Bananas are a key food source for millions, whilst their production supports the livelihood of farmers across the globe. However, recent research has identified the vulnerability of particular banana varieties to major pests and diseases. With the banana industry under threat of extinction, more research is required into understanding the biology of the pests and diseases that pose this threat so that more effective management strategies can be developed and the risk of fu...

The ultimate children's gift edition of the beloved classic ballet story, The Nutcracker.Christmas Eve is the most magical night of the year, when the house is scented with wood smoke and spices, and there are secrets under every bed . . .When the clock strikes midnight, Clara's new nutcracker doll comes to life and leads her on a thrilling adventure, battling with the wicked Mouse King and his troops, then journeying to the Kingdom of Sweets.Retol...

Black Like That is a collection of poems about my experience as a Black woman in America. It reviews what I have learned from living in this skin, on this land, and all the ancestry that has followed me to keep me covered. It is an invitation to my folk to find themselves in these stories and for those who cannot ascribe to these identities, I invite you to consider another perspective. Black Like That in all of its iterations is an offering from all the voices in mine that had no space to...

The ultimate children's gift edition of everyone's favourite festive song, The Twelve Days of Christmas.Find partridges in pear trees, turtle doves, gold rings, maids a-milking, ladies a-dancing and lords a-leaping and more in this glorious adaptation of the popular Christmas rhyme, beloved of carol singers! Children will love the counting element while revelling in the wonderfully detailed Christmas scenes.Jane Ray's sparkling gift edition captures all the magic o...

Inspired by Hindu mythology, Anya’s Quest is an enchanting tale of a young girl’s journey to protect the planet, from the Costa-winning author of Asha and the Spirit Bird and renowned illustrator Jane Ray. A beautiful book to treasure for ever.The earth’s lullaby is falling silent. Our world is in danger…When the mighty goddess Ganga hears a forgotten melody in the night, she follows its tune to a palace in the ic...

A reassuring, timeless story, Grace and the Christmas Angel is the first picture book from the beloved author of the Seven Sisters series Lucinda Riley, written with her son Harry Whittaker and illustrated by the award-winning Jane Ray.Because somewhere, an angel is listening . . .It's Christmas Eve. The tree is decorated, the presents are wrapped and it's a big day for Grace. She is singing a song in the nativity show, and her fisherman d...

Black Like That is a collection of poems about my experience as a Black woman in America. It reviews what I have learned from living in this skin, on this land, and all the ancestry that has followed me to keep me covered. It is an invitation to my folk to find themselves in these stories and for those who cannot ascribe to these identities, I invite you to consider another perspective. Black Like That in all of its iterations is an offering from all the voices in mine that had no space to...

If you love The Frog Prince and The Elves and the Shoemaker, you'll love this tale of love, magic ... and unicorns!**Annis and her grandmother live in a cold, draughty castle on top of a hill, which they share with their chickens and their cow. They may be poor, but Annis's heart is full of kindness. Offering a home to an injured unicorn and a family of fairies one day, her kindness is magically rewarded. But will her good fortune bring her happi...

Daniela the glassmaker's daughter is grumpy and never smiles. Her father promises a beautiful glass palace to anyone who can make her laugh. People come from far and wide to try their luck in amusing Daniela. But mask makers, lion tamers and magicians cannot raise a smile from the princess. It is only when a young apprentice makes the first looking glass that Daniela learns to smile – at her own grumpy reflection! This beautiful fable set in sixteenth-century Venice features stunning illus...

How the Seasons Came to Be The Hunter and the Swan The Saint and the Blackbird The Tale of the Lion Grey-eye and the Whale A Fishy Tale The Panda's Tale Maha and the Elephant The Shepherd and the Stone The Story of the Tower

A reassuring story about moving house and overcoming fears, Bill and the Dream Angel is the second picture book from the beloved author of the Seven Sisters series Lucinda Riley, written with her son Harry Whittaker and illustrated by the award-winning Jane Ray.Because somewhere, an angel is listening . . .Bill and his family have just moved house. But, even though Bill's room is much bigger than before, and he has a garden to play in, Bil...

Alfie and the Angel of Lost Things, from bestselling author Lucinda Riley, and her son, Harry Whittaker, is a mythical summer holiday story and the fourth and final book in the Guardian Angels series.Alfie is going on holiday to Greece. His favourite toy Bertie is coming too of course! He can't wait to show Bertie the view from the plane, introduce him to his new holiday friends and learn all about the ancient Greek gods together. But while Alfie is busy o...