This anthology of walking brings together essays, reflections, and literary excerpts by Hazlitt, Wordsworth, Thoreau, Dickens, Borrow, Whitman, Stevenson, De Quincey, and others, with Hilaire Belloc providing a spirited introduction. Across its varied voices, walking emerges as far more than exercise: it is a way of seeing more clearly, thinking more deeply, and meeting nature, travel, freedom, and selfhood with fresh intensity. Belloc treats the pedestrian life as a graceful, deliberate a...

When you're small in the city, people don't see you, and loud sounds can scare you, and knowing what to do is sometimes hard. But this little kid knows what it's like and knows the neighborhood. And a little friendly advice can go a long way. Alleys can be good shortcuts, but some are too dark. And there are lots of good hiding places in the city, like under a mulberry bush or up a walnut tree. And if the city gets to be too much, you're always welcome home, where it's safe and quiet.

"Peter Plymley's Letters" is a collection of witty and insightful correspondence penned by Sydney Smith, a prominent English essayist and clergyman. The letters, written in a conversational style, address various social and political issues of the time, showcasing Smith's sharp intellect and humor. Through his engaging prose, he critiques contemporary society, discusses education, and reflects on the role of religion, all while maintaining a light-hearted tone that invites readers to ponde...

In "Fallacies of Anti-Reformers," Sydney Smith meticulously dismantles the arguments presented by those resistant to social and political reform in early 19th-century England. Utilizing a blend of incisive wit and careful analysis, Smith's literary style is characterized by a sharp clarity and a persuasive eloquence, which allows him to dissect complex ideas without losing engagement. The text emerges as a vital contribution to the reformist discourse of the period, reflecting the broader ...

Nearly everyone who works in the bar is trying to make it as an artist or something. We are trying to make it as dancers, writers, shoe makers and DJs, actors, tattooists, costume designers and developers. We do not care about the bar and yet we find we cannot help but care a little. This is the story of how we became an odd family. In it you will also find lots of smaller stories, about rescuing a nest of swan eggs, pulling a corpse from the canal, and giving birth to half a watermelon.

_______________'Original, compulsive, uplifting: this is another triumph for Balen' - Alex O'Connell, The Times Children's Book of the Week'Balen's best book yet: ambitious, funny, spirited, moving, heartfelt and bold all at once. She's a force to be reckoned with' - Ross Montgomery_______________From the author of October, October, winner of the Yoto Carnegie Medal ...

A deeply moving picture book about a young mother and her family who find strength, resilience, and even joy in the face of sorrow, from bestselling author Kate Beaton and renowned artist Sydney SmithRebecca lives in a bright and bustling home with her family on an island, where their days are full of work and also stories and laughter.Then, one wintry day, her husband disappears into the icy sea.Sorrow follows Rebecca home, haunting empty chairs an...

A stunningly illustrated, warm and original Christmas story from two picture-book legends. Mac Barnett and Sydney Smith team up for an unforgettable celebration of Christmas.We all know that Santa makes everyone’s dreams come true every Christmas, but it turns out that he needs a little help getting into the holiday spirit himself. Instead of letting Santa get right back to work after he returns home to the North Pole on Christmas morning, his loyal elves want to m...

Mac Barnett and Sydney Smith team up for an unforgettable celebration of Christmas.We all know that Santa makes everyone’s dreams come true every Christmas, but it turns out that he needs a little help getting into the holiday spirit himself. Instead of letting Santa get right back to work after he returns home to the North Pole on Christmas morning, his loyal elves want to make sure he experiences the same Christmas cheer he provides for others. With the perfect t...

"Witty, full of heart and genuinely fun to read...a wacky, lighthearted romp." -- The New York Times Book ReviewWelcome to the further adventures of the plucky Fitzgerald-Trout siblings, who live on a tropical island where the grown-ups are useless, but the kids can drive.In this second installment, the delightfully self-reliant siblings continue their search for a home. This time, their pursuit will bring them face-to-face with a flood, illegal ca...

In this new book from Joanne Schwartz, a young boy enjoys a summer day while his thoughts constantly return to his father, who is digging for coal deep under the sea A young boy wakes up to the sound of the sea, visits his grandfather's grave after lunch and comes home to a simple family dinner, but all the while his mind strays to his father digging for coal deep down under the sea. With curriculum connections to communities and the history of mining, this beautifully understated and haun...

"Witty, full of heart and genuinely fun to read...a wacky, lighthearted romp." -- The New York Times Book ReviewWelcome to the further adventures of the plucky Fitzgerald-Trout siblings, who live on a tropical island where the grown-ups are useless, but the kids can drive.In this second installment, the delightfully self-reliant siblings continue their search for a home. This time, their pursuit will bring them face-to-face with a flood, illegal ca...