Best Selling Books by Clive Gifford

"Know it all, from how the sun shines to how the pyramids were built"--Cover.

Describes the kind of evidence that can be used by forensic scientists to solve crimes and discusses the methods used to analyze and interpret this evidence.

The 2018 World Cup edition of The Kingfisher Football Encyclopedia captures the triumph and despair of key moments in world football. Packed with pictures and profiles of the world''s most skilful footballers - old and new - from Beckham to Messi, Pel� to Ronaldo, Rooney to Neymar. Over 40 of the best international and national teams to have lit up the game are covered in detail, including Brazil, Manchester United, Barcelona and Spain.All the drama of the ''beautiful game'' is fully analysed with dynamic full-spread photos and digital artworks that recreate famous moves and goals, while each chapter includes links to websites, providing a valuable access point to databases of players, international results, all the major tournaments, and club histories. Includes in-depth coverage of every aspect of football, including rules and skills; fans and the media; managers and tactics. Packed with the latest statistics on the ''beautiful game'', including an updated report on EURO 16, this is a superbly detailed reference book for all the family. Includes a pull-out WORLD CUP 2018 wallchart to fill in as the tournament progresses.

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.

Discover the biggest creatures to have roamed the Earth, past and present, from the outright biggest - such as the colossal blue whale and the dinosaur Argentinosaurus “The clear organization and bite-sized chunks of information make this quite accessible to young lovers of animals past and present....an appealing collection for readers who like superlatives.”—Kirkus Reviews “Even the most enthusiastic animal or dinosaur fan will find much new to wonder about in this well-illustrated informational book about weird and wonderful big beasts. Divided into three major sections— ‘Forests and Plains,’ ‘Rivers and Seas,’ and ‘Giants of Today’—....A solid purchase with broad appeal.”—School Library Journal In addition to the largest animals on Earth, discover species that grew to monstrous sizes compared to others of their kind, such as the giant kangaroos of Australia, otters the size of wolves, and Argentavis, a giant bird with a wingspan almost as long as a bus! You''ll meet the giants of the jungle, desert, swamp, sea, ice, and sky through vibrantly illustrated scenes of them in their natural habitats, and compare the size of these humongous creatures to humans. A gatefold spread unfolds to reveal a line-up of all the giants featured in the book, to scale, while a visual timeline shows when they roamed the Earth.

Dicing with the world''s most powerful storms.

"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.

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.

Examines various aspects of motor racing, including drivers, circuits, cars, different categories of motor sports, and pit stop techniques.

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

Explorers are designed to appeal to all readers aged 6 to 8-those who are just starting to read alone and more confident readers who are beginning to exercise wider reading and cross-referencing skills. Lively, dramatic artwork scenes draw children into a subject and each scene is followed by a photographic information spread that gives a wealth of extra detail. As a fun extra element, the reader can follow themed links to access information on related topics. Things That Go is an exciting ride through all types of transport, from trucks and tractors to a city network of trains, trams and buses, to fast cars and aeroplanes and record-breaking vehicles.

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.

Know any good jokes? Here are 1001 (yes, one thousand and one!) awesome ones for the whole family to enjoy! Why did the empty sandwich go to the dentist? IT NEEDED A FILLING. What do you call a 20,000-year-old joke? PRE-HYSTERICAL. With jokes galore, puns, one-liners, visual gags, play on words and hilarious illustrations. Divided into sections such as ''Hilarious Holidays'', ''Teacher Titters'' and ''Football Funnies'', this book will never get old and will have your friends and whole family laughing. A hilarious bumper book that will captivate any child and spark an interest in reading - created by the bestselling author of Teenage Kicks and Eye Benders, and winner of the Royal Society Young People''s Book Prize.

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.

Describes all kinds of racing cars.

Optical Illusions is a mind-bending introduction to the science of optical illusions, packed with clearly presented, hands-on projects and experiments for the reader to make and do. Combining innovative paper engineering, off-the-page fun and the use of smartphone cameras, this accessible introduction also gives an insight into the neuroscience behind how our brains and our eyes interact. Sure to enthrall and engage amateur psychologists and makers alike.

Filled with over 100 exciting puzzles and quizzes for you to enjoy with friends, family or just by yourself!

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.

Addressing the issue of artifical intelligence, this book explores what it is, what it can do for us and whether we should be worried about it. Scientists are now building robots which can think. If we build machines that can learn, rather than just take instructions, what are the implications?

Filled with over 100 exciting puzzles and quizzes for you to enjoy with friends, family or just by yourself!

In this exciting, photo-packed book, discover the world''s most amazing computers, from the first mechanical calculators to the latest groundbreaking designs. Step back in time to explore the history of computer gaming - from the first simple pong game to the latest high-tech console. Meet the pioneers of computer programming and gain an insight into how computers work. You can even become a coder yourself - follow step-by-step instructions to program your very own computer game!

Would you rather be in Valhalla or Ragnarök? Be called Erik Bloodaxe or Thorfinn Skullsplitter? Only YOU can decide!

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.

The Kingfisher Soccer Encyclopedia captures the triumph and despair of pivotal moments in world soccer. Packed with pictures and profiles of the world''s most skilful soccer players - old and new - from Beckham to Messi, Pelé to Ronaldo, Rooney to Neymar. Over 40 of the best sides to have lit up the game are covered in detail, including the U.S''s men''s and women''s teams, Brazil, Manchester United, Arsenal, and Spain. All the drama of the "beautiful game" is fully analyzed with dynamic full-spread photos and digital artworks that recreate famous moves and goals, while each chapter includes links to websites, providing a valuable access point to databases of players, international results, all the major tournaments, and club histories. Includes in-depth coverage of every aspect of soccer, including rules and skills; fans and the media; managers and tactics. Packed with the latest statistics and fully updated for this new edition, this is a superbly detailed reference book for all the family.

Packed with action photographs and digital illustrations, this book captures the heady thrills of motor racing. Each chapter is capped by full-spread photograph capturing the triumph or despair of one of the pivotal moments in motor racing history, including Michael Schumacher clinching a record-breaking 7th Formula One world title.

In the ancient world, philosopher Archimedes designed new machines for farming. During the Renaissance, artist Leonardo da Vinci sketched his ideas for wondrous flying machines. Scientist James Watt provided ideas that would power the Industrial Revolution, while American inventor Thomas Edison patented more than 1000 inventions that would shape modern life, including the movie camera and the electric light bulb. Today''s inventors still explore ideas for new and clever technology, producing miniature machines that we can only see under a microscope. Step inside the world of invention and see where it might take us next . . .

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.

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.

Why is a $5 note worth $5? Where do coins come from? What do banks actually do? All this and so much more is answered in A Quick History of Money, a crash course from cash cows to cryptocurrency. Money might sound all grown-up and serious, but the history of buying, selling, saving, and stealing is full of crazy stories and unbelievable facts. A Quick History of Money is here to show you the silly side, as well as give you the lowdown on the important stuff like interest, stocks and shares, and wealth inequality. You will discover: How the earliest societies got by without a penny in their pockets. Why gold gets all the glory. How the first banks started making money from money. Who invented the first banknotes and the concept of ‘fiat’ money. The craziest money-making cons of all time, from shaving coins to selling the Eiffel Tower… twice. How wealth is measured in the modern-day. History’s most expensive money mistakes. What money might look like in the future. Great tips for slick saving and smart spending. Plus, read about the world’s weirdest wonga, from the four-tonne stones used as currency on the island of Yap, to teacups and sea shells in ancient Asia, to beaver pelts in colonial Canada. Learn how hyperinflation leads to some mind-blowing money math, like the Bitcoins used to buy two pizzas in 2010 that would be worth over $90 million today. Test your knowhow with a quiz at the back of the book. Packed with facts and jokes, the latest in the Quick Histories series takes us on a chronological tour from cashless societies to… cashless societies, proving that while it might make the world go round, money sure is funny.

An invaluable book for anyone studying science, Essential Science is both a concise examination revision guide and an accurate reference book. The key fact, laws and concepts of physics, chemistry and biology are clearly and simply defined, using clear, accurate diagrams and colourful illustrations.

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

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 row a Roman vessel or be a chariot racer? Eat stuffed dormice or parrot heads? Only you can decide!

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!

This guide to the fictional world of the movie--starring Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig, set for release by New Line Cinema on December 7--focuses on the richness of the people, creatures, daemons, and inventions that populate its startling landscape. Includes a press-out golden compass and sticker sheet. Consumable.

Hairy bears under the stairs and a dinosaur at the door - just some of the surprises lurking within this fun-filled collection of phonic stories. The stories are designed to help beginner readers grasp the important link between sounds and the letters that represent them.