Ben Hoare: Nature's Treasures (Dorling Kindersley)

 Published 4th November 2021

The world is filled with curious objects made by plants, animals, and even by the Earth itself. Dive into this collection of more than 100 intriguing items from the natural world and discover the stories behind them.

Learn how bristly mouths help huge whales capture tiny animals, how minute scales make butterflies shine in the sunlight, and how studying a leaf skeleton can tell us how it transports food. A bird egg, a lump of coal, a cacao pod, a mermaid's purse, a fossil, a pine cone, an owl pellet, and a chrysalis - all tell a story. Arranged into four chapters: Animals; Plants, fungi, and algae; Minerals and rocks, and Made by nature, objects are shown with truly stunning photography and colourful illustrations to help explain the science behind them. The lively descriptions by best-selling nature writer Ben Hoare explore the remarkable tales of each item and all are packed with fascinating information.

Nature's Treasures takes you on a tour of our planet through commonplace-but-incredible objects made by nature itself. This book is for every inquisitive child who loves to spot things when exploring outside and wants to know more about the wonderful and mysterious natural world.

Radzi Chinyanganya: Move Like a Lion (Dorling Kindersley)

 Published 7th January 2021

Get up off the sofa and start moving with former Blue Peter presenter Radzi Chinyanganya, in his first children's book.

Learn to walk like a crab, swing like a monkey, and slide like a penguin in this book from the Winter Olympics presenter that helps children have fun and get active, all the while learning about favourite animals. Simple exercises show children different activities they can easily do, any time and any place, with no extra equipment required!

Inside the pages of this entertaining children's book, you'll discover:

- 40 delightful activities where readers mimic the movements of their favourite animals
- A fun fusion of animal facts (science) and physical education to create an engaging and unique experience
- Charming illustrations and step-by-step instructions that show children how to do different poses


All of the moves in the book are modelled on the natural movements of the animals and can be easily integrated into the day, with an exercise to do when you wake up, suggestions for ones to do during the day, and a relaxing exercise to help children settle down for bedtime.

Radzi wants every child to enjoy the amazing way exercise can make you feel. Illustrations by Francesca Rosa accompany the exercises, showing young readers exactly what they need to do for each one. Ideal for both active kids and children who are a bit more reluctant to go out and play, this exciting new book teaches them about the natural world as they have fun moving their bodies.

Jonny Lambert: Bear and Bird - Learn To Share (Dorling Kindersley)

 Published 7th October 2021

Journey through the forest with Bear and Bird, and introduce your toddlers to the idea of friendship and sharing with others.

Meet Bear and his best friend Bird. It is beginning to snow, which means it is almost time to hibernate. So Bear, Bird, and their friends must set out to collect food to get them through the Winter. But Bear is really hungry, and wants all the food to himself. Is there enough food for everyone?

Follow Bear and Bird on their adventure through the freezing forest to collect food for hibernation. With stunning illustrations by renowned artist Jonny Lambert, and an enchanting story, this picture book is perfect for adults and toddlers to share together. The Bear and the Bird: Learning to Share teaches little ones vital life lessons about friendship and sharing with others, and gently introduces them to the idea of hibernation as well.

So come and join the search with this magical bedtime story.

Tamara Macfarlane: Dragon World (Dorling Kindersley)

 Published 4th March 2021

Meet the fire-breathing beasts of mythology in this beautifully illustrated book brimming with scaled behemoths.

Journey into the deepest depths of the oceans and the highest tips of the tallest mountains to discover the fascinating history of dragons! This illustrated picture book blends fiction and fantasy, separates fact from myth, and is the perfect introduction to the breathtaking world of dragons! Ideal for kids aged 7-9 years.

Inside the pages of this captivating fantasy book for children, you'll discover fascinating dragon facts and more!

- Includes 23 profiles of famous dragons
- Discover maps of where dragons originated from across the continents
- Explanations of the historical and cultural significance of dragons around the world
- Informative spreads on the folklore surrounding dragons uncover secrets about dragon eggs, treasure, and history

Soar across continents and discover the most incredible dragon myths and legends. Prowl through the pages to discover rare dragon species. Find clues on how to track them and master how to draw them. This awe-inspiring, magical book will breathe fire into the minds of little dragon-lovers everywhere!

Exciting, informative text and beautiful hand-painted illustrations bring these fire-breathing beasts of mythology to life in the most spectacular way! Up-to-date retellings of classic dragon stories from Asia, Europe, Africa and North America will boost your child's imagination and keep them engaged.

It's the ultimate gift for kids who are fascinated by mythical creatures and fans of Harry Potter and How to Train your Dragon.

Matt Ralphs: Norse Myths (Dorling Kindersley)

 Published 1st July 2021

A beautiful collection of illustrated Norse myths and legends retold for a new generation.

Action-packed tales of extraordinary creatures and compelling gods, goddesses, and heroes come to life in this compendium of Norse myths. Explore the ancient stories told by the Vikings in this exciting new retelling - it's the perfect introduction for kids aged 7-9 who have an interest in mythology.

Inside this stunning illustrated storybook for kids you'll discover:

- Compelling profiles of a wide variety of characters of Norse legends, complete with a reference section that sets the stories in context
- 20 enthralling myths - some well-known, some less well-known - from Odin to Baldur
- More than a collection of myths - also includes a map of the Norse lands and a pronunciation guide
- Original and stylised illustrations by award-winning artist Katie Ponder on every page - a perfect gift book for kids interested in art, myths, or history

Journey into the mythical world of Nordic folklore! Children can explore the stories of mythical figures like Thor, the god of thunder who disguised himself as a bride to seek revenge and retrieve his powerful hammer, Mjölnir, and how Sif, the goddess of fertility, had her long golden hair cut off by Loki, the trickster god. Engaging imagery for each myth by multi-award-winning artist Katie Ponder will immerse readers into the stories.

This Norse mythology book for kids also includes feature pages profiling the featured gods and goddesses, giving context to the historical context behind the myths. A reference section provides key background information, such as Norse cosmology, facts, and a pronunciation guide. Featuring beautiful foil lettering on the cover and stunning illustrations throughout, Norse Myths is the perfect gift for kids to explore the tales by themselves or as bedtime stories.

If you loved Norse Myths, be sure to check out the other title in this series called Greek Myths. This volume explores more than 30 enthralling Greek myths - and some you may not have heard before! It's complete with a reference section to provide context and a handy pronunciation guide.

Prof. Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan (Dorling Kindersley)

 Published 16th September 2021

Travel back to the time of dinosaurs and marvel at the wonders of prehistoric life!

From Tyrannosaurus rex, sabre-toothed cats, woolly mammoths and ferns, this dinosaur book for kids is packed with a collection of amazing plants and prehistoric animals. Every page will captivate young readers who are interested in fossils and natural history!

Inside the pages of this luxurious dinosaur encyclopedia, you'll discover:

- A captivating story of a wide range of species from the past. Each entry is complete with a stunning photograph of a fossil, and a gorgeous illustration of the organism
- Core reference information included in the chapter openers, topic spreads, and a visual index that shows all the species in one place
- A quality gift to be passed down through the generations: metallic foil all over, satin ribbon, metallic edges, and head and tail bands

Go on a time-travelling adventure through Earth's primeval past! This compendium includes remarkable fossils with stunning photographs and illustrations that children will love pouring over time and again. Written in a storybook format, young palaeontologists will discover the myths and legends and key facts surrounding their favourite organisms, as well as some they have never heard of!

Find out more about why Pachycephalosaurus had such a thick head, how a coral fossil can be used to work out how long a prehistoric year was, and which fossil was thought to protect people from poison. Kids can delve into the Palaeozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic eras right through to early humans. It's perfect for storytime and independent exploration.

The 4th publication in DK's luxurious Anthology Series, with foil on the cover, gilded edges, and a ribbon for keeping your place, Dinosaurs and other Prehistoric Life makes a beautiful gift book for any child who can't get enough of the wonderful world around them! Be sure to check out the other books in this collection: An Anthology of Intriguing Animals, The Wonders of Nature and The Mysteries of the Universe.

Dorling Kindersley: My Encyclopedia of Very Important Oceans

 Published 16th September 2021

This exciting introduction to oceans will take curious minds on incredible adventures across the seven seas!

This charming children's encyclopedia is full to the brim with fascinating facts about life on and under the waves. Little learners can dive in and learn the most important things about the curious creatures that call the oceans home, their habitats and how to conserve them.

Inside the pages of this ocean encyclopedia, you'll find:

- A vibrant encyclopedia for curious 5-9-year-olds filled with fun facts about weird and wonderful ocean creatures, unbelievable deep-sea adventures, essential conservation efforts, and much more!
- The perfect balance between text and images while seamlessly blending photography with illustration
- Content that is comprehensive, detailed, and educational written in a friendly, witty, and fun manner accessible to young readers but doesn't talk down to them

From the birds that fly high about the sea down to the tiny creatures lurking on the ocean floor, this sea book for children will take kids on an adventure into the great unknown! My Encyclopedia of Very Important Oceans is an exciting introduction to life in earth's oceans. Little adventurers can explore forgotten shipwrecks, swim with fabulous fish and other weird and wonderful underwater animals!

Learn all about the famous pirates who ruled the ocean in the past and the scientists and explorers who unlocked many mysteries of the deep! This reference book for kids will also explore the very important underwater jobs and introduces them to the concept of ocean conservation and how they can protect the earth's precious oceans.

Packed with fun facts and colourful illustrations, My Encyclopedia of Very Important Oceans will feed your imagination and quench your thirst for knowledge. Be sure to explore the other titles in this series by DK: My Encyclopedia of Very Important Things, My Encyclopedia of Very Important Animals, My Encyclopedia of Very Important Dinosaurs and more!

Jess French: Earth's Incredible Oceans (Dorling Kindersley)

 Published by 1st April 2021

Enter the world of oceans and discover all the interesting animals that live in them!

Swim with jellyfish, wonder at the busy life of a seagrass meadow, and fence with narwhals. Children will be delighted to learn about life under the sea and how to conserve it for generations to come.

Inside the pages of Earth's Incredible Oceans, you'll discover:

- Fascinating information about oceans that supports and goes beyond the national curriculum
- Fun and unusual facts for curious 7-9 year-olds about amazing sea creatures, underwater habitats, and how we can bring about environmental change
- Compelling and factual text written by animal expert Jess French, and beautifully detailed ocean-themed illustrations by Claire McElfatrick

Let's go on an underwater adventure! From glowing jellyfish to deep-sea dwellers, they'll discover the incredible secret world of life under the sea. This ocean book is filled with colourful visuals that will delight and inspire kids - teaching them the importance of the ocean and how we can help to take care of it.

Fish, sharks, whales, and invertebrates swim through the pages of this colourful ocean book, which combines gorgeous illustrations and photos to help young enthusiasts learn all about the world's oceans. Children will learn interesting facts, and explanations about how the ocean functions, such as, how underwater plants and species rely on each other, and how ocean animals have fun and look after their young. This beautiful book is the perfect gift for young animal and conservation enthusiasts.

Ryan Dykta: Casper and Daisy's Big Day At The Park (Dorling Kindersley)

 Published 8th July 2021

Follow the dynamic doggy duo - chatty collie Casper and his loyal friend Daisy as they head off to the park and learn all about the power of kindness and friendship!

Go on a big adventure to the park with dynamic duo Casper, a talkative border collie and his best friend, Daisy. On this action-packed excursion, Casper and Daisy will show little ones the power of friendship and kindness.

This adorable adventure story is perfect for little animal lovers between ages 3-5! It includes:

- Beautifully illustrated spreads, with an inspiring, underlying message
- Simple, engaging text ideal for reading aloud and for a bedtime story
- Colourful illustrations capturing the characters of these delightful doggies

Casper, the border collie, is not your typical puppy! Chasing woolly sheep and gnawing on tasty bones is alright, but Casper has one dream above all else - he wants to be able to talk to his owner. On an eventful trip to the park with his best friend Daisy, Casper finds a mysterious alphabet ball. In this magical moment, all Casper's dreams come true!

Written by the creator of the successful "Casper the Dog" social media account, Ryan Dykta, Casper and Daisy's Big Day at the Park is an inspiring and positive board book that will teach people of all ages what it means to be kind. It is complete with stunning illustrations and a heartwarming rhyming story - a perfect bedtime storybook for kids!

Casper and Daisy's Big Day at the Park is a delightful book for toddlers, the first of a soon-to-be series that follows Casper and Daisy on their epic escapades filled with fun and friendship! It's the ultimate dog book for kids.

Dorling Kindersley: Pop-up Peekaboo Dragon

 Published 28th October 2021

Go on a magical adventure with five special dragons through Dragon Kingdom in this fun pop-up book.

Toddlers will love lifting the flaps and finding each surprise in this adorable read-aloud children's book. Find all four of Flash's new friends as he adventures through the exciting world of dragons.

This magical baby board book about dragons includes:

- Five big lift-the-flaps and five fun pop-ups. Large, safe, sturdy flaps with pop-up surprises underneath! Perfect for hands-on preschool play and developing early book skills
- Sturdy board book with rounded corners, thoroughly safety tested for babies and toddlers
- Part of the successful DK Pop-up Peekaboo! series

Introduce your little one to Flash the dragon and all of his friends! There is Daisy discovering a bubbling volcano, Dougie making a wish in the magical waterfall, Dotty the dancing dragon and Dash speeding over the Dragon Kingdom. Who will be your favourite dragon? There are so many to choose from!

Watch as your child lifts big flaps and find the five peekaboo surprises pop up from the pages in this exciting dragon book. Each page has fun and lively read-aloud rhymes encouraging literacy and early learning. Your little dragon-lover will have so much fun as they guess who's hiding under each flap and lift them to find adorable dragons and magical creatures playing peekaboo!

Enjoy hours and hours of hide-and-seek surprises with the Pop-up Peekaboo! series from DK! There are more titles to explore. Go on a cute and cuddly puppy adventure with Pop-Up Peekaboo! Puppies. Follow adorable little monsters as they hide around the house in Pop-Up Peekaboo! Monsters.

Dorling Kindersley: Lego Hogwarts at Christmas

 Published 30th September 2021

Explore the magic of Christmas at Hogwarts! Features Harry Potter minifigure in Yule Ball robes.

Enter the festive world of LEGO® Harry Potter™ and visit Hogwarts for a spellbinding Christmas. Celebrate the season with your favourite LEGO Harry Potter minifigures and join them for a feast in the Great Hall. Admire the castle's Christmas decorations and get ready to hit the dance floor at the Yule Ball. Head to the Gryffindor common room to play a game of wizard chess, warm up in front of a roaring log fire, and join Harry as he exchanges gifts with friends.

Sprinkled with festive scenes and the latest LEGO Advent Calendars, sets, and minifigures, this is the perfect gift for young LEGO Harry Potter fans.

LEGO Harry Potter: Hogwarts at Christmas comes with a Harry Potter minifigure in Yule Ball robes.

Dorling Kindersley: Lego Minifugure Mission

 Published 21st October 2021

Do you have what it takes to help a LEGO® minifigure with your LEGO building skills?

A LEGO® minifigure is lost and needs to get back to the safety of the toy shelf with his other LEGO friends. But it will take some quick thinking and solid LEGO building skills for this tiny toy to make it there safely! Grab your LEGO collection and build your way through this exciting story.

Make a bridge to traverse the depths of the kitchen sink. Build a roller coaster to distract the spooky hallway monsters. Help the minifigure escape the claws of a plush toy cat with a brick-built helicopter and much more as you help him build his way home. With a minifigure, accessories, and plenty of building tips and inspirational photos, build yourself an adventure as you save the day.

The small print: Books Monthly, now well into its 24th year on the web, is published on or slightly before the first day of each month by Paul Norman. You can contact me here. If you wish to submit something for publication in the magazine, let me remind you there is no payment as I don't make any money from this publication. If you want to send me something to review, contact me via email at paulenorman1@gmail.com and I'll let you know where to send it.

  Contents:

  The Front Page

  Fiction books

  Fantasy & Science Fiction

  Nonfiction Books

  Nostalgia

  Growing Up In The 1950s

  The Silent Three

  Living with Skipper

  Acker Bilk Sleeve Notes

  Pen and Sword Books

  Sundays with Tarzan

  The Back Page

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