what was highbrow, what was lowbrow, and what was no brow at all," the inimitable Russell Lynes flaunts (rather snobbishly, perhaps) his unparalleled expertise on all things snobbish. Since the Social Snob--with his raised nostrils and air of intolerable intolerance--has long since gone underground, it falls to a true connoisseur to identify the myriad faces of snobbery. Whether it be the Regional, Political, or Moral Snob, the Sensual or Sex Snob, or that most virulent of genus, the Reverse or Anti-Snob Snob, Lynes shines an illuminating light that will enable us to more easily recognize the pervasive pretentiousness surrounding us . . . and perhaps "within" us as well.

Our eminent founding father Ben Franklin once famously compared guests to stinking fish. While this assessment may seem a trifle harsh, the truth remains that social intercourse is a most risky endeavor. Who better to address this concern than the inimitable pundit Russell Lynes--a man renowned for his unparalleled expertise on the social graces and the many personality types who regularly abuse them? In this classic guide to "guesting," Lynes provides an indispensable overview of the rituals of behavior that make it possible to visit and be visited, and the necessary safeguards that protect us from our friends and our friends from us. It is a book that demands to be read by every potential guest and host, stinker and stinkee alike.

'Tender [and] nostalgic' The Times What's married life like from the man's point of view? What does a wedding actually mean to a man? Do men really not know how to do laundry? Now, with masculinity in crisis (again), it's more important than ever to understand the secret lives of husbands. Couldn't our relationships be better navigated if we listened, impartially, to how the world looks from inside a man's head? Do they feel sad at the thought of never falling in love again? Would they ever admit that their partner's cooking is worse than their mother's? Melissa Katsoulis's mission is not to find the perfect husband, or the worst. It's about talking to married men and understanding their world. We are inundated with statistical research about gender and domestic politics but it doesn't tell us how things really feel to real men. Through interviews with ordinary men, experts and imaginary Greek gods, Melissa will uncover everything you need to know about the man in your life. From a whistle-stop tour of husbands through history to husbands in the nursery, husbands on holiday, husbands in the kitchen and husbands of a certain age, The Secret Life of Husbands is a warm and witty journey of discovery about the modern-day husband.

The second delicious cookbook from bestselling author, Lucy Lord, with over 80 fresh, fun, and creative recipes to feed your soul! Good food feeds the soul, great cooking shares the love. Bursting with fresh, flavourful, and creative dishes to help you rediscover a love for cooking - and eating! From Garlic and Parmesan Roasted Veg, and Sweetcorn Fritters with Feta, Chilli and Lime, to unmissable bakes and delicious drinks! Food can lift your mood, deliver new experiences, and help you connect with family and friends away from the pressures of daily life. Lucy's philosophy is all about finding those moments - whether you have 20 minutes or two hours to spare - to pause, regroup, and share the joy delicious home cooked dishes, amazing ingredients, and good times. So, dig into this beautiful book and discover that happiness really is homemade. With chapters including: Breakfasts & Brunches Light, Fresh & Flourish Quick & Simple Slow, Nourishing & Comforting Centre-stage Side Dishes Any Excuse to Bake Drinks

Take Care by Posh is a series of beautiful pocket-sized books that invite you to practice small moments of self-care through mindful activities, inspirational words, and thought-provoking journal prompts.

With over 100 pages of relaxing puzzles—including dot-to-dot, coloring pages, crosswords, spot the difference, and finish the drawing—inspirational words, journal prompts, and interactive activities on calming, restorative themes, these little books provide portable moments of peace. Take Care by Posh: Inspired Activities for Peace asks you to step away, relax, and re-center. Take some time for yourself. Take care.

• Every activity in this book has been carefully crafted so that readers can be inspired and enjoy creating something of beauty
• Everyone can benefit from the stress-relieving effect that increased focus and creativity can provide
• Relax and unwind with this sophisticated anti-stress activity and guided prompt book for grown-ups
• Over 7 million in print in the Pocket Posh best-selling puzzle series.

Challenge yourself with number puzzles Previously unpublished quality Su Doku grids from The Times, which help develop your skills to take on Extreme Su Doku. The 200 puzzles in this collection of treacherously difficult puzzles will stretch even the most advanced Su Doku enthusiast. You will need to use all of your best solving techniques to get to the end of this testing challenge. The puzzles in the collection are of the highest quality and are perfect for the advanced solver in need of a constant supply of ultra-difficult puzzles. Guaranteed to provide hours of mind-stretching entertainment.

Offering indispensable inspiration for wedding readings, this gorgeous compilation of writing on love and marriage is also the perfect gift for couples and wedding guests alike.

Part of the Macmillan Collector’s Library; a series of stunning, clothbound, pocket-sized classics with foiled edges and ribbon markers. These beautiful books make perfect gifts or a treat for any book lover. This edition is edited by Becky Brown.

This beautiful anthology is filled with readings to light up every kind of wedding ceremony. There are poems about falling in love, joyful prose celebrating marriage and wise words about commitment from some of our greatest writers and poets such as Elizabeth Barrett Browning, E. E. Cummings and Katherine Mansfield. It’s a book brimming with inspiration that solves the dilemma of choosing what to read at weddings and marriage celebrations.

Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the God's Promises line--over 15 million sold--God's Promises for Your Every Need now features scripture in NKJV and a fresh, new cover.

You will find comfort and hope only in God's Word. No matter what your situation, God has a promise for you!

Gaming just got a whole lot funnier. What was the console gamer's New Year’s resolution? 1280x720. Why did Frogger cross the road? Because after an hour and a half you’ve finally completed the level. Why would a grown-up want to play Pokémon Go? Wynaut? This is a joke book for anyone who knows that AAA isn’t just a battery type, you don’t need scissors to do some crafting and that you don’t have to go outdoors to try camping. *Parental guidance: Occasional fruity language and jokes of a sexual nature*

Searching for perfect book lovers gifts? Rejoice! Bibliophile: An Illustrated Miscellany, is a love letter to all things bookish. Author Jane Mount brings literary people, places, and things to life through her signature and vibrant illustrations. It's a must-have for every book collection, and makes a wonderful literary gift for book lovers, writers, and more. Readers of Jane Mount's Bibliophile will delight in: Touring the world's most beautiful bookstores Testing their knowledge of the written word with quizzes Finding their next great read in lovingly curated stacks of books Sampling the most famous fictional meals Peeking inside the workspaces of their favorite authors A source of endless inspiration, literary facts and recommendations: Bibliophile is pure bookish joy and sure to enchant book clubbers, English majors, poetry devotees, aspiring writers, and any and all who identify as book lovers. If you have read or own: I'd Rather Be Reading: The Delights and Dilemmas of the Reading Life; The Written World: The Power of Stories to Shape People, History, and Civilization; or How to Read Literature Like a Professor: A Lively and Entertaining Guide to Reading Between the Lines; then you will want to read and own Jane Mount's Bibliophile.

Escape reality and reconnect with nature Journey to 40 unforgettable getaways in Britain’s wild corners, from floating cabins to miniature castles, tree pods to moored boats. Lose yourself in cosy reading nooks after a day hillwalking in the Peak District, go foraging in Yorkshire’s woodlands, or warm up by the campfire after taking a dip in coastal Cornish waters. Stay in the heart of Wales’ myths and legends, or pitch up at the birthplace of scouting. These rural retreats are ideal for slowing down and switching off, with tips on local walks and watering holes on the doorstep. With spectacular photography on every page, just reading Wild Escapes is an escape in itself.

Challenge yourself at home with word and number puzzles These are previously unpublished quality Su Doku grids from The Times, and help to develop you to take on Extreme Su Doku. The 200 puzzles in this collection of treacherously difficult puzzles will stretch even the most advanced Su Doku enthusiast. You will need to use all of your best solving techniques to get to the end of this testing challenge. The puzzles in the collection are of the highest quality and are perfect for the advanced solver in need of a constant supply of ultra-difficult puzzles. Guaranteed to provide hours of mind-stretching entertainment.

An ode to the joy of making waves.Ah, salty breezes, beach hair, the feeling of bare feet (or fins) in warm sand. And dreams of that mer-mazing world under the sea. An ode to the joys of making waves, this sweet celebration is filled with mermaids, merman, purrmaids, and other underwater lovelies- complete with quotes, folklore, and mantras.Let the currents guide your soul. Never allow anyone to burst your bubble. And know that life offers its treasures to those who seek magic.Stay wild, ocean child.

Alba the fish has spent her entire life collecting precious objects that drift down to the ocean floor. From delicate shells to brightly coloured coral, each year on her birthday she gathers one more precious item. But over the years, Alba notices her collection is losing its sparkle and that the world is changing. What are these bits of plastic and metal? As the coral reef fades, Alba decides to leave her home behind. Can an old fish teach the world how to bring colour back to the ocean? The One-Hundred-Year-Old Fish gently highlights the issue of pollution. A beautifully illustrated picture book from exciting new talent Lara Hawthorne.

Allie Esiri's beautiful gift anthology, A Poet for Every Day of the Year, is the perfect introduction to 366 of the world's greatest ever verse writers. Perfect for reading aloud and sharing with all the family, it is bursting at the seams with familiar favourites and exciting new discoveries. Shakespeare, William Wordsworth, Christina Rossetti and Emily Bronte sit alongside Roger McGough, Wendy Cope, Imtiaz Dharker, Leonard Cohen, Sylvia Plath and Ocean Vuong. Each of the 366 poems features a small introduction that gives a sense of who the writer was, and not just the greatness of their work. Some offer insightful biographical details or key historical context, while others may provide quirky, humorous anecdotes. The day-to-day format of the anthology invites readers to make poetry a part of their daily routine, and makes sure that they discover something inspirational, life affirming, provocative, moving or entertaining each and every day.

Challenge yourself at home with word and number puzzles These are previously unpublished quality Su Doku grids from The Times, and help to develop you to take on Extreme Su Doku. The 200 puzzles in this collection of treacherously difficult puzzles will stretch even the most advanced Su Doku enthusiast. You will need to use all of your best solving techniques to get to the end of this testing challenge. The puzzles in the collection are of the highest quality and are perfect for the advanced solver in need of a constant supply of ultra-difficult puzzles. Guaranteed to provide hours of mind-stretching entertainment.

The world is yours to explore The great outdoors is the beating heart of our world, but modern life is pulling us ever further away from it. Spending our time shut away indoors and hunched over screens, we've lost touch with nature, and it's harming our health and our happiness. But it's never too late to find our way back. This book will help you find a way of reconnecting with the great outdoors. Whether you like to walk, run or swim, admire the wildlife or forage for wild foods, within these pages there will be something to inspire you to get out into the fresh air and reignite your sense of wonder at the world around you. Nature is a balm for the body and soul, so escape the pace of the everyday and set yourself free: get out there, find adventure, and go wild!

Chickens, Cows, Ducks, Sheep, Pigs, Rabbits, Trout, Salmon, Prawns, Lobsters - all of the animal kingdom - are not here for us to eat, we should be looking after them. Friends Not Food is a celebration of our relationship with our animal friends and is packed with vegan sayings as well as facts about both those animals and the industries that prey on them. The perfect gift for anyone who loves animals! And whilst you #StayHome, don't miss these other great titles from Sphere Books: ** Distract Yourself: 101 Positive Things to Do and Learn Whilst You Stay Home ** ** The Bumper Book of Would You Rather? Over 350 hilarious hypothetical questions for ages 6 to 106 ** ** Home Sweet Home: The Little Book of Natural Cleaning ** ** Shelf Respect: A Book Lovers' Guide to Curating Book Shelves at Home **

The mid-20th century was one of the most popular, collectable and dynamic periods of international design. Drawing on the inventive style of the era, this range of gift products features exclusive illustrations of iconic mid-century designs, from Eames chairs to Poul Henningsen lamps and George Nelson clocks, all rendered in a distinctive graphic style. Featuring over ninety pieces by sixty designers and design duos, Mid-Century Modern: Icons of Design is arranged chronologically, and includes chairs, tables, storage, lighting, and product and industrial design. Each spread includes a graphic depiction of the piece and a concise text. The models, materials and designers index offers easy reference through the book.

Did your home haircut make your child look like Friar Tuck? Did you forget to put bananas in your banana bread? Did your primary-schooler have to correct your times tables? Then you were probably one of many people trying your f*cking hardest to parent during lockdown, and so now deserve a medal (or a case of gin). Featuring entries from fellow survivors on the horrors of homeschooling, the nightmares of kitchen experiments, the fallibility of trying to keep your colleagues' respect, the inevitability of putting on all the weight and the joys of considering what you did to make the world punish you so... ...Lockdown Parenting Fails is a hilarious (and trauma-inducing) collection of the best memories from the worst time in everyone's lives.

“The Yumcious catering offerings are real crowd-pleasers. Whether you are planning an informal supper for a family get-together or a special occasion for friends, you can be assured of happy faces and plenty of compliments when you serve any of these dishes.

I have had the pleasure of cooking for several high-profile people – Prince Charles, Presidents Thabo Mbeki and FW de Klerk, Vice President Al Gore, Kenneth Kaunda, King Goodwill Zwelithini, Charlize Theron, Graham Norton, and the Duke and Duchess of Kent, to name but a few – and I treated them all the same as I would the man on the corner. I have approached every catering job as if I was cooking for my own family; I have never cut corners or used substandard ingredients, and I only prepare food that I like to eat myself. I cater weddings, funerals, birthdays, product launches, you name it. I love designing the menu around my client’s needs, imaging what they would like to serve their guests.

But more than anything, I simply love feeding people so catering will always hold a special place in my heart.” - Jenny Morris

Pocket Maya Angelou Wisdom is a collection of some of her best and most empowering quotes. This is the ultimate keepsake for fans of Maya Angelou's beautiful poetry, as well as for anyone looking for a bit of in-the-moment inspiration to have in their back pocket. Some quotes from Maya Angelou: `If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude.' `You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.' `When we unite in purpose, we are greater than the sum of our parts' `Love recognises no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive as its destination full of hope.' `Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future and renders the present inaccessible.'

This luxurious blank sketchbook is designed for artists and enthusiasts who appreciate both aesthetics and quality.

Crafted for artists and admirers of fine art, this refined blank sketchbook showcases on its cover a delicate detail from Vincent van Gogh’s “Almond Blossom,” capturing the serene beauty of the blooming branches against a tranquil blue sky. Inside, the pages are high-quality, unruled paper, providing a pristine canvas for sketches, drawings, or notes.

The edges of the pages are sprayed, adding an extra touch of elegance to this already exquisite package. This sketchbook seamlessly blends artistic inspiration with practicality, making it an elegant and useful tool for creative minds, especially those who appreciate Van Gogh’s work and want to be inspired by his artistry every time they open to a new page. Its luxurious design makes it a perfect gift for art lovers, adding a touch of sophistication to their collection of art supplies

Everything in the universe is made up of the elements - including us. Forged in the Big Bang, the elements and their resulting compounds created the solar system, planet Earth, the air we breathe, the water we rely on and the proteins that would become life. In fact, everything in the known Universe is made up of one of the 118 elements of the periodic table - so we really should know something about them! This little book is the perfect guide, listing all the elements' vital stats, and exploring their astonishing histories and usages in an accessible and easy-to-understand way.