Discover the exciting and dangerous lives of spies and secret agents from Blue Peter Award-winning David Long and rising star Terri Po. A single spy can save thousands of lives. Spies and secret agents have been hard at work for centuries, risking their lives, and sometimes changing the course of history. Discover twenty-seven of the most courageous and daring, including Britain's first female spy, a teacher turned saboteur, the spy who sang for Hitler and the man who never was . . . An unputdownable collection of real life adventures, stunningly illustrated by Terri Po. 'Absorbingly detailed and compulsively readable, it's a must for spy addicts.' Guardian 'Will hook readers of all ages.' Just Imagine 'A beautiful book.' Armadillo Magazine 'I couldn't put it down.' Addie, aged 10, NG Kids 'A stunning collection.' Mini Travellers

Where can you eat dinner under the sea? Which country has the most pyramids? Can a church become a swimming pool? Including a stunning central gatefold map that opens out to reveal where all 80 structures are located, this book is a visual celebration of the incredible structures people have built throughout history and their cultural significance. From ancient wonders such as Stonehenge to bridges spanning countries, record breaking rollercoasters and hotels where even the beds are made of ice. Discover a floating palace, a terracotta army, a cinema in a bank vault, and a building so tall that clouds form at the top!

Explore ancient Egypt, from the Nile to the pyramids, and learn what life was life for pharaohs, slaves and scribes in this fascinating search-and-find adventure. Use the specially provided magnifying glass to spot over 200 things in each eye-boggling and detail-packed illustration, each depicting a different scene from the fascinating world of ancient Egypt. From the rich floodplains of the Nile delta to the towering magnificence of the pyramids and the sphynx, this book teaches kids about what life was like in one of the earliest civilisations, with factual text presented alongside the stunning illustrations. Scenes include: The Nile and the desert,  The Library of Alexandria,  The court of Akhenaten and Tutankhamun,  Cleopatra and her fierce navy, and A guide to Egyptian heiroglyphics! From David Long, the author behind Pirates Magnified, Romans Magnified, Castles Magnified and Ancient World Magnified, this book will inform and entertain even the youngest historian for hours on end.

Illustrated by World Book Day 2022 Illustrator Allen Fatimaharan! Step back in time to Ancient Rome and meet some of the many people who lived, worked, and played during that time. From a young slave boy to a fierce gladiator, a musician to a wealthy lady, and a mosaic artist to the emperor himself – each one will share with you the story of their own daily life. Together, they are the Romans. Featuring 19 different characters from Roman times, as well as an introduction to the Roman world, a map of the empire and a timeline of key events, this book provides a new angle on a classic subject, bringing the ancient world to life.

The summer of 2022 saw the celebration of the seventieth anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's coronation, the first time in British history that a monarch has reached this remarkable milestone. As the event was the first of its kind to be televised, images from the ceremony inside Westminster Abbey are instantly recognisable. Far less familiar are the scenes in the streets outside, where huge crowds assembled to see a procession of state coaches and historic regiments marching past public buildings festooned with patriotic banners and colourful grandstands erected outside many famous landmarks. Using a private collection of more than 200 rare images of London's West End, Protect and Keep looks back to the day that the Queen pledged herself to her country. It provides a unique and precious record of an historic occasion: the day of the Coronation as it was seen by ordinary members of the public.

Zoom in to discover what life was like for Ancient Romans in this innovative and interactive illustrated title that takes you right into their fascinating world! Learn what life was like for the Romans - from the Senate and the Colosseum to the market, the public baths and beyond! Using the free magnifying glass, seek out incredible facts about ancient Rome in this search-and-find adventure, packed with over 200 things to spot. Children will love discovering a typical Roman market, meeting fearsome gladiators and seeing what a temple, school and villa were like, with authentic detail and cutaway scenes. The artwork bursts with hidden detail and bustles with action, and detailed factual text will tell you everything you need to know about the different areas of Roman life. Sections Include: The Emperor and Senate, The Roman Army and Navy, Marriage and the Roman Family, Romans at Home, Chariot Races and Gladiators, ... and many more! From David Long, the author behind Pirates Magnified, Egypt Magnified, Castles Magnified and Ancient World Magnified, this book will inform and entertain even the youngest historian for hours on end.

A single spy can save thousands upon thousands of lives . . . From Harry Ree, teacher turned saboteur, to Margery Booth, the spy who sang for Hitler, to Scotch Lass, Britain's smallest ever agent, discover twenty-seven of the most courageous and daring spies . . . For as long as there have been secrets to keep, there have been spies, the world over, trying to uncover this classified information. Spying goes on all the time, and everywhere, but some of the most astonishing exploits occur during wartime. The stories in this beautiful collection unpick some of the most astonishing missions undertaken during World War Two - actions that helped to save many lives. Amazingly, many of these tales had to remain a deadly secret at the time and are little known even to this day. Discover twenty-seven of the most courageous and daring, including: Giliana Gerson, Britain's first female spy, Harry Ree, teacher turned saboteur, Margery Booth, the spy who sang for Hitler, Roald Dahl, the spy who became a bestselling author, Noor Inayat Khan, the first woman wireless operator, Scotch Lass, Britain's smallest ever agent, 'Major Martin' the man who never was and many more!

The streetscape of London’s historic square mile has been evolving for centuries, but the City’s busy commercial heart still boasts an extensive network of narrow passages and alleyways, secret squares and half-hidden courtyards. Using his wealth of local knowledge, historian David Long guides you through these ancient rights of passage – many dating back to medieval times or earlier – their evocative names recalling old taverns, notable individuals and City traditions. Hidden behind the glass, steel and stone of London’s banks and big business, these survivors of modern development bear witness to nearly 2,000 years of British history.

Take an incredible journey through the streets of London and see beautiful buildings as you've never seen them before! An elegant horizon of historic masterpieces mixed with sleek modern skyscrapers, the familiar London skyline seems to change every year. Using original architectural drawings from The National Archives brought to life by stunning artwork by Josie Shenoy, discover the rich heritage of some of London's most iconic buildings. Watch Buckingham Palace transform from a large country house into an opulent palace, spot Henry VIII playing tennis on the lawn of Hampton Court Palace, and get lost in the Palm House at Kew, London's very own tropical rainforest. This beautiful book from Blue Peter Award-winning author David Long and exceptionally talented artist Josie Shenoy is a historical kaleidoscope celebrating the magnificent buildings that made London.

Build your child's reading confidence at home with books at the right level In 1917, during World War I, the battle of Passchendaele was fought on the Western Front in Belgium. Find out why the battle was important and what life was like for the soldiers who fought and died there. Pearl/Band 18 books offer fluent readers a complex, substantial text with challenging themes to facilitate sustained comprehension, bridging the gap between a reading programme and longer chapter books. Text type: an information book Curriculum links: history

Delve into London's architectural curiositites and discover the unexpected gems waiting around every corner. London is full of extraordinary, enigmatic and, above all, unexpected buildings: a pirate castle in Camden, an art gallery made of shipping containers, underground ghost stations, and much more. Here David Long reveals the very best of the capital’s extraordinary buildings, some of which are passed by every day, hidden in plain sight.

Winner of the Best Book With Facts Blue Peter Book Award 2017

Beautifully presented in a large, paperback format, and fully illustrated in colour throughout, this wonderful anthology is a treat for all the family. Be shocked and amazed by these incredible real-life stories of extreme survival, including...

The Man Who Sucked Blood from a Shark, a sailor who survived for 133 days on a raft in the Atlantic when his ship was torpedoed, using shark's blood in place of fresh water.

The Girl Who Fell From the Sky, a teenager who fell 2 miles from an aeroplane and trekked through the Amazon jungle to safety.

The Woman Who Froze to Death - Yet Lived, a woman who was trapped under freezing water for so long her heart stopped. Four hours later, medics managed to warm her blood enough to revive her.

Combining classic tales such as Ernest Shackleton's Antarctic voyage, as well as more modern exploits such as the adventurer who inspired the movie 127 Hours, these astonishing stories will be retold by young readers to all of their friends.

Everest is the world's highest mountain, towering like an icy giant over the Himalayas. For the millions of people living nearby, it has always been a magical place, known as "Goddess Mother of the World" or the "Peak of Heaven". To explorers and adventurers, it represents a perilous but thrilling challenge to be conquered. In this exhilarating account by award-winning author David Long, he looks back at the first attempts by international mountaineers to reach the fabled summit, many of which ended in death and disaster.

When the first passengers climbed aboard the earliest ever underground train in 1863, it would have been impossible to imagine how the London Underground would change and grow over the next 150 years. From smelly steam trains running along a single track to the innovative electric tube system speeding through a vast network of tunnels beneath our feet today, the London Underground keeps this busy city on the move.

The Story of the London Underground tells the extraordinary history of the world's most famous underground railway. Explore Victorian London as the Brunels dig deep under the Thames. Take refuge in the tunnels during World War II and discover which world leader's bath was found in an abandoned station. Marvel at the famous fossil wall, deserted ghost stations and unusual spiral escalators that are all part of the London Underground's fascinating history.

Published in association with TfL, this beautiful book from Blue Peter Award-winning author David Long and exceptionally talented artist Sarah McMenemy tells a captivating story of the London Underground that will delight children and grown-ups alike.

For as long as there have been wars, animals have been out there saving lives. Courageous dogs, cats, birds, horses, and even a bear have shown courage and devotion, and this book tells you their extraordinary stories.

Includes the story of Jet the Alsatian who became a hero of the Blitz, pulling survivors from burning rubble, night after night. Gallipoli Murphy, the donkey who served as an ambulance. Simon, the cat who saved his crew. And many, many more.

These animals help us to remember that not all heroes are human.

Glorious full-colour double-page illustrations throughout.

Astonishing real-life rescue missions from on, under and above the earth from the award-winning team behind Survivors and Heroes.

How far would you go to save a life? Scrambling from the wreckage of his school after an earthquake, a nine-year-old Sichuan boy rescued two unconscious friends. 'I was hall monitor,' he said afterwards. 'It is my job to look after my classmates.'

Whether dragging a friend from a blazing car, masterminding a search far below the earth's surface, or recovering astronauts from an aborted space mission, Rescue reveals the ingenuity, courage and doggedness of the human spirit all over the world.

Another unputdownable collection of eye-opening and moving true adventures, both contemporary and historical. Impeccably told by David Long and brought to vibrant life by illustrator Kerry Hyndman.

Illustrated by World Book Day 2022 Illustrator Allen Fatimaharan! Step back in time to Ancient Egypt and meet some of the many people who lived, worked, and played during that time. From a necropolis builder to a tomb robber, a brewer to an embalmer, and a slave girl to the Pharaoh himself – each one will share with you the story of their own daily life. Together, they are the Ancient Egyptians. Featuring 19 different characters from Ancient Egyptian times, as well as an introduction to the Ancient Egyptian world, a key to decoding hieroglyphics and a timeline of key events, this book provides a new angle on a classic subject, bringing the ancient world to life.

Discover 100 of the world’s most remarkable artefacts, most stunning artworks and most intriguing ruins in this beautifully illustrated book about Earth's treasures. Treasures both natural and manmade make an appearance in a tour which stretches across thousands of years and all around the globe. Discover sunken wrecks loaded with pirate gold, the abandoned tombs of the world's most powerful rulers and even meteorites – treasures from outer space! A central gatefold offers a world map revealing the locations of all the treasures included in the book, while Blue Peter award-winning author David Long also addresses contemporary topics such as our threatened natural wonders and the ownership of cultural treasures.

Lifting the lid on London, Spectacular Vernacular reveals the stories behind its 100 strangest and most enigmatic buildings. Some are open to the public, if you know who to ask. Others remain strictly off-limits, thus heightening the sense of mystery surrounding them. But many are so familiar that few of us ever stop to consider just how curious they are. In the heart of Kensington, for example, a 300ft tower attracts few glances that even most locals don't know it's there. South of the river the city's widest building at nearly 1,000ft has been favourably compared to the Winter Palace at St Petersburg. And in Chelsea a medieval hall, once home to a king and moved brick by brick from the City to escape demolition, is now being remodelled as London's largest private house. Elsewhere one finds an arts centre built of old shipping containers, a Victorian explorer lying dead in a tent, literally acres of secret underground government offices, even a private tunnel used for running cable-cars under the Thames. Think you know London? Well, it's time to reconsider.

The longest ship ever built, the heaviest digger and the largest aeroplane, the world's first working motorcar, and its most expensive one. What machines like these have in common is that they all say a lot about the inventiveness and imagination of the people who conceived and created them. Some of them are useful, others are just a bit of fun, but the best ones are truly magnificent, and fascinating to discover. Designed to drive faster, fly higher, carry more cargo or - in the case of space rockets - travel hundreds of thousands of miles to places no-one has ever been before, not every idea has worked but the best have been inspired and inspirational, and in a few cases they have gone on to change the world. It is the human stories and atmospheric art that make this a book to actually read and delight in.

Millions live there, millions more visit each year - but how many really know London? Find out: How New York's famous Central Park came to be modelled on a seventeenth-century London square When Primrose Hill almost gained a pyramid even larger than the Great Pyramid of Cheops Why about 640 people came to be drowned in the Thames in a single night What the royal family might do to escape London if the balloon ever goes up

Beyond the Gatehouse is a lighthearted, witty but factual biographical account of the eccentric lifestyles of the builders and residents of some of England's best-known country houses. Extraordinary buildings require extraordinary people, and over the centuries our historic houses have produced more than their fair share of oddballs. Insulated from the outside world by vast wealth, rolling acres and the social status that a title implies, aristocrats have always been able to amuse themselves - and now us - by pursuing their idiosyncratic interests and manias to the point of eccentricity. David Long lifts the lid on all that's bizarre, implausible, unthinkable and delightfully wacky about our glorious heritage homes and their unusual occupants.

The Little Book of London is a funny, fast-paced, fact-packed compendium of the sort of frivolous, fantastic or simply strange information which no-one will want to be without. London's looniest laws, its most eccentric inhabitants, and the realities of being royal and literally hundreds of wacky facts about the world's greatest city.

With 980 million passengers a year, more than 250 miles of track, literally hundreds of different stations and a history stretching back nearly 150 years, the world's oldest underground railway might seem familiar, but actually, how well do you know it? Do you know, for example, who the Queen sat next to when she first went on the Tube in 1939? Or what they did with all the earth dug out to make way for the Piccadilly Line? Or indeed why it is that without the common shipworm, Teredo navalis, the Tube network might not even exist? Thought not. But now, with 10,000 wacky facts at your fingertips, The Little Book of the London Underground will tell you everything you need to know - and plenty more that your probably don't.

Build your child’s reading confidence at home with books at the right level During the First World War, the British War Dog School was set up. Find out how it trained dogs to carry messages along the trenches, helping the war effort and saving lives. Sapphire/Band 16 books offer longer reads to develop children's sustained engagement with texts and are more complex syntactically. Text type – An information book. The book is organised into short chapters to help children practise the skills of locating and identifying important information. The glossary and index can be used to develop children's information retrieval skills further. Curriculum links – History