This is the remarkably funny true story of some of the brave, brilliant and often barmy men that invented diving. It is a story of explosive tempers and exploding teeth, of how to juggle live hand grenades and steer a giant rubber octopus. A series of vivid portraits reveal the eccentric exploits of these underwater pioneers. They include Guy who held a world altitude record when only sixteen, wrote a film for Humphrey Bogart, invented snorkelling and loved his wife enough to shoot her. Roy wore a backet over his head and stole a coral reef. Bill wearied of fishing with dynamite and wrestling deadly snakes, so he sealed himself in a metal coffin to dangle half a mile beneath the ocean. Cameron, testing the bouncing bomb for dam busters, made a plastic ear for a dog, a false testicle for a stallion and invented a mantrap disguised as a lavatory. He ascended from a depth of 200 feet without breathing equipment to see if his lungs would burst, then studied the effects of underwater explosions by standing closer and closer until shattered by the blast. The book also traces the evolution of underwater exploration, from spear fishermen to conversationalists, from treasure hunters to archaeologists, from photographers to philosophers. The sea is a secretive and seductive place and the author describes, with incredible humour, knowledge and historical accuracy, the magic and mystery of being beneath the waves.

Do you need to know your lime putty from your lime plaster? Want to improve your flatness tolerance? Stuck with an incomprehensible DIY manual? The Penguin Dictionary of Building is your answer. Ably steering you through the confusing maze of jargon and technical terms, this ever-popular text has sold over 150,000 copies and is invaluable for anyone interested in construction: students, professional architects, bricklayers, carpenters, glaziers, plasterers, plumbers or DIY enthusiasts. From abrasives to Z-purlin via the murder clause, this clear and comprehensive dictionary provides succinct and accurate explanations of the techniques, equipment and issues of the building world.

Tracy wasn't surprised that her dad disapproved of Kev, with his hair in spikes, his Dayglo socks and all the rest of his punk gear. But she liked the way he looked and enjoyed going round with him. Besides, she was determined to have a good time before she had to get some boring job and settle down, like her sister Mary.
That was why the trip to Holland seemed such a great idea. Of course it was Kev who suggested it, and Tracy knew that her parents would never let her go off with Kev, just the two of them. On the other hand, if there was a whole bunch of them going, including her friend Karen and some of the others from school, Dad might - just might - say yes.
As things turned out, persuading Dad to say yes was only the beginning of her troubles. In fact so much went wrong that it was hard, afterwards, to remember the good bits, and it wasn't until the whole awful business was over that Tracy realised she should have seen what was going on all along.

A wide-ranging collection of nature poems for children, chosen by Anne Harvey. This is the perfect collection for introducing children to the magic of poetry.

Includes poems from Thomas Hardy, Spike Milligan, Laurie Lee, Ian Serraillier, John Betjemen, William Blake, Geoffery Chaucer, Emily Dickinson, Philip Larkin, Helen Dunmore, and many more.

Oscar can't believe his ears when Ferris Fleet tells him that dragons aren't just fairy-tales, but it's true: dragons are really real, and hundreds once called World Nine home.

But that was before the Dragon-Chasers came; before they hunted down almost every dragon alive to steal their eggs and their gleaming rainbow skin. Now Fleet and his friends are doing everything they can to protect what few remain.

Oscar wants to help - and he may just get his chance. Because a stranger's arrived in Lonelyheart - a man who gives Oscar the creeps. A man they say is a hunter and a poacher, a man who wears a coat of gleaming rainbows . . .

Unresolved and unconscious trauma and distress can cause depression and other psychological states, but how can therapy help? How does it work? What sort of techniques are employed? In PERSONAL THERAPY Dr Brian Roet explains how therapeutic techniques can be used to release deep-seated emotions, to acknowledge our strengths and weaknesses, and help establish emotional equilibrium. His reassuring and practical advice explains how therapy can lead to enjoying a more fulfilling life.

ANTHONY BROWNE is one of the world's most celebrated creators of picture books, with classics such as Voices in the Park, Willy and Hugh and Gorilla to his name. He has won the Kate Greenaway Medal twice, the Kurt Maschler 'Emil' Award three times, and in 2000 became the first British illustrator to win the Hans Christian Andersen Award.

In recognition of his outstanding contribution to children's literature, he was appointed the UK Children's Laureate for 2009 to 2011 and to celebrate both this honour and his glorious career, we present a major retrospective of his life and work. Anthony shares insights into his childhood, his training, and his career as an artist, in this captivating memoir featuring over 200 illustrations.

Tired of repeating everything four times to get your children to listen? Feeling guilty because your children don't behave? This book will save your sanity! How to Behave So Your Children Will Too! explains how to teach your children to behave, how to listen and how to be more cooperative. It also outlines how to manage your own anger and respond consistently, thus avoiding arguments and power struggles. Written by an expert in psychiatry, this book makes discipline simple and your life easier. You will even learn how to enjoy being a parent.'-a riveting reference for all of us who are often put on the spot by our kids' - Family Circle