Other books that might interest you

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  The Private Lives of Public...

  Jack Gedney

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  A book to help the ordinary birdwatcher appreciate the fascinating songs, stories, and science of common birds. 
   
   
   
  Jack Gedney's studies of birds provide resonant, affirming answers to the questions: Who is this bird? In what way is it beautiful? Why does it matter? Masterfully linking an abundance of poetic references with up-to-date biological science, Gedney shares his devotion to everyday Western birds in fifteen essays. Each essay illuminates the life of a single species and its relationship to humans, and how these species can help us understand birds in general. A dedicated birdwatcher and teacher, Gedney finds wonder not only in the speed and glistening beauty of the Anna's hummingbird, but also in her nest building. He acclaims the turkey vulture's and red-tailed hawk's roles in our ecosystem, and he venerates the inimitable California scrub jay's work planting acorns. Knowing that we hear birds much more often than we see them, Gedney offers his expert's ear to help us not only identify bird songs and calls but also understand what the birds are saying. The crowd at the suet feeder will never look quite the same again. Join Gedney in the enchanted world of these not-so-ordinary birds.

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  Santa's Husband

  Daniel Kibblesmith, A P. Quach

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  Offering a fresh twist on Kris Kringle, a clever yet heartfelt audiobook that tells the story of a black Santa, his white husband, and their life in the North Pole. 
  Everyone knows that Santa Claus is jolly, but in Santa’s Husband, this cherished symbol of the holiday season is also black and gay, and married to an equally cheery man. 
  In this witty and sweet illustrated Christmas tale, humor writer Daniel Kibblesmith introduces us to Mr. and Mr. Claus, and gives us a glimpse of their lives together. We see the Clauses sitting by the fire at their cozy North Pole home, vacationing at the beach, having an occasional disagreement, celebrating their wedding day, and comforting each other when some loudmouth people on television angrily dispute Santa’s appearance and lifestyle. 
  In the weeks before Christmas, Santa’s husband helps with all the pre-Christmas work, from double-checking lists, to feeding the reindeer (organic gluten-free grains, of course), to negotiating labor disputes with the restive workshop elves. At the height of toy-making season, he even fills in for his busy hubby at the mall to ensure every child can meet the Big Guy in the red suit, and give him their wish list. 
  As this charming audiobook reminds us, Santa Claus can come in all shapes and colors and sizes—just like the children and families he visits all over the world each Christmas eve. 
  Santa’s Husband is a delightful gift for listeners of all ages.

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  IN Full Bloom - A Blossoming...

  JESSICA MACOMBER, DEBBIE ROUX

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  IN Full Bloom: A Blossoming Guide to the World of Flowers   
  Have you ever wondered about the mesmerizing world of blooms, their meanings, and the art of flower care and arrangement? Are you seeking a guide to unravel the secrets of blossoms but unsure where to start? Do you aspire to create stunning floral displays but lack the know-how? 
  You're not alone if you're curious about flowers, their significance, and how to care for and arrange them to create breathtaking displays. Many share the curiosity and the desire to master the art of flowers but don't know where to begin. 
  The author, a passionate enthusiast, and authority in the realm of flowers, has traveled the same path as readers, experiencing the overwhelming allure of blooms and the intrigue around their care and arrangement. They've encountered the everyday struggles of aspiring florists, navigating the complexity of flower selection, care, and the art of stunning arrangements. 
  Discover the secret language and symbolism of flowers and their meanings. 
  Explore the art of flower care, from choosing blooms to maintaining their freshness. 
  Unlock the techniques for creating stunning floral arrangements for any occasion. 
  Learn about the history and cultural significance of different flowers. 
  Understand the art of floral design and the principles of aesthetic arrangement. 
  Explore the diversity of flowers and how to harness their beauty in your spaces. 
  Learn how to incorporate flowers into your lifestyle for well-being and aesthetic pleasure. 
  Understand the therapeutic benefits and joy that flowers bring to everyday life. 
  This comprehensive guide draws from the expertise of celebrated floral designers and horticulturalists. The author's journey and dedication to the world of flowers offer a treasure trove for anyone seeking to unravel the secrets and artistry of blooms.

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  Take to the Trees - A Story of...

  Marguerite Holloway

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  Journalist Marguerite Holloway arrives at the Women's Tree Climbing Workshop as a climbing novice, but with a passion for trees and a deep concern about their future. Run by twin sister tree doctors Bear LeVangie and Melissa LeVangie Ingersoll, the workshop helps people develop impressive technical skills and ascend into the canopy. As Holloway tackles unfamiliar equipment and dizzying heights, she learns about the science of trees and tells the stories of charismatic species, including hemlock, aspen, Atlantic white cedar, oak, and beech. She spotlights experts who are chronicling the great dying that is underway in forests around the world as trees face simultaneous and accelerating threats from drought, heat, floods, disease, and other disruptions. 
   
   
   
  As she climbs, Holloway also comes to understand the profound significance of trees in her relationship with her late mother and brother. The book's rousing final chapter offers something new: a grander environmental and arboreal optimism, in which the story of trees and their resilience meshes with that of people working to steward the forests of the future, and of community found among fellow tree climbers. A lyrical work of memoir and reportage, Take to the Trees sounds the alarm about rapid arboreal decline while also offering hope about how we might care for our forests and ourselves.

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  Roadworks

  Sally Cook

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  Roadworks and train station overhauls are confusing this author who has driven into oncoming traffic, avoided a kangaroo crossing a new roadwork barrier, got lost and couldn't find her train station carpark  and who believes her amygdala must be growing as she negotiates new roundabouts, traffic lights, new road hazards and witches hats. Follow her journey.....

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  The Complete History of Ancient...

  Omar Khalil

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  The story of Ancient Egypt begins along the fertile banks of the Nile River, where geography shaped the destiny of one of the world’s most iconic civilizations. The Nile provided more than just water—it was the lifeline that enabled agriculture, transportation, and trade, making permanent settlement possible in an otherwise arid desert. As early as 5000 BCE, small communities began to emerge, relying on the predictable flooding of the river to support grain cultivation. Over time, these settlements evolved into more complex societies, each developing distinct cultural and political practices. 
  The predynastic period saw the rise of two major regions: Upper Egypt in the south and Lower Egypt in the north. These regions were marked by different customs, burial practices, and artistic expressions, yet both shared a reverence for the Nile and its central role in life and death. Villages grew into city-states ruled by local chieftains, and as competition and alliances formed, a gradual move toward centralization began. Archaeological evidence, including pottery styles and tomb construction, shows increasing social stratification and technological innovation during this period. 
  The unification of Upper and Lower Egypt around 3100 BCE marks the beginning of pharaonic rule and the dynastic era. Traditionally attributed to a ruler named Narmer (also known as Menes), this event was not just a political milestone but also a cultural one. Narmer’s unification is immortalized on the Narmer Palette, a ceremonial artifact that symbolically represents the king’s authority over both lands. With unification came the birth of a centralized administration, standardized religious practices, and a single ruler who was seen not only as a political leader but also as a divine intermediary between the gods and the people.

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