New Releases by Clive Gifford

Make science accessible with this essential series that will capture children''s imagination while laying the foundation for future learning. With age-appropriate language and an eye-catching design, Discover Science gives young readers the answers to fundamental questions about the human body, animals, planet Earth, the Solar System and much more.

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.

Packed with pictures and profiles of the world''s most skilful footballers-old and new-from Beckham to Messi, Pele to Ronaldo, Rooney to Naymar. Over 40 of the best sides to have lit up the game are covered in detail.

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 which play would you find the characters, Bottom, Quince, Puck and Titania? How many of Shakespeare''s history plays featured a King called Henry in their title? Does Juliet die by poison, stabbing herself or throwing herself off of a balcony? So you''ve read Shakespeare''s plays, maybe seen them performed. Now you can test whether you really know about his plays and his extraordinary life. There are quizzes on Shakespeare''s life and times including questions on plays and theatres of the time; the 15 most popular plays each has a dedicated quiz; there are 5 additional quizzes covering Shakespeare''s remaining works - Poems & Sonnets/ Histories/ Tragedies/ Comedies/ Romances.

The book contains nine short stories dealing with different aspects of life during World War I. World War I includes the stories of flying aces such as the ''Red Baron'', the story of Lawrence of Arabia and the stories of brave doctors and nurses such as Edith Cavell in German occupied Belgium. Complete with glossary, further reading section and index.

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

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.

Some kids are natural bookworms and others you have to chase down with a book. But every kid, even the ones that scowl when you say “read” will devour this mega mix of history’s grisly stories. From all corners of the globe and dating back to ancient Egypt, this book leaves no tombstone unturned to deliver a glimpse at some of the weirdest traditions, most gruesome methods, craziest causes, and most fascinating facts surrounding death in history. Kids will discover: The ancient Egyptians didn’t mummify and bury their dead alone. Oh, no. They also entombed cats, dogs, hippos, crocodiles, and even beetles with their dearly departed. As queen, Marie-Antoinette lost her head for all the fine things France had to offer, and she delighted in them as the country grew poorer and poorer. When the revolution came, she literally lost her head for her frivolity. The guillotine was used for almost 200 years in France. It was the cutting edge of death technology when it was invented in 1792 and stayed in style until 1977. History’s most surprising murder weapons The top-ten potent poisons The worst epidemics in history

Why do some printed pictures appear to swirl madly in front of your eyes? How can two colours that look completely different actually be the same? What makes complete images suddenly arise out of random patterns? With this crazy book of optical illusions, astound your eyes and amaze your brain and discover the science of how the illusions work. Clive Giffords fun and accessible text introduces kids to the neuroscience behind how our brains and our eyes interact, creating these amazing phenomena. Children will be enthralled by the illusions, and engaged by the supporting information. Learning and critical thinking are encouraged, as readers come away wondering: can you ever believe what you see?

Dreadfully Deadly History looks at the most gruesome facts from the past.

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.

Have you been inspired by the 2012 Olympics? Sporting Skills: Athletics is a step by step guide to your favourite athletic disciplines, from sprinting, running and jumping to throwing the javelin, shot put, discus and other events. Take your game to the next level!

Out Of This World is jam-packed with everything children need to know about space - from facts and statistics to real-life adventures.

Introduces skiing, offers advice to beginners, and discusses the various types, including freestyle, cross-country, and downhill.

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

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

This exciting new series explores different sports, describing how and where you play them as well as the equipment and gear you''ll need. There are tips on training and on practicing techniques. The books also feature heroes of the sport, with photos of them in action at the world''s greatest competition. In this book you can find out all about basketball and learn how to develop your skills as a player. clear, friendly text Highly illustrated, with pictures of children demonstrating techniques and shots of famous basketball players in action Fascinating facts and statistics with historical flashbacks and record-breaking performances Glossary and index Book jacket.

This exciting new series explores different sports, describing how and where you play them as well as the equipment and gear you''ll need. There are tips on training and on practicing techniques. The books also feature heroes of the sport, with photos of them in action at the world''s greatest competitions. In this book you can find out all about football and learn how to develop your skills as a player. Clear, friendly text Highly illustrated, with pictures of children demonstrating techniques and shots of famous football players in action. Fascinating facts and statistics with historical flashbacks and record-breaking performances Glossary and index Book jacket.

This exciting new series explores different sports, describing how and where you play them as well as the equipment and gear you''ll need. There are tips on training and on practicing techniques. The books also feature heroes of the sport, with photos of them in action at the world''s greatest competitions. In this book you can find out all about tennis and learn how to develop your skills as a player. Clear, friendly text Highly illustrated, with pictures of children demonstrating techniques and shots of famous tennis players in action. Fascinating facts and statistics with historical flashbacks and record-breaking performances Glossary and index Book jacket.

This exciting new series explores different sports, describing how and where you play them as well as the equipment and gear you''ll need. There are tips on training and on practicing techniques. The books also feature heroes of the sport, with photos of them in action at the world''s greatest competitions. Book jacket.

''Violence'' provides an in-depth look at an increasingly frightening global issue. It explores subjects such as domestic violence, gun and knife crime and violence and entertainment.

''Gangs'' deals with an issue of increasing concern in towns and cities throughout the world. It explores how young people are lured into gang life; the links between gangs and the crime on our streets; and whether gangs can be a good force or are always a threat to society.

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.

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 gymnastics and learn how to develop your skills as a gymnast.

Dicing with the world''s most powerful storms.

Short biographies of legendary inventors, illustrated with graphic-novel-style artwork.

This fun series takes a look at various sports and all the components that make up each game

This series explores different sports: how and where they are played, the equipment and kit needed and how to get involved. The books also include tips on training and on developing techniques.

History is not created in a vacuum, and no leader comes to power without influences from the past and an impact on the future. In this look at ten royals, beginning with Queen Hatshepsut of Egypt and ending with Catherine the Great, each leader''s biography is linked with another based on influences, events, and geography. By uncovering these unique and often overlooked connections, history emerges as a chain of patterns and relationships, and readers will understand how these ten leaders shaped the course of human civilization.