Search Results for: General Interest

Do you cringe when you hear someone giving a ridiculously overcomplicated coffee order? Do you shudder when someone sits the wrong way round on a chair? Do you die inside at the person who’s always first to sing the “Ha…” of “Happy Birthday”? These people are giving off some seriously big ick energy.

An “ick” is a turn-off – but not just any turn-off. Dive into this book to discover the specific, relatable and not-so-charming quirks that leave you chuckling and cringing in equal measure.

This pocket-sized treasure trove of peculiarities delves into the cringe-worthy gems that transcend cultural boundaries, even if there is no logical explanation for them, including:
– When someone uses their index finger to scroll on their phone
– Someone walking up to an automatic door that doesn’t open
– When people who can’t rap, rap

With Big Ick Energy, forget being kind and courteous to your fellow human beings. This book revels in the immoral joy of passing ridiculous, unfounded critiques on the unsuspecting people around you and says: yes, you can judge – and you can feel good about it.

Connect to your inner self and the world around you and enjoy a new sense of peace and happiness. This stunning book will help you along your own spiritual journey, by introducing you to traditions, philosophies and practices which have the power to open your heart and broaden your mind. Along with tips on how to practise spirituality in your everyday life, this book provides the stepping stones to a more fulfilling life.

Did you know?
Nessie is not the only monster supposedly living in a Scottish loch. Loch Morar has its own: Morag. The first Open golf Championship was played in Scotland, at Prestwick in 1860. As well as television, insulin, chloroform and the telephone, Scotland has given the world kaleidoscopes, contour lines, tinned salmon and Andy Murray. This miscellany of all things Scottish will have you quoting Burns, reeling off famous battles and fizzing with fascinating trivia in no time. As well as getting the low-down on the who, what, when and where of Scottish history – including profiles of William Wallace, Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie – you’ll gain plenty of insight into the food, drink, landscape, culture and everything else that makes Scotland exceptional.

Are you familiar with FOMO? Do you often fall prey to the mindless scroll? Is the pressure of likes, follows and notifications getting you down? Although social media is a big part of modern life, using it can often leave us feeling drained, unfocused and unhappy – but it doesn’t have to be that way! This book has everything you need to put you back in the driving seat. With 100 practical tips, from switching off to curating positive feeds, you’ll find it easy to take the first steps towards a happier online life.

You make me complete
There’s nobody quite like your special someone, so say it with this little book! Filled with a collection of heartfelt words to describe the many things, big and small, that you love about your partner, it’s the perfect way to tell them just how much they mean to you. 

We’ve reached an environmental crisis point with plastic, and it’s time to take action. But is it possible to make positive changes without radically changing your lifestyle? Absolutely!

This practical book suggests eco-friendly alternatives to plastic, including budget options, high-street substitutes and DIY ideas to help you drastically reduce your plastic consumption. With 101 simple ways to use less plastic, you’ll find it easy to take the first step and make a difference.

Have you ever wondered…




how the orchestra got its name?


who wrote the longest-ever symphony?


just how do we know when to clap – and when not to?




From Bach to Beethoven, Vivaldi to Vaughan Williams, the world of classical music has something to enchant every listener. Whether you’re an armchair connoisseur, a regular concert-goer or an ardent musician, For the Love of Classical Music will take you on a tour encompassing landmark pieces and performances, key artists and composers, and surprising facts about the world’s most beautiful music.

This collection of heart-warming stories shares true accounts of some extra-special pups and celebrates the many ways dogs uplift and enrich our lives every day

Dive into these pages to meet some of the most incredible dogs and puppies who have touched the lives of their owners in unforgettable ways. From loyal service dogs who have helped their owners through some of life’s toughest challenges, to playful puppies who bring joy to every moment, the furry friends featured in this heart-warming collection of stories will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired.

Whether you’re a dog lover or simply need a dose of positivity, the stories inside are sure to raise your spirits. Filled with tales of courage, love and loyalty, this book is here to remind you of the unbreakable bond between dogs and humans. So settle in with your furry friend and get ready to be inspired by the stories of these amazing pups!

This collection of uplifting stories shares true accounts of some extra-special cats and reminds us that even the smallest creatures can have the biggest impact on our lives

Cats are more than just pets – they are family. This heart-warming book is filled with tales of the incredible bonds we form with cats, and inspiring examples of how these furry friends have brought joy and love into so many lives.

From rescuing their owners from loneliness to being a source of comfort during tough times, the cats featured in these stories have proven that they are so much more than just cute and cuddly companions. Each tale serves as a reminder of the powerful connection we share with these fluffy animals and the lessons they teach us about healing, hope and happiness.

Whether you’re a cat owner or you simply appreciate the magic of these adorable creatures, this book is sure to warm your heart and remind you of the power of their love and companionship.

This essential dictionary and phrase book provides every term you need to know when buying, maintaining, renovating or building a home in France.

Accessible and comprehensive, it includes the technical words you won’t find in an ordinary dictionary for tools and equipment and every aspect of painting, carpentry, roofing, plumbing and drainage. It also equips you with terminology for planning structural changes such as extensions and determining boundaries. An appendix of emergency phrases will make this a book you’ll want to keep by the phone at all times.

Whether you own a home or work in France, this book will help you talk to French tradesmen with authority and avoid costly misunderstandings as you pull down the language barrier brick by brick.

If you’re a mum who wants to run, there’s nothing stopping you!

When busy mum Leanne Davies set up a social media group for her and a couple of friends to encourage one another to go running, she never imagined it would quickly become a nationwide network of thousands of women, all sharing a passion for the sport and a penchant for colourful compression socks.

Gathering the very best of the advice and tips from the Run Mummy Run network, Leanne and co-writer Lucy have created this comprehensive beginner’s guide to running that includes sections on:
– From starting with a Couch To 5k plan to building up the confidence to race
– Fitting in running around work and family life
– Overcoming barriers to exercise
– How to keep on running when motivation wanes, and much more!

Not just your average practical go-to, this book is filled with down-to-earth advice, training schedules and inspirational stories that’ll help you to be fit, healthy and happy.

Read on to discover…
• The truth about upside-down rainbows.
• The pioneers of meteorology – their instruments and inventions.
• How to win a balloon race.
• The largest raindrops ever recorded.
• ‘Watermelon snow’, ‘thundersnow’ and ‘weather bombs’.
• The ten main types of cloud and the different features of lightning.
The weather is a subject that the British simply cannot leave alone, and for good reason – it’s likely that for more than half the year they will experience at least three seasons in one day, so there’s always plenty to talk about.
This charming miscellany, as wide-ranging and unpredictable as the weather itself, is filled with curious historical facts, amazing statistics and fascinating anecdotes that will keep you entertained come rain or shine!

Felix, the resourceful feline that survived an epic journey trapped in a shipping container from the Middle East to Britain
Scarlett, the brave mother that went into a burning building five times to rescue her kittens
Oscar, the care-home cat that predicts when residents are about to pass on and comforts them in their final hours.
How much do you really know about the abilities of domestic cats? Whether they’re using up one of their nine lives to make a lucky escape or demonstrating unusual talents, cats are full of surprises. From loyal moggies to courageous life-saving kitty heroes and extraordinary survivors, Wonder Cats contains heart-warming and moving tales that demonstrate the astonishing powers of remarkable felines.

Discover the fascinating world of mushrooms with this beautiful pocket guide, featuring trivia, history, identification tips, delicious recipes and more

One of nature’s most extraordinary organisms can be found right under your feet: the mushroom. For thousands of years these fungi have intrigued humankind, providing food, inspiring folklore and proving to be both poison and cure.

The Little Book of Mushrooms will allow you to uncover this mysterious kingdom for yourself. Learn the difference between a giant puffball and a scarlet elf cup and discover how mushrooms and the fungal network help plant life to communicate. You will also find:

– Fascinating facts about the fungi kingdom
– Mushroom folklore from around the world
– A beginner’s guide to identifying common wild mushrooms
– A collection of delicious mushroom-based recipes
Mushrooms are vital to life on earth, and this book will be your guide to these spectacular organisms that have influenced our past and could shape our future.

Featuring simple tips, practical advice and inspiring ideas, this book will help you discover how to reap the mental, physical and spiritual benefits found in nature

We all know that our environment is critical to our well-being, so when seeking a boost to our happiness, where better to look than the garden? Whether you’re hoping to cultivate a calmer mindset, nurture your physical strength or connect with your community, the restorative powers of gardening can help you flourish.

With valuable information, actionable tips, creative project ideas and feel-good gardening facts, this book will help you discover the all-round health benefits that can come while honing your green fingers.

Inside you will discover:
– How the aromas, colours and sounds of plants and nature can both relax and invigorate you
– Why gardening and its therapeutic actions are beneficial for your mental health
– How to energize your body, tone muscles and improve flexibility for overall fitness
– The plentiful spiritual aspects to be found through breathwork and grounding exercises
– How and why gardening can plant you within your community and encourage teamwork and cooperation

Home is where your dog is

When you’re a dog parent you know that life just isn’t complete without your canine companion by your side. Packed with trivia and puzzles, quotes and crafts, care tips and even tricks to teach your dog, this trusty little book is a celebration of all things canine – perfect for anyone whose best friend has four legs, a wet nose and a wagging tail.

… I can tell you anything.
… You make me laugh until I cry.
… We make the perfect team.

This sweet book of love tokens is the perfect way to tell your special someone why they’re so wonderful.

All you need is love… and a cat

They’re furry, they’re purry, and they’re the ultimate cuddly companion. This cat-pendium of epic purr-portions celebrates your feline to the fullest with trivia and puzzles, quotes and crafts, care tips and nifty ways to make your kitty happy. Dedicated to our favourite pawed pals, this little book is a must-have for any cat parent.

You can never know too much stuff. For example:
Today, the people of earth take more photos in two minutes than they did in the whole of the nineteenth century. When the Mona Lisa was stolen from the Louvre museum in Paris in 1911, one of the suspects was Pablo Picasso. The surface area of Russia is larger than the surface area of Pluto. This outrageously informative book is packed full of fascinating nuggets of history, science, literature, technology, sports, geography, culture and miscellanea from every corner of the world – enough mind-blowing trivia to ensure you’re never short of a jaw-dropping conversation starter (or stopper) again.
 

Swansea Jack, the Labrador who saved more than 25 people from drowning.

Maya, the pit bull who defended her owner from a brutal attack

Max, the police German shepherd who chased and caught two convicted criminals.
Connie, the Newfoundland who cares for her disabled owner.

These are just a few of the incredible canine characters whose true stories are recounted in this inspiring collection of dog tales. Hounds from all walks of life are united within these pages in the search for the world’s most devoted dogs.

Heart-melting, dramatic and often deeply moving, Dog Heroes champions the often underestimated role of man’s best friend and gives a unique insight into the lives of both working dogs and personal companions. Each loyal dog has its own story to tell and each owner or handler has individual reasons for loving them, but these dogs have one thing in common: they are all truly dog heroes.

Whether you’ve established yourself as an elite cat parent or you simply love kitties and their quirks, this collection of cat-themed puzzles is certain to set your mind purring

More than just ruling the world, cats rule our hearts and homes. When you deserve a rest from giving head-scritches, or if it’s raining cats and dogs outside, why not press “paws” and enjoy a puzzle or two?

From classic conundrums and quizzes to cryptic crosswords and sudokus, whether you choose to while away the hours or simply dip a paw in, there is plenty within these pages to keep your mind as agile as your favourite feline.

Inside you will find a variety of puzzles, including:
– Find the names of famous cats hiding within word searches
– Spot the differences between snapshots of common cat habits
– Solve the maze to reunite the kitten with its ball of wool
– Answer trivia to learn about rare cat breeds

Whether you’ve already established yourself as an elite pup parent or you simply love canines and their quirks, you’re certain to have a ball with this collection of dog-themed puzzles

When your hands need a break from giving nose-boops, head-scritches and tummy rubs, or if it’s raining cats and dogs outside, why not press “paws” and enjoy a puzzle or two?

From classic conundrums and quizzes to cryptic crosswords and sudokus, whether you choose to while away the hours or simply dip a paw in, there is plenty within these pages to keep your mind as strong as a dog’s devotion.

Inside you will find a variety of puzzles, including:
– Find the names of famous dogs hiding within word searches
– Spot the differences between snapshots of common dog habits
– Solve the maze to reunite the puppy with its bone
– Answer tail-wagging trivia to learn about rare dog breeds

A pocket-sized guide to all things vegan grub, this little book is the perfect gift for students who hunger for easy, affordable and feel-good food

The student lifestyle doesn’t always lend itself to extravagant cooking – most of the time you might get by with toast – but this book is for those that crave a little creativity, sustainability and flavour in the kitchen.

Vegan student food always packs a plant-based punch, promising tasty ingredients, high nutritional value and ethical peace of mind. Featuring an array of budget-friendly, flavourful and easy-to-make meals, this guide gives you the vegan recipes you need to spice up your student suppers.

From comfort food to gourmet dishes, study snacks to batch bakes and delicious drinks, the recipes, tips and trivia inside this book will put the variety in your vegan diet.

Whether you’re already a meat-free chef, a vegan cooking newcomer or an omnivore looking to explore plant-based food in your student kitchen, this book will provide you with the tools to ensure great taste every mealtime.

Running isn’t a hobby, it’s a way of life.

Runners run to be the best they can be, to challenge who they are, to inspire others and to champion their cause.

From the woman who ran for three and a half days without sleep, to the 61-year-old man who broke records in an 875-km ultramarathon, this collection of unforgettable stories will inspire anyone who’s ever pounded the pavement to keep on running and enjoy every minute of this liberating sport.