Animals

Food writer Debora Robertson, has created a fun, indulgent book for feline fanatics. She has devised an exciting menu of simple, inexpensive dinners and treats made using readily available ingredients so they fit easily into your every day life. With over 20 recipes and variations, there is something to tempt even the most finicky of felines.

The visually arresting and often misunderstood octopus has long captured popular imagination. With an alien appearance and an uncanny intellect, this exceptional sea creature has inspired fear in famous lore and legendsfrom the giant octopus attack in 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea to Ursula the sea witch in The Little Mermaid. Yet its true nature is more wondrous still. After decades of research, the authors reveal a sensitive, curious, and playful animal with remarkable intelligence, an ability to defend itself with camouflage and jet propulsion, an intricate nervous system, and advanced problem-solving abilities. In this beautifully photographed book, three leading marine biologists bring readers face to face with these amazingly complex animals that have fascinated scientists for decades. From the molluscan ancestry of today's octopus to its ingenious anatomy, amazing mating and predatory behaviors, and other-worldly relatives, the authors take readers through the astounding life cycle, uncovering the details of distinctive octopus personalities. With personal narratives, underwater research, stunning closeup photography, and thoughtful guidance for keeping octopuses in captivity, Octopus is the first comprehensive natural history of this smart denizen of the sea.

This edition does not include illustrations.The authorised biography of the great naturalist and conservationist Gerald Durrell, who died aged seventy in January 1995 in Jersey, where he founded the zoo he'd dreamed of as a small boy and pioneered the captive breeding of animals for conservation.Gerald Durrell was a world-famous naturalist and popular author who wrote, in all, some thirty-seven immensely readable yarns, including the bestselling 'My Family and Other Animals'. His other books include 'Birds, Beasts and Relatives', 'The Bafut Beagles' and 'A Zoo in My Luggage'.Above all, he paved the way in print for the popular presentation of the natural world on television and presented twelve series himself - the early ones, of his own expeditions. Sir David Attenborough has said: 'He was responsible for changing people's attitudes to zoology and changing their agenda. He showed them small animals could be as interesting as apes and elephants...He was a pioneer with a marvellous sense of humour.'His brother was the famous writer Lawrence Durrell.

A gorgeous, scientifically up-to-date exploration of the prehistoric world, written and illustrated by leading palaeontologists.

In this book, founder of natural pet food brand Lily's Kitchen and loving pet owner Henrietta Morrison serves up 50 delicious and quick-to-prepare treat recipes that your canine companion will love.

An expert palaeontologist reveals how our understanding of the dinosaurs has been transformed by huge strides in technology in the 21st century.

A highly diverting celebration of television's favourite naturalist, packed with games, trivia and Attenborough-inspired activities.

A powerful, moving sequel to the bestselling The Elephant Whisperer that tells the story of one woman's fight to protect a herd of elephants.

Muscovy Duck, covers the facts about keeping Muscovy ducks, with information on breeding, raising ducklings and feeding, also covers what is basically needed to start keeping Muscovy ducks. This book is written in an easy to read style.

A fun present for cat lovers everywhere: a light-hearted self-help guide to help you live more like your cat

'Endlessly fascinating.' - Bill Bryson 'Eye-opening, informative and very funny!' - Chris Packham'Well-informed and downright funny' - Richard DawkinsHistory is full of strange animal stories invented by the brightest and most influential, from Aristotle to Disney.

The continued adventures of the rescue dog that inspired the world - the sequel to the international bestseller, ARTHUR

THE SUNDAY TIMES NO.2 BESTSELLER Like A Streecat Named Bob before it, Finding Gobi is a truly heart-warming story for animal lovers worldwide...

A natural history of the coyote-whose success story and adaptability mirror humanity's own

A social history of Labradors, and how they have become the world's most beloved dogs, by writer, presenter and long-time dog lover Ben Fogle, whose beloved black Labrador, Inca, famously accompanied him on numerous journeys and adventures.

Mainland Ecuador's spectacular wildlife makes it a magnet for nature tourists, but until now there hasn't been a go-to, all-in-one guide geared to the general reader. With this handy and accessible guide, visitors now have everything they need to identify and enjoy the majority of birds and animals they are likely to see. Written and illustrated by two of Ecuador's most experienced nature guides and photographers, this book covers more than 350 birds, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. It features over 400 stunning color photographs and includes a range map for each species, as well as a brief account of the country's natural history and biogeography. With its extensive coverage, attractive and easy-to-use layout, beautiful photographs, and nontechnical text, this is an essential guide for anyone who wants to explore the natural wonders of Ecuador.An essential all-in-one guide to mainland Ecuador's amazing wildlifeUnique and attractive layout with more than 400 stunning color photographsCovers more than 350 of the most frequently seen birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibiansUses a habitat-based approach to aid identificationAccessible text provides key information on identification, behavior, biology, and conservationPhotos, maps, and text are presented together for ease of use

SHORTLISTED FOR THE WAINWRIGHT PRIZE'This story - so fierce and brave and visceral and raw - will stay with me forever. Clover Stroud is a force of nature, and a woman who is fearless in the face of life and death. I loved it.' Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat Pray Love'An astonishing book about loss, love, darkness, pain, sex and adventure. I adore it.' Dolly Alderton'There is so much richly evoked life here... beautifully written.' Cathy Rentzenbrink, The Times'This redemptive memoir will steal your heart; it will return it bruised but emboldened.' Mail on Sunday'I have huge admiration for the spirit of this memoir, and its author: full of heart, bravery and adventure. A moving, gripping read.' Amy Liptrot, author of The OutrunClover Stroud grew up in rural Wiltshire surrounded by animals and family. When she was just sixteen her adored mother had a horrific riding accident which left her permanently brain-damaged, and suddenly Clover was left to fend for herself. She embarked on an extraordinary journey to heal her broken heart, courting men and danger through two marriages and five children.The Wild Other is a grippingly honest account of love, sex and travelling to the darkest edges of human experience and back again. Powerful and deeply emotional, this is the story of an extraordinary life lived at its fullest.

FROM THE STAR of the award-winning BBC sitcom Miranda, comes Miranda Hart's hilarious account of life with her beloved dog Peggy, a gorgeous white bichon frise.'Hilariously funny and often moving memoir ... we loved every word *****' Heat'Open, honest ... her misadventures are hilariously described ... charming and funny' Daily Express* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *Hello dear book browser and welcome to Peggy & Me, the story of my life since getting a beautiful Shih-Tzu Bichon Frise cross puppy (I call the breed a Shitty Frise - fun) in the form of Peggy.Some of you may be thinking: "e;a book about a dog, how totally brilliant, I need hear no more, I'm sold."e; In which case we should be best friends and go out to tea together, every day.Others of you may be thinking: "e;a book about a dog, how totally mad, she must have officially lost it."e; In which case I completely understand. For I once viewed dog owners with much suspicion. The way they obsessively talk about their dogs often using voices for them to reply; the way they have a light covering of dog hair all over their clothes and sofas; and worse, an alarming comfort and ease around excrement. But I now get why people become so mad about their hounds. It wasn't instant love I have to admit. Getting a puppy when I was at a low ebb in my life wasn't easy - there was a lot of challenging, what I call, dog administration (dog-min), and the humiliating first trip to the vet still haunts me. It's been a bumpy old road, but Peggy has been lovingly by my side through some life-changing moments and I wouldn't have coped without her. Most surprisingly she has taught me a huge amount - not how to get an old pie packet out of a bin and lick it (I could already do that), but real lessons about life and love and trust and friendship. Put aside any doggy reservations and come walkies with Peggy and me ...

From the Sandwich Tern to the Short-toed Eagle, discover over 300 species of bird found in the UK and Europe with RSPB Pocket Birds. Crystal clear photographs bring the birds on the page to life, and notes on distinguishing features will help you identify different species of bird in the field. Learn all about them from their calls and feeding behaviour, nesting habits and habitats, and differences in plumage. This brand new edition includes a web link where you can hear common bird songs and calls to make identification even easier. Maps showing regions where each species can be found at what time of year will help you find the birds you are most interested in. This handy book is perfectly portable, making RSPB Pocket Birds the perfect companion for taking out in the field.

The most comprehensive single-volume field guide to Madagascar's wildlifeThe Indian Ocean island of Madagascar is one of the world's great natural treasures and ecotourism destinations. Despite being an island, it is home to nearly an entire continent's variety of species, from the famous lemurs to a profusion of bizarre and beautiful birds, reptiles and amphibians. Wildlife of Madagascar is a compact and beautifully illustrated photographic guide, and an essential companion for any visitor or resident. With an eye-catching design, authoritative and accessible text and easy-to-use format, it provides information on identification, distribution, habitat, behaviour, biology and conservation for all the mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and butterflies likely to be seen.The most comprehensive single-volume field guide to Madagascar's wildlifeAttractive layout features more than 900 stunning colour photographsCovers the mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and butterflies, and some of the other invertebrates and plants, most likely to be seenProvides key information about identification, distribution, habitat, behaviour and conservationIntroductory sections provide background information on Madagascar and its unique environments

This detailed and comprehensive guide to the 151 snakes indigenous to southern Africa covers all essential aspects of snake biology and behaviour. Now in its second edition, A Complete Guide to Snakes of Southern Africa has been updated, revised and expanded to include at least 11 newly discovered and 30 re-classified species and sub-species. New information based on international scientific research has been included in the species accounts relating to behaviour, identification, reproduction and snake venoms. Species descriptions are now accompanied by full-colour photographs. Simple icons make essential information available at a glance. A separate 'look out for' box assists in quickly identifying species in the field. Chapters on classification and identification, keeping snakes, and the prevention and treatment of snakebite supplement the species accounts. This readable and user-friendly guide will be invaluable to herpetologists, snake collectors, hikers, gardeners, campers and householders, or anyone who may encounter or want to know more about these fascinating and widely misunderstood reptiles.

How many lives can one abandoned kitten touch?This is the heart-warming and unforgettable story of a truly idiosyncratic cat with a strong sense of loyalty and love, and a taste for fast-food.When he was just a few weeks old, Dewey Readmore Books was shoved through the book returns slot of his local library in a sleepy town. Starving, terrified and bruised after being battered by falling books, Dewey curled up into the arms of the library director Vicky. Vicky was a single mother who had escaped a violent husband and was struggling to bring up her little girl Jodi alone. Vicky fell in love with the little bundle of fur in her arms and campaigned to allow Dewey to stay and become the library cat.She didnt know what she was letting herself in for. Deweys arrival transformed Vicky and Jodis lives, as well as the staff at the library and eventually the fortunes of an entire town. Dewey was an instant hit with the library regulars and had an amazing instinct to cuddle up close to visitors that were going through a tough time. Vicky tells the incredible story of one severely disabled, wheelchair bound girl that Dewey took a shine to and how he would climb inside her jacket as she giggled hysterically and her eyes, usually almost catatonic, burst into life. He supervised childrens reading groups and ensured no child felt left out by snuggling into the laps of any outsiders. He was a ball of mischievous energy and relished in turning the hitherto quiet and predictable routines of the library upside down.Dewey became the towns number one attraction and he began regularly appearing in the national and international media. Fans from all over the world visited the small town to pay homage to the world's most beloved cat.

Snatched from the streets of Thailand, loaded onto a truck with hundreds of other stolen dogs and destined for the restaurants of Hanoi, Miracle the dog shouldn t be alive today. But an incredible rescue led to a fateful meeting with Amanda Leask, a dog lover from Scotland. Devastated by Miracle s plight and the hopelessness of his situation, she knew she had to do everything in her power to save him. But Amanda could never have imagined that in doing so she was really saving herself Amanda s six year-old son Kyle, who was born with cerebral palsy and autism, built a deep and lasting connection with Miracle and their special bond has transformed not only Kyle s life but that of the entire family. Heartbreaking, inspirational and ultimately life-affirming, this incredible tale is proof that miracles really can happen