The first two films in the comedy franchise based on Jeff Kinney's best-selling illustrated novel detailing the trials and tribulations of a wise-cracking pre-teen. 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid' (2010) follows 12-year-old Greg Heffley (Zachary Gordon), who, along with his best friend, Rowley (Robert Capron), spends his days negotiating the minefield that is middle school. Whether dodging bullies, learning complex and seemingly ever-changing social codes, grappling with the onset of puberty or attempting to fathom the mysteries of the opposite sex, Greg writes it all down in his diary. In 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2 - Rodrick Rules' (2011), just when he thought life couldn't get any more complicated, Greg is horrified to discover that his older brother, Rodrick (Devon Bostick), has taken possession of his secret diary. Meanwhile, he must navigate the hurdles posed by a summer swimming contest and the school talent show.

The first two films in the comedy franchise based on Jeff Kinney's best-selling illustrated novel detailing the trials and tribulations of a wise-cracking pre-teen. 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid' (2010) follows 12-year-old Greg Heffley (Zachary Gordon), who, along with his best friend, Rowley (Robert Capron), spends his days negotiating the minefield that is middle school. Whether dodging bullies, learning complex and seemingly ever-changing social codes, grappling with the onset of puberty or attempting to fathom the mysteries of the opposite sex, Greg writes it all down in his diary. In 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2 - Rodrick Rules' (2011), just when he thought life couldn't get any more complicated, Greg is horrified to discover that his older brother, Rodrick (Devon Bostick), has taken possession of his secret diary. Meanwhile, he must navigate the hurdles posed by a summer swimming contest and the school talent show.

There are secrets hidden beneath the ice . . . bring the magic home in the frosty fourth instalment of the bestselling Pinch of Magic Adventures, from the award-winning author Michelle Harrison.

When the Widdershins sisters and Granny are called away in deepest winter to look after cousin Clarissa, it doesn’t take long for adventure – or trouble – to find them. The town of Wilderness has plenty to explore with its frozen lake and winter market, as well as being haunted by a doomed highwayman and his secret love. But the legends are true and seeing a ghostly figure one night, the girls realise that Granny is in terrible danger.

As an icy storm rages, the race to save her begins – can the sisters lay Wilderness’s ghosts to rest before another soul is claimed?

From the bestselling author of A PINCH OF MAGIC comes another spellbinding adventure that will take your breath away and make you believe in magic.

A missing sister, a secret island and ... a sprinkle of sorcery.

The family curse has been lifted and the Widdershins sisters: Betty, Fliss and Charlie are free to leave the misty prison isle of Crowstone. But when a mysterious girl arrives at the Poacher’s Pocket with a pocketful of hagstones and accompanied by a will-o’-the-wisp, it seems another adventure has landed on their doorstep. And when Charlie goes missing, it’s up to Betty and Fliss to journey through misty marches, past wisp catchers and on to a secret island that doesn’t exist on any map…

'A SPELLBINDING STORY, STEEPED IN MAGIC. I ADORED IT' - Abi Elphinstone, author of Sky Song

Three sisters trapped by an ancient curse.

Three magical objects with the power to change their fate.

Will they be enough to break the curse?

Or will they lead the sisters even deeper into danger? ...

The enchanting new story from Michelle Harrison, author of the bestselling THIRTEEN TREASURES trilogy

Sisters, secrets and spellbinding adventure. Discover the Pinch of Magic Adventures from bestselling Michelle Harrison, where everyone knows that magic and trouble go hand in hand . . . A Storm of Sisters - out now! It should have been a fresh start for the Widdershins sisters, Betty, Fliss and Charlie, who have left the misty gloom of Crowstone for a new life in the pretty village of Pendlewick. But all is not as it seems and as one of their own begins to slip away from them, the sisters find themselves in a race against time to break a dark magic that has cast a spell over the village. A Gold Standard Selection from the Junior Library Guild, discover the third spellbinding Pinch of Magic adventure from Michelle Harrison, winner of the Waterstones Children's Book Prize. Read all of the Widdershins sisters' adventures in A Pinch of Magic, A Sprinkle of Sorcery and A Storm of Sisters. Praise for the Pinch of Magic Adventures 'A spellbinding story, steeped in magic. I adored it.' Abi Elphinstone 'Brilliant' Emma Carroll 'What a gorgeous, funny, creepy, page-turny story! If you're yet to discover the Widdershins sisters books, you're in for a TREAT!' Lucy Strange 'A stunner. Such great writing!' Peter Bunzl 'I love Michelle Harrison - I hadn't read much fantasy but this series hooked me! Brilliant writing, beautiful!' Lisa Thompson 'Simply phenomenal' Sophie Anderson 'The wry enchantment of an E. Nesbit classic' Guardian 'Fantasy and adventure appear on every page of this spellbinding tale' Daily Mail

Black cats born at midnight
Are different indeed
A mischievous, odd
And peculiar breed

In the middle of winter, three kittens are born in a barn. Two are ordinary, but the third, jet black and born on the stroke of midnight, is brimming with magic from whiskers to tail – even sparking life into a dusty old broomstick! While her siblings pounce at rats, Midnight perfects her flying skills on the broom, not noticing how her mother disapproves of her magical ways…

When Midnight finds herself abandoned, the little black kitten sets out to find a new home with only her loyal broom Twiggy at her side. The pair soon befriend a kind-hearted girl called Trixie. But how will Trixie’s family react to Midnight’s extraordinary powers and taste for mischief?

A bewitching new series from the best-selling author of A PINCH OF MAGIC, Michelle Harrison. Told in rhyming verse and illustrated in colour throughout, this is perfect for readers of SQUISHY MCFLUFF, HUBBLE BUBBLE and GOBBOLINO.

By the end of John Cecil Stephenson's art school training - first a scholarship to Leeds Art School then to The Royal College of Art - he was in a position to produce still lives, landscapes and portraits in a professional capacity. Like many painters of his generation, who had received similarly conventional instruction, he became a competent teacher, appointed in 1922, as Head of Art at The Northern Polytechnic. In this mould Stephenson might have remained a largely undistinguished painter - but in the early 1930s he found himself at the centre of a group of artists with avant-garde credentials, and his own art underwent a remarkable transformation. By 1934 he was exhibiting groundbreaking works such as Mask (CAT. 7), at the 7 & 5 Society, and in 1937 was a key contributor to the watershed publication and exhibition Circle, where his work was showcased alongside that of luminaries such as Kazimir Malevich, Le Corbusier, Fernand Leger, Alberto Giacometti and Pablo Picasso. What led Stephenson to become, in the words of the celebrated art critic Herbert Read, 'one of the earliest artists in the country to develop a completely abstract style'? Between March 1919 and November 1965, John Cecil Stephenson lived in London at No. 6 Mall Studios, off Tasker Road, Hampstead. As the father figure of what Read christened 'a nest of gentle artists', his next door neighbours included, during the course of the decade leading up to World War II, Barbara Hepworth, John Skeaping, Ben Nicholson and Henry Moore. Such fertile ground was further enriched by visits from artists fleeing persecution - including Piet, Laszlo Moholy-Nagy and Alexander Calder - just a few of the many internationally acclaimed artists who, whilst passing through London, formed part of the art set who congregated around Read's house at No. 3 Mall Studios.

Red's past won't stay hidden.

She's now living at Elvesden Manor under her real name, Rowan, and trying to put her terrible adventures behind her. But staying out of trouble isn't as easy as she'd hoped.

Haunted by awful dreams of Hedgewitch's cottage - and of Eldritch, who swore revenge when she left him there to die - Red fears the fairy realm is about to draw her back in . . .

But will she make it back, this time?

Or will dark forces finally claim her . . . ?

While visiting her grandmother's house, an old photograph leads Tanya to an unsolved mystery. Fifty years ago a girl vanished in the woods nearby - a girl Tanya's grandmother will not speak of. Fabian, the caretaker's son, is tormented by the girl's disappearance. His grandfather was the last person to see her alive, and has lived under suspicion ever since. Together, Tanya and Fabian decide to find the truth. But Tanya has her own secret: the ability to see fairies. And, after disturbing an intruder in the night, it emerges that someone else shares her ability . . . The manor's sinister history is about to repeat itself . . .

The aim of this book is to bring students of economics and finance who have only an introductory background in mathematics up to a quite advanced level in the subject, thus preparing them for the core mathematical demands of econometrics, economic theory, quantitative finance and mathematical economics, which they are likely to encounter in their final-year courses and beyond. The level of the book will also be useful for those embarking on the first year of their graduate studies in Business, Economics or Finance. The book also serves as an introduction to quantitative economics and finance for mathematics students at undergraduate level and above. In recent years, mathematics graduates have been increasingly expected to have skills in practical subjects such as economics and finance, just as economics graduates have been expected to have an increasingly strong grounding in mathematics. The authors avoid the pitfalls of many texts that become too theoretical. The use of mathematical methods in the real world is never lost sight of and quantitative analysis is brought to bear on a variety of topics including foreign exchange rates and other macro level issues.

The Thirteen Treasures have become the Thirteen Curses.

When fairies stole her brother, Red vowed to get him back. Now trapped in the fairy realm, she begs an audience with the fairy court where she strikes a bargain. Her brother will be returned - but only if she can find the thirteen charms of Tanya's bracelet that have been scattered in the human world. Returning to Elvesden Manor, Red is assisted by Tanya and Fabian and a desperate hunt begins.

Soon they make a shocking discovery. The charms now have twisted qualities of the thirteen treasures they represent... and the longer they are missing the worse the consequences will be. Can Red, Tanya and Fabian find all the charms? And even if they do, will the fairies keep their promise?

Black cats born at midnight Are magic, it's true! Just waiting to have An adventure with you. Trixie and Midnight are playing outside when they have a run in with a witch, who seems particularly interested in the cat's magic powers. The very next morning, Trixie wakes to find that Midnight has been catnapped! Trixie, Nan and Dad set off to the rescue. Meanwhile, Midnight has a plan of her own. But it's going to take a more than a sprinkle of magic to escape the witch's trap... A bewitching new series from the best-selling author of A PINCH OF MAGIC, Michelle Harrison. Told in rhyming verse and with colour illustrations from Elissa Elwick throughout, this is perfect for readers of SQUISHY MCFLUFF, HUBBLE BUBBLE and GOBBOLINO. PRAISE FOR MIDNIGHT MAGIC: "This is the perfect next step after picture books with fun rhyming text and sweet illustrations - a gorgeous young fiction book with plenty of sparkle!" - Toppsta

This collection of amazing work, based on rigourous academic and practical research, brings together an overview of the 21st-century business case for sustainable development (Business Opportunities), incorporates innovative technical, structural and social advancements (Innovation), and explores the role of governance to lead and underpin business and communities in the shift towards a sustainable future (Governance). The editorial team from The Natural Edge Project have studied and incorporated the works of over 30 of the world's leaders in sustainability. This book combines the lessons of competitive advantage theory and practice, such as the works of Michael Porter, with the sustainability paradigm in light of the important developments in economics, innovation, business and governance over the last 30-50 years. Far from being in conflict with economics and business practice this book shows how we can maximize the well being of society and the environment and drive innovation in an increasingly competitive world. The book and an extensive companion web site are significant resources that offer core information for all those working on and in the new sustainable economy.

First published in 1971 The London that was Rome is both a detective story and a tale of buried treasure. Some years ago, Michael Harrison set out to discover the truth about Roman London. Did it survive the Saxon onslaught in the fifth century or (as many historians have claimed) did it lie sacked, ruined, and abandoned for about a century and a half? Searching for an answer, Harrison forged himself a new 'truth detecting' method of discovery; but even he could not anticipate the immense success of this method. With 'New Archaeology' he has not only recovered the street plan of Roman London, but also replaced the buildings-temples, barracks, banks, baths, picture-galleries, treasuries and so on - which lined those streets. In many cases he has been able to name the streets and at the same time vividly describe for us the social and economic life of a London, which under the Caesars, ranked among the principal cities of the Empire. This book is an interesting read for students of archaeology, history, and for general readers interested to know about London.

This book examines the dominant popular culture convention of the superhero, situated within the most significant global event of the last 20 years. Exploring the explosion of the superhero genre post-9/11, it sheds fresh light on the manner in which American society has processed and continues to process the trauma from the terrorist attacks. Beginning with the development of Batman in comics, television, and film, the authors offer studies of popular films including Iron Man, Captain America, The X-Men, Black Panther, and Wonder Woman, revealing the ways in which these texts meditate upon the events and aftermath of 9/11 and challenge the dominant hyper-patriotic narrative that emerged in response to the attacks. A study of the superhero genre's capacity to unpack complex global interplays that question America's foreign policy actions and the white, militarized masculinity that has characterized major discourses following 9/11, this volume explores the engagement of superhero films with issues of authority, patriotism, war, morals, race, gender, surveillance, the military industrial complex, and American political and social identities. As such, it will appeal to scholars and students of cultural and media studies, film studies, sociology, politics, and American studies.

Orphaned Mary Lennox doesn't want to live on the moors in a dark and gloomy mansion. The only thing that interests her is the story of the secret garden which her uncle has locked up forever. But then she finds a key ... Will Mary bring the garden back to life and discover the other secret Misselthwaite Manor is hiding? The Secret Garden is part of the Reading Planet range of books for Stars (Lime) to Supernova (Red+) band. Children aged 7-11 will be inspired to love reading through the gripping stories and fascinating information books created by top authors. Reading Planet books have been carefully levelled to support children in becoming fluent and confident readers. Each book features useful notes and questions to support reading at home and develop comprehension skills. Reading age: 8-9 years

This book examines the dominant popular culture convention of the superhero, situated within the most significant global event of the last 20 years. Exploring the explosion of the superhero genre post-9/11, it sheds fresh light on the manner in which American society has processed and continues to process the trauma from the terrorist attacks. Beginning with the development of Batman in comics, television, and film, the authors offer studies of popular films including Iron Man, Captain America, The X-Men, Black Panther, and Wonder Woman, revealing the ways in which these texts meditate upon the events and aftermath of 9/11 and challenge the dominant hyper-patriotic narrative that emerged in response to the attacks. A study of the superhero genre's capacity to unpack complex global interplays that question America's foreign policy actions and the white, militarized masculinity that has characterized major discourses following 9/11, this volume explores the engagement of superhero films with issues of authority, patriotism, war, morals, race, gender, surveillance, the military industrial complex, and American political and social identities. As such, it will appeal to scholars and students of cultural and media studies, film studies, sociology, politics, and American studies.

Misty has just started at school and Ella and Jack are keen to make her feel welcome. But Misty isn't like the other children; she has a spell book, she keeps vanishing, and why is she holding that broomstick? Can Ella and Jack solve the mystery of the new girl? The New Girl's Secret is part of the Galaxy range of books from Rising Stars Reading Planet. Galaxy provides captivating fiction and non-fiction for Pink A to White band. The rich collection of highly decodable books immerses children in a range of cross-curricular topics and genres. Reading Planet books have been carefully levelled to support children in becoming fluent and confident readers. Each book features useful notes and activities to support reading at home as well as comprehension questions to check understanding. Reading age: 6-7 years

Having the ability to see fairies means that Tanya Fairchild's life has never been easy. After all, real fairies are nothing like the ones in books; ones that grant wishes or leave money for teeth. Real fairies don't like to be talked about, and they cast spells if Tanya steps out of line. The most she's ever received in exchange for one of her teeth is a chewed up toffee. Of course, it would help if Tanya knew someone - anyone - else who could see them, too . . . When Tanya meets Ratty, she finds not only that can he see fairies, but that he has a fairy friend, Turpin. Turpin is rude and spiteful, but funny and loyal too. When Ratty goes missing, Tanya discovers her new friend has another extraordinary ability; an ability that has the potential to destroy them both . . .

"Consuming Interests" focuses upon the key interests which lead to the provision of food choices: corporate retailers, government regulators and consumer organisations; and examines how a retailed form of food governance has emerged. Divided into three sections: Concepts and Strategies, National Strategies and Local Strategies, the book provides a detailed examination of corporate retailers, state agencies and consumer organisations involved in the food sector. The analysis raises some key social scientific questions concerning what the public can expect the central and local state to ensure; what limits there may be upon state action; and what the most appropriate balances should be between public and private interests in the provision of "quality" foods. Blending critical theory, empirical research and policy, "Consuming Interests" provides a topical and interdisciplinary exploration into the nature of food provision, policy and regulation and gives an insight into the broader social science concerns of the nature and powers of the contemporary state.

"Consuming Interests" focuses upon the key interests which lead to the provision of food choices: corporate retailers, government regulators and consumer organisations; and examines how a retailed form of food governance has emerged. Divided into three sections: Concepts and Strategies, National Strategies and Local Strategies, the book provides a detailed examination of corporate retailers, state agencies and consumer organisations involved in the food sector. The analysis raises some key social scientific questions concerning what the public can expect the central and local state to ensure; what limits there may be upon state action; and what the most appropriate balances should be between public and private interests in the provision of "quality" foods. Blending critical theory, empirical research and policy, "Consuming Interests" provides a topical and interdisciplinary exploration into the nature of food provision, policy and regulation and gives an insight into the broader social science concerns of the nature and powers of the contemporary state.

The aim of this book is to bring students of economics and finance who have only an introductory background in mathematics up to a quite advanced level in the subject, thus preparing them for the core mathematical demands of econometrics, economic theory, quantitative finance and mathematical economics, which they are likely to encounter in their final-year courses and beyond. The level of the book will also be useful for those embarking on the first year of their graduate studies in Business, Economics or Finance. The book also serves as an introduction to quantitative economics and finance for mathematics students at undergraduate level and above. In recent years, mathematics graduates have been increasingly expected to have skills in practical subjects such as economics and finance, just as economics graduates have been expected to have an increasingly strong grounding in mathematics. The authors avoid the pitfalls of many texts that become too theoretical. The use of mathematical methods in the real world is never lost sight of and quantitative analysis is brought to bear on a variety of topics including foreign exchange rates and other macro level issues.

Cents and Sustainability is a clear-sighted response to the 1987 call by Dr Gro Brundtland in Our Common Future to achieve a new era of economic growth that is 'forceful and at the same time socially and environmentally sustainable'. The Brundtland Report argued that not only was it achievable, but that it was an urgent imperative in order to achieve a transition to sustainable development while significantly reducing poverty and driving 'clean and green' investment. With some still arguing for significantly slowing economic growth in order to reduce pressures on the environment, this new book, Cents and Sustainability, shows that it is possible to reconcile the need for economic growth and environmental sustainability through a strategy to decouple economic growth from environmental pressures, combined with a renewed commitment to achieve significant environmental restoration and poverty reduction. Beginning with a brief overview of some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time, the book then explains 'decoupling theory', overviews a number of factors that can undermine and even block efforts to decouple in both developed and developing countries, and then discusses a number of key considerations to assist the development of national 'decoupling strategies'. The book then focuses on presenting evidence to support greater action, not just on climate change, but also on decoupling economic growth from the loss of biodiversity and the deterioration of natural systems, freshwater extraction, waste production, and air pollution. In the lead up to the 2012 United Nations Earth Summit and beyond, Cents and Sustainability will be a crucial guide to inform and assist nations to develop strategies to significantly reduce environmental pressures, strengthen their economy, create jobs and reduce poverty. 'I commend the team from The Natural Edge Project and their partners for undertaking to develop a response to 'Our Common Future' to mark its 20th anniversary.' Dr Gro Brundtland. Sequel to The Natural Advantage of Nations Published with The Natural Edge Project