It is for its fynbos – fine-leaved, shrub-like vegetation – that the southwestern and southern Cape has been named one of the world’s six plant kingdoms: The Cape floral kingdom. At less than 90 000 square kilometres, it is the smallest floral kingdom on earth. Yet it is home to 8 600 plant species, some 5 000 of which occur nowhere else in the world. Fynbos is a mixture of four plant types: Protea shrubs, heath-like ericas, reed-like restios and different bubous plants. The Cape floral kingdom contains 69 of the world’s 112 proteas, 526 of its 740 ericas and, among bubous plants, 96 of the world’s 160 gladiolus species. Table Mountain alone boasts almost 1 500 fynbos species. With Fynbos fairies, Antjie Krog and Fiona Moodie, both of whom regularly walk on the slopes of Table Mountain, pay homage to one of the natural wonders of the world. Inspired by Cicely Mary Barker’s A world of flower fairies, Antjie began the process by writing poems that each featured a plant and at least one imaginary little being. Fiona meticulously researched the features of each plant, insect and little animal depicted in these pages. The fairies and other imaginary beings in these pages are her own creations, but the flowers and creatures she copied from nature.

A 'How to' book to encourage children to encounter enjoy and read poetry, whether by listening or reading. With practical suggestions on how to effectively and creatively teach poetry this guide is written by two poets with years of experience working with young people: its full of tried and tested ideas that are practical and fun. It's a cornucopia of advice on how to share, perform, publish and - most important - enjoy poetry. There are lots of suggestions - what kind of poems to choose, who best to read or perform them, how to get started writing a poem, where you might find a poem you like and want to share. Full of enthusiasm and excitement, this is a book for anyone who wants to spread their wings and convey their enjoyment of the written word. If you have ever wondered how best to use poetry in your classroom or library, this is the book for you.

Sing, read and listen to ten fabulous songs by The Gruffalo author Julia Donaldson, in this gorgeous gift book-and-CD. Julia's fabulous songs are based on her much-loved, bestselling picture books with Axel Scheffler. The songs are every bit as irresistible as the original stories, and include many family favourites from Stick Man and Superworm to Tiddler and The Highway Rat. Julia's superb, witty lyrics are richly illustrated throughout with Axel Scheffler's glorious pictures. The accompanying CD features Julia Donaldson herself performing the songs, and will have the whole family singing and clapping along. A stunning hardback gift book for the whole family to treasure Lively, funny, hugely entertaining songs that children will want to listen to again and again The book also includes music scores for piano and guitar, so schools and families can play the songs for themselves Before becoming the UK's most celebrated writer for young children, Julia Donaldson began her career as a songwriter, creating many songs for children's television and radio. Julia still enjoys performing her songs when she visits schools, theatres and book festivals. Axel Scheffler is one of the world's most celebrated illustrators. He has illustrated well over a hundred books, and has brought to life many beloved children's characters, including The Gruffalo, Zog and Stick Man. Many of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler bestselling picture books have been turned into award-winning animated films, which have become family favourites on the BBC every Christmas.