Best Selling Books by Fiona MacDonald

Stories of shipwrecks are intriguing, often somber, reminders of the power the sea wields. Its waters destroy even the most invincible vessels. Ships on the seafloor also preserve historic relics. Even today, people can find treasures aboard ships that sunk hundreds of years ago! This in-depth book takes readers under the surface and into the fascinating realm of shipwrecks. Through 100 facts, a variety of topics are explored, including how wrecks are found and some tales of the most famous and mysterious wrecks of all. Additional fact boxes, activities, and diagrams aid in comprehension and contribute to this absorbing subject.

Whisky, A Very Peculiar History'' takes a sideways look at this most inebriating beverage from its simplistic origins to its pride of place in the drinks cabinets of the world. When Henry VIII disbanded the monasteries and let those brewing monks out into the wilderness, he had no idea of the kind of beast he''d unleashed. Whisky was used as a medicine, giving ''the glow of apparent well-being'' and even horses were known to be given a dram here and there (although via the kneecaps). Featuring quirky tales of whisky''s development and refining through the ages and detailed stories about its effect on the common man and woman, ''Whisky, A Very Peculiar History'' delivers a warm aftertaste of hilarity with every shot of fact.

Presents well-known archaeologists, including Howard Carter, who discovered Tutankhamun''s tomb, Walter Alva, who discovered the treasure of Sipan, in Peru, and Constanza Ceruti, one of the discoverers of the child mummies found on a mountaintop in Chile.

This book tells the stories of those intrepid adventurers who have circled the globe, from the first voyage around the world led by Ferdinand Magellan to modern solo circumnavigators such as Ellen MacArthur and Steve Fossett. Find out about the courage and skill of circumnavigators, and whether you''ve got what it takes to be an ultimate adventurer.

From its earliest inhabitants up to the beginnings of Stewart rule, ''Scotland: A Very Peculiar History - Volume 1'' is a lively and informative account of the chequered (or rather, ''tartaned'') history of Scotland. Detailing grisly clan wars and the many mythical creatures to look out for while you''re out in the wild, this ebook gives an objective account of the nation''s history, with ''no added haggis''! Focussing on the more weird and wonderful aspects of Scottish history, such as forgotten towns and mysterious runes, it celebrates how Scotland came to be, and includes fact boxes, quotes, poetry excerpts and recipes you wouldn''t believe!

Dragged from the deepest, darkest depths of the ''Very Peculiar History'' vaults, this book collects tales of terror, morbid myths and frightening facts that will chill you witless. Introduced by everyone''s favourite bloodsucker, Count Dracula, ''Vampires: A Very Peculiar History'' features the origin of vampire-like creatures and a biological and mythological look at human blood (including the best places to bite if you were a vampire!) alongside tales of the real-life vampires that may have inspired the first vampire stories. It includes advice on how to spot a vampire as well as how to become one! Even vampires of film, graphic novel and manga get a taste of the action! Don''t be scared, be prepared...with ''Vampires, A Very Peculiar History''!

With fact boxes and sidebars offering additional information, this book introduces killer animals, from the mosquito to the great white shark.

What are the most world-famous monsters? What are the deadliest dinosaurs? The most inexplicable phenomena? This quirky, kooky and ever-so-slightly creepy compendium features 100 entries about some of the scariest and most peculiar things ever, from ruthless rulers to hideous beasts. It is packed with vibrant, cartoon-style illustrations, clear, concise text and factoid panels designed to engage reluctant readers about everything from giant squid to the Abominable Snowman!

You are a young man from a noble family in Mexico. Little do you suspect that you are about to fall victim to one of the most powerful South American civilisations and become an Aztec sacrifice! This title in the best-selling children’s history series, You Wouldn''t Want To…, features full-colour illustrations which combine humour and accurate technical detail and a narrative approach placing readers at the centre of the history, encouraging them to become emotionally-involved with the characters and aiding their understanding of what life would have been like living in the Aztec civilisation. Informative captions, a complete glossary and an index make this title an ideal introduction to the conventions of information books for young readers. It is an ideal text for Key Stage 2 shared and guided reading and helps achieve the goals of the Scottish Standard Curriculum 5-14.

Royalty are always in the news, because people''s imaginations continue to be piqued by their wealth, power, and lifestyles. In this book, which focuses mostly on Great Britain, readers will learn of early kings, such as Alfred the Great, and modern rulers, such as Elizabeth II, and the impact they''ve made on the world. They''ll find out that King Arthur might not have been real, but Shakespeare''s infamous Macbeth was! Much history is discussed as well as the wars that made and slayed rulers over the centuries. Brief quizzes, useful activities, and colorful illustrations make this regal volume an appealing look at these historical figures.

Describes daily life in feudal-era Japan and explains the skills and duties of a samurai warrior.

This volume examines ten of history''s most notorious pirates.

Looks at the clothes worn around the world through history, telling how they were made, what they were made of, and the purposes for which they were designed.

Just when you thought it was safe to take a sneak peek into your stocking, it''s ''Christmas: A Very Peculiar History''. Taking an unbiased view of the myth and mystery surrounding the origins of the yuletide season, this book introduces mindbending facts about the holiday season and shatters the myths surrounding some of Christmas'' most treasured and well-known facets: When exactly was Jesus born? Why is Santa''s outfit red and white? Where do we get Christmas trees from? What''s the snow in a snowglobe made of? What''s Boxing Day all about? ''Christmas: A Very Peculiar History'' takes a sideways look at bizarre yuletide customs and stories from around the world, such as Santa''s evil sidekick, the terrifying Krampus, and the Scandinavian celebration of Saint Lucy. So leave the mince pies on the mantlepiece if you''ve been good and block up your chimneys if you''ve been bad, because ''Christmas: A Very Peculiar History'' is here.

Describes the development of cities, from the early agricultural centers in the Fertile Crescent to modern metropolises in industrialized countries.

It''s not all longing looks across the dining room from that high-class gentleman! Life as a Victorian servant was tough, tough, tough! Discover the bizarre and oh-so-strict rules one had to keep to when serving the dignitaries in ''Victorian Servants: A Very Peculiar History''. Rise up through the ranks from washerwoman to housemaid to ladies'' maid and beyond, but mind you don''t keep any ''followers'', as boyfriends are immoral and are strictly not allowed! While you wait on hand and foot from 5.30 am to 11 pm you won''t even have time to rest your own. The chamber pots are certainly not to be sniffed at, and remember if the bell rings once, you are wanted. It''s hard work but it''s better than the alternative: begging, returning home penniless or heading to the workhouse. You''ll discover stories of suffering and household tips galore in ''Victorian Servants: A Very Peculiar History''!

This brand-new series puts readers in the shoes of famous historical figures during their childhoods, with an emphasis on the gruesome and ghastly bits. A lively and varied mix of types of information – including thrilling prose, stunning comic strips, fact boxes and timelines – bring their stories to life in a way that feels fresh and fun for reluctant readers. Kids in History: Mary Queen of Scots gives a fast-paced and fascinating account of the important events from Mary’s childhood, including her dangerous escape from Scotland, marriage into the French royal family and a young adulthood beset with disasters and deaths.

The Celts lived thousands of years ago, but their myths are filled with characters, creatures, and stories that have fascinated people ever since. This book mixes dramatic retellings and non-fiction information to give a full picture of Celtic myths, exploring the gods, goddesses, heroes, villains, tricksters, and quests that make Celtic myths and legends so compelling.

This book lists some of the most dangerous mythical creatures.

Marrying Henry VIII was not an easy option. This book provides tips such as: Think carefully before accepting his proposal and give birth to a son. It also describes Henry VIII and his wives, as well as information on key figures and events of the time.

See life through the eyes of one of the most unfortunate people in European history – Mary, Queen of Scots! Crowned as a baby, widowed at 18, schemed against in your own country and menaced by the superpower next door – your life is not going to be a bed of roses. This title in the best-selling children’s history series, You Wouldn''t Want To…, features full-colour illustrations which combine humour and accurate technical detail and a narrative approach placing readers at the centre of the history, encouraging them to become emotionally-involved with the characters and aiding their understanding of what life would have been like as Mary, Queen of Scots. Informative captions, a complete glossary and an index make this title an ideal introduction to the conventions of information books for young readers. It is an ideal text for Key Stage 2 shared and guided reading and helps achieve the goals of the Scottish Standard Curriculum 5-14.

Describes the job requirements, training, physical demands, compensation, and daily life of a knight in the Middle Ages.

Learn about World War II, the draft, and how people in Allied countries contributed to the war effort.

Taking a unique look at one of the most acclaimed and best-loved English writers of the nineteenth century, ''Charles Dickens, A Very Peculiar History'' asks why, what, where, how and who the Dickens was Charles Dickens? Why did he keep a pet raven that pecked at his children''s shins? Why did he have a tunnel built under the road in front of his country house? Was his dying corpse really carried from his mistress''s house where he collapsed to his family home, so that he could die ''respectably''? Find out the answers to these questions and even more bizarre ones throughout the book, which features quirky stories and fascinating trivia about this singularly complex man and consummate artist.

Describes what life was like for ancient civilizations in Central America; includes step-by-step projects to help you recreate the past.

Looks at the styles, fashions, and purposes of footwear through the ages.

This book examines the facts, arguments, and opinions from around the globe concerning equal opportunities.

The first volume of this spellbinding anthology features some of the most gripping, fantastical and entrancing tales from Roman mythology, including the adventures of Aeneas after his escape from Troy and the story of how Romulus and Remus were raised by a wolf to become the first rulers of Rome. The tales are beautifully illustrated and retold in a manner that will engage very young readers and instil in them a love for storytelling, the power of imagination and the past. Perfect for bedtime reading! Includes the following 8 stories: The Adventures of Aeneas Part One and Two, Aeneas in the Underworld, Romulus and Remus, The Golden Chair, Pomona and Vertumnus, Hercules and the Giant Who Spat Fire, Arethusa – The Girl Who Gave Water

Provides a colourful and informative introduction to various mummies from around the world, including Egypt, and the process of mummification. Includes fun facts, cartoons and questions.

A graphic novel adaption of Charlotte Bronte''s tale of Jane Eyre who has a miserable childhood. But when she gets a job as governess at Thornfield Hall she finds a secret that could destroy all her dreams of happiness. Includes information about the Brontë family.

Uses the process of applying for the position of soldier to present information about life in ancient Rome.

Get ready...as a boy growing up in a castle in the Middle Ages, all you want to be is a champion to the king, but can you make it as a medieval knight? This best-selling series engages readers of all levels by making them part of the story. Readers w

Presents the history of ancient Rome by examining the archaeological excavations of its historical sites and the artifacts found at those sites.

You are a 12-year-old girl living in Britain in the 1880s. You are about to start work for a wealthy family. You will be busy all day long as a Victorian servant. This title can be used as a background approach to wider issues in Victorian times, such as class divides, daily life and the position of men and women. This title in the best-selling children’s history series, You Wouldn''t Want To…, features full-colour illustrations which combine humour and accurate technical detail and a narrative approach placing readers at the centre of the history, encouraging them to become emotionally-involved with the characters and aiding their understanding of what life would have been like working as a Victorian servant. Informative captions, a complete glossary and an index make this title an ideal introduction to the conventions of information books for young readers. It is an ideal text for Key Stage 2 shared and guided reading and helps achieve the goals of the Scottish Standard Curriculum 5-14.

Presents facts about life for the nineteenth-century pioneers on the American frontier.

Describes daily life for soldiers of the Roman empire and explains their skills and duties.