Maria Nilsson – illustratör

A beautifully presented, practical gift guide to the age-old art of tying knots. An essential guide to avoiding the granny knot, this book will soon have you knowing your half hitch from your bowline. First, learn how to tie 40 fundamental knots using fun step-by-step instructions, then discover how your new skills can be transformed into a selection of practical and decorative projects.The book is divided into four sections:Classic Knots – featuring the Reef Bow and the True Lover’s Knot. Knots in this chapter can be used to create a wall hanging.Camping Knots – featuring the Tent Pole Hitch and the Rope Ladder. Knots in this chapter can be used to create an outdoor mat and a beaded bracelet.Climbing Knots – featuring the Alpine Butterfly and the Spanish Bowline. Knots in this chapter can be used to make a coaster and a bag.Maritime Knots – featuring the Anchor Bend and the Dry Fly. Knots in this chapter can be used to make a plant hanger and a hammock.The detailed instructions are complemented by smart step-by-step illustrations, which highlight the tactile quality of cords and ropes. The book also includes an introduction with advice on putting together the knot lover’s ultimate toolbox, alongside explanations of key terms and techniques.Featuring the ultimate crossover of cool craftsmanship and nifty projects, this book is the perfect gift for creative adventurers.

A beautifully presented, practical gift guide to 50 sights in the skies. This year has seen a total eclipse of the sun, and the northern lights visible as far south as London. There's never been a better time to understand exactly what's above us.Explained with fascinating, easy-to-understand commentary from astrophysicist and science communicator, Sarah Barker, and illustrated throughout with captivating drawings by Maria Nilsson, each of the fifty ideas helps you locate an incredible sight.Whether you use the naked eye, a telescope, or fall into a black hole of online research, you’ll discover the limitless wonder of the skies – from otherworldly phenomena on Earth like sun dogs, to planets, moons, stars, lunar craters and galaxy clusters.The book is divided into three main sections:Naked Eye: Learn how navigators travelled in the past by finding the North Star; say hello to our astronauts and learn how to spot the International Space Station; see a red supergiant star (Betelgeuse); and find out more about solar eclipses.Further Afield: Find out more about the next closest galaxy, Andromeda; learn about the discovery of Saturn’s ‘ears’ (or rings!); spot an alien storm that’s as big as the Earth; and track ‘Little Green Men’ and ice volcanoes.Far, Far Away: Learn how baby stars are created by the Pillars of Creation; marvel at the Hubble Deep Field; and unearth the brightest things in our universe, quasars.The book also includes advice on ideal conditions for observing the stars, telescopes and binoculars, and navigating the skies. With extra tips and a rundown of useful tools, you’ll find everything you need to get out there and look up!

**As seen in Sandi Toksvig's new TV series Sandi's Great British Woodland Restoration Fifty savvy skills for outdoor adventurers. This trusty guide teaches you all the essential skills you need to survive in the wild, from building a shelter to making a fire. Forest school practitioner Richard Skrein shares his expertise and enthusiasm for the outdoors through easy-to-understand instructions, illustrated with captivating drawings by Maria Nilsson. The book is divided into four main chapters reflecting the elemental skill sets:Earth – this chapter focuses on toolcraft, foraging and natural resources. Learn how to make a bow, arrows and a mallet; identify essential plants and trees and their medicinal properties.Air – this chapter focuses on shelters, knots, navigation and the sky. Learn the secrets of selecting the perfect wilderness camp; master knots and lashings; and discover how to read nature’s ‘GPS’.Water – this chapter focuses on finding, drinking and using water, fishing and rafts. Learn how to purify water for drinking; suss out the skills needed to fashion a fishing rod; and make a sail for your handmade raft.Fire – this chapter focuses on making and using fire and cooking food. Master the art of building a fire, set your own signal fire and build a Swedish fire log.The book also explains the items you need to ensure your rucksack is kitted out with the best equipment for exploring. With extra tips and a rundown of useful tools, you’ll find everything you need to get out there, have an adventure and survive the great outdoors.

A beautifully presented, practical gift guide for all surf seekers. Explained with fascinating, easy-to-understand commentary from surfer and scientist Easkey Britton, this guide helps you soak up maximum vitamin sea. The book is divided into six main sections – each filled with exercises, ideas and fun facts to help you reconnect with your oceanic roots and create special moments by the sea…Reading the Sea – watch waves, move with the tides, understand rips and currents, getting to know the sea and your limits.What the Sea Does for Us – appreciate the food, feel-good factors, and even medicines that the sea has to offer. Plus learn about its fundamental role in climate control.We are Ocean – explore the multi-sensory environment the sea has to offer.The Power of the Sea to Heal – from seaweed and ocean plasma to social change and ocean therapy.The Sea is Calling – try your hand at beach combing, sea swimming, wave play, rockpooling, bird watching, searching for jellyfish and bioluminescence and swimming in the sea.Things to Do for the Sea – with guides to beach clean-ups, sustainable foraging, restoring coastal habitats and inclusion and diversity ideas to make the sea accessible to all, you’ll have everything you need to be the hero our seas need.Taking an inclusive global outlook on the subject, and complemented by Maria Nilsson’s captivating drawings, this timely book will show you the benefits of doing things by and for the sea – and how those benefits can spill over into your daily life.

Increasing numbers of urban dwellers has led to many of us feeling alienated from the natural world. This is not how we are meant to live, and we don’t have to. Even in the most built-up environment, nature makes its presence felt. All we have to do is let it in.This book offers 50 invigorating activities and step-by-step projects to do exactly that, for anyone craving a connection with the natural world, but especially those living in cities and towns with limited daily access to it.Green refuges and outdoor spaces are more important now than ever – a break from our stressful, tech-consumed lives. It is well researched that being in nature radically improves our mental health, just minutes from your doorstep. Nature is waiting for us to discover it, even in the most urban environment. Go on a night safari, make a worm farm or create a one-pot allotment. With 200 smart illustrations, this practical and accessible guide will expand your horizons and increase your appreciation of wild spaces, whether on the street, in the park, or in nearby nature reserves. Chapters include: Be an Urban Naturalist: Go on a night safari, appreciate winter trees, spot moths or build a weathervaneEngage with the Elements: Wild swimming, mudlarking, barefoot walking and creating art with found natural objectsLook to the Skies: Cloudspotting, the dawn chorus and looking for murmurationsMake Space for Nature: Building for biodiversity, make a worm farm, green up all your spaceDig for Victory: Grow microgreens or create a one-pot allotmentFind Your Wild Tribe: Join a community garden, adopt a street tree or take a city hike

Icy inspiration for playing, exploring and surviving in the snow. Don’t be put off by the cold – get out there and be dazzled by the wonder of winter. With fifty projects for having fun and staying safe in the snow, you’ll never be short of ideas.Fifty Things to Do in the Snow is a playful and informative winter survival kit. Camp craft and forest school expert Richard Skrein teaches you not only to observe and admire the beauty and wonder of snow, but also how to survive in it. His projects range from practical tips on building igloos, making sledges and winter camping, to reflective, mindful ideas for observation of snowflakes, spotting winter trees and pine cones, and forest bathing adapted for winter. Filled with accompanying illustrations from artist Maria Nilsson, this latest title in the Fifty Things series will help you make the most of nature’s bountiful gifts throughout the thrilling seasons of cold and dark. Chapters: Snow Play (Sledges, Snow Forts)Snow Craft (Frozen Bubbles, Snow Lanterns)Winter Wisdom (Winter Tree ID, Forest Bathing)Winter Survival (Snow Tracking, Making Snowshoes)Snow Fires (Swedish Fire Log, Ice Fires)

Gärdsmygen Svirre känner ett behov av att lämna sina syskon och sitt varma bo i skogen. En natt ger hon sig av och hamnar i stan på morgonen. Där möter hon nya miljöer och träffar fåglar och andra djur hon aldrig sett förut. Boken avslutas med en lättsam faktadel om fåglars liv.