Did you know that the flag of the USA was inspired by that of the East India Company - a private shipping company that traded in the spoils of the British Empire? Do you know what the black star on the flag of Ghana means? Or why the Russian flag looks similar to that of the Netherlands? Find the answers to these questions and more in this gorgeously presented, accessible atlas of flags.

Through simple designs and colours, national flags can tell us a lot about the histories, identities and interrelationships of the countries they represent. Grouping flags together first by continent and then by theme, this illuminating book explains how countries relate to one another, and how their politics and histories are interconnected. It provides a great launch point for discussions around identity, geography and nation building, and is a timely addition to the reference shelf of any politically curious 6 to 11-year old.

All About Flags! is packed with fascinating facts, clearly arranged by Robin Jacobs (Earth-Shattering Events, Cicada, 2019) and engagingly presented by Ben Javens (Alex and Alex, Cicada, 2021).

The summit is what drives us, but the climb itself is what matters.

This gorgeous compendium explores eight of the world's greatest mountains across all its continents: Everest, Matterhorn, Chimborazo, Fuji, Kilimanjaro, Denali, Puncak Jaya and Vinson Massif. Discover the fascinating stories of the mountains' formation, their unique ecosystems, the mythologies of their local populations and the legendary tales of their conquest. Each chapter includes a breakdown of the best route to the summit and the dangers one might face on the way.

Concise, accessible texts by Robin Jacobs (Earth-Shattering Events, Cicada 2019) provide further information about mountain terminology, knot tying and climbing gear, making this a must-have for any budding explorer or climbing enthusiast. Dynamic, vintage-inflected illustrations by Ed J Brown (Epic Animal Journeys, Cicada 2022), bring the book to life, capturing a spirit of adventure and taking young readers on an awe-inspiring expedition to the top of the world.

An atlas of the most extreme meteorological and geological disasters that nature has to offer!

''Dynamic illustrations paired with illuminating text will entice even a reluctant reader to revel in this selection; an excellent addition to any nonfiction library''. -- School Library journal, Starred Review

''An eye-opening, and -widening, early introduction to our restless planet''. -- Kirkus

''The introduction's warning--every so often, the planet reminds us who's boss--rings out again at the conclusion, which explains how climate change could amplify each of these terrible and fascinating natural events''. -- Publisher's Weekly

''Earth Shattering Events! is one of those books that perfectly balances both the needs of the child, and the wants of the adult; it's fun, educational and equally entertaining to people big and small''. -- The AOI

We humans take our domination of the planet for granted, but sometimes nature reminds us that this is an illusion. Tectonics rip open the earth, vast waves sweep away coastal towns, magma spews from volcanoes and hurricanes lay waste to entire countries.

This book explores nature at its most destructive. Clear, coherent explanations break down the science behind phenomena including hurricanes, tornadoes, avalanches, earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanoes, alongside fascinating facts about the biggest and the worst. Informative, accessible illustrations by Sophie Williams make this so much more than your standard geography book.

The Mellon family have outgrown their flat. It's time to move, but none of the houses they look at are quite right, so they decide to build their own house. Masha is an architect. She designs a house that accommodates the Mellons' needs, their budget, and most importantly the environment. It is an eco-house.

The Mellons Build a House is a hugely enjoyable picturebook that takes the reader step by step through the design and construction of a house. Heat pumps, solar panels, insulation and rainwater harvesting are all explained, and brought to life in Nik Neves's warm, inclusive illustrations.

Everybody loves a passport - especially children. With the exact shape and size of a passport, this delightful travel activity book will offer kids endless entertainment for those interminable hours waiting at the airport. Activities include drawing the logos on plane tails, identifying different time zones, designing a flag for a made-up country, saying hello in thirty different languages, and filling in a boarding pass.

All this is immaculately packaged, with a tear-out sheet of stamps and a tiny folder attached to the inside back cover containing a miniature teddy passport adding extra charm. Perfect for design-savvy young globetrotters.

A funny yet empowering story about a child, who unaware of his own talents, creates a diverse community around him, delighting in his show.

''This is an adorable story, complemented by energetic, fun illustrations. The art excels at showing the growing happy crowd of diverse spectators enjoying Louis's capers, and it's hard not to smile and shout Hooray! along with them''. -- Youth Services Book Review

''A sweet picture book read about embracing the unexpected, THE MISSING TRICK will delight young readers with its simplicity and magic''. -- YA and Kids Central

''A fun and # inclusive picture book with lots to explore''. -- CILIP School Libraries Group

''A magical story about talent and self-belief, that acts as a reminder that sometimes distractions can mean we miss the magic happening right in front of us''. ✨-- Paper Ren

''A simple yet powerful book...Aimee Wright's beautifully illustrated audience are diverse too - meaning every child reading this book can relate to the people they see shown on the pages''.
-- The Value's Bookshelf

''An entirely clever and brilliantly illustrated story. I can't recommend this one highly enough!'' -- My Shelves Are Full

Meet Louis... Every little thing he does is MAGIC!

Louis is a young street magician. He is setting up for his show but he can't find his rabbit anywhere. He looks inside his hat but finds only a bouquet of flowers, which is caught by a passing woman as he throws it away in disgust. He looks under his cups, spilling out dozens of balls, which are pounced upon by a group of kids. An endless string of scarves comes out of his sleeve and is wrapped around the neck of a posh lady.... With each trick, his audience grows, and unbeknownst to Louis, his show is unfolding brilliantly... But WHERE could that pesky rabbit be hiding

Finally, Louis looks in his bag.... climbs in it.... and disappears. Now the rabbit AND Louis are missing! The audience hold their breaths until, POOF! Louis appears on the table in a puff of smoke. They erupt in a roar of applause. Louis, bemused, notices them for the first time. He takes off his cap to take a bow. The rabbit is sitting on his head.

An adorable story to enjoy time and again, complemented by energetic, fun illustrations by newcomer Aimee Wright.