Our Children’s Book of the Month for December is I Did See a Mammoth by Alex Willmore.
A delightfully original story about embracing the unexpected – alongside themes of adventure and exploration from a multi-award-winning picture book-maker and Kate Greenaway Medal nominee.
Continue reading Children’s Book of the Month: I Did See a MammothOur Book of the Month for December is Found in Translation: The Unexpected Origins of Place Names by Duncan Madden. This book unravels the tangled threads of history and etymology to uncover the strange, intriguing and enlightening stories that have shaped the names of countries and places around the world.
In this extract we look at the etymology behind ‘Argentina’:
Continue reading Extract: Found in TranslationOur Book of the Month for December 2022 is Found in Translation: The Unexpected Origins of Place Names by Duncan Madden.
An enlightening, etymological journey across continents, uncovering the history and origins of the places we live and travel to.
Continue reading Book of the Month: Found in TranslationOur Book of the Month is 36 Islands: In Search of the Hidden Wonders of the Lake District by Robert Twigger. Here Robert tells us the best ways to explore the Lake District’s islands:
1. Packraft or inflatable canoe
Some lakes are next to convenient roads but not all are. Many Scottish lochs with interesting islands and ruined castles are deep in the wilderness and you have no choice but to walk there. In the Lake District, where I searched out the 36 islands to be found on twelve of the lakes there, quite a few are not that easy to access. Take Devoke Water, far on the western side between Wast Water and Ennerdale- without a very transportable form of boat it would be impossible to reach the tiny island Watness Coy, which is to be found there. This island, called by Wordsworth a ‘bare rock’, is in fact a perfect place for a one person camp. It has a single tree and a gravel beach and can be reached after crossing 200 metres of lake. Providing you are able to carry your boat in. That’s where the inflatable packraft comes in. Made of super-light and super-strong materials and weighing between 1.5 and 2.5 Kg you slip this craft rolled up into your rucksack and walk happily over the worst terrain to get to your objective. With dismountable paddles and a lightweight lifejacket of the kind used by fisherman such remote islands are fairly easy to reach. The joy at approaching an uninhabited island which is rarely visited is a great experience and with a packraft or inflatable canoe you can easily carry enough gear to set up camp and have a wonderfully remote time ‘stealth camping’ ie. trespassing in the nicest possible way…
Continue reading Top 5 ways to explore the Lake District’s islandsOur Children’s Book of the Month for November 2022 is The Search for the Giant Arctic Jellyfish written and illustrated by Chloe Savage.
A moving tale of grit, endurance and self-belief to inspire young explorers and dreamers.
Our Book of the Month for November 2022 is 36 Islands: In Search of the Hidden Wonders of the Lake District by Robert Twigger
A journey across the Lake District to discover the secrets of its 36 islands.
Continue reading Book of the Month: 36 Islands: In Search of the Hidden Wonders of the Lake DistrictOur Children’s Book of the Month for October 2022 is Incredible India by Jasbinder Bilan, illustrated by Nina Chakrabarti.
Journey across the diverse regions of India in this beautifully illustrated introduction to the culture and history of this incredible country and its people.
The first work of non-fiction by multi-award-winning author Jasbinder Bilan, brought to life by artist Nina Chakrabarti, is a joyful celebration of India and its people, places and wildlife.
Watch elephants bathing from a houseboat in Kerala, marvel at ancient cave paintings in Bhimbetka, wander through Delhi’s bustling streets, and ride a train through the snow-capped peaks of the Himalaya.
Continue reading Children’s Book of the Month: Incredible IndiaOur Book of the Month for October 2022 is Atlas of Geographical Curiosities by Vitali Vitaliev.
Welcome to this compendium of interesting, unexpected and downright bizarre geographical anomalies that are guaranteed to delight and inspire. The world is full of little-known facts that have sometimes been a source of diplomatic or military struggle. Many still exist under the radar now to be revealed by this entertaining treasure trove.
Where else can you discover:
Continue reading Book of the Month: Atlas of Geographical CuriositiesOur Children’s Book of the Month for September 2022 is Atlas of Dogs written by Frances Evans, illustrated by Kelsey Heaton, published by Lonely Planet Kids.
We love dogs here at Stanfords. We are a dog friendly shop and you are welcome to bring your dogs inside. Here are just a few of our favourite customers pictured on our map floors over the years:
When we heard about the Atlas of Dogs, we knew we had to make it our Children’s Book of the Month.
Continue reading Children’s Book of the Month: Atlas of DogsOur Book of the Month for September 2022 is High: A Journey Across the Himalayas Through Pakistan, India, Bhutan, Nepal and China by Erika Fatland, translated by Kari Dickson.
An ambitious and magnificent new travelogue by internationally bestselling, prizewinning writer Erika Fatland, on a journey along the Himalayas.
The Himalayas meander for more than two thousand kilometres through many different countries, from Pakistan to Myanmar via Nepal, India, Tibet and Bhutan, where the world religions of Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism are interspersed with ancient shamanic beliefs. Countless languages and vastly different cultures exist in these isolated mountain valleys. Modernity and tradition collide, while the great powers fight for influence.
Continue reading Book of the Month: High: A Journey Across the Himalayas Through Pakistan, India, Bhutan, Nepal and China
