Most Popular Books by Simon James

Larry the llama has a secret: he loves dancing! But have you ever seen a llama dance? Well, neither had Larry - until one day he spots an ad for the Llama Glamarama. He joins the crowd, and it blows Larry''s mind to see llamas DANCING! Will this raucous, joyful celebration give Larry the courage to embrace his inner dancer? How would the other llamas back at the barn react, if he ever revealed his secret?

Even though the new baby of Mr. and Mrs. Brains is very intelligent, they realize that he is still just a baby.

First published in 1994, Putting the Family First is a study of better-off couples that clarifies the relationship between individualism and family values. Partners’ cultural practices focus on "making something of themselves", being "supportive" of each other, and spending "quality time" with children. But their economic strategies are directed towards competition for positional goods, especially higher education and good jobs for their offspring. The authors argue that, although these strategies are rational for individual families, they are collectively wasteful and mutually frustrating, and construct a narrow and exclusive version of citizenship. Such private morality depletes civic culture, and is socially costly. This revealing study provides a valuable text for students, with considerable appeal for courses in sociology, social policy, gender and cultural studies. It will be of broader interest to others connected to avoid the unravelling of our social fabric.

This textbook helps future data analysts comprehend aggregation function theory and methods in an accessible way, focusing on a fundamental understanding of the data and summarization tools. Offering a broad overview of recent trends in aggregation research, it complements any study in statistical or machine learning techniques. Readers will learn how to program key functions in R without obtaining an extensive programming background. Sections of the textbook cover background information and context, aggregating data with averaging functions, power means, and weighted averages including the Borda count. It explains how to transform data using normalization or scaling and standardization, as well as log, polynomial, and rank transforms. The section on averaging with interaction introduces OWS functions and the Choquet integral, simple functions that allow the handling of non-independent inputs. The final chapters examine software analysis with an emphasis on parameter identification rather than technical aspects. This textbook is designed for students studying computer science or business who are interested in tools for summarizing and interpreting data, without requiring a strong mathematical background. It is also suitable for those working on sophisticated data science techniques who seek a better conception of fundamental data aggregation. Solutions to the practice questions are included in the textbook.

Celebrities, heroes and champions explores the role of the popular politician in British and Irish society from the Napoleonic Wars to the Second Reform Act of 1867. Covering movements for parliamentary reform up to and including Chartism, Catholic Emancipation, transatlantic Anti-Slavery and the Anti-Corn Law League, as well as the receptions of international celebrities such as Lajos Kossuth and Giuseppe Garibaldi, it offers a unique perspective on the connections between politics and historical cultures of fame and celebrity. This book will interest students and scholars of Britain, Ireland, continental Europe and North America in the nineteenth century, as well as general readers with an interest in the history of popular politics. Its exploration of the relationship between politics and celebrity, and the methods through which public reputations have been promoted and manipulated for political ends, have clear contemporary relevance.

Worried that the whale living in her pond is unhappy, Emily writes to Greenpeace, who, though offering the best of advice, insist that it is impossible for a whale to live in a pond. Undeterred, Emily continues to seek the best course of action for her beloved whale, finally setting him free. 25th anniversary edition of this contemporary classic. ; "An inventive addition to the library of picture books... This is a book that will appeal to readers of all ages." The School Librarian ; From the author of Baby Brains, overall winner of the 2005 Red House Children s Book Prize, voted for by 25,000 children!

This volume considers the military architecture and its impact on local communities in Rome''s eastern frontier, which stretched from the north-east shore of the Black Sea to the Red Sea.

Two orphans and a con-man on the lam must cross the Rocky Mountains in the winter of 1876.

When Jake''s mother orders him to vacuum, he discovers that all kinds of things can fit into a vacuum cleaner.

This reader presents over seventy case studies of policy making in Whitehall and Westminster, combining newspaper coverage, official documents, academic analysis and the recollections of participants. Simon James demonstrates the various ways in which policy originates, the way it is shaped within Whitehall, the different modes of parliamentary control, and the problems of implementation and policy review. He illustrates civil servants'' part in developing policy, ministers'' relations with their departments and their colleagues, and the role of the prime minister and cabinet. Case studies help to examine cabinet committees, the influence of pressure groups and select committees as well as the consequences of independent inquiries, the impact of the European Community and the restraining power of parliament and the courts. The case studies range from national controversies such as the pits closure crisis and the "Satanic Verses" affair, through to the hidden side of policy making including deals struck with pressure groups in Whitehall conference and wrangling in Brussels over the tax on whisky. Designed as a textbook for A-level students and undergraduates, "Policy Making in the British Government" provides a broad range of source material and analysis that will be of value to students of British politics, policy making and political institutions.

Simon Potter links the history of broadcasting to the history of internationalism, showing how radio was used as a means of promoting international peace and understanding. He looks at histories of propaganda and international conflict and reconstructs early international radio programming and the experience of ''distant listening''.

A pathbreaking study that integrates military theory with the historical account to explain how the Roman armies functioned, triumphed, and ultimately failed. The story of Rome and its military seems a familiar one, told often through books and movies and games, yet it is a modern myth obscuring a different reality. As this groundbreaking study demonstrates, Rome’s military was no war machine made up of mindless cogs. There was not even an ancient term for the Roman army; rather, Romans spoke of “the soldiers”—of men, not institutions. Simon James provides a striking new perspective on Roman history by focusing on the soldiers and their actions. Rome’s soldiers were less sentinels of civilization than enforcers for aristocrats and autocrats against foreign foes and internal dissent. They were brutal and unruly, prone to mutiny and rebellion. How, then, to account for their sustained success and their eventual failure? Rome’s dominion was achieved through soldiers’ ferocity and excellent weaponry, but to maintain it the conquered were integrated, as diplomacy accompanied the threat of the sword. Millions of allies and subjects became Romans themselves through military service. Nevertheless, the aggression of Rome’s soldiers precipitated the creation of a new Sasanian superpower in Iran and great barbarian confederations in the North.

After Clementine Brown receives a first-aid kit for her birthday, she begins to practice her skills on all of her family members except her reckless brother Tommy, who insists he doesn''t need a nurse.

Winner of the InspiREAD Longer Novel Award 2023 For Otis, this was a sleepover to remember - if only he could! When dorky, unpopular 11-yr-old Otis wakes up in the morning at a sleepover birthday party, he''s in for a shock. At the marquee where the sleepover took place, it''s a scene of carnage and mayhem: there''s a donkey drinking at the chocolate fountain, a huge inflatable helium sausage looms above, doves everywhere, one of the kids has a tattoo, and there''s a suitcase of bratwurst on the floor! But what''s weirdest of all, neither Otis nor the other kids can remember what happened! The party was in the back garden of popular kid Rocco Rococo''s huge house, and Otis was only there because his mum forced an invitation. Otis realizes that makes him Prime Suspectfor causing the mess, and he needs to clear his name. Meanwhile, Rocco just needs to keep his parents from finding out! So while everyone else makes a befuddled exit, Otis and Rocco reluctantly team upto hide the evidence. They decide to retrace their steps in the hope of solving the mystery... Simon James Green is an award-winning author of funny books for kids. His previous book, Life of Riley: Beginner''s Luckwas shortlisted for the Blue Peter Book Award Contains hilarious illustrations throughout by Aleksei Bitskoff A funny madcap mystery adventure perfect for fans of Danny Wallace''s THE DAY THE SCREENS WENT BLANK or Charlie Higson''s WORST. HOLIDAY. EVER.

Because only someone who does not know Jake would babysit him, his parents call the new neighbor, and Jake has a surprising evening.

Former bestmates Kit and Hamza must deliver a cooked turkey across town, but can they tolerate one another for that long? A hilarious caper from bestseller Simon James Green.

This is a paperback reprint of the first edition, which appeared in 2004, published by British Museum Press. The ancient city of Dura-Europos, destroyed by a Sasanian Persian siege in the AD 250s, was an important regional centre of commerce, government and military control under the Seleucid, Parthian and Roman empires. During excavations in the 1920s and 1930s it became famous for finds such as a painted synagogue and early Christian chapel. Not the least spectacular of the discoveries in this ''Pompeii of the Syrian Desert'' were the remains of the town''s garrisons and siegeworks and massive quantities of military artefacts. The latter comprise perhaps the most important single collection of arms, armour and other equipment to survive from the Roman period, a collection which is exceptional in its size, diversity and state of preservation. Its colourful painted shields and horse armour, for example, are unequalled in the vast Roman empire or in neighbouring lands. It also holds vital importance for our knowledge of the material culture of the military in the eastern frontier lands of the Roman world. This book provides a complete catalogue of the military artefacts, most of which are now housed in Yale University Art Gallery, and analyses and assesses their cultural affiliations and uses. The archaeological evidence from the site is combined with the equally rich and rare textual and representational evidence in the form of papyri, graffiti and wall-paintings, not to mention the buildings of the city themselves, to examine the ways in which material culture actively creates and expresses identity, in this case of Roman soldiers of Syrian origin.

An uplifting and empowering anthology, A Year of Pride and Joy shares joyful contributions from 52 contemporary LGBTQIA+ voices, including Olympic gold medalist diver Tom Daley, author and historian Blair Imani, and singer Rina Sawayama Edited by award-winning children’s author Simon James Green, this buoyant title celebrates the joy, talent, and contributions of members of the LGBTQIA+ community—and delivers a full year of celebration. Each of the 52 entries—one for each week of the year—is tied to a particular season, event, international day, or week. Feel the timeless joy of old movies with actor Stephen Fry and discover his all-time favorite classic movies on Global Movie Day. Discover the joy of knitting with Olympic gold medalist Tom Daley, then follow a beginner’s step-by-step knitting guide. Find the joy of pets with singer Rina Sawayama, then consider which pet is right for you. Experience the joy of food with actress Miriam Margolyes, then uncover a recipe to her famous chicken soup with matzo balls. Vibrant illustrations are paired with the engaging text. Whether you read an entry a week or pick it up whenever you are feeling in need of joy, this is a book to treasure all year round.

Grandfather explains to Jess as they walk in the woods why she can not keep the squirrel they see for a pet.

WINNER OF THE BRISTOL TEEN BOOK AWARD 2022 SHORTLISTED FOR THE YA BOOKS PRIZE 2022 SHORTLISTED FOR THE DIVERSE BOOK AWARD 2022 SHORTLISTED FOR THE LAUGH OUT LOUD BOOK AWARDS 2022 "Heartfelt and hilarious" Attitude Magazine "Heartwarming... A beautiful gay coming-of-age story" The Nerd Daily "A hilariously rude, sweetly addictive YA" The Guardian According to the rule, Freddie hasto say "yes". Freddie is unremarkable - toounremarkable. He doesn''t stand out in any way, and in fact teachers and fellow students keep forgetting who he is. Even his mum thinks he''s a disappointment, and spends almost all her time at work, producing a TV show. After a particularly awful night when he embarrasses himself in front of Jasper Perry (the gorgeous teen star of Freddie''s mum''s new show), Freddie decides to follow a new, proactive philosophy designed to transform his social and romantic life: saying ''yes'' to every opportunity. It works! Freddie finds himself auditioning for the school musical (Grease), actually going to parties, and flirting with hot new boy Zach! He''s becoming a whole new Freddie - maybe even one that his mum might be proud of. But the path to love is never smooth, and sometimes getting things very wrong is an important part of figuring out what - and who - you really want. A funny, heart-pulling read from one of the UK''s leading writers of LGBTQ+ teen fiction. Simon James Green is the award-winning author of Heartbreak Boys, Alex in Wonderland, and the Noah Can''t Even books. A perfect next read for fans of Heartstopper, Boyfriend Material, Casey McQuiston, and Adam Silvera.

Fully revised and updated, this new edition of Simon James’s comprehensible and accessible text provides an excellent insight into the work of the Prime Minister and Cabinet government. It draws on the wealth of new material that has become available in recent years to shed light on the mechanisms and processes of the Cabinet system in Britain, focusing on the post-1979 period. Its coverage includes: ministers and their departments; collective decision-making; the role of the Prime Minister; the strengths and weaknesses of the Cabinet system; and the future of the Cabinet system. Prime Minister and Cabinet Government will give both A-level students and undergraduates a clear understanding of the realities of this central aspect of British politics.

At Finn''s funeral, grieving best friend Eric receives a message from beyond the grave - and it must be because this is Finn''s biggest prank ever, faking his own death! As Eric follows Finn''s cryptic instructions for various challenges, he goes down memory lane and through a scavenger hunt that will change him for ever.

Eyewitness Ancient Rome offers interesting, informative text combined with stunning color photos to bring the Roman Empire to life. Explore artifacts from the daily lives of slaves and emperors, find out which toys from Ancient Rome that children still play with today, see a suit of centurion armor, and much, much more!