New Releases by Alastair Smith

Endogenous election timing allows leaders to schedule elections ''when the time is right''. The author proposes and tests an informational theory of endogenous election timing that explains when leaders call for elections and the consequences of their decisions. In particular, he argues that, if all else is equal, leaders announce elections when they anticipate a decline in their future performance. As a consequence, early elections signal a leader''s lack of confidence in future outcomes. The earlier elections occur, relative to expectations, the stronger the signal of demise. Using data on British parliaments since 1945, the author tests hypotheses related to timing of elections, electoral support and subsequent economic performance. Leaders who call elections early (relative to expectations) experience a decline in their popular support relative to pre-announcement levels, experience worse post-electoral performance, and have shorter campaigns.

WHEN YOU TAKE A STROLL ALONG THE BEACH, YOU''LL FIND A SEASHORE FULL OF SURPRISES. DISCOVER AMAZING SIGHTS, FROM TINY CREATURES HIDDEN IN THE SAND AND ROCKS TO TALL LIGHTHOUSES BALANCED ON THE EDGE OF TOWERING CLIFFS. LIFT THE FLAPS TO UNCOVER EVEN MORE ABOUT LIFE ON THE BEACH.

Young readers use lift-the-flap pages to learn about the animals of a farm.

Invites young readers to lift the flaps to see how owls, moths, snails, foxes, tarsiers, mice, fruit bats, and cats pass their most active hours at night and rest during the day.

*Face Painting Kid Kit is available in vinyl bag only.

La contemplación del cielo y la observación de los astros han cautivado a la humanidad desde sus orígenes. Este interés también es característico de los niños, quienes con su inteligencia y curiosidad se formulan interesantes preguntas acerca del cosmos. En este libro magníficamente ilustrado y escrito con un lenguaje claro, ellos encontrarán las repuestas que buscan acerca de una gran variedad de temas tales como el sistema solar, las estrellas y los planetas. Además, la obra incluye una breve reseña histórica sobre la evolución de la astronomía y sus principales hallazgos. De igual forma se presenta una sección con biografías de grandes astrónomos, cosmólogos y astrofísicos de todas las épocas, desde el astrónomo egipcio Ptolomeo hasta el célebre científico británico Stephen Hawking. Un capítulo especial con preguntas y respuestas ayudará a los niños a los niños a reforzar el aprendizaje de manera entretenida.

A collection of jokes and riddles pokes fun at school life, teachers, lessons, discipline, lunchrooms, getting sick, and other highlights and low points of the school day.

Perfect for slipping into a schoolbag, this pocket-sized joke book is one of a series of Usborne Joke Books, which is filled to capacity with jokes.

This lift-the-flap book uses the elements of discovery and surprise to interest very young children and help them explore the topic of dinosaurs. Lift the flaps to find out where a baby dinosaur spends most of its time or to spy an adult dinosaur hunting its prey.

Découvre à quoi ressemblent les planètes de près ! Vois les étoiles exploser, les trous noirs se former et sillonne le système solaire avec les comètes et les astéroïdes. Repère-toi dans le ciel nocturne à l''aide de nos cartes claires et détaillées. Cet ouvrage présente l''Univers en s''appuyant sur des informations étonnantes recueillies auprès d''astronomes du monde entier ou transmises par les sondes spatiales qui étudient la galaxie. Ce livre contient aussi des descriptions de sites Web permettant d''explorer plus avant l''astronomie.

Discover how cars and planes work, how energy is turned into power in your home, and much more.

Provides information on tiger cubs, ducklings, joeys, tadpoles, elephant calves, and baby penguins and rabbits.

This book is an introduction to the world of physics and presents examples of modern technology which make use of light, sound, and electricity. Descriptions of Web sites are included.

Explains the science of mixtures and compounds, with explanations of scientific terms, experiments and activities, study guides, and links to helpful Internet sites.

This guide provides explanations of how homework and revision Web sites work, with links to the best sites for information, pictures, and study guidance. It contains dos and don''ts for dealing with the Internet and explains how to create eye-catching assignments.

Examines the types, physical characteristics, and eating habits of such sea creatures as dolphins, sharks, seahorses, and corals.

Fold over pages reveal homes from a Roman apartment, an Egyptian house, a medieval castle and a stone-age home. 4-8 yrs.