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Step into the fascinating world of art history with this inspiring collection of artists and their most famous works, ready and waiting for you to bring to life with colour

Awaken your creativity and produce your own artistic masterpieces with this stunning selection of art icons. From painters and engravers to sculptors and quiltmakers, this book features illustrations of 23 artists from across the world and throughout time. Including figures as varied as Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, Gustav Klimt, Evelyn de Morgan and Harriet Powers, each illustration is accompanied by a concise biography and insight into the artist’s unique style.

Embark on this journey of colour and creativity to practise mindfulness and ease everyday stresses. These intricate, original designs are perfect for developing fine motor skills, improving focus, reducing tension and relieving anxiety. So, relax, quieten your mind and let your imagination soar as you create your own renditions of the world’s most iconic works of art.

When Mimi first started jogging on a treadmill as an unfit 36-year-old mother-of-three, she never imagined she would go on to become a World-Record-breaking ultrarunner.

After coming to terms with the anorexia that had impacted her life from a young age, Mimi begins to reassess her relationship with food and finds a new resolve in running. With a renewed sense of purpose, she decides to take the sport that saved her life to the next level, training hard and throwing herself in at the deep end by entering the epic Marathon des Sables in the Sahara desert, despite still being a novice runner. One startling success leads to another, as she finds herself taking on ever-more-challenging races – from the Badwater Ultramarathon in Death Valley, USA, to the 6633 Arctic Ultra – all building up to her biggest challenge yet: attempting to gain the Guinness World Record time for a female running 840 miles from John o’Groats to Land’s End.

This incredible story of how an ordinary mum ran her way into the record books will inspire beginner runners and die-hard marathon devotees alike, proving that, no matter where life takes you, it’s never too late to achieve your dreams and do the impossible.

Travel writing matters

Explore the world through this beautiful collection of the finest travel writing published in British media in the 21st century – as judged by some of the most respected travel writers in the world: Levison Wood, Monisha Rajesh, Jessica Vincent and Simon Willmore

The world has changed, but our desire to explore new places remains as strong as ever. The Best British Travel Writing of the 21st Century includes 30 outstanding travel stories published in British media over the last two decades, as chosen by some of the top names in travel writing today. Through travel’s most talented storytellers, you’ll face adversity along the Congo’s raging River Lulua, make new friends aboard Iraq’s night train, and embark on life-changing pilgrimages from India to Saudi Arabia.

This book is an ode to travel and all that it offers, but it’s also a celebration of a genre that brings the world closer to us. At its best, travel writing encourages empathy and inspires change. Join our award-winning writers in marvelling at the power and beauty of travel, and let them inspire you to fall in love with the world all over again.

Longlisted for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award 2021

Running away from your problems doesn’t solve anything – but sometimes it’s more fun than dealing with them

Elise was spending a lot of time crying on buses. She had just graduated from university; she had a shiny new flat, her first proper job and a budding relationship – and they were all making her utterly miserable. Sitting at work one day, she hit upon the obvious solution:

Run 5,000 miles around the coast of Britain, carrying her kit on her back.

Six months later Elise set off, with absolutely no ultra-running experience, unable to read a map and having never pitched a tent alone before. Over the 301 days that followed she developed a debilitating fear of farmyard animals, cried on a lot of beaches and saw Britain at its most wild and wonderful.

Coasting is about putting one foot in front of the other, even when it feels impossible, and trying to enjoy it too. With heart and humour, Elise explores the thrill of taking risks and putting your trust in total strangers, and learns some home truths along the way.


‘A true Great British Adventure, with humour and heart.’

Sir Ranulph Fiennes


‘Elise Downing has achieved the impossible – leaving you in awe at her superhuman achievements, but also convincing you that you could probably do the same.’

Emily Chappell


‘A hugely enjoyable jaunt around Britain, that proves that you can find adventure right on your doorstep.’

Alastair Humphreys


‘Elise Downing has reminded us all of the most crucial aspects of adventure: 1) You don’t have to be an expert. 2) It’s all about the people. 3) However hard, tough, excruciating and doubt-driven a challenge might be, at heart it’s a funny, funny story.’

Dave Cornthwaite


‘Reading Coasting is like listening to a friend tell a tale down the pub that you can’t quite believe. Elise’s storytelling is hilarious, warm-hearted and wonderfully down-to-earth. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to lace up your trainers and start running towards that mad idea you once had. There’s no doubt that Elise’s gung-ho attitude is her superpower. Her kryptonite? Cows.’

Anna McNuff, author and adventurer


‘Elise’s irresistibly readable adventures are both ordinary and extraordinary at the same time. She’s an inspiration.’

Damian Hall, author and ultrarunner


‘Funny and engaging and inspiring… an absolute gem.’


Vassos Alexander, presenter, author and runner


‘A beautifully observed and blisteringly truthful account of what happens when you decide to combine adventure and endurance. Absolutely brilliant.’

Jake Tyler, author of A Walk from the Wild Edge


‘An honest and exciting tale of how a dream became an awesome reality. Definitely worth a read!’

Ben Smith, founder of The 401 Challenge


‘I was already laughing at the Dedication and this continued all the way to the very last page. Elise Downing is a comedy genius and has a heart of gold!’

Danny Bent, author, runner and founder of Project Awesome


‘Elise tells her story with such good-humoured light-heartedness that you could be forgiven for forgetting that what she is describing is a feat of real endurance. Running 5,000 miles is a truly remarkable achievement, and the fact that Elise emerged from it with a smile on her face and a total lack of ego speaks wonders to her character. This is an incredible tale told with total humility. Running around the coast of Great Britain was a mad thing to do, but not buying this book would be madder still.’

Tim Moss, author, adventurer and founder of The Next Challenge


‘Like any epic journey worth sharing, Elise encountered the same doubts, setbacks and fears that leave many dreams stuck on the drawing board. One foot after the other, Elise set out to achieve the extraordinary many miles over. Coasting shares the literal highs and lows as she finds her rite of passage to the world of ultra-running, with an endearing vulnerability and hilarious flair that brings places to life. In the same way that countless strangers felt compelled to join her around the UK, Coasting carries the reader along and inspires us all to ask ‘why not?’ in pursuit of our own home-grown adventures.’

Alex Staniforth, adventurer and author


‘A wonderfully honest tale of courage, perseverance and self-discovery.’


Dr Juliet McGrattan, author and runner


‘Elise brings so much fun and energy, as well as raw honesty, to the world of adventure books, and her incredible journey is an inspiration to young (and old!) adventurers.’

Jenny Tough, author, adventurer and editor of Tough Women Adventure Stories


‘Thoughtful, funny and beautifully written. Just goes to show that there’s a ram-spinning, swashbuckling adventure right there on your doorstep.’

Huw Jack Brassington, writer, presenter and adventurer

‘… there I was in the middle of Bogotá, coked up to my eyeballs, in a hallway holding two machetes, while some drunk Colombians argued about whether or not to blow up a bar with a live hand grenade…’

Asia has the hippie trail. South America has the gringo trail. Mark Mann and his girlfriend Melissa set off to explore the ancient monuments, mountains and rainforests of South America. But for their friend Mark, South America meant only one thing: drugs.
Sad, funny and shocking, The Gringo Trail is an On the Road for the Lonely Planet generation – a darkly comic road-trip and a revealing journey through South America’s turbulent history. Drama and discovery. Culture and cocaine.
Fact is stranger than fiction.

Magic, the miniature pony who helped a woman speak again after three years of silence  Stubby, the stray dog who braved the front line with soldiers in World War One  Moko, the bottlenose dolphin who guided a mother whale and her calf back out to sea  No matter how cute and cuddly our animal companions are, there are always occasions when they remind us that they’re still in touch with their natural instincts. Sometimes this comes as little gestures of loyalty, and other times they do something that is truly amazing – even saving human lives. 
Animal Heroes contains some of the most extraordinary true tales of bravery across the natural world, from domestic pets to wild animals, proving that when it comes to facing danger there’s more to them than meets the eye.

• Magic, the miniature pony who helped a woman speak again after three years of silence
• Stubby, the stray dog who braved the front line with soldiers in World War One
• Moko, the bottlenose dolphin who guided a mother whale and her calf back out to sea
Have you ever been astonished by an instance of animal agility, intelligence or bravery?
No matter how cute and cuddly our animal companions are, there are always occasions when they remind us that they’re still in touch with their natural instincts. Sometimes this comes through in little ways, and other times they do something that is truly amazing – even to the point of saving human lives.
Animal Heroes contains some of the most extraordinary true tales of bravery across the natural world, from domestic pets to wild animals, proving that when it comes to facing danger there’s more to them than meets the eye.

This bedtime workbook is for children aged 7-11

Packed with soothing ideas and gentle activities, My Good Night Journal will help you to find calm and sleep well

A good night’s sleep can make you feel like a superhero with all the energy in the world! But when you’re feeling worried, it can be tough to switch off your brain and relax before bedtime.

With My Good Night Journal, say goodbye to your worries and hello to a night full of calmness and sweet dreams. You will learn how to:
– Transform your bedroom into an incredible zen den
– Create a special calming bedtime routine
– Let your worries float away with mindful breathing
– Make your very own cosy night-light
– And much, much more!

Parents, this is for you: This book has been peer-reviewed by a child psychologist, and there are explainers throughout just in case your child has questions about the activities.

“A magical and hugely captivating journey – filled with such beauty, wonder and surprise. A simply marvellous read, hugely recommended“ – Stephen Fry

A real-life journey through the fantastical world of The Odyssey

It started with a boy, of course. Seeking solace from the pain of heartbreak and her father’s illness, Laura Coffey embarks on what was meant to be a simple holiday. But her newfound fascination with ancient Greek myths transforms her trip into a six-month odyssey, around tiny archipelagos and mystical Mediterranean islands thought to be the setting of Odysseus’s epic journey. As she chases one of the most conflicted, flawed and yet beloved heroes through his fantastical sea-kingdoms, looking for the places where geography and mythology collide, she discovers the wild beauty of the islands, and the redemptive powers of travel and nature, cold-water swimming, long hikes up mountains, and luminous star-lit skies.

But her quest to find happiness, safety and the true meaning of home is overshadowed by the deepening illness of her father. Returning as he’s dying, forced to confront the very things she was running from, Laura reflects on what she has lost, how to live between story and reality, and the way we craft our own mythologies. Slipping between the mythical realm and the real world, she finds enchantment and healing in the magic of both.

“If you love memoir and Greek mythology, this is a delight. A spellbinding book about growing up, grieving and the gods.” – Clare Pollard, author of Delphi

Don’t limit your challenges. Challenge your limits

At the age of 55, record-breaking ultrarunner Mimi Anderson embarked on her most ambitious adventure yet. She wanted to become the fastest woman in history to run across America from Los Angeles to New York.
Her journey would cover 2,850 miles, 12 states and four time zones, dealing with extreme changes in terrain, weather and altitude along the way.

For 40 days, the determined mother of three pushed herself on and on for more than 2,000 miles across the vast continent, despite the onset of severe pain, until she was forced to make a crushing decision: carry on and risk never being able to run again or give up on her all-time goal.

What happened next set Mimi on a new, unexpected journey. She learned to face her fears and bounce back from defeat by taking up the new challenge of becoming a triathlete.

A follow-up to her first memoir Beyond Impossible, this next instalment in Mimi’s inspiring story proves that when one door closes, another opens – you just need the courage to swim, cycle and run through it.

How do people come together when tragedy tries to tear them apart?

When 39-time marathon runner Andrew Spriggs was diagnosed with motor neurone disease he knew his running days were over. But a surprise message from his nephew Chris, offering to push him in his rickety wheelchair in one last marathon, reunites them in a race against time.
Rich with insights and inspiration, personal discoveries and unforgettable encounters, The Reason I Run is an astonishing story that will make you laugh, weep and wonder. Join Chris on an incredible journey that will stay with you for the rest of your life.
 

A fascinating compendium of reported alien sightings, encounters and abductions, such as the mysterious Belgian UFO wave, the unusual Lubbock lights, and the infamous Roswell incident

What did Kenneth Arnold see flying above Mount Rainier?
What were the Phoenix Lights?
What really happened at the Battle of Los Angeles?

Humans have always looked to the skies and pondered what was up there. Throughout the centuries, science has provided us with many answers, but there are some mysteries that remain unexplained. In our modern world, many of us find ourselves asking the eternal conundrum, “Are we alone in this universe?”

This intriguing anthology examines incidents that were so puzzling they led witnesses to draw one inevitable conclusion: that aliens really do exist. Inside you will discover some of the most mysterious reports of UFO sightings, close encounters and alien abductions from across the globe. The real-life accounts within are compelling, bizarre and at times spine-chilling, each leaving you with a sense of wonder and a thirst to uncover the truth about life beyond our world.

An exhilarating and deeply moving story of one man’s attempt to sea kayak the areas of the Shipping Forecast, perfect for fans of The Salt Path and Attention All Shipping

Foreword by Charlie Connelly, author of Attention All Shipping

The Shipping Forecast has been described as the UK’s national lullaby: a source of dependability and calm in our often chaotic world, it has charmed millions of listeners and aided generations of seafarers across the decades. No stranger to weathering a storm after living with a rare life-limiting condition and facing the death of his brother, avid kayaker Toby Carr set out to explore the areas of the Forecast.

On a journey that took him to the harshest and most tranquil stretches of our sea, Toby found the real people, places and stories behind the familiar names and imagined environments of the well-loved BBC broadcast. From the wildness and peace of the sea, looking back at the land, Toby hoped to gain the strength and balance he knew nature could provide and to discover what anchors us to each other.

Written by Toby’s sister Katie from his extensive notes and recordings after his untimely death, Moderate Becoming Good Later is both an epic adventure – sometimes choppy, constantly moving – and a personal voyage of discovery that includes old friends and new, plenty of wildlife, and the ever-present sea.

A guided journal for learning to fully love and accept yourself as you are

There are so many things to celebrate about your body. Just think of everything it’s got you through – the happy times and the challenges – and all the wonderful things it enables you to do each day. Sometimes, it’s important to be reminded that your body is uniquely yours, and that’s what makes it so special.

This beautiful guided journal is here to help you shed body shame for good, so that you can feel confident in yourself every day. By engaging with the tips and activities inside, you’ll learn how to see your body in a different light, quit negative self-talk and start speaking to yourself with love and kindness.

By encouraging you to wholly embrace yourself, this empowering guide promotes changing your attitude rather than changing your body. So whatever your shape or size, this book reassures you that all bodies are good bodies, and yours is perfect as it is.

Awaken your senses and learn to be present with this guided journal, filled with activities and inspiration for finding peace in every day

In a busy, high-pressure world it can be difficult to live in the moment. Mindfulness can help you become more aware of your surroundings, enabling you to immerse yourself fully in your everyday experiences.

This journal is full of essential tools to calm the mind and help you find joy in the smallest of pleasures. With a variety of activities to complete, this journal takes you on a mindfulness journey, aiming to integrate essential self-care practices into everyday life. Get to know yourself on a deeper, more meaningful level, while developing a greater appreciation of the present.

Inside you will find:
– Techniques to stay mindful in everyday life
– Space for self-reflection
– Practical tips on staying present
– Uplifting affirmations to bring joy to every day
Your mindfulness journey begins here.

Discover all of life’s silver linings with this guided journal, filled with activities and inspiration to help you find your inner strength and resilience

Life doesn’t always turn out as we expected, and it can sometimes feel like a series of setbacks that are hard to bounce back from. Facing these obstacles takes time and perseverance, but with the help of this book you can discover healthy coping strategies to help you grow and learn from your experiences.

Bursting with questions and activities to encourage a resilient mindset, this book aims to help you let go of what is holding you back by getting to know yourself on a deeper level, and nurturing a greater awareness of what you want and need out of life. The time for letting adversity hold us back is over. It’s time to start building our mental toughness and enjoying all the pleasures that life has to offer.

Inside you’ll find:
– Positive affirmations for daily motivation
– Uplifting quotes to help you on your way
– Tools and advice to help find your inner strength
– Space for you to document your journey
Your resilience journey starts here.

Release your inner happiness and learn to live your best life with this guided journal, filled with activities and inspiration for finding joy in every day

Self-care is such an important part of life, yet it can be the last thing we prioritize in our busy schedules – until now! It’s time to step away from the constant pressures of social media and find your “happy” – in doing so you might just find that you are able to spread that joy.

Everyone strives to be happy, but with so many demands coming at us left, right and centre, sometimes happiness is difficult to grasp. Filled with plenty of activities to make positivity your way of life, not an unattainable dream, this journal aims to give you the boost you need to shine.

Inside you will find:
– Inspiration on how and where to find happiness
– Uplifting quotes to help you on your way
– Space for you to document your journey
– Tips on how to practise self-care every day

Success does not mean happiness, but happiness is the ultimate success!

Infuse your day-to-day life with positivity and gratitude with this guided journal, filled with activities and inspiration to help you find joy in the simplest of things

You may not feel it, but inside you is a hidden optimist ready to break free and feel joy! It’s time to step out from under that dark cloud of self-doubt, rid yourself of toxic energy and draw out all the positives that life has to offer.

This journal will help you find joy and contentment through self-care and self-belief, while encouraging you to seek out and discover more of what makes you happy. Full of inspirational prompts and activities to help you reveal your inner positivity and confidence, this journal will unlock your potential.

Inside you will find:
– Top tips on how to stay positive
– Space to write your thoughts and help you find the silver lining
– Ideas and inspiration for self-care activities
– Positive quotes and affirmations for day-to-day life
Your positivity journey starts here.

Build your self-esteem, grow your confidence and rediscover your sense of self with this empowering and practical 30-step journal for women
“Who am I?”
The more confidently you are able to answer this question, the higher your levels of happiness, self-esteem and personal growth tend to be. However, in a world that still socializes women to build their lives around other people, many of us don’t have an answer.
This 30-step journal will take you on a unique and personal journey to discover who you are and who you want to be. Within these pages you’ll find:

· A structured approach to self-discovery that builds from step 1 to step 30
· Interactive and creative CBT-based activities to nurture your relationship with yourself
· Thought-provoking journalling prompts to deepen your self-awareness and allow for reflection
· Guidance on how to let go of worries, doubts and other self-limiting beliefs
· Actionable advice to help you consciously shape yourself into the person you choose to be

This journal will be your guide to understanding and empowering the most important person in your life: you.

From Sergeant Stubby to Antis the radar dog, meet the heroic hounds who put their lives on the line in this inspiring compendium of real-life war dog stories

We all know that a dog is a human’s best friend, but they are even more than that. The truth is that these courageous canines have been a lifeline for us during some of the toughest times in history. In fact, we might not be where we are today without them.

Filled with inspirational tales, this book is a moving tribute to the noble war dogs who supported their human comrades throughout the world’s most challenging conflicts. Whether serving as sentries, messengers or trackers, the dogs within these stories all share three things in common: bravery, intelligence and unwavering loyalty. Many of their efforts were rewarded with medals and titles at the time, but it is their legacies that will live on forever in our hearts. So, dive in to discover just how special, unique and essential to us our four-legged friends really are.

Quieten your mind with this guided journal, filled with practical tips and simple strategies for managing feelings of anxiety

Anxiety can feel like a huge obstacle to living the life you want – but it doesn’t have to be! Brimming with practical activities and inspiring words, The Anxiety Fix is a gentle and encouraging guide to help you flourish.

Working through the prompts and exercises in this journal will help you to understand your worries and take control of your anxiety. The activities in these pages will also help you to:
· Identify your anxiety triggers
· Develop your self-belief
· Learn coping strategies for stressful situations
· Discover self-care inspiration to nurture your well-being

Whether you have a dream you want to achieve or you’re seeking a calmer state of mind, this book will provide you with the tools to conquer your anxiety, boost your well-being and live a happier, more fulfilling life.

With trackers to help you chronicle everything from your mood to your spending, this book has all the tools you need to see the big picture of your daily life

Whether you want to understand your sleep patterns or social media usage, hit a fitness goal, or simply find joy in documenting your day, My Life Tracker is the ideal place to start. You’ll find a variety of interactive pages where you can record all aspects of your life, month by month, including:
– Your budget and spending habits
– Your meditation and wellness habits
– Your exercise sessions and goals
– Your sleep, hydration and diet
– The books you’ve read

Tracking your routine with a journal gives you instant visual feedback and can show you how different aspects of your life interact to affect your well-being. It’s fast, it’s fun and, best of all, it’s so easy! By spending just a few minutes on your journal each day, you will quickly build up a picture of who you are and where you want to go.

Feel more self-assured with this step-by-step workbook to help you overcome uncertainty and approach every situation with confidence

Life can be challenging, and it’s normal to feel unsure of yourself sometimes. But when low self-confidence becomes a regular occurrence and you start avoiding certain situations because of it, it’s time to find a strategy to start believing in yourself.

The Confidence Workbook contains practical tips, thoughtful advice and guided exercises to help you overcome self-doubt. Based on trusted mindfulness techniques, this workbook will fill you with the assurance you need to become your own cheerleader and focus on the things you really like about the person in the mirror.

Inside this book, you will find:
– A friendly and supportive approach, allowing you to calmly complete the exercises at your own pace
– Actionable advice for boosting your self-confidence and acting more assertively
– Tips on how to practise mindfulness and self-care
– Exercises grounded in research-supported cognitive behavioural therapy techniques

Sam and Bud were ordinary first-time homebuyers in their early thirties. Their intention, in moving to France, was to create a simple life in a place where they could spend time with their children. The home they actually bought was a 17th century chateau in the Loire valley with over thirty rooms.

Chateau Du Bonchamps had been the seat of noble families as far back as 1507. With only modest savings, Sam and Bud launched the exciting project of restoring this extraordinary building to its former glory. Over several years they renovated 10,000 square feet of house, installed countless bathrooms, painted 156 windows, put the 40-acre park and gardens into some semblance of order and started a bed and breakfast against resistance from the locals. Their hard work prevailed; their chateau quadrupled in value.

The things we dream do not always fit nicely with the realities of everyday life. This is an insightful glimpse of what it truly means to leave everything behind to pursue a dream.