Cloud atlas is a cleverly written book consisting of six seperate, but connecting stories set across six different periods in time. Each story has been chopped in two and symmetrically placed in the book so you don’t discover the conclusion to the first tale until the very end of the book.This layout effectively creates a storytelling ripple where the sixth and final story is told, as a whole, at the books central core, before the reader then moves back out in the direction they came to discover each of the other characters destiny’s.

George is so excited when he receives a thank-you card in the mail from his friend Betsy. Now he wants to send thank-you cards too! Who can he thank? George tries to remember all the people who have been nice to him. But tracking them down to deliver his homemade cards soon becomes an adventure! Follow along with George as he learns the importance of saying thank you and having good manners. Includes two perforated Curious George thank-you cards for personalizing! For more monkey fun, investigate www.curiousgeorge.com and discover all the latest on Curious George, books, promotions, games, activities, and more!

Gideon likes to splash with the ducklings, hop with the frogs, play chase-the-piglets and scamper all over the farmyard. But one thing busy Gideon does not want to do is take his nap, no matter how many times his mother asks... until he gets tired, of course. Another darling gosling makes his debut in this spunky story, with Olivier Dunrea's perfectly pitched storytelling and illustrations that Gossie&Friends fans have come to cherish.

«A compelling novel of desire, secrecy, and sexual identity, In One Person is a story of unfulfilled love — tormented, funny, and affecting — and an impassioned embrace of our sexual differences. Billy, the bisexual narrator and main character of In One Person, tells the tragicomic story (lasting more than half a century) of his life as a «sexual suspect,» a phrase first used by John Irving in 1978 in his landmark novel of «terminal cases,» The World According to Garp. His most political novel since The Cider House Rules and A Prayer for Owen Meany, John Irving's In One Person is a poignant tribute to Billy's friends and lovers — a theatrical cast of characters who defy category and convention. Not least, In One Person is an intimate and unforgettable portrait of the solitariness of a bisexual man who is dedicated to making himself «worthwhile.»

New York Times bestselling author and noted British historian Alison Weir gives us the first full-scale, in-depth biography of Mary Boleyn, sister to Queen Anne as well as mistress to Anne's husband, Henry VIII — and one of the most misunderstood figures of the Tudor age. Making use of extensive original research, Weir shares revelations on the ambitious Boleyn family and the likely nature of the relationship between the Boleyn sisters. Unraveling the truth about Mary's much-vaunted notoriety at the French court and her relations with King Francois I, Weir also explores Mary's role at the English court and how she became Henry VIII's lover. She tracks the probable course of their affair and investigates the truth behind Mary's notorious reputation. With new and compelling evidence, Weir presents the most conclusive answer to date on the paternity of Mary's children, long speculated to have been Henry VIII's progeny. Alison Weir pieces together a life steeped in mystery and misfortune, debunking centuries-old myths to give us the truth about Mary Boleyn, the so-called great and infamous whore. Look for special features inside. Join the Circle for author chats and more.

A new novel from Zadie Smith, set in Northwest London Somewhere in Northwest London stands Caldwell housing estate, relic of 70s urban planning. Five identical blocks, deliberately named: Hobbes, Smith, Bentham, Locke, and Russell. If you grew up here, the plan was to get out and get on, to something bigger, better. Thirty years later ex-Caldwell kids Leah, Natalie, Felix, and Nathan have all made it out, with varying degrees of succes — whatever that means. Living only streets apart, they occupy separate worlds and navigate an atomized city where few wish to be their neighbor's keeper. Then one April afternoon a stranger comes to Leah's door seeking help, disturbing the peace, and forcing Leah out of her isolation... From private houses to public parks, at work and at play, in this delicate, devastating novel of encounters, the main streets hide the back alleys, and taking the high road can sometimes lead to a dead end. Zadie Smith's NW brilliantly depicts the modern urban zone — familiar to city dwellers everywhere — in a tragicomic novel as mercurial as the city itself.

From the author of the best-selling One Minute to Midnight, a riveting account of the final six months of World War II, during which the promise of Yalta gave way to the open conflict that led inexorably to the Cold War. When Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin met in Yalta in February 1945, Hitler's armies were on the run, and victory was imminent. The task of the three leaders was to forge the decisions that would shape the postwar world — and to divide Europe between Soviet and Western influence. They had fought side by side for nearly four years but their alliance was beginning to fracture, and though the Berlin airlift and the Iron Curtain were three years in the future, by August 1945 it was clear that cold war was inevitable. Six Months in 1945 captures this turning point of the twentieth century, tracing the steady breakdown in relations between the three powers, brilliantly describing the personalities and geopolitics that fueled this descent, and illuminating the aims and frustrations of all three key leaders. It is a vividly rendered story of individual and national interests in fierce competition at a seminal moment in history.

A boy and his favorite stuffed animals share their days with one another in this cozy bedtime picture book from Mem Fox. There was once a boy who loved bedtime. What could be more wonderful than sharing bedtime with beloved friends? The little boy in this gentle and fun story loves to talk to his stuffed animals each evening and share with them all the things that happened to him that day — and to hear about their days, too. From bestselling author Mem Fox and award-winning illustrator Lauren Stinger, here is a celebration of imagination, play, friendship, and coziness certain to touch a chord with young children everywhere.

«A heartwarming debut novel, now a major movie by David O. Russell — nominated for eight Academy Awards (including Best Picture), four Golden Globes, and four Screen Actors Guild Awards! «Aawww shucks!» NPR's Nancy Pearl said. «I know that's hardly a usual way to begin a book review, but it was my immediate response to finishing Matthew Quick's heartwarming, humorous and soul-satisfying first novel... This book makes me smile.» Meet Pat Peoples. Pat has a theory: his life is a movie produced by God. And his God-given mission is to become physically fit and emotionally literate, whereupon God will ensure him a happy ending — the return of his estranged wife, Nikki. (It might not come as a surprise to learn that Pat has spent several years in a mental health facility.) The problem is, Pat's now home, and everything feels off. No one will talk to him about Nikki; his beloved Philadelphia Eagles keep losing; he's being pursued by the deeply odd Tiffany; his new therapist seems to recommend adultery as a form of therapy. Plus, he's being haunted by Kenny G! David O. Russell, the Oscar-nominated director of «The Fighter», is helming his own adaptation of «The Silver Linings Playbook», featuring Bradley Cooper («People» magazine's Sexiest Man Alive) in the role of Pat, alongside Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Julia Stiles, Chris Tucker, and Jacki Weaver. As the award-winning novelist Justin Cronin put it: «Tender, soulful, hilarious, and true, «The Silver Linings Playbook» is a wonderful debut.»

This lavishly illustrated visual reference is an authoritative survey of the intriguing world of animals. The first section is an overview of animal evolution, classification, biology, behavior, habitats and adaptations. At the core of the book is an encyclopedic survey of all the animal groups-mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fishes and invertebrates. A gallery of more than 2,000 species illustrations is supported by hundreds of detailed explanatory diagrams, distribution maps and color photographs. Feature panels and pages focus on unusual or intriguing aspects of animal behavior. With its rich visual content, stunning graphics and informative text, The Concise Animal Encyclopedia is the ideal reference guide to the animal kingdom.

The Best American Comics showcases the work of both established and up-and-coming contributers from 2012. Guest Editor Francoise Mouly — long-time art editor at The New Yorker and founder of the graphic anthologies RAW — has culled the best pieces from graphic novels, pamphlet comics, newspapers, magazines, minicomics, and the Web to create a stunning installment, complete this year with a selection of pieces devoted to kids and contributions from Charles Burns, Chester Brown, and Joyce Farmer.

Play and learn with Curious George, star monkey of the number-one preschool TV show! This pop-up schoolhouse displays both the outside of the school and the inside of a classroom, and six perforated Curious George characters are ready to take on their new student roles! The set also includes three popular Curious George concept books: Shapes, Numbers, and Color Fun, all square paperbacks. Children can count school supplies, find colorful objects in the classroom, and identify shapes that make up the schoolhouse!

This trilogy spanning World War II, based in part on Evelyn Waugh's own experiences as an army officer, is the author's surpassing achievement as a novelist. Its central character is Guy Crouchback, head of an ancient but decayed Catholic family, who at first discovers new purpose in the challenge to defend Christian values against Nazi barbarism, but then gradually finds the complexities and cruelties of war overwhelming. Though often somber, Sword of Honor is also a brilliant comedy, peopled by the fantastic figures so familiar from Waugh's early satires. The deepest pleasures these novels afford come from observing a great satiric writer employ his gifts with extraordinary subtlety, delicacy, and human feeling, for purposes that are ultimately anything but satiric. Sword of Honor comprises the three acclaimed novels Men at Arms, Officers and Gentlemen, and Unconditional Surrender.

A very readable companion, this Brief Guide includes everything J.R.R. Tolkien: a brief biography, a critical view of Tolkien and what the literati think of him, his profession as a linguist, how Beowulf and other works influenced him, how he invented the nomenclatures and languages for Middle-earth, and much more.

A book for doodling, drawing, laughing, and imagining! Featuring the humourous art of Calef Brown and a wonderful menagerie to stretch and inspire your artistic talents (whether large or small), plus silly stickers to play with. Includes ferocious snails, beautiful giraffes, guitar-playing hound dogs, man-eating bunny rabbits, and many other animals you've never drawn before!

Following in the bestselling footsteps of the Strangest series, London is now available in a beautiful gift format — the perfect present for the London obsessive in the family! This fascinating volume is packed with amazing things you didn't know about the capital, such as the fact that it's still forbidden to run, carry an umbrella or whistle in Burlington Arcade. Did you also know, for example, that there is a tiny, working jail cell that looks like a fat lamppost, situated at the southeast corner of Trafalgar Square, that still has a direct phone link to Scotland Yard? Or indeed, that the entrance to Buckingham Palace that faces down the Mall is actually the back door, not the front? Whether you're a visitor to the capital, a dailuy commuter or one its 7.5 million inhabitants, this book is an alternative, and often bonkers, guide to the city.

From Apricot to Zucchini, and everything in between, here is a beautiful photographic alphabet of world food. Acclaimed photographer and owner of the World Food Cafe in London, Chris Caldicott takes us on a mouth-watering tour of the different crops, dishes and ways of eating from every continent. Find out what Moroccans eat for a healthy snack and how ice is sold in Bangladesh, visit a kitchen in in the Rajasthan desert and a market in Hanoi. With important information on conservation, fair trade and food waste, and Chris's stunning photographs, this book is a celebration of food from all around the world.

This is a beautifully bound gift edition of these classic tales of the famous bear. This beautiful book contains two classic Alfred Bestall stories: Rupert & The Mare's Nest and Rupert & The Lost Cuckoo. Rupert and the Mare's Nest — What's a Mare's nest? Rupert asks his father when he reads the words in a book. They don't exist, says Mr. Bear — but Rupert is determined to find one, and his search takes him to many exciting places! Rupert & The Lost Cuckoo — The cuckoo is one of the busiest birds in Nutwood Village, and how Rupert misses its cheery voice! After a long search he discovers why is has vanished from its usual home.

Explore the sights in Ireland's capital city with this foldout keepsake tucked into a stylish slipcase. Traveling to Dublin? Just returned? Wish you could go? Discover a dozen popular spots, from Dublin Castle (now a convention center) to the lofty St. Patrick's Cathedral, from the handsome brick townhouses of Merrion Square to Gaiety Theatre, the city's longest-running theatrical stage.

Injected with new material and special design elements, Invisible Monsters Remix fulfills Chuck Palahniuk's original vision for his 1999 novel, turning a daring satire on beauty and the fashion industry into an even more wildly unique reading experience. Palahniuk's fashion-model protagonist has it all-boyfriend, career, loyal best friend-until an accident destroys her face, her ability to speak, and her self-esteem. Enter Brandy Alexander, Queen Supreme, one operation away from becoming a bona-fide woman. Laced in are new chapters of memoir and further scenes with the book's characters. Readers will jump between chapters, reread the book to understand the dissolve between fiction and fact, and decipher the playful book design, embarking on a ride they'll never forget.