Books

The Last Lecture

Alone, imprisoned in a golden cage, and far from the jungles of home, a parrot longs to escape. Will he ever fly free again? Based on a poem by the ancient Persian philosopher Rumi, The Secret Message is a funny story of surprising twists, powerful solidarity, exotic travels, and a simple wish fulfilled. This witty tale, told with humor and vibrant images, will enchant young readers as it introduces them to the culture, literature, and history of Persia.

Odd's luck has been bad so far. He lost his father on a Viking expedition, his foot was crushed beneath a tree, and the winter seems to be going on for ever. But when Odd flees to the woods and releases a trapped bear, his luck begins to change. The eagle, bear and fox he encounters reveal they're actually Norse gods, trapped in animal form by the evil frost giants who have conquered Asgard, the city of the gods...Can a twelve-year-old boy reclaim Thor's hammer, outwit the frost giants and release the gods? With Neil Gaiman's wit and style, this story transcends the everyday and becomes a humorous, rich and layered tale of a life lived courageously.

Packed with pictures and things to spot on every page, this classic has been refreshed to bring the world of Richard Scarry to a new generation of readers. What do people do all day? This is the perfect book to introduce children to the world of work. From doctors to dressmakers, from mothers to sailors, we follow a colourful collection of busy people working through their busy days. Captain Sally and his crew are getting ready to go on a voyage, Seargeant Murhphy is working hard to keep things safe and peaceful, and engineers are building new roads. Another busy day in Busytown!