Dylan Thomas one of the greatest poets of the twentieth century captures a childs eye view of a magical Christmas Day in a small Welsh town with uncles & aunties sing songs presents (some useful some not) & lots of snow. The beautiful lyrical prose is vividly brought to life by Edward Ardizzones wonderful line illustrations. This modern classic which celebrates 50 years since first publication will delight everyone with its marvellous tales of the fun & excitement of what it is like to be a child at Christmas. ...

150 simple & sincere prayers for a child to treasure. Beautifully illustrated by Allison Jay with prayers specially written & selected for children up to age 8 making the book an ideal gift for religious occasions from a babys baptism to a childs first communion. ...

The Child's Child is the new crime novel by bestselling prize-winning author Barbara Vine What sort of betrayal would drive a brother & sister apart? When Grace & her brother Andrew inherit their grandmother's house in Hampstead they decide to move in together. It seems the obvious thing to do: they've always got on well the house is large enough to split down the middle & neither of them likes partying or loud music. There's one thing they've forgotten though: what if one of them wants to bring a lover into the house? When Andrew's partner James moves in it alters the balance
- with almost fatal consequences. Barbara Vine's is the pen-name of Ruth Rendell & The Child's Child is the first book she has published under that name since The Birthday Present in 2008. It's an intriguing examination of betrayal in families & of those two once-unmentionable subjects illegitimacy & homosexuality. A taut thrilling read it will be enjoyed by readers of P.D. James & Ian Rankin. ' The Rendell/ Vine partnership has for years been producing consistently better work than most Booker winners put together' Ian Rankin ' She deploys her peerless skills in blending the mundane commonplace aspects of life with the murky impulses of desire & greed. Ruth rendall has published fourteen novels under the Vine name two of which Fatal Inversion & King Solomon's Carpet won the prestigious Crime Writers' Association Gold Dagger Award. Also available in Penguin by Barbara Vine: The Minotaur The Blood Doctor Grasshopper The Chimney Sweeper's Boy The Brimstone Wedding No Night is Too Long Asta's Book King Solomon's Carpet Gallowglass The House of Stairs A Dark-Adapted Eye.
...

' Throw your heart out in front of you & run to catch it.' That's what the boy's grandmother always said. When a baby elephant is left orphaned on the African savannah Bat a young herdsboy takes her home & cares for her. But Bat's grandmother knows that Meya cannot stay with them for ever
- the call of the wild will always be sounding in her soul. & there are rumours borne on the wind; frightening stories of kidnapping & suffering & war. Bat & his closest friend Muka are catapulted into a new life of unimaginable terror. Now memories of their village world feel so far away. Will the bond between elephant & child remain strong enough to save them? It is a thrilling new novel which tells a heartbreakingly life-like tale. I cannot trumpet this book loudly enough.scary funny romantic heart-warming; an elephant book you won't forget." (Michael Morpurgo)."
...

This book helps you rediscover the delight & innocence of childhood in these classic poems from celebrated author Robert Louis Stevenson. From make-believe to climbing trees bedtime stories to morning play & favourite cousins to beloved mothers. Here is a very special collection to be treasured for ever. ...

The value of play therapy in treating disturbed and/or abused children is becoming increasingly recognised. This book introduces ...

In an age where birth has often been overtaken by obstetrics Dr Dick-Read's philosophy is still as fresh & relevant as it was when he originally wrote this book. He unpicks every possible root cause of western woman's fear & anxiety in pregnancy childbirth & breastfeeding & does so with overwhelming heart & empathy. Essential reading for all parents-to-be childbirth educators midwives & obstetricians! ...

For single parent families as well as those with two working parents organising formal childcare can seem complicated & daunting. How are you to navigate your way through all the options available work out what you can afford & plan all this around you or your partner returning to work? In The Childcare Bible" Lucy Martin offers clear comprehensive guidance on the world of nannies nurseries childminders & much more. As an ex-solicitor working mother of three children & owner of a successful nanny-finding business Lucy is excellently placed to give you the best advice on how to negotiate the childcare minefield. Having interviewed parents across the country to ensure the widest range of concerns & issues are covered " The Childcare Bible" tells you everything you need to know including: what types of childcare are available & what they each offer; how to evaluate a childcare provider or childcare setting; what financial support you can get & how it works; how to interview nannies & the relevant employment law issues; how to decide whether returning to work is right for you; & what your rights are on returning to work. With checklists & case studies this essential guide sets out the pros & cons costs & implications of all available options. Accompanied by a regularly updated website containing the latest legal changes affecting childcare " The Childcare Bible" makes organising the right childcare for your family a painless task." ...

This book introduces the inter-disciplinary study of childhood & youth & the multi-agency practice of professionals who serve the needs of children young people & their families. Exploring key theories & central ideas research methodology policy & practice it takes a holistic contextual approach that values difference & diversity. It examines concepts such as identity representation creativity & discourse & issues such as ethnicity gender & the childhood in crisis thesis. Furthermore it challenges opinion by exploring complex & controversial modern-day issues & by engaging with a range of perspectives to highlight debates within the field. ...

Childhood can only be understood in relation to the multitude of social factors which surround it. This accessible text explores childrens place within society through an examination of the different contexts within which a child exists. It begins by looking at the child within the family then goes on to examine the child within the educational setting the community the nation & the global perspective. The childs own perspective is explored recognising children as social agents in their own right. Finally it examines the current climate making links with Every Child Matters & considers todays public perceptions of childhood. ...