Brenda Williams – författare

At the darkest moment of the year, when the nights seem endless and the days very short, comes that most joyful of festivals. Christmas is a truly magical season, bringing families and friends together to share the much-loved customs and traditions that over the centuries have come to surround this heart-warming and deeply symbolic occasion. Each family has their own personal traditions, and ways they celebrate the special day. Yet underneath the tinsel, fairy lights and wrapping paper are many long-standing traditions that we all know and love.Why do we drag a fir tree inside our house and decorate it? How long Santa has been delivering gifts to good children? What would Christmas be like without mince pies?We owe a lot to the Victorians. They transformed the way Britain celebrated Christmas in the 19th century and we continue with their traditions today. In 1848 a British confectioner by the name of Tom Smith came up with the idea of wrapping sweets inside a package that snapped when pulled apart. It was the Victorians that really centred Christmas round the family, with the eating of a Christmas dinner together, giving gifts and playing games. All these things have become central to a British Christmas Day.

Discover the inspiring story of Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning monarch in British history, in this fascinating kids' biography.At just 25 years of age, Princess Elizabeth succeeded King George VI to the British throne. This compelling book looks at Elizabeth's life, both as a public and private figure. It traces her early years as a princess, her experiences in the women's army during World War II, her coronation, her life as Queen both at home and in the public eye, her death at Balmoral and the events of her funeral. Learn how Elizabeth worked alongside 15 British prime ministers, met leaders from around the world, and remained a stable presence as head of the British royal family.DK Life Stories goes beyond the basic facts to tell the true life stories of history's most inspiring people. Full-colour photographs and hand-drawn illustrations complement age-appropriate, narrative text. Definition boxes, information sidebars, and inspiring quotes add depth, while a handy reference section at the back makes DK Life Stories the one biography series everyone will want to collect.

Discover the inspiring story of Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning monarch in British history, in this fascinating kids' biography.At just 25 years of age, Princess Elizabeth succeeded King George VI to the British throne. This compelling book looks at Elizabeth's life, both as a public and private figure. It traces her early years as a princess, her experiences in the women's army during World War II, her coronation, her life as Queen both at home and in the public eye, her death at Balmoral and the events of her funeral. Learn how Elizabeth worked alongside 15 British prime ministers, met leaders from around the world, and remained a stable presence as head of the British royal family.DK Life Stories goes beyond the basic facts to tell the true life stories of history's most inspiring people. Full-colour photographs and hand-drawn illustrations complement age-appropriate, narrative text. Definition boxes, information sidebars, and inspiring quotes add depth, while a handy reference section at the back makes DK Life Stories the one biography series everyone will want to collect.

When the Romans came to Britain in AD 43, they brought a new style of domestic life, one that better-off Britons soon copied.  This informative guide looks at how villas were built, and at the accommodation and daily life villa residents enjoyed - their living rooms and bedrooms, kitchens and baths, gardens and courtyards, furniture and food, and the servants and slaves who kept the villa running. Illustrated with site photos from Roman villas around Britain, archaeological treasures, and museum reconstructions of villa interiors, this is a fascinating look at life in Roman Britain before the Roman army left in AD 406 and the villa way of life faded into history. Includes a list of places to visit.

The year is 1939. Germany, led by Adolf Hitler, has invaded Poland. The world is about to enter into the biggest and most terrible war in history. But from the depths of despair rose some very courageous, selfless individuals, such as Oskar Schindler, Raoul Wallenberg and Hannah Senesh, who risked their lives for the sakes of others in need, often for no gain and with no recognition. Here are some of their incredible stories…

The year is 1939. Germany, led by Adolf Hitler, has invaded Poland. The world is about to enter into the biggest and most terrible war in history. But from the depths of despair rose some very courageous, selfless individuals, such as Douglas Bader, Leonard “Bud” Lomell and Joan Daphne Pearson, who risked their lives for the sakes of others in need, often for no gain and with no recognition. Here are some of their incredible stories…

Dis Aster and the River people is about two little villages one on either side of a river. One day a bad man named Dis Aster rode his horse Mae Hem into the villages and destroyed them then promised to be back the next day and the next. The villages were unable to fight off Dis Aster by themselves but when they teamed up and called in other friends the unicorns and centaurs to help they were able to defend their villages and get rid of Dis Aster.

Kristoff, a gatekeeper from Atlantis, has lived among humans for a very long time without finding his destined mate. He needs her power in order to open the gate. He had felt the moment she was born into the world, and now that she has matured into an adult, her power has grown. She is starting to appear to him in his dreams, and now finally, she appeared to him in his study as flesh and blood. It's finally time for him to make her his, no matter what. Breanna is supposed to marry Zachary in a few weeks, but she's dreaming about another man whom she has never met. Time away from everyone should give her time to think before she ruins her life. The cabin came to mind, and Breanna headed there without thought. After getting settled in, Breanna takes a relaxing bath and immediately starts dreaming of the man again, but this time, she finally sees his face clearly, and he even says her name, causing her to wake up. This can't be a dream.

"An ebullient book with catchy, rhyming text that's fun to read again and again at home, in the classroom or under a tree" – Kirkus ReviewsGrab your backpack and head into the countryside for a camping adventure full of contrasts! Join in the fun as little ones explore opposites—from tall and short to fast and slow—through singalong actions that get everyone moving. Encourages active participation with opposite actions Includes access link to audio and video animation Perfect for young campers eager to learn and move!

Tend Millie's backyard chickens from day to night in this rhyming picturebook, which is right on trend and packed with STEM-friendly science info.

Grab your backpack and head into the countryside for a camping adventure full of contrasts! Little ones love to try out the opposite actions as they sing and dance along. Enhanced CD includes audio singalong and video animation.

Do you know where elephants live? Or where a koala makes its home? Travel around the world and meet all sorts of creatures in their natural habitats. Children will love to search for the spider hidden on every spread!

Explore the ocean homes of 23 marine animals in this narrative nonfiction picture book, featuring 8 pages of fact-packed endnotes about wildlife, oceans about the world, clean energy and ocean conservation.

Learn the secrets and mysteries of the Bayeux Tapestry, from its stunning embroidery to its elaborate storytelling. The history of the iconic Bayeux Tapestry is laid out in all its glory in this concise and colourfully photographed guide to this fascinating piece of living history. Trace the tapestry's long journey through being hidden, reappearing, changing hands and travelling across countries, all while keeping its vivid colours as it goes, and find out why some of its history is so hotly debated to this day.You can both delve into its intricate details, such as the fact that it's not a tapestry at all but a very long embroidery, and learn about the quirks of medieval living, as well as hover over with a bird's eye view, taking in the historical context of what such a huge undertaking would have meant at the time. The tapestry will take you through the Norman perspective on the lead-up to the Battle of Hastings and all the preparations that came with it – from ship building to battle dress and weaponry – as well as its violent conclusion and the infamous image of King Harold with an arrow in his eye.With allusions to Aesop's fables and even a depiction of Halley's Comet, the Bayeux Tapestry and the rich tapestry of human history that surrounds it will always spark our imagination. Both timeless and very much rooted in its time, enjoy the story of one of the world's most enduring textiles.

An illustrated guide to the Normans – the invaders of 1066 who changed English life foreverThe 1066 Norman conquest of England, led by William, Duke of Normandy (“the Conqueror”), was the single greatest political change England has ever seen. The Normans brought with them a new culture, which included law, architectural style and methods, and leisure pursuits. The old aristocracy was stripped of their assets and denounced, and in its place a new French aristocracy began to run the country – even bringing their language with them. The guide examines the impact the new Norman rule had on the English way of life.Look out for more Pitkin Guides on the very best of British history, heritage and travel.

At the darkest moment of the year, when the nights seem endless and the days very short, comes that most joyful of festivals. Christmas is a truly magical season, bringing families and friends together to share the much-loved customs and traditions that over the centuries have come to surround this heart-warming and deeply symbolic occasion. Each family has their own personal traditions, and ways they celebrate the special day. Yet underneath the tinsel, fairy lights and wrapping paper are many long-standing traditions that we all know and love.Why do we drag a fir tree inside our house and decorate it? How long Santa has been delivering gifts to good children? What would Christmas be like without mince pies?We owe a lot to the Victorians. They transformed the way Britain celebrated Christmas in the 19th century and we continue with their traditions today. In 1848 a British confectioner by the name of Tom Smith came up with the idea of wrapping sweets inside a package that snapped when pulled apart. It was the Victorians that really centred Christmas round the family, with the eating of a Christmas dinner together, giving gifts and playing games. All these things have become central to a British Christmas Day.

An illustrated guide to the Normans – the invaders of 1066 who changed English life foreverThe 1066 Norman conquest of England, led by William, Duke of Normandy ("the Conqueror"), was the single greatest political change England has ever seen. The Normans brought with them a new culture, which included law, architectural style and methods, and leisure pursuits. The old aristocracy was stripped of their assets and denounced, and in its place a new French aristocracy began to run the country – even bringing their language with them. The guide examines the impact the new Norman rule had on the English way of life.Look out for more Pitkin Guides on the very best of British history, heritage and travel.

This beautifully-presented book chronicles the coming and going of these peoples, their kings, heroes and saints, and way of life. Look out for more Pitkin Guides on the very best of British history, heritage and travel.

Meet Lin Yi — a little boy with a big heart and a talent for bargaining. He wants to buy himself a red rabbit lantern at the market for the moon festival tonight; but first, he must buy the things his mother needs. Will he be able to save enough money on his mother’s needs to buy the lantern? This heartwarming story shows the practical use of math in everyday life and the rewards of putting others first. Features educational notes at the end about the Chinese moon festival, life in rural China and the legend of the moon fairy.