Written by a British botanist, with contributions from a range of specialists, this detailed exploration of the world of plants includes many explanatory and colourful photographs and diagrams. Starting from morphology, and the way that everything from vines to giant redwoods descended from simple algaes, it takes a tour of the parts of a plant, from roots to buds, and apical meristems to zygotes.

How do forensic specialists identify and piece together clues to present a convincing case in court? This guide to scientific techniques explains the analysis of evidence ranging from drugs to digital devices, dental records to DNA. Foreword by Val McDermid.

Matter is broken down into its fundamentals in these 50 articles on subjects relating to the nature of atoms and molecules, the structure and uses of natural and synthetic materials, and the properties and behaviour of solids, liquids and gases.

Gill Paul recounts fourteen real-life romances between 20th-century movie stars, beginning with the ‘Marriage of the Century’ of Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford in 1920. Illustrated with period images and ephemera, the tales include the stormy marriages of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, the long affair between Spencer Tracey and Katherine Hepburn and the scandalous liaison between Ingrid Bergman and Roberto Rossellini.

Slightly off-mint.

The 20 robot characters in this activity book are pressed out of the coloured pages, folded and glued to make 3D models. A series of game cards are included, to stage a battle based on the characters’ strength, speed and intelligence. Age 6+

With simple experiments and challenges, supported by colour diagrams and step-by-step instructions, this book introduces the skills and concepts that a range of science-based careers rely on, including measuring and recording data, how satellites send signals, and how our organs function. Age 8+

Each page of this book is designed to be coloured, cut or folded to create something ‘much more than a simple piece of paper’, including puppets, paper chains and, of course, some classic paper aeroplanes. Age 8+

Beginning with the origins of Caninae and ending with a directory of 32 popular modern breeds, this colourful volume surveys the biology and behaviour of dogs, how they think and how they interact with people. Written by a team of experts, the book discusses the life of wild dogs as well as the different roles they play as companions, guard dogs, herders and co-workers, and also considers the future for canines in our changing society.

This easy-to-follow, illustrated introduction to coding starts with an explanation of the different computer languages and then demonstrates how to write simple commands, design computer art and build websites using HTML. Age 7+

Far from being ‘bird brains’, chickens demonstrate a range of unique abilities that have made them an integral part of humans’ lives for thousands of years. This science-based exploration compiles the characteristics of forty popular breeds and explains how their anatomy and physiology inform their behaviour. It also presents insights into their intelligence and thought processes and includes practical ‘theory into practice’ panels designed to help keepers better understand their poultry. Off-mint.

Walking a dog provides regular exercise and this illustrated guide offers tips on training, agility and nutrition that will help both pet and owner enhance their health and fitness.

Over 40 festive-themed activities feature in this collection, which includes games and puzzles as well as templates and step-by-step instructions for a range of papercraft projects, from paper garlands to the more challenging advent calendar and Christmas crackers. Age 6+

Evolving from fish scales 500 million years ago, bone is a remarkable material that is capable of strength, lightness and flexibility; in a range of skeletal arrangements it can support the weight of an elephant or a bird in flight and provide the dexterity of a human hand. Through a series of line drawings and extended captions, this accessible introduction examines the different forms and structures that have evolved across the animal kingdom.

These seven lessons, focusing on watercolour, cover various aspects of landscape painting, from tone and texture to composition and perspective, each including clear instructions for tackling a relevant project, such as a desert view, a brooding sky and a Hawaiian beach scene. The book also offers practical information about materials and a detailed account of a sketching trip along the West Coast of Ireland.

These fast-track facts explore the inspiration behind a range of inventions, how they function and their impact, from the abacus and the wheel to the flushing toilet and the internet. Age 8+

What is an exo-skeleton? How does a fly see? How can you avoid being bitten? From skin-shedding to egg-laying and the deadliest bugs of all, find out how insects tick. Age 8+

With topics including what neurons are, memory retention and optical illusions, this book explores how our brains function and make us who we are. Age 8+

With 5,000 years of history, 2,000 styles, and 250 different species of the plant genus Camellia, this guide covers everything there is to know about tea. Sections include information on the tea-growing regions, how the plant is harvested and processed, and detailed instructions on how to make the perfect cup, from getting the right temperature, to steeping times and how to use a teaspoon.

Admired by humans since the earliest civilizations and prized for their mousing, the keeping of cats purely as pets developed from the 17th century and the first show demonstrating 'fancy' breeds took place in 1868. This portfolio presents 40 studio portraits of modern champion breeds from Siamese and Russian Blue to the hairless Sphynx and provides details about each pedigree and a brief history of cats and cat shows.

Astronauts need to know how to breathe, eat and stay fit in space as well as fly their spaceship. This colourful book introduces aspects of space travel such as rocket propulsion, weightlessness and orbits and encourages engagement for young space cadets with a host of interactive games and suggested activities. The book comes with stickers, a press-out spacecraft model and a board game. Age 6+

Concerns over commercial poultry farming as well as a trend toward the organic, local and home-produced has led many people in recent years to keep a handful of hens for their own supply of eggs, and sometimes meat. This introduction to chicken-keeping reviews the principal egg-laying breeds and how to house, feed and care for them, as well as providing notes on the origins of the bird and the biology of egg production.