UK Books

Although this book is described as being for the 4-8 year-old group, it seemed to me more like a 7-9 year-old book.

I was attracted to the book by realizing that the various animal-related stories that Alexander McCall Smith includes in his No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency books were among my favorite parts of those books. It occurred to me that the Akimbo books might have such stories in them.

Well, not quite . . . but the series is full of Akimbo learning about wild animals, the threats to animals from people, and deals with the problems through Akimbo's brave deeds. Children like to see themselves playing important roles in the world, and Akimbo and the Lions is very good for appealing to that desire.

Akimbo's father works as a ranger at a game preserve in Africa where some near-by farmers have been losing cattle to lions. Akimbo's father is asked to do something and goes to trap the lion. The results end up differently than expected and Akimbo learns a lot about the challenges of balancing domestic and wild animals in the same areas. The story is a heart-warming one that both boys and girls will enjoy.

The book is nicely illustrated which adds to the realism of the story.

Purchased these books for my grandsons and was told that they really enjoyed them.

This book was a fun book to read. I liked it a lot. I think it was my favorite book that I've read so far in my life. I am going to buy my own copy.

This book is McCall Smith's second book in the "Akimbo" series and like virtually all his books, it is masterfully done. In this book, Akimbo goes on a trip with his father, the new Head Gamekeeper of the wildlife preserve. They have gone to check out reports that a lion is eating cattle. The loss of cattle is akin to the loss of pure gold in Akimbo's part of Africa. Thus, such a lion must be handled.

Akimbo begs his father to take him on the trip. With some trepidation, his father agrees. The team of Gamekeepers and Akimbo travel to the farm which has reported the problem. No one actually has seen the lion, but they believe by the sounds and the results that it is surely a lion. The Gamekeepers set a trap, using a goat as bait. The trap is supposed to work by capturing the lion when he goes to get the goat.

The trap is set up, and Akimbo and his father get set to wait out the night and see what happens. As luck would have it, the lion does show up on that night. The trap is sprung, and Akimbo's father goes to check the trap. As soon as his father leaves the hiding place, Akimbo notices, he has forgotten his rifle. His father approaches the trap, and is dismayed to find, the lion is not in the trap. The lion is standing outside the trap, and starts to close in on Akimbo's father.

Akimbo has never shot a rifle before, but he has observed his father use it. He picks up the gun. He aims, and his father tells him, "Shoot into the air." Akimbo does so twice. The lion leaves quickly. Then they go to find out why the trap di not work, and find that it is sprung. Inside is a very small baby lion cub. The rest of the book discusses Akimbo's relationship with the lion cub, and the eventual release of the lion into the wild.

Once again, McCall Smith has created a wonder of a book. It is highly recommended as a children's story. It provides a look at a very different society and world than the American world. In addition, it shows the respect of the people for the animals. All parents with young children should find this book a great addition to their children's reading library.

It was one of the most passionate books I ever read. It made me cry. The pictures were wonderful. The book had very good descriptions. People who like animals, stories that take place in Africa, and love will like this book.

I love this book! All of the alphabets and samplers are beautiful, and you are sure to find the perfect project whether you are creating a gift for someone special or looking for something to brighten up an area of your home.

Also, the author gives lots of ideas for finishing the projects, along with plenty of color photos to give you ideas. She gives recommended colors, using DMC, but also includes a chart which compares DMC to other commonly used floss brands. The photos also show several of the alphabets or samplers done up in colors different from the ones in the chart, so there is plenty of leeway for your own creativity. I definitely recommend this book, especially for beginners.

This book was a checkout from my local library and after bringing it home and viewing it I was enthralled with every page! I knew that I would be referring to it many times over so instead of rechecking it out at the library numerous times I decided to buy the book.It has so many nice patterns for the beginner and the advanced cross stitcher.The only problem is trying to decide which one I want to stitch first!I have been doing cross stitching for many years and this is the first book that has everything imaginable to stitch!

This book is beautiful -- it could almost double as a coffee table book! The projects are suitable for all sorts of occasions and are all easily customizable. I highly recommend this book to any cross-stitcher, regardless of skill level -- it could keep you busy for the next two years!

There are color photos of each design, black and white charts, a stitch directory, instructions and finishing techniques. The 15 alphabets include: traditional, floral, Assisi, lower case and Victorian. There is a conversion chart of DMC to Anchor. The 40 designs in this book are inspiring and I am always looking for alphabets to stitch.

Original, well explained and a great source of inspiration! One wants to start stitching immediately, and looks for any excuse to do so.

When I was a young reader, this book and its sequels were one of the first I picked up. I loved the animated series and jumped right into the novels. If you've seen the series you will notice several differences, most notably the gender changes of some of the characters; in the book the main cast is almost exclusively male, and the series balanced things out a bit. The sequels were treated very differently on television, but the original series treats the novel with the care and grace it deserves.

The writing is difficult to review not because of flaws or unusual style, but because of its simplicity. Dann works hard to maintain a perfect clarity throughout, in terms of the well-constructed characters and the simple yet thoroughly engaging plot. It's an easy read and one the kids will truly adore, and is a wonderfully nostalgic read for myself and many others. If you are an adult and unfamiliar with the series though, you may not find the substance you were looking for in this first book, but you will most likely enjoy the next few instalments in the series.

Concisely planned and well thought out.

The animals of Farthing Wood is a short but very amusing novel told from the view of a small group of woodland creatures intent on finding a new home. There arn't many books on in this type of category and I must say I fully enjoyed it. The tale goes of how Farthing wood, home of around two dozen creatures is in danger of being destroyed by man. Distraught, the animal's only way of surviving is by reaching a nature reserve - White Deer Park. Led by Fox (a main character)the group takes an oath to not eat each other and travel through danger after danger on their long journey. There are many sequels stemming from this book and the entire story has been adapted by a cartoon under the same name - one of the best I've seen at that. All in all this book is worth reading. An adventure of a different kind.

When I was little I used to watch the T.v series, The Animals Of Farthing Wood, and I loved it!!!!!!! It contributed to my love of animals and when I read this first book I found it even better!
This story of how the Animals OF Farthing Wood find their home being destroyed and have to leave is a remarkable tale of love as they have to learn to trust each other, including sneeky Adder. I love all the charcters, especially Fox, Vixen and extremly funny Weasel. This book made me laugh and cry (especially when the hedgehogs got run over!) and I stayed in my room reading for hours. It is definatly a must-read for anyone who loves animals. If you have kids, then read them this book! I benifited hugely from it! I still have the T.v series on tape, even though I hardly ever watch it I won't let anyone tspe over it!
The next books are just as good as the first, and I thouroughly enjoyed the prequel (The Animals Of Farthing Wood, The Adventure Begins.) The next books are great as we learn about Fox and Vixen's cubs (Bold, Friendly, Charmer and Dreamer). Bold runs away from the animal's new home White Deer Park seeking adventure and Charmer typicly falls in love with Scar Face's son Ranger. (Scar Face is her dad Foxe's arch enemy) It's an ace tale and I hope that Colin Dann writes some more books as I've read most of them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!xxx

This is a great book and is the best book I have ever read. The book is about a group of wildlife from Farthing Wood who,s homes are being destroyed. The animals do nothing about it untill the humans filled in the pond. Then they all meet in Badger,s set to discuss the problem together but nobody has any ideas untill Toad (who has been missing for over a year) returns and tells the animals that on his travels he came across a Nature Reserve called White Deer Park. The animals agree and the next night they leave led by Fox. But the creatures face many dangers and some die. I realy recommened this book. It is a wonderful tale.

Farthing Wood is being destroyed by human development, and the animals decide that they need to move to a safer place, a wildlife sanctuary called White Deer Park.

This is a truly delightful tale about how the creatures band together (friend and foe alike) and their adventures as they travel from their threatened home to a safe place that only one of them (Toad) has ever seen.

Recommended for children and adults both. I wish I'd discovered this story earlier!

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

I love all the Jonathan Scott Big Cat Series Books. This is an excellent book for anyone who loves big cats. Plenty of info on habitat, biology, and great pictures!

I was watching big cat diary from the TV last week, and found out this program is just exactly the book I hv ordered from Amazon in Oct. I am exciting when receive this book. It has many beautiful cheetahs pictures. It worths to be one of your collection.

Being my favourite big cat doco, I had to buy the books to compliment Big Cat Diary.
I was not disappointed. The photos in this Leopard book are entirely unique and often include extremely rare images.
The writers/film makers have experienced some amazing things over their years of filming but most of it isn't covered in the TV series. This book goes into a lot more detail of the lives of certain Leopards and you really become attached to them by name (can be sad when you discover one has died).

Spectacular photos and highly engaging stories make this a winner.

Love the book and the fast service. I love all of the books that Jonathan Scott has written. I just wish in the US that we could still see the Big Cat Diary Series.

I love this book! Leopards are my # 4 favorite animals of all time topped only by jaguars, tigers, and of course lions. I think they are both cool and beautiful. I loved all the ones in here, most definitely the female ones. They were the most cool and beautiful. The only bad part was any of them getting hurt or killed, but other than that this book rocked! The cubs were cute, also. And boy, did I ever learn a lot about lions and hyenas as well as leopards. Like I said, this is a terrific book. I own it at home and will own it until my dying day. I highly reccomend it to anyone over the age of 12. Man, oh man, Amazon.com, you keep up making books like this.

This is a brilliant book. The author searches for the reasons why his two grandfathers - one Irish, one Turkish - both ended up in prison during the Second World War. His Turkish grandfather, Joseph Dakad, was interned by the British in Palestine on suspicion of spying for the Germans. His Irish grandfather, Jim O'Neill, was interned by his own government in the Curragh as a member of the IRA. By subtly intercutting the two stories, the book looks at nationalism in two very different contexts - the polyglot post-Ottoman culture of Turkey in the years between the two world wars, and the hidden story of Irish republicanism between De Valera coming to power and the resumption of The Troubles in 1966. In searching for the reasons why these two very different men were interned, O'Neill illuminates the unspoken ideas of nationalism and individuality that permeate (like DNA)the two sides of his family. While he sifts through British intelligence reports on "undesirable" activity in Jerusalem, and discovers who really murdered Admiral Somerville in West Cork in 1936, O'Neill's book is shot through with contemporary echoes of his grandfathers' ordeals. As the author watches Bernadette Sands reject the Good Friday Agreement in the name of Ireland's republican martyrs, and questions Yitzhak Shamir about the morality of political assassination, we realise that the ghosts of these men still haunt today's headlines, and our ancestors can assume the power of an unconscious force over our political reflexes.

O'Neill's "split" background led to an interesting life and a fascinating family history. Great read. Would like to get my hands on his other books. Picked up this book in February and missed his book signing in Dublin by hours. Would really like to know how long it took him to intricately research the book.

must read for Irish history buffs, Turkish history buffs, or WWII.

I simply could not put this book down. Much more than an entertaining portrait of early 20th century life in some remote places, this is a highly informative social and political history and a compelling reflection on nationalism, patriotism and the fears, violence and intrigues which sometimes accompany them. Mr. O'Neill obviously has talents for both research and scene-painting, and his writing is both literate and engaging. After 340 pages, I was sorry to put the book away. But I feel wiser now that I have made the journey with Mr. O'Neill.

"Blood Dark Track" provides a fascinating background into the history of both Ireland and Turkey during the first half of the Twentieth Century. These two very disparate regions actually have more in common than we would initially suppose: neutrality during WWII, an antipathy to British Imperialism, persecution of religious minorities, and layers upon layers of history underlying bloody Twentieth Century history.

These areas also combine in the persona of the author, Joseph O'Neill, who has provided an intriguing personal narrative of his own family. His father's side, Catholic, poor, and Republican from Cork; his mother's, Catholic, bourgeois, and apolitical from Mersin (a coastal city near Syria). Their meeting is as fortuitous as it was unlikely.

The author deftly melds the pieces into a coherent whole, despite geographic, cultural, and temporal distances. Because of the personal connection of the author to events, people, and places, it reads more like a novel than a history.

Informing the story is the author's discovery of his grandfathers, both as family and as characters in two distinct, though subtly parallel, historical contexts. I was surprised to find the story so gripping that I finished it in three days.

This is one of the finest books published in many years. On the surface the book tells the stories of O'Neill's grandfathers. Both stories are of interest, both touch on historical events of interest; but it is the softness and absolute intelligence of O'Neill's voice that makes this book a classic. In relating the experiences of his grandfathers, O'Neill takes us through his own intellectual struggle as he attempts to apply the rational tools of the barrister/philosopher to the world of strong ethnic identities that haunted him from the world of his grandparents. If this were not enough, O'Neill treats us to a rather fine sense of humor -- again, never obvious but always there and always effective.

A laugh out loud parody on corporate culture and the ever present personalities one encounters. The characters are well defined right from the start and the state of affairs they come across entirely self inflected due to lack of communication. The book is well written and would make a great movie! Hope there is a sequel.

As soon as finished the book, I missed the characters....they are priceless. Can't wait for the next book!

This book is compelling and thought-provoking. It is well written. I recommend it to every business executive. In fact, I recommend it to all business professionals. You will laugh and learn at the same time. You will recognize yourself as one of the characters in the book. You may even recognize quite a few of your colleagues and some of your top executives.

If you want a great laugh and a good read buy this book. Well written with lots of humor and keeps you entertained all the way. I just started reading it the second time and it is still gives me a great laugh. This book is worth every penny!!

This book is a must-have for anyone in the financial servies industry or any white collar profession for that matter. You cannot help but laugh out loud and be thoroughly entertained by the descriptions of these characters as well as their actions. Many may have worked for a Blinkerton, but even if not, everyone can relate to (and has encountered) one or more of these characters. I'm not an avid reader, but I could not put this book down; it is great reading!

Clean Break,in my opinion,is one of Jacky's best yet.It's about a girl called Em who has a little brother and sister and an amazing dad.Sadly one Christmas their dad and mum split up.After that the kids,mum and gran have to live a life they've never lived before...At the end the kids and mum are lying in a bed next Christmas.Then they hear the doorbell and a familar voice!
Ellie Rebeiro,age 9(nearly 10)

I've really enjoyed reading this book and would really recommend this to an age group of 9to11.The ending of the story is very unexpected and does not give you a clear idea of what happens, however the description of the people gives you a clear picture in your mind of the characters.Having read almost all the Jacqueline Wilson books iwould say this is one of the best.This book shows that no'ones perfect. My favourite chapter is when they go and get books signed and meet their dad with another girlfriend.

Clean break is a great book for confident readers.i love this book and is one of my favourite ever.

This book is called Clean Break by Jacqueline Wilson. It is a book about a girl named Emily whose mom and stepdad have split up. Emily's stepbrother Maxie and stepsister Vita are both younger than Em(short for Emily) and don't really understand that he has left. When they see him during New Year's, he partially ignores him with his new girlfriend. He takes them home, but they are mad at him. Whenever they see him, everything goes wrong. In the end, Maxie, Vita, Em, and her mother are lying in bed waiting when they hear the doorbell and a familiar voice.....
I enjoyed this book very much. I thought Em was a great charecter through it all. She was a little self-consious of herself because she was a bit chubby. She had to deal with a lot of teasing and different problams. She was very brave and this book shows that life can be hard.
My favorite part in this book was when Em got her books signed by Jenna Williams. Em is thrilled to meet Jenna William and is a bit shy. After they talk and Jenna Williams signs Em's books, she compliments the book Em is writing. Em is thrilled. Afterwards, Maxie sees a clown a runs! Em chases after him and when she catches him, she sees their dad! They run after him, but Em falls and breaks her arm.This is one of my favorite parts, because Em is happy and gets reunited with her dad.

This story is about a young family. There is an older sister called Emily and she has a brother called Maxies but her sister Vita is their step sister. Vita has a really cool Dad who is married to Emily's mum. Unfortunately one Christmas they break up. Emily then tries to get them back together by planning day trips that never go right. Jacqueline Wilson has described in great detail all of the emotions of the characters, especially Emily, who desperately wants to get her parents back together. She tells me so much about the characters that I feel they come alive. Because I am a great fan I have almost all of Jacqueline Wilson's books and I think this is one of her best. I would definitely recommend this to young teenagers.
Does she succeed in getting her family back together? Well you will just have to read the book and find out.

A fantastic gift for friends of every religion. This book is enlightening in so many levels, it completes every mediation or spiritual exercise. I highly recomend this book as a holiday present for friends you really care about. It's definetly a gift that keeps giving.

This book is great and interesting! It would make a wonderful holiday gift!

This book is great for anyone, good to have on the coffee table too. I highly recommend it!

THIS IS A VERY GOOD BOOK, A GREAT HOLIDAY ITEM FOR FRIENDS, FAMILY AND CO-WORKERS

"God is a circle whose center is everywhere and whose circumference is nowhere." --Timaeus of Locris

Mandala is a Sanskrit word for circle and is a sacred, symbolic diagram used for contemplation. In Buddhism and Hinduism, mandalas usually include images of Buddhas or deities. Yantra is a Sanksrit word for "instrument", and is meant to inspire inner visualizations, meditations, and spiritual experiences. However, since the two terms are often used interchangeably, the word mandala usually refers to any circular image or diagram.

Create Your Own Sand Mandala by Eileen M. Rose and Abby Rose Dalto is a boxed kit that enables you to make your own sand mandalas in the tradition of Tibetan Buddhists. Traditionally, the art of constructing sand mandalas is an ancient Tibetan ritual art that requres extensive training, a high level of artistic skill, and hours of meticulous work.

However, the sand mandala is not permanent (glued). They are constructed with impermanence and non-attachment in mind, as well as specific intent. When a sand mandala is constructed, more emphasis is placed on improving the mind of the practitioner and contributing to the greater good of the world than on producing a work of art. After the construction of a mandala, the sand is brushed to the center and scattered in the nearest body of water, representing a dispersion of the intent.

The circle has been a sacred symbol for eons, showing up in such forms as Native American Medicine Wheels, gothic Rose Windows, Labyrinths, halos, astrological charts, Celtic designs, alchemical symbols, and so on. There are many ways to construct mandalas, and some forms are permanent--created with paint, fabric, found materials, crushed glass, colored pencils, computer generation, etc. Circles represent wholeness, and coloring or constructing mandalas can be used for meditation, healing, and positive intent.

Create Your Own Sand Mandala includes a 96 page book with full color illustrations, bags of sand in five sacred colors (red, yellow, green, blue, and white), 4 glossy, cardboard templates for guidance,a metal funnel to direct the flow of the sand, and a brush for sweeping up the sand.

The authors provide colorful examples of personal mandalas, as well as circular forms found in architecture, art, and sculpture, and explain the meanings of colors, totem animals, and sacred geometry. Step-by-step instructions are given to help prepare yourself and the items for mandala construction for meditation, healing and prayer, as well as explaining the many uses of mandalas. It is recommended that you start from the center of the circle when creating a mandala. Many religions acknowledge a sacred center within, whether it be called Soul, Christ within, or Higher Self. Accessing and contemplating this sacred center is the reason for beginning at the middle. Although geometric designs are often used in mandalas, you can make it as personal and free-form as creating a sunny meadow or self-portrait. The purposeful use of colors correlating to certain chakras or meanings, as well as totem animals or other symbols, can be utilized. Or, you can allow symbols and impressions to float into your awareness for inclusion in your mandala.

After constructing your mandala, you can scatter the sand into water as the Tibetan Buddhists do, scatter it to the four winds or bury it like the Native Americans, or even put the sand in a locket, jar, or special container. There's no need to worry about using up the sand that's provided, because the authors provide simple and easy instructions on creating your own colored sand.

Whether you seek to honor Spirit, tap into your Higher Self, achieve clarity, or intend peace, healing or other purpose, this wonderful boxed kit and book will help guide you through the process of creating life-affirming mandalas.

She travels back in time to be found by a distrustful Lord and his people who think she's the enemy's daughter. A great story with well done characters.

this book is really,really good i can't even know how to describe it. this the most romantic book i'veever read

I found this book quite by chance and couldn't believe how lucky i'd been when I read it. Nicholas is a man to die for. You will adore him. The tears were running down my face when Lauren found out Nicholas had died, especially as she had warned him what would happen if he didn't take care. Lauren finds her way back to her own time. She is heavily pregnant with Nick's child and collapses at her grandparents home. After she has the baby she finds that her contribution in the past has changed time in the present. Discovering Nick is still alive she rushes back to him through the cave that bought her there. The first person she runs into is the Laird Ferguson who tells her Nick has been demented with grief and has been hanging around the forest waiting for something or someone. Ferguson tries to kidnap her but Nick gets to her and the baby before he does.

This is a wonderful story. If you can get a copy of this book, get it, you won't be disapointed by it.

I just loved this story. The characters were written with so much passion that I found myself up until the wee hours with this one. I am looking forward to this author's next book.

This is a great book by an author I had never read before but after reading Dared to Dream I will definitely be on the lookout for future projects.

I bought this book for my nephew who is home schooled. We both read it and the animals in it are amazing. Now everyone who picks it up can't put it down. From 4-year-old's to 80 year-old's. The octopus is amazing and so intelligent! I love the picture of the Sawfish. He's kind of got a cute face. Check out the male bird who courts his female by placing a variety of pretty objects outside the nest he made to entice her in (this animal was my personal favorite). Even if your kids aren't into reading, they will probably enjoy at the very least, looking at the pictures. Each animal has a full color picture with a full page of descriptions. Sadly, there are even animals that are now extinct that were alive up to 10 years ago. Very informative and fun! Highly recommended!

I LOVE THIS BOOK and am reading every word in it! The pictures are outstanding, too. My only complaint is that the book needed one more thorough review.

For instance, the larva of the "strangest hitchhiker" is said to be both 0.06 in and 3.8 cm. I appreciate having metric conversions, but they're sometimes incorrect and often inconsistently noted (metric noted first at times, second other times).

Perhaps typos are a personal pet peeve of mine...but with such outstanding technical information about the animals, I hope that the detailed information I'm accepting as true has undergone a thorough review.

Extreme Nature is a book that will appeal to readers of all ages who like nature. The outstanding photos and fascinating descriptions of extreme examples in nature are compelling and especially interesting to early teens who like science. My grandson read it cover to cover in one sitting.

I bought this book for my nephew who is 8. He loved it, but he had a hard time getting his hands on it because all the adults in the house couldn't put it down.

Well-titled is Mark Carwardine's delectable book of natural phenomena: EXTREME NATURE is a kaleidoscope of natural outer limits of normal facts. The presentation is so fine that returning to this well-written book will always result in increased appreciation not only for the information it offers, but also for the splendid photography and well-designed presentation.

In it's 320 pages there are over 150 entries organized into four sections: Extreme Growth, Extreme Abilities, Extreme Movement and Extreme Families. And scattered among these headings are photographs and humorously written mini-essays that introduce such items as the world's hungriest animal, the fattest carnivore, the heaviest flying animal, the shark with 300 rows of teeth, the sexiest beast, the most dangerous love life, the most fertile insect, the smelliest plant among them.

Written in a style that will satisfy both the casual reader and the professional biologist, EXTREME NATURE is much more than a beautiful coffee table book (though is surely is that!). This is an introduction to some fine conversation and thought about just how creative and extraordinary is the natural world we too often take for granted. Highly Recommended. Grady Harp, April 06