Best Selling Books by Clive Gifford

Spies explores the undercover world of espionage, part of the intelligence-gathering operations of nations and global organizations. Learn more about the first spies, and find out what motivated these men and women to take such an unusual and often dangerous career path.

This exciting new series explores different sports, describing how and where you play them as well as the equipment and kit you''ll need. In this book you can find out all about field athletics and learn how to develop your skills as a field athlete.

Includes books, which contain ten linked biographies of key pioneers, achievers and notable figures in different fields of endeavour. This series features life links between entries, which reveal surprising and often overlooked chains of influence, giving each biography a fresh and eye-opening twist.

Takes you to the centre of the action at some of the most exciting motor sport events in the world

"Improve your game, learn the rules, study the greats"--Jacket.

Aimed at children inspired by Major Tim Peake''s adventures in space, this 32-page book looks at the history-making career of the man who, in 2016, became the first British astronaut to live and work on the International Space Station. During his time on board the ISS, Tim Peake carried out experiments, performed a crucial spacewalk and took some awesome photographs. He also found time to run a marathon, present an award to Adele and read a bedtime story to children listening 400km below him on Earth. Packed with amazing photographs, this book reveals how Major Tim''s fascination with flight and science began and how his career as an astronaut developed, documenting his inspirational journey into space.

Read the gripping life stories of ten pioneering world leaders who changed the course of the 20th century.

Each book looks at a different aspect of play in detail, with many suggestions for games and exercises.

Dicing with the world''s most powerful storms.

A pop-up fact book full of surprises!What''s Above? takes the reader on a journey of discovery that includes the exciting world of minibeasts just above the ground, life on and above the mountain tops and even a trip into space. Let the beautiful, intricate paper engineering and fact-filled text take you on a trip way above anywhere you''ve ever been.

This book looks at the causes of the Vietnam War and surrounding controversies.

Following on from the incredible Invented by Animals and Built by Animals, Powered by Plants introduces us to the wondrous plants whose ingenious features have inspired innovations in human technology. Plants exhibit an incredible range of diversity in their shape, structures and how they interact with other living things and their environment. Some of this great diversity is being increasingly studied and copied, inspiring innovation in science, design, engineering, and technology. This book guides readers through a startling collection of fascinating vegetation, from towering cottonwood trees with wind power potential to slippery, meat-eating assassins of the plant world and the fast-growing aquatic plant which helps propel ships farther using less energy. Learn surprising applications and spin-offs of both exotic species including the world’s largest flower that generates its own heat and more familiar plants such as bamboo, coconut, and maize, all depicted in colourful, engaging fashion. Colourful and lively illustrations and pop-out fact boxes bring the science in this book to life, and Powered by Plants shows us how much we can learn from studyin the myriad magnificence of the natural world. Other fascinating books in this series are Built by Animals and Invented by Animals.

Strap in for a rip-roaring ride through the history of the universe, starting with the Big Bang, and bringing us right up to present day. What was the universe like when it was a few seconds old? How had it changed by its millionth birthday? And when did time even start, for that matter?! The story of the last 13.8 billion years in one handy volume, you can read about the start of stars, the growth of galaxies and the production of planets. Plus, there are some great dad jokes. Hold on tight... Read the story of how the universe developed, and discover: In the beginning there was... what exactly? What was the beginning of the universe actually like? Some suns have just got that star quality... but which stars are really hot stuff? Who’s who in the galactic zoo? There are several different types of galaxy in the universe. How do they form? The tragic death of the star – how do stars die, and why? What’s blacker than black… a black hole! Peek into the future – what will the universe be like in the next few billion years? How do we even know this stuff? Read about the scientists who are figuring it all out. Packed with fun cartoons and facts, A Quick History of the Universe tackles the biggest topic in the universe – literally – in chronological order. Before you know it, you’ll be an expert on the history of space, the universe and everything.

What is the name of the first book in the Famous Five series? Who is NOT a member of the Five: Julian, Nora or Anne? What does George''s father do for a living? So you''ve read the books, maybe more than once, but how much do you really know about the adventures of the Famous Five? Revisit their best moments and meet all your favourite characters again in this brilliant quiz book.

In today''s wired world, robots are everywhere, from movies, in space, computer games - maybe even walking among us. This is a look at the rise of robots: how they''ve developed over time, from early sketches to terrifying battlebots and factory operatives, to the latest AIs running free from their workshops. Presented chronologically, this robot history will focus on landmark robots that have captured the imagination, including creations from popular culture.

A Quick History of Money takes us from barter to Bitcoin, packed with facts and jokes about how and why money works… and sometimes doesn’t.

The Kingfisher Football Encyclopedia captures the triumph and despair of pivotal moments in world football. Dramatic full-spread photos and digital artworks re-create famous moves and goals, while each chapter includes links to stable websites, providing a valuable access point to databases of players, international results and club histories.

Every country, company and military force have information they strive to keep secret. This information is highly prized by others and can be the difference between success or failure in business, between victory or defeat in battle and whether a government or ruler stays in power or is toppled. This information is known as intelligence, and comes in many different forms. It can be military details about troops, their location and planned movements. It can be political secrets about what alliances one nation intends forming with others. It can also be technical secrets such as details of scientific research or the workings of a new weapon.

Describes all kinds of racing cars.

Maths + history + jokes - boring bits = A Quick History of Maths. This book begins around 43,000 years ago with a notched baboon leg, the Lebombo bone (the very first mathematical object in the world) and rushes us past Hindu numerals and the invention of zero, via Pythagoras, Pascal and probability, right up to the present day, with big data and the maths that rules our digital lives. Geometri-cool! You will discover: How to count on your fingers (there are more ways than you might think!) Why we have 60 seconds in a minute (hint: it’s to do with the ancient Babylonians) How to count like an Egyptian (using hieroglyphs) Why it’s hip to be square using square numbers A Pythagorean party trick The naked truth of Archimedes’ bath time mathematics How to do matha-magic with magic squares …and much more. In chronological order from pre-history to present day, this is the story of maths itself. It’s 43,000 years of human mathematical endeavor squeezed into one book for your reading pleasure. Illustrated with funny cartoons and packed with fascinating facts, you’ll be laughing and learning how to be a better mathematician.

From the earliest times people have been driven by a desire to communicate, share experiences and entertain. Begining with simple smoke signals and ending with the latest telepathic implants media charts the fascinating story of how information is passed on.This book tells how the first alphabets led to the birth of the written word and eventually to printed books. In this century television has given us a window on the world and newspapers have kept us up-to-date with today''s events. Now the digital revolution sends our messages across the world in a matter of minutes and the Internet provides instant access to vast amounts of information. All these media transmit information so fast that the world is becoming a global village. Written by Cliff Gifford, science writer and author of many children''s books this is a unique and exciting history of the world''s media.

A one-stop guide to surviving in the wild, whether you''re lost at sea, stuck up a mountain, or stranded in the rain forest. Find out the key rules to survival, such as how to find shelter and signal for help, and discover the animals you might encounter while you''re there!

Perfect for inquisitive cosmic kids aged 8-12, this succinct, entertaining look at what really happens in space takes a rapid-fire approach, offering 30 key topics, each one explained in neat 30-second soundbites and supported by 3-second flash summaries and cool, cartoon-style artwork. 3-minute active missions throughout will challenge lively young minds to test facts or go further and find out more. The attention-grabbing format is perfect for space. Topics range from the Big Bang theory and ways in which scientists think the universe might end, to what we know about distant planets and galaxies. Mind-boggling ideas about worm holes, dark matter and aliens will test the limits of even the most creative imagination.

Filled with bite-size facts and amazing original illustrations, the Small and Mighty range is the ultimate pocket-sized collectible series for young readers who can''t get enough of their favorite topic. In The Small and Mighty Book of Rainforests, readers will explore the colorful birds, dangerous animals, and vibrant plants found within the depths of the world''s rainforests. This pocket-sized book contains tons of easy-to-read information about rainforests alongside stunning illustrations, and is an ideal starting point to introduce children to the importance of conservation.

How did ancient people make decisions? How do the people in power stay in power? Why did Karl Marx have to go without trousers? A Quick History of Politics answers these questions and more, taking a ride through time from plutocrats to people power. What do you think of when you hear "politics?" Is it grey-haired men in suits, shouting at each other in a weird room? Well, you’re partly right… but there’s also a whole lot of crazy stories and weird history in the political world. A Quick History of Politics takes a look at the silly side of government, big and small, throughout the ages, and also explains the important stuff, like suffrage, elections and getting your voice heard. You will discover: How the earliest tribes got by without a leader. How the first ever kings and queens ruled their people. When and how democracy was invented, and what it actually means. Why there are so many different ways of governing people, with no one right answer. What ‘gerrymandering’ means (no, we didn’t make that up). How empires, wars, and revolutions have shaped the world we live in today. How elections work today. How countries work together (and sometimes fall out). How young activists can use their voice to call for change, before they’re even old enough to vote! Plus, read about the women who used ju-jitsu to campaign for equal rights, the dictator who banned beards, and the rhino that became a council member in Brazil. Learn how the media can swing things in modern elections and get savvy to fake news. Test your knowhow with a quiz at the back of the book. Packed with facts and jokes and perfect for introducing young readers to big concepts, the latest in the Quick Histories series is here to make politics funny again.

Soccer is one of the most universal sports, and the Kingfisher Book of Soccer Skills by Clive Gifford is a fantastic one-stop guide to learning and playing the game. Featuring dynamic step-by-step design, practical advice on all aspects of the game from an expert author, and action-packed photography featuring today''s leading pros, this book is a practical and accessible guide that will help young players of all levels improve their skills. Starting with the basics such as the rules and equipment, and moving through passing, heading, goal-keeping and scoring to more advanced topics such as volleys, swerves, and attacking—this book lays out the entire game in accessible, easy-to-follow instruction. Features on the all-time great players, the FIFA World Cup, and unusual versions on the sport enhance the core tutorials. Whether it''s a young child just learning the game, a more experienced player building their skills, or a parent or coach who wants a good kid-friendly reference, this book is perfect for soccer fans everywhere.

Would you rather ride a hot-air balloon to the North Pole or cycle to the South Pole? Go to the toilet inside your spacecraft, or outside it? Only you can decide!

How do you sum up the ancient world in just 100 words? This book takes on the challenge! With 100 carefully chosen words, each explained in just 100 words, this book provides a quick and fun insight into the characters, events and inventions of the ancient world. With entries on the Egyptians, the Phoenicians, the Minoans, the Greeks,and the Romans, this book is an easy way to gain a rounded knowledge of the subject area, while also sparking discussion and provoking thought from readers, young and old. What were pyramids used for? How did the Romans fight battles? Which Greek inventions are still used today? Each word is brought to life with engaging illustrations and absorbing text, sure to inspire the imagination of budding historians.

Fully revised and updated edition of the hugely popular Kingfisher Science Encyclopedia, this is an up-to-the-minute scientific reference source for all the family, with an easy-to-read text, lively illustrations and quality photographs The Kingfisher Science Encyclopedia has been completely revised and updated, and brings science within the grasp of every child. The encyclopedia is an essential reference source covering the full range of science topics. Science is a key subject for all children and the need to understand its basic principles has never been greater. The Kingfisher Science Encyclopedia gives children access to the knowledge of science that they need to build their lives in the modern world. The book, which is arranged thematically with a detailed index, provides more than facts about science and technology - it helps the reader to think for him or herself, develop an enquiring mind, pose challenging questions, and discover how to collect and use evidence and explore new topics. Biology, Chemistry and the Elements, Materials and Technology, Light and Energy, Forces and Movement, Electricity and Electronics, Space and Time, and Conservation and the Environment. The text is arranged so that all information is easily accessible. Critical moments and events in each subject area are highlighted throughout. Combined with illustrated biographies of important scientific figures, these provide a comprehensive reference source. Each subject is written in a lively, vivid way by experts in the particular field, and this will hold a child''s interest and make reading the encyclopedia a pleasure. Packed with scintillating facts, lavish illustrations and quality photographs, The Kingfisher Science Encyclopedia is a wonderful reference source for both home and school, and the definitive information book which will enthuse any budding scientist.

"Football is enjoyed in every nation of thew orld by millions of people. This unbelievable round-the-world adventure is a celebration of the beautiful game that will take you through all of the planet''s continents. Discover fascinating facts - from record-breaking goals to famous football mascots - and learn about the funny and extraordinary moments that make football such a beautiful game. Illustrated maps feature key aspects, such as borders, capital cities, and major rivers, combined with amazing football facts - perfect for engaging young readers and football fans. Kick off your footballing journey and see the world in a whole new light!"--

From animals to the internet, and from pandemics to global warming, this children''s encyclopedia is packed with everything you need to know. Explore galleries of intriguing objects on a range of topics, from plants to space, and from sports to ancient civilizations. Whether it is the earliest photograph taken or the latest rover on Mars, see the world - and beyond - as you have never seen it before. This comprehensive visual encyclopedia takes you on a fascinating journey from the past to present day - and into the future! Prepare to build your knowledge on a wide range of topics, including- space, earth, nature, science, technology, history, culture and society, and entertainment. Developed, written, and checked by experts, Our World in Pictures- An Encyclopedia of Everything is a must-have reference book for every child''s library.

This innovative series explores the technological and scientific advances which have transformed our lives and which are shaping tomorrow''s world. Full color.

First published in the Kingfisher young knowledge series, 2003.

A lift-the-flap book provides information about airports and air travel, explaining where luggage goes after check-in, how planes fly, and what happens in the control tower.

Would you rather go the theatre in ancient Greece or go to a festival? Would you rather face a cyclops or sirens? Only you can decide!