The Science of Animals with a foreword by Chris Packham
Explore the animal kingdom up close in this magnificent hardback book which shines a light on all creatures great and small – from tiny insects to majestic elephants.
More than 300 pages are bursting with stunning imagery, and goes up close and personal with a unique top-to-tail approach that allows the reader to hone in on various parts of each creature; the antenna of a moth, the fight feathers of a parrot or the feeding tentacles of a jellyfish, to name but three.
From fins, flippers and paddles, to skins coats and armour and wings and parachutes, this book is brimming with fascinating facts, and will be a valuable addition on the bookshelf of any animal lover.
Learn how animals communicate, defend their territories and have adapted to survive in different environments.
Beautifully illustrated and wonderfully explained, The Science of Animals comes from the National History Museum.
Get it: Bookstores nationwide
RRP: £30
Simon's Cat
It's a Dog's Life
Perfect for sticking fillers, this new page-turner courtesy of award-winning animator Simon Tofield is ideal feline fans and dog-lovers alike, as Simon's Cat dips into the lives of the man dogs in his neighbourhood (including crazy poodles, a lovestruck bulldog and a pack of mischievous puppies).
Simon's awesome illustrations capture the comical capers of the doggies, but there are some a-meow-sing moments to be had too, when the barkers and the meowing fluffies encounter each other.
It's funny and cute, and set to make bookshelves of animal lovers all over – Simon's Cat books have already sold more than 1.7 million copies worldwide, and the books are available in 27 countries.
Furthermore, the puddy-tat's social media channels have a combined 14 million subscribers and fans. Talk about the cat that got the cream....
Get it: Bookstores nationwide
Price: £9.99
Mary Berry Cooks Up A Feast
Mary Berry and Lucy Young
A fully updated copy of the book that will help you to cook with class, just like Mary Berry.
This considerable book has some decidedly fancy recipes, lots of treats for those with a penchant for the sweet side, and Mary will show you how to take the heat out of working in the kitchen, with short cuts and cheats, and you'll learn why preparation is key.
This book will make a great Crimbo present for the cook (or wannabe cook) in your life, but it might be worth gifting it ahead of December 25 – then your recipient will have time enough to master the art of lip-licking yummies like coffee and walnut cupcakes, lime marmalade tray bakes and figgy seeded bites.
While this book is heavy on the meat dishes, there is a substantial section dedicated to vegetarian and vegetable dishes, from a moreish mushrooms and spinach en croute to a roasted vegetable risotto and a vegetable korma that looks so good you almost want to eat the page!
Whether you want to cook for an informal get-together, or want to deliver the wow-factor, this is the book to take you there - from party bites and teatime treats to evening meal excess, Mary and Lucy have got you covered. Snap up a copy now and you'll be cooking Berry nicely in next to no time!
Get it: Bookstores nationwide
Price: £25
Never miss news or leisure info in Milton Keynes - Follow us on www.twitter.com/thisistotalmk
And on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thisistotalmk
