Book of... – serie

Can you tell a slow loris from a slender loris? Did you know that when it rains orangutans make umbrellas using leaves? What's the difference between a monkey and an ape? Discover all of this (and many more monkey facts!) ­­in Kate Viggers' humorous, illustrated guide to monkeys and other primates.From lemurs and tarsiers to gorillas and chimpanzees, A Book of Monkeys reveals the social lives of primates, their dining preferences and their grooming habits. You will even find out which monkey swims and how the male gorilla impresses female gorillas!So, if you want to be able to tell your chimp from your bonobo or find out what a macaque likes to eat for tea, A Book of Monkeys is the perfect book for you.

The fifth order of the natural kingdom is made up of an estimated 1.5 million species of fungi, found in every habitat type worldwide. The Book of Fungi takes 600 of the most remarkable fleshy fungi from around the world and reproduces each at its actual size, in full colour, and accompanied by a scientific explanation of its distribution, habitat, association, abundance, growth form, spore colour and edibility. Location maps give at-a-glance indications of each species known global distribution, and specially commissioned engravings show different fruitbody forms and provide the vital statistics of height and diameter. Theres a place, too, for readers to discover the more bizarre habits of fungi from the predator that hunts its prey with lassos to the one that entices sows by releasing the pheromones of a wild boar. Mushrooms, morels, puffballs, toadstools, truffles, chanterelles fungi from habitats spanning the poles and the tropics, from the highest mountains to our own gardens are all on display in this definitive work.

"These seeds will captivate you whether you're a gardener or not." - The Washington Post"A sumptuous guide to 600 of the world’s weirdest and most beautiful species, from the black seed with hair like Donald Trump to pinhead-sized orchid seeds." - The Guardian"The book drives home the incredible botanical wealth that is found on our precious blue planet." - The English Garden True time capsules of life, seeds are significant items of hope and promise. They are the most complex organs plants ever produce, and come in an enormously diverse range of shapes, sizes, and colours; from the impressive coco de mer nut to the microscopic seeds of an orchid, to the extraordinary cobalt blue of the traveller’s palm pit.Seeds are often overshadowed by the adult plant’s size and show. Here, 600 seeds are spotlit, each given equal attention, each shown as glorious photographs, life size and in detail, alongside an engraving of the parent plant. Every profile includes a population distribution map, a table of essential information, and a commentary revealing notable characteristics, related species, and a diagnosis of the specimen’s importance in terms of taxonomy, rarity, dispersal method, and scientific significance. Arranged taxonomically, this essential reference reveals the variety and importance of seeds to an extent never seen before.

There are over 3,700 species of snake found on every continent except for Antarctica, ranging in size from Barbados’ tiny threadsnake to Southeast Asia’s massive reticulated python. More than any other creature snakes are surrounded by dark, compelling myths and legend, unsurprising since many constrict their prey to death, or kill with a venomous bite, using a diverse armory of venoms that affect the blood, tissues, organs, and respiration. However, it is especially true of snakes that the closer you observe them, the more exquisite they are in their intricate geometry of pattern, the fine texture of the overlapping scales, and the intricacies of their multifarious lifestyles. The Book of Snakes profiles 600 significant species from all 32 families—one in six of all known species—to create a beautiful collector’s piece that is both a significant resource for enthusiasts and scholars, and the most visually stimulating guide on the market.

This is a first shapes book with a difference. The wonderful world of the talented Sarah Dyer is laid out in gorgeous organized chaos for the joy of young readers. Each page is scattered with objects that little ones will love pointing out and naming, including circle-shaped things (clock, frying pan, ladybird spots) and square-shaped things (window, building blocks, a cracker). Sarah's funky illustrations and playful sense of humour will see The Book of Shapes becoming an instant hit for toddlers and parents alike.

This is a first shapes book with a difference. The wonderful world of the talented Sarah Dyer is laid out in gorgeous organized chaos for the joy of young readers. Each page is scattered with objects that little ones will love pointing out and naming, including circle-shaped things (clock, frying pan, ladybird spots) and square-shaped things (window, building blocks, a cracker). Sarah''s funky illustrations and playful sense of humour will see The Book of Shapes becoming an instant hit for toddlers and parents alike.

Meet the cats! From lions and leopards to cheetahs and cougars, welcome to the world of cats. Who is the fastest feline? Who spends the most time sleeping and who has the loudest roar?