21st-Century Yokel explores the way we can be tied inescapably to landscape, whether we like it or not, often through our family and our past. It's not quite a nature book, not quite a humour book, not quite a family memoir, not quite folklore, not quite social history, not quite a collection of essays, but a bit of all six.It contains owls, badgers, ponies, beavers, otters, bats, bees, scarecrows, dogs, ghosts, Tom's loud and excitable dad and, yes, even a few cats. It's full of Devon's local folklore – the ancient kind, and the everyday kind – and provincial places and small things. But what emerges from this focus on the small are themes that are broader and bigger and more definitive.The book's language is colloquial and easy and its eleven chapters are discursive and wide-ranging, rambling even. The feel of the book has a lot in common with the country walks Tom Cox was on when he composed much of it: it's bewitched by fresh air, intrepid... Views: 29
Georgia and her Palomino, Lily, have come a long way together but now, in their final adventure together, they face what might just be their biggest challenge yet. Georgia and Lily have been selected for dressage training camp at Rosefolly Equestrian Centre, the best equestrian centre in the country, where they will compete for a place on the British Pony Squad. Georgia can't wait to show off Lily's abilities at Rosefolly, and she's so happy to be training alongside friendly Jodie and her beautiful but skittish pony, Jackson. But it looks like stuck-up Serena wants to make an enemy of both of them. She's desperate to win a place on the squad, and she won't let anyone stand in her way... Views: 27
Charles was the best player in the boys' football team. Charlotte was the best player in the girls' side. But this season they're both playing in the same mixed team. Is there room for two Champion Charlies on one side? And can they get past their rivalry to help form the greatest football team Jindaberg Primary has ever seen?With prankster teammates, a karaoke coach, dancing dads and an arch rival with an axe to grind, the Champion Charlies soon learn that achieving success is not going to be easy . . . but it sure will be fun! Views: 27
All Murphy wants is a home and a loving family. After escaping from his brutal and merciless owner, he is taken in by a young girl named Sally. She and her mother have just arrived in Nome, Alaska, intent on joining the other gold seekers and making a new life there, free from their wealthy but oppressive family in Seattle.Yet even with Murphy at their side, Sally and Mama find living in the mining town harsh and forbidding. When it seems they may have to give up and return to Seattle, Sally and Murphy decide to strike out on their own, hoping to find gold and make a permanent home. But dangers await them - not only blizzards and grizzly bears, but also Murphy's original owner, who will stop at nothing to get what he wants, whether it is an ill-gotten fortune or a valuable dog. Views: 27
When Great-Uncle Horace brings back lost and homeless animals from his travels around the globe, it falls to Zoe, and her mum the zoo vet, to settle them into their new home. She's good at this, because she can understand what they say and talk to them, too. But that's a secret! In the seventh book in the series, Zoe's planning a surprise party for her mum's birthday. But Snowy the Polar Bear is being just a little too bossy... Views: 27
After a long first half of the season, the Crocs might finally have a chance to win a game. But when mutant bugs start burrowing up from beneath the oval to attack, there may not even be a team left to take the field. If Nick and his friends can't figure out how to stop the bugs, losing the game will be the least of their problems! Views: 26
Animal Heroes is full of stories of astonishing courage shown by family pets and wild animals alike.Read about:the amazing courage of Stubby, a stray dog who braved the front line with soldiers in World War I;the resourcefulness of Moko, a bottlenose dolphin which guided a mother whale and her calf back out to sea; andthe gentle empathy of Magic, a miniature pony which helped a woman speak again after three years of silence.These and many more accounts of extraordinary feats by an array of animals will warm your heart even as they stun you.'An absolute must-read for anyone who has ever been humbled by tales of a helping paw (or wing or flipper or hoof) in times of peril.' PetFocus'Get the tissues out! A compilation of heart-warming tales of animals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty.' The Cat Views: 26
It's 1929 and thirteen-year-old Tom Campbell has always wanted a real family with a real house and a dog of his very own. Since he was three years old, the only home he has ever known has been the Mission orphanage. When he is sent to live and work with fisherman Enoch and his wife, Tom finally sees his dream wihin reach. And when he rescues a Newfoundland dog in the middle of a terrifying squall, Tom feels as if both he and the dog, which he names Thunder, have found a place to call home at last. But when Enoch's wife becomes pregnant and it looks like Thunder's owner might be found, Tom's wonderful new world is turned upside down. Will the Murrays still want Tom? And will Tom be forced to give up his beloved Thunder? Views: 25
