Best Selling Books by ANNE ROONEY

Some of life''s most fascinating and topical questions lie within the complex realm of science. From the serious and practical to the quirky and bizarre, 15-Minute Scientist answers these questions in an easy-to-understand manner. Ranging across biology, physics, astronomy, chemistry and geology, these questions include: • Why don''t we go to Mars? • Is this the end for antibiotics? • Do we all see the same colours? • What''s happening with the climate? • What is the most economical way to drive a car? Including pictures, diagrams and useful fact boxes, this riveting guide to science is perfect for the non-expert. Many of these answers have implications for everyday living and may change the way you perceive the future. ABOUT THE SERIES: Ideas to Save Your Life takes concepts from academic subjects and applies them to your everyday life. Written in an engaging Q&A format, these books will help you answer fundamental questions and improve your day-to-day living.

"Describes jobs in the creative and media sectors. Includes information on actors, sound engineers, journalists, designers, and more, covering their responsibilities and training needed. Also includes profiles of workers in the industry"--Provided by publisher. Suggested level: secondary.

The 15-Minute Economist introduces the reader to the main ideas of economics, showing how the subject has a clear, practical purpose vital of our day-to-day lives and thinking. A fun and fascinating introduction to the subject, including the story of many of the world''s greatest economists and covering the history of economics from the early barter system through the Industrial Revolution to the emergence of globalization.

''The importance of the end in view prompted me to undertake all this work, which seemed to me destined to bring about a revolution in physics and chemistry.'' Antoine Lavoisier, 1773 Great advances in human history have often rested on and prompted progress in chemistry. The exploitation of fire, the development of pigments, and the discovery that metals could be smelted and worked laid the foundations of civilization. The search for better tools and weapons drove metallurgy, and the need for medicines and perfumes lay behind the first laboratories. This book traces a story of exploration and discovery, from the earliest applications of chemistry by our ancient forebears. For more than 1,000 years, alchemists pursued the transformation of matter until the advent of modern chemistry in the 17th century set us on the path to the complex science of today. Topics include: • prechemistry since prehistory • alchemy and the transmutation of metals • the rise of the scientific method • identifying the chemical elements • understanding gases • the nature of the atom • organic chemistry • chemical analysis Beautifully illustrated throughout

"The mind is like an iceberg, it floats with one-seventh of its bulk above water" - Sigmund Freud From Socrates to Carl Jung and Descartes to Daniel Dennett, this illustrated book brings together the threads that have made up psychology, from the musings of the Ancient Greeks to the findings of functional MRI scanning. Explained in a concise and easy-to-understand manner, it explores various key approaches, including structuralist, functionalist, behaviourist, psychodynamic, humanist, cognitive, and biological. It is a narrative of how we have tried to approach the very core of our being - of what makes us ourselves. Topics include: • The ghost in the machine - the search for the mind and how it relates to the body • Models of madness - attempts to categorize and treat mental illness • Artificial intelligence • Mind and matter - how modern neurology sheds new light on the workings of the mind • Psychoanalysis ABOUT THE SERIES: Arcturus Fundamentals Series explains fascinating and far-reaching topics in simple terms. Designed with rustic, tactile covers and filled with dynamic illustrations and fact boxes, these books will help you quickly get to grips with complex topics that affect our day-to-day living.

Medicine has been practiced for thousands of years, from the use of plants as medicine, to simple procedures as splinting broken bones. But over the last 200 years we have made huge progress. We now use tools and techniques our ancestors could never have imagined. In this book, find out: If stem cells could help cure many different diseases? If microscopic robots will one day carry out surgery inside blood vessels? If crocodile blood and fish slime could produce important new drugs?

A cockroach can live for a week after its head is cut off. Ancient Romans made hair dye from pigeon feces. There are more bacteria in your mouth than there are people in the world. These are just a few of the 1001 horrible facts in this brilliant book, covering topics including Science, Body, Animals, History and World Records. It provides the perfect ammunition for 8-12 year-olds to amaze and disgust parents, teachers and each other!

Take a walk around the Secret Garden. Experience boarding school with A Little Princess. See life through a horse’s eyes with Black Beauty. Be enchanted by charming and hot-headed Anne of Green Gables. Carefully retold in clear contemporary language, and presented with delightful illustrations, these favourite classic stories will capture the heart and imagination of young readers. By retelling the story in a shorter, simpler form, children will find these books highly engaging, and the color illustrations help with both comprehension and interest level.

Mathematics is all around us. It governs how information is presented to us and how we understand it. It underpins all science and has thus been responsible for mankind''s incredible progress throughout the ages. The 15-Minute Mathematician introduces the reader to the main ideas of mathematics. In an engaging Q&A format, Anne Rooney explains the philosophical arguments behind fascinating mathematical questions, such as: • Why do we have negative numbers? • How straight is a straight line? • Is it a risk worth taking? • What did the Babylonians ever do for us? Dip inside to discover the miraculous ways that mathematics effects everyday life.

"How can a three-pound mass of jelly that you can hold in your palm imagine angels, contemplate the meaning of infinity, and even question its own place in the cosmos?" -V. S. Ramachandran, neuroscientist, 2011 How we think, feel, move, remember, imagine, and experience the outside world and our own bodies is the domain of neuroscience. For millennia, the workings of the brain and nerves could be approached only through superstition and conjecture. Then, in the 19th century, neuroscience began to cast light on this most complex of our bodily systems. This accessible, illustrated book traces the development of neuroscience, from ancient beliefs to the technologies of the present day. Topics include: • The interaction of mind, soul, and body • Localization of functions within the brain • Workings of the nervous system • The motor system and how we move • The sensory system and how we construct perception • Mental illness, brain damage, and lessons from dysfunction and disease • Mental activity, including learning, memory, identity, and imagination Featuring photographs, diagrams and profiles of key figures, this book provides a wonderful grounding in the study of neuroscience through history. ABOUT THE SERIES: Arcturus Fundamentals Series explains fascinating and far-reaching topics in simple terms. Designed with rustic, tactile covers and filled with dynamic illustrations and fact boxes, these books will help you quickly get to grips with complex topics across the sciences and humanities.

The unexamined life is not worth living. - Plato (c.427-347BC) This illustrated book traces the historical development of philosophical thought from the Ancient Greeks through the Enlightenment to the present day. It explores the five main branches of philosophy - metaphysics, epistemology, logic, ethics, and aesthetics - and includes biographies of significant philosophers and accounts of important texts. It is an accessible and fascinating account of the preoccupations of some of the world''s greatest thinkers. Topics include: • The nature of being and reality • The existence of God • Free will and predestination • Ethics in daily life • How we might make a good society ABOUT THE SERIES: Arcturus Fundamentals Series explains fascinating and far-reaching topics in simple terms. Designed with rustic, tactile covers and filled with dynamic illustrations and fact boxes, these books will help you quickly get to grips with complex topics that affect our day-to-day living.

Medicine is not only a science; it is also an art. It does not consist of compounding pills and plasters; it deals with the very processes of life, which must be understood before they may be guided.'' Paracelsus (1493-1541) For thousands of years, people have sought ways to overcome the diseases and disorders of the body, with methods ranging from incantations, talismans and herbal cures to antibodies, vaccines and organ transplants. The Story of Medicine charts our remarkable progress along the road of medical discovery. In a fascinating narrative, it describes the key developments and breakthroughs in our understanding of our own bodies. Topics include: . Primitive surgery - when drilling a hole in the head to let demons out was the height of surgical sophistication . Historical models of the body and disease . Dead bodies hold the key - the role of dissection in medical discovery . Diagnosis - how doctors learned to read the signs of illness . Plagues and pandemics through history . Germ theory and contagion - discovering a hidden world . How the body can turn against itself .Scarificators, leeches, maggots and other nasty treatments . Nature''s pharmacopeia Detailed within these pages, too, are the stories of those who have shaped the world of medicine, including scientists, surgeons, doctors and, of course, patients.

In order to understand the universe you must know the language in which it is written. And that language is mathematics. - Galileo (1564-1642) People have always sought order in the apparent chaos of the universe. Mathematics has been our most valuable tool in that search, uncovering the patterns and rules that govern our world and beyond. This book traces humankind''s greatest achievements, plotting a journey through the mathematical intellects of the last 4,000 years to where we stand today. It features the giants of mathematics, from Euclid and Pythagoras, through Napier and Newton, to Leibniz, Riemann, Russell, and many more. Topics include: • Counting and measuring from the earliest times • The Ancient Egyptians and geometry • The movements of planets • Measuring and mapping the world • Fuzzy logic and set theory • The death of numbers ABOUT THE SERIES: Arcturus Fundamentals Series explains fascinating and far-reaching topics in simple terms. Designed with rustic, tactile covers and filled with dynamic illustrations and fact boxes, these books will help you quickly get to grips with complex topics that affect our day-to-day living.

Author Anne Rooney follows the story of physics from the earliest societies to the current day, discovering the entrancing appeal of the secrets that rule the universe. Writing in a straightforward way that is easy to understand, the author takes the reader on a journey of discovery from the birth of physics and early astronomy, to where we are now as we endeavour to make sense of dark matter and dark energy, black holes and whatever may lie beyond the universe.

''How can a three-pound mass of jelly that you can hold in your palm imagine angels, contemplate the meaning of infinity, and even question its own place in the cosmos?'' V. S. Ramachandran, neuroscientist, 2011 How we think, feel, move, remember, imagine, and experience the outside world and our own bodies is the domain of neuroscience. For millennia, the workings of the brain and nerves could be approached only through superstition and conjecture. Then, in the 19th century, neuroscience began to cast light on this most complex of our bodily systems. This book traces the development of neuroscience, from ancient beliefs to the technologies of the present day. Neuroscience is the science of the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Our fascination with the mental activity that makes humans unique in the animal kingdom is as old as humanity itself, and the interaction of the physical body with the insubstantial mind has puzzled some of the greatest thinkers. Here we trace the story of our growing understanding of the nervous system, from the time of the Ancient Greeks through Descartes, Willis and Golgi to the work of Nobel prizewinning scientists. The Story of Neuroscience weaves together narratives from philosophy, religion, psychology, physics, anatomy, chemistry, pharmacology, and a host of other sciences. It is a story that is still unfolding today. Topics include: The interaction of mind, soul, and body The localization of functions within the brain The workings of the nervous system The motor system and how we move The sensory system and how we construct perception Mental illness, brain damage, and lessons from dysfunction and disease Mental activity, including learning, memory, identity, and imagination

When he realizes that the bone his little brother Martin dug up in the back garden is not just a dog''s bone but belongs to a hand, Drew begins to feel he is at the start of an adventure until the bones seem to move from place to place and he starts receiving spooky messages.

Following the successful pattern of previous Story of ... titles, The Story of Biology traces the development of biology from its origins in myths invented to explain the wonders and perils of the natural world, through the first attempts at empirical investigation, to the highly structured and technical discipline it has become today. The book focuses on the personalities, studies and theories that have led to our current understanding of the natural world.

This book, with an introduction by Dr Anne Rooney and a helpful glossary at the back, is written in font size 16. Gabriel Utterson is intrigued by the sinister figure of Mr Hyde, and the latter''s strange relationship with Utterson''s good friend, Dr Jekyll. When Mr Hyde beats a Member of Parliament to death, Gabriel Utterson tries to get to the bottom of the mystery and eventually discovers Dr Jekyll''s dark secret... For more on our growing collection of books, and for more about bulk discounts for schools, visit: firestonebooks.com

''Astronomy, as nothing else can do, teaches men humility.'' Arthur C. Clarke, The Challenge of the Spaceship For thousands of years, the stars, planets, Moon and Sun were central to religious and superstitious beliefs. Astronomy has its origins in the context of these beliefs. From this starting point, scientific thinking emerged, as humans began to seek explanations for the existence of celestial bodies - explanations that did not rely on the supernatural. In the 17th century, the invention of the telescope marked a watershed, opening the heavens to scrutiny and revealing that the planets are other worlds. The wonders of space have multiplied ever since, puzzling and enthralling us. The Story of Astronomy charts our fascination with stars, from before Stonehenge to the search for exoplanets and extra-terrestrial life. This accessible, fascinating account of discoveries, from the times of Palaeolithic star-gazers to current space missions, shows how we have come to know so much about the universe. At the same time, unfolding knowledge has opened new horizons to explore. Our understanding of the boundless cosmos has only just begun. Topics include: Cosmology, from ancient times to the Big Bang Our place in the solar system Astrolabes, telescopes and radio astronomy Mapping the stars Space missions and probes Comets, asteroids, supernovae and black holes The unknown, from empty space to dark energy

Bullying offers support and practical advice about dealing with bullies and discusses how we can all help solve the bullying problem together.

Many dangerous diseases are carried by bacteria – tiny organisms that can get into the body and multiply inside it. Antibiotics are medicines that kill bacteria. They can be used to cure many diseases that were deadly in the past. This book tells the story of how antibiotics were discovered, and how they have transformed the treatment of disease. You Wouldn’t Want to Live Without Antibiotics! is part of a brand-new science and technology strand within the internationally acclaimed You Wouldn’t Want to Be series. The clear, engaging text and humorous illustrations bring the subject to life and stimulate young readers'' curiosity about the world around them. Specially commissioned cartoon-style illustrations in full colour make these books attractive and accessible even to reluctant readers. Information is conveyed through captions, labels and humorous speech bubbles in addition to the main text. Illustrated sidebars headed ‘How It Works’, ‘Top Tip’ or ‘You Can Do It’ supply more facts, describe simple, safe experiments, or steps that readers can take to help make the world a better place. Each volume includes a timeline and a list of ‘Did You Know?’ facts.

An analysis of the hunt, its imagery and allusion, in Middle English literature.

How did life emerge? What are the smallest elements of matter? How are planets formed? Over the centuries, brilliant men and women have sought to develop theories to answer the most compelling questions about the world around us. Through their amazing insights and conscientious efforts they helped to create the world we know today. In this beautifully illustrated book, Anne Rooney introduces you to the fascinating world of science and its greatest practitioners. Ranging from evolutionary biology to quantum physics to chaos theory and featuring the ideas of such pivotal scientists as Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, and Stephen Hawking, this essential guide will bring you up to speed on all of the world''s most important scientific discoveries.

Young people often have many questions about their bodies, and they''ll find many answers in this entertaining volume full of fun facts. They''ll learn about various body systems, processes, and parts as they embark on a creative journey through the human body. The question-and-answer format offers a fresh and relatable perspective on science curriculum topics, which are further defined in the detailed glossary. Colorful and creative illustrations present these biology concepts in a fun way.

Part of the brand-new Arcturus series, Ideas to Save Your Life, The 15-Minute Philosopher introduces the reader to the main ideas of philosophy, showing how the subject has a clear practical purpose vital to our day-to-day lives and thinking. A fun introduction to the subject of philosophy...

Describes ways to find work in the retail sector. Gives details of specific jobs such as supermaket manager, shop window dresser, business development analyst, auctioneer and online shopkeeper. Suggested level: secondary.

What is snot made of? Can trees talk to each other? How was the Grand Canyon made? Discover the answers to these questions and more in this wild and wacky book filled with mind-blowing science facts for young readers. With an engaging Q&A format and hilarious cartoon illustrations, this book supports STEM learning and is a wonderful way to introduce scientific ideas to children in an entertaining and accessible way. Perfect for children aged 7+. ABOUT THE SERIES: Big Ideas! is a dynamic, educational "fun fact" series for children, illustrated throughout with humorous cartoons. Packed with surprising facts, stats, and records that kids will just love to share, it revels in all things weird, unexpected, mind-blowing, funny, and gross!

This book traces the development of physics, from the natural philosophers of the ancient world to cutting-edge experiments in quantum mechanics.

What makes stars shine? Which planet would float in water? Have aliens ever visited Earth? In this astonishing book, young readers can discover the scientific answers to mind-boggling questions about our solar system, galaxy and Universe. Featuring laugh-out-loud illustrations, this awesome fact book is overflowing with out-of-this-world facts and stats that are great for sharing. Includes: • Peculiar plants • The moons of the solar system • Human space travel • Black holes This book introduces young minds to the science of space in a engaging and memorable way. Perfect for curious kids aged 7+. ABOUT THE SERIES: Big Ideas! is a dynamic, educational "fun fact" series for children aged seven and up, illustrated throughout with humorous cartoons. Packed with surprising facts, stats, and records that kids will just love to share, it revels in all things weird, unexpected, mind-blowing, funny, and gross!

An introduction to the network of caves that lies hidden within the Earth and how resources such as oil and coal are found and extracted.

There are corners of Earth where the conditions are so harsh it''s hard to believe any life can be sustained there. This new series takes readers to smoldering deserts, towering mountains, frigid polar caps, the vastness of space, and the depths of the ocean, and introduces them to the people, plants, and animals that call these extreme environments home. Photos, maps, and exciting text transport readers to different extreme locations and show how living things are able to thrive against all odds.

"Karl and his friend Daniel discover a migrant worker, kidnapped by her gang master. Can they save her in time, or are they all now in terrible danger?"--

Join Mr Utterson as he tries to uncover the relationship between the polite and caring Dr Jekyll and his companion, the evil and twisted Mr Hyde. Mr Utterson cannot believe that his kind and loyal companion Dr Jekyll and the cruel and villainous Mr Hyde are friends. He is determined to discover more about their unusual relationship. However, the deeper he digs the more perplexed he is by the facts and events that unfold. Will Utterson ever uncover the truth? Carefully retold in clear contemporary language, and presented with stunning illustrations, these favourite horror classics will capture the hearts and imagination of young readers. The Classic Horror series includes the following titles: Dracula: 9781781716304 Frankenstein: 9781781716281 Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde: 9781781716328 Sleepy Hollow: 9781781716342

How Can We Save Our World looks at how the idea of sustainable development is having an increasing influence on a wide range of human activities. The books examine the environmental costs and unsustainable nature of modern life, and discuss ways in which society can progress toward a more sustainable future. Sustainable Water Resources describes the origins of the world''s water and how we use water in our homes, industries, and agriculture. It discusses: € The pressures on the water supply today € How water shortages affect people''s lives € Technological solutions for providing clean water and processing water € How we can use water more efficiently to ensure there is enough for all.

What kinds of machines are used to explore outer space? The answer to this question and many more are waiting for readers to discover in this relatable guide to a high-interest STEM topic. Common and creative questions about space machines are presented through clear text and simple sentences, allowing even reluctant readers to find information and entertainment with each turn of the page. As readers travel through the fun and fact-filled text and colorful illustrations, they’re inspired to think critically about technology and how it’s being used to explore the universe beyond our planet.

Do you grow taller in space? Can you hammer in a nail with a banana? Which animal has attractive farts? Packed with 513 questions and answers, young readers can discover amazing, shocking and totally gross facts all about animals science, space, and the human body in this entertaining book. Featuring laugh-out-loud illustrations, this awesome and accessible fact book will amaze and delight readers young and old. Perfect for curious kids aged 7+