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Ah, Sweet Mystery of Life: The Country Stories of Roald Dahl
by Roald Dahlroald dahl's new book is a wonderful collection of stories, most of which were written in the late 1940s, originally published in various magazines and collections in the forties and fifties, and are gathered here together for the first time. Set in one English village and sharing a cast of characters, these stories--each bearing the inimitable, antic, slightly wicked Dahl touch--have the vivid effect of a novel, giving us the larger picture of this small world in the years just after World War II. And leave it to Dahl to find the most unusual, the eeriest, the funniest, and the most shocking details lurking inside this (or any) pastoral. There's the ratcatcher who looks--and acts--alarmingly like his quarry...the grand backfiring of the greatest pheasant poaching (a "sporting type of stealing") ever almost pulled off...the strange disappearance--and gruesome reappearance--of Ole Jimmy, the elderly, sweet-tempered, tipsy playground attendant...the comings and goings at the illegal greyhound racetrack where the dogs are far tamer than the bookies...the surprisingorigin of the expression "bull's eye" (and a lesson in assuring the sex of your cow's next calf)... Seven stories that delight us with their mixture of the charming and the charmingly perverse, and that remind us--as only a Roald Dahl story can--that the mystery of life isn't always as sweet as it seems.
Ahab's Rolling Sea: A Natural History of "Moby-Dick"
by Richard J. KingAlthough Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick is beloved as one of the most profound and enduring works of American fiction, we rarely consider it a work of nature writing—or even a novel of the sea. Yet Pulitzer Prize–winning author Annie Dillard avers Moby-Dick is the “best book ever written about nature,” and nearly the entirety of the story is set on the waves, with scarcely a whiff of land. In fact, Ishmael’s sea yarn is in conversation with the nature writing of Emerson and Thoreau, and Melville himself did much more than live for a year in a cabin beside a pond. He set sail: to the far remote Pacific Ocean, spending more than three years at sea before writing his masterpiece in 1851. A revelation for Moby-Dick devotees and neophytes alike, Ahab’s Rolling Sea is a chronological journey through the natural history of Melville’s novel. From white whales to whale intelligence, giant squids, barnacles, albatross, and sharks, Richard J. King examines what Melville knew from his own experiences and the sources available to a reader in the mid-1800s, exploring how and why Melville might have twisted what was known to serve his fiction. King then climbs to the crow’s nest, setting Melville in the context of the American perception of the ocean in 1851—at the very start of the Industrial Revolution and just before the publication of On the Origin of Species. King compares Ahab’s and Ishmael’s worldviews to how we see the ocean today: an expanse still immortal and sublime, but also in crisis. And although the concept of stewardship of the sea would have been entirely foreign, if not absurd, to Melville, King argues that Melville’s narrator Ishmael reveals his own tendencies toward what we would now call environmentalism. Featuring a coffer of illustrations and an array of interviews with contemporary scientists, fishers, and whale watch operators, Ahab’s Rolling Sea offers new insight not only into a cherished masterwork and its author but also into our evolving relationship with the briny deep—from whale hunters to climate refugees.
Ahimsa
by Josie TaglienteLily loves all creatures great and small, including spiders, and believes that all lives are precious. When caterpillars begin to destroy the leaves of her beloved grapevine, Lily must figure out how to save her plant without hurting the insects that are eating it.
Ahora o nunca: Una vuelta en bici para salvar el planeta
by Marc GrañóHace diez años, todavía había quien dudaba del cambio climático, las abejas no estaban en peligro de extinción, y reciclar era opcional. Hoy, todo esto es nuestra realidad. #AhoraoNuncaLibro <P><P>Vivimos en un mundo en el que: <br>1.- los grandes bosques... están siendo talados. <br>2.- muchas especies de animales... desaparecen cada año. <br>3.- los veranos son más largos y calurosos..., y los inviernos más cortos y menos fríos. <P>Ahora o nunca nos da una vuelta al mundo para ver la realidad de la Tierra con los ojos abiertos. Aprenderás qué puedes hacer tú, día a día, paso a paso, para salvar el planeta.
Ain't Love Grand!: Earthworms to Elephant Seals (Chicago Shorts)
by Marty CrumpThe natural world is filled with diverse—not to mention quirky and odd—animal behaviors. Consider the male praying mantis that continues to mate after being beheaded; the insects, insects, and birds that offer gifts of food in return for sex; the male hip-pocket frog that carries his own tadpoles; the baby spiders that dine on their mother; or the starfish that sheds an arm or two to escape a predator's grasp. In Ain’t Love Grand, Marty Crump—a tropical field biologist well known for her work with the reproductive behavior of amphibians—examines the bizarre conduct of animals as they mate, parent, feed, defend themselves, and communicate. More importantly, Crump points out that diverse and unrelated animals often share seemingly erratic behaviors—evidence, Crump argues, that these natural histories, though outwardly weird, are actually successful ways of living.
Ain't Misbehavin': Why Good Dogs Do Bad Things and Why You Should Change Your Behavior
by Dick Wolfsie Gary R. Sampson DvmBarking. Biting. Piddling. Digging. Dogs are wonderful companions, but they can also be challenging housemates. Dr. Gary Sampson has a message for owners: it's not the dog's fault. It's yours. He helps owners understand why their animal is acting - or reacting - in a certain way and explains how to change that behavior for the better. Using real-life examples from his practice, Sampson proves it's possible to convert that howling devil into an angel.
Air Quality and Livestock Farming (Sustainable Energy Developments)
by Thomas Banhazi Andres Aland Jörg HartungAir quality has a direct influence on health, welfare and production performance of livestock as the high concentrations of noxious gases, dust and airborne microorganisms are likely to reduce production efficiency and the general welfare of farm animals. Long term exposure to particulates in livestock buildings might also affect the respiratory health of farm workers. Dust in animal buildings contains many biologically active substances such as bacteria, fungi, endotoxins and residues of antibiotics (as a result of veterinary treatments) that are suspected to be hazardous to human health. Furthermore, air pollutants emitted from livestock buildings can reduce air, water and soil quality and can potentially undermine the health of nearby residents. Airborne emissions include ammonia, methane, nitrous oxide, particulates like dust and microorganisms. In addition, other potentially harmful substances such as heavy metals, antibiotic residues and components of disinfectants might be also emitted from livestock building that are potentially damaging to ecosystems. In this book, key aspects of agricultural air quality, such as monitoring, managing and reducing airborne pollutants in and around livestock facilities are reviewed. Features: addressing the raising awareness of the importance of optimal health and welfare for lifestock species with contributions from international specialists and researchers providing up-to-date information for professionals involved in modern animal producti This book will be useful for farming professionals, academics, students, policy makers, business leaders, regulatory bodies and agricultural consultants.
Airedale Terrier
by Bardi MclennanThis Comprehensive Owner's Guide to the Airedale Terrier serves as a complete introduction to the breed known to his admirers as "the king of terriers." The largest of the British terriers, the Airedale, hailing from that industrial town in northeastern England, has been favored as a working terrier, show dog, military messenger dog, and farm dog since the nineteenth century. The book begins with an entertaining chapter on the breed's history in England followed by chapters on characteristics and the breed standard encapsulating all of the virtues of this imposing terrier breed, offering sound advice about which owners are best suited to the breed.New owners will welcome the well-prepared chapter on finding a breeder and selecting a healthy, sound puppy. Chapters on puppy-proofing the home and yard, purchasing the right supplies for the puppy as well as house-training, feeding, and grooming are illustrated with handsome adults and puppies bursting with energy and personality! In all, there are over 135 photographs in this compact, useful, and reliable volume. The author's advice on obedience training the super smart Airedale will help readers better mold and train their dogs into the most socialized, well-mannered dog in the neighborhood. The extensive chapter on healthcare written by Dr. Lowell Ackerman provides up-to-date detailed information on selecting a qualified veterinarian, vaccinations, parasites, infectious diseases, and more. Sidebars throughout the text offer helpful hints, covering topics as diverse as historical kennels, toxic plants, first aid, crate training, carsickness, fussy eaters, and parasite control. Fully indexed.
An Airplane for Pig (Fountas & Pinnell Classroom, Guided Reading)
by Maryann Dobeck Jackie UrbanovicNIMAC-sourced textbook
Ajapa the Tortoise: A Book of Nigerian Folk Tales
by Margaret BaumannLong before people could turn to books for instruction and amusement, they relied upon storytellers for answers to their questions about life. Africa boasts a particularly rich oral tradition, in which the griot -- village historian -- preserved and passed along cultural beliefs and experiences from one generation to the next. This collection of 30 timeless fables comes from the storytellers of Nigeria, whose memorable narratives tell of promises kept and broken, virtue rewarded, and treachery punished.Ajapa the Tortoise -- a trickster, or animal with human qualities -- makes frequent appearances among the colorful cast of talking animals. In "Tortoise Goes Wooing," he learns a valuable lesson in friendship and sharing. Ajapa's further adventures describe how, among other things, he became a chief, acquired all of the world's wisdom, saved the king, tricked the lion, and came to be bald. Recounted in simple but evocative language, these ancient tales continue to enchant readers and listeners of all ages.
Akbar Birbal Tales
by BPI India Pvt LtdAkbar-Birbal tales are passed on mainly by oral tradition. They focus on how Birbal manages to outsmart the envious courtiers who try to trap and portray him in poor light in front of Emperor Akbar, often in a humorous manner with him shown giving sharp and intelligent responses.
Akiak A Tale of the Iditarod
by Robert J. BlakeFrom the Book Jacket: It is Iditarod day. Fifty-six dog teams will race through 1,151 miles of rugged Alaskan terrain from Anchorage to Nome. Akiak knows these miles well. As lead dog, she has raced the incredible trail before, but never won. She is ten years old: if she is going to win, it must be now. When snow hurts her paw on the fourth day out, Mick, her musher, must leave her behind and continue the race without her. The rules say once a dog is dropped from the race, it may not rejoin the team. But Akiak doesn't know about rules. She is a lead dog, and her place is with the team. Nothing, not blizzards, not breaking ice, not the people out to catch her, will stop Akiak from catching up to her team. The question is, can the team still win? Robert J. Blake's majestic snow-scapes will lead you through this unforgettable tale of a dog with a hero's heart, a dog who will not give up. Akiak will leave you cheering.
The Akimbo 2-Book Omnibus
by Alexander Mccall SmithBestselling novelist Alexander McCall brings the majesty and dangers of Africa to life in these vividly imagined adventures for young readers. Imagine living in the heart of Africa, where the sun rises each morning over blue mountains, and great plains stretch as far as the eye can see. Imagine living in a place where wild animals still roam freely--elephants, lions, crocodiles. Akimbo lives in such a place. But Africa can be as dangerous as it is beautiful . . .In Akimbo and the Snakes, Akimbo can't believe his luck when his father allows him to visit his uncle Peter's snake park. And when a local village calls to report the sighting of a green mamba snake--the rarest and deadliest snake of all--Akimbo hopes to help his uncle catch it for the park. But little does he expect to find himself trapped face-to-face with the deadly reptile.In Akimbo and the Baboons, Akimbo and his cousin, Kosi, are excited to join a scientist who has come to study baboons in the wild. But when a black leopard is seen near their camp, and Akimbo and Kosi get lost in the bush, it will take all the courage the boys can muster--plus some help from an unusual friend--to lead them back to safety.
Akimbo And The Elephants
by Alexander Mccall SmithTen-year-old Akimbo lives on a game preserve in Africa. His father is the head ranger, and Akimbo is eager to help him whenever he can--even if it means getting into some pretty dangerous situations. In Akimbo and the Elephants, ivory poachers are killing grown elephants for their tusks and leaving the calves to die. When the authorities fail to turn up new leads, Akimbo sets out to save the elephants by posing as a hunter himself.
Akimbo and the Crocodile Man
by Alexander Mccall SmithWhen a visiting croc expert invites Akimbo along on a field study, Akimbo is thrilled. But when the crocodiles attack the guide, injuring him gravely, it will be up to Akimbo to cross a crocodile-infested river and jump start a truck to bring back help. A rousing new Akimbo adventure from bestselling author Alexander McCall Smith. Ages 7 to 9.
Akita
by Meg Purnell Carpenter Meg Purnell-Carpenter Barbara J. AndrewsThis Comprehensive Owner's Guide to the Akita serves as a complete introduction to the largest of Japan's spitz breeds. Hailing from "Land of the Rising Sun," the Akita is a official recognized as a Natural Monument in Japan and regarded by Westerners as a dignified and courageous guardian breed. Written by two of the most influential Akita breeders in the world, Barbara J. ("BJ") Andrews of O'BJ kennels and Meg Purnell-Carpenter of Overhill kennels (UK), the book begins with a fascinating and informative chapter on the breed's history in Japan, tracing its development in the U.S. and England a historical path that both authors were instrumental in achieving. The authors continue with chapters on the breed's characteristics and the standard, encapsulating all of the virtues of this handsome, dominant and loyal breed, offering sound advice about which owners are best suited to the breed.New owners will welcome the well-prepared chapter on finding a breeder and selecting a healthy, sound puppy. Chapters on puppy-proofing the home and yard, purchasing the right supplies for the puppy as well as house-training, feeding, and grooming are illustrated with handsome adults and puppies bursting with attitude and personality! In all, there are over 135 photographs in this compact, useful, and reliable volume. The author's advice on obedience training the strong-minded and strong-bodied Akita will help readers better mold and train their dogs into the most socialized, well-mannered dog in the neighborhood. The extensive chapter on healthcare provides up-to-date detailed information on selecting a qualified veterinarian, vaccinations, parasites, infectious diseases, and more. Sidebars throughout the text offer helpful hints, covering topics as diverse as historical kennels, toxic plants, first aid, crate training, carsickness, fussy eaters, and parasite control. Fully indexed.
¡Al agua Patatús!
by Gabriela KeselmanGabriela Keselman escribió estos tres cuentos cortos para aquellos pequeños lectores que sienten que, de a ratos, crecer es verdaderamente fácil, y de a ratos, verdaderamente difícil. ¡Atención los castores que se comen las uñas! ¡Alerta para todas las ratoncitas que sueñan con hamacarse hasta el cielo! ¡Bienvenidos los patos a los que no les gusta el agua! Con estos relatos, dejarán atrás el aburrimiento, volarán alto y descubrirán que el ingenio puede ser más grande que el miedo.
Al escenario: Serie Magia del revés - Nº3 (Magia del revés #Volumen 3)
by Sarah MlynowskiSiguen las aventuras en la Escuela de Magia. Cuidado...¡la magia está en el aire! Nory y sus amigos de la clase de Magia del Revés nunca permiten que nada los detenga. ¡Y menos ahora que se acerca el concurso de talentos de la escuela! Por eso, cuando Ellitott sospecha que una espía pretende desvelar los secretos de su actuación para perjudicarlos, el grupo unirá todas sus fuerzas para salir al escenario y llenarlo de magia.
Alan Titchmarsh How to Garden: Pests and Problems (How to Garden #26)
by Alan TitchmarshIn this definitive guide, Alan Titchmarsh addresses key problem areas and provides easy-to-follow guidance on how to protect precious plants. Encouraging gardeners to create healthy ecosystems, Alan talks through the techniques to deal with harmful pests, weeds, diseases and disorders and suggests preventative measures to ensure happy, disease-resistant plants.* Directory of pests and problems with over 200 colour illustrations* Good gardening techniques for preventing disorders* How to select the right plants for the right conditions* Advice on chemical versus nonchemical treatments* Instructions for tackling problems in lawns and borders
The Alarm of the Black Cat (The Rachel Murdock Mysteries #2)
by Dolores HitchensThis classic mystery features a family feud, feline intervention, and the spirited septuagenarian sleuth from The Cat Saw Murder. A strange encounter with a little girl named Claudia and a dead toad sparks Rachel Murdock&’s obsessive curiosity, and she winds up renting the house next door just to see how things play out. But soon after she and her cat Samantha move in, Rachel realizes they&’ve landed right in the middle of a deadly love triangle that&’s created animosity among the three families who now surround her. When Rachel finds Claudia&’s great-grandmother dead in her basement, she reaches out to a friend in the LAPD to solve the crime. They soon learn the three households have been torn apart by one husband&’s infidelity and a complicated will that could lead to a fortune. In a house plagued by forbidden love, regret, and greed, Rachel will have to trust her intuition, as well as Samantha&’s instincts, to survive—and keep Claudia out of the hands of a killer whose work has just begun . . . &“You will never regret having made the acquaintance of Miss Rachel Murdock.&” —The New York Times The Alarm of the Black Cat was originally published under the pseudonym D. B. Olsen. Praise for Dolores Hitchens &“High-grade suspense.&” —San Francisco Chronicle on Stairway to an Empty Room/Terror Lurks in Darkness &“For those who enjoy Little-Old-Lady detectives, this should be a pleasing mystery, particularly if active LOLs are preferred. . . . Both interesting and unusual is the motive for murder.&” —Mystery*File on Cats Don&’t Smile
Alaska Bears: Shaken and Stirred
by Jake JacobsonALASKA BEARS: Shaken and Stirred is a collection of 24 stories describing Jake's personal experience hunting and guiding for all the species of bears in Alaska. Bear biology, hunting techniques, cabin depredations and avoidance thereof, and other aspects of bear pursuits are detailed. These are true stories except for the names of some of the hunting guests from Jake's fifty years of living and hunting in Alaska.
Alaska Brown Bear: A Brown Bear Hunt on the Alaska Peninsula – An Extraordinary Adventure
by Jerry EdgingtonFew experiences in life are true adventures; even fewer are truly extraordinary. Rarely, very rarely are they both; where the past and the future collide in an unforgettable present moment. Where the senses, the intellect and the spirit and harmony in the experience. I hadn't imagined that an Alaska Peninsula bear hunt would be one of those adventures. I've experienced moments of truth when hunting—the rush of spotting game, the stalk, and the shot. But that changed on this hunt. Connecting to the transcendent silence of Alaska, nature as pure as it comes; that became my real moment of truth. It became my real world, more than the one I had le behind. My bear hunt was more than I expected and maybe more than I was prepared for, but not more than I wanted, or needed, and in the end it had little to do with getting a bear.
Alaska Dinosaurs: An Ancient Arctic World
by Anthony R. FiorilloAnthony Fiorillo has been exploring the Arctic since 1998. For him, like many others, the Arctic holds the romance of uncharted territory, extreme conditions, and the inevitable epic challenges that arise. For Fiorillo, however, the Arctic also holds the secrets of the history of life on Earth, and its fossils bring him back field season after field season in pursuit of improving human understanding of ancient history. His studies of the rocks and fossils of the Arctic shed light on a world that once was, and provide insight into what might be.
Alaska Flying: Surviving Incidents & Accidents
by Jake JacobsonLASKA FLYING: Surviving Incidents and Accidents encompass many short stories about Jake's experiences gained from 1967 to the present as a pilot in Alaska. Though he logged time as pilot in command in other parts of the world, including Southern Rhodesia, Namibia, Australia, Bolivia, Hawaii, Arizona and other locations, the stories in this collection relate exclusively to Alaskan flying.