Cheap Book Deals

In a moment of madness John Humphrys decided to buy a semi-derelict cottage overlooking the Aegean. A few minutes gazing out over the most glorious bay he had ever seen was all it took to persuade him but John was to spend much of the next four years regretting the impulse… Told by father and son in turns, this is hilariously revealing about Greece, builders and human nature but is equally revealing about the infamous Radio 4 presenter and his talented son.

In a wonderfully witty style, this casebook gives us the stories of inventors, Nobel Prize winners, scientists, actresses, engineers, architects, kings, tennis champions, criminals, opera singers and many more besides who have benefited from sheer blind luck. From the Japanese trader who made a fortune after a share price typo to the art book bought for £50 that turned out to contain original Picassos, this is a celebration of serendipity and outrageous good fortune.

The joy of this reading scheme is that it is designed to make young readers laugh out loud. And if they’re laughing, they’re enjoying themselves, and if they’re enjoying themselves, they’ll be back for more! This brilliant offer features sixteen hilarious titles designed to send your five, six and seven-year-olds into fits of giggles! Created by the combined talents of Allan Ahlberg and Colin McNaughton, Red Nose Readers will encourage all children to enjoy reading!

These colourful first picture books perfectly fill the gap between babies’ first board books and full-length storybooks, and are tailormade to keep inquisitive toddlers happily absorbed at reading time. The simple stories and bright, engaging illustrations reflect small children’s everyday lives - with the odd caveman and penguin thrown in for good measure! - and encourage discussion of early learning topics such as colours, sounds and counting. Featuring the work of some outstanding children’s authors and illustrators - from Edward Lear to contemporary stars such as Vivian French and Nick Sharratt - this collection is the perfect start to your home library, or a great value way of filling party bags at your little one’s first or second birthday party.

It’s a beautiful snow-sparkling day and Poppy, Honey and Saffron are off to the woods to collect berries to decorate the ballroom for the Winter Ball. As they walk along the path they find an injured baby deer who needs their help. The girls know they can’t just leave him there… find out how they rescue him in this magical midwinter adventure.

Cathy Cassidy’s fresh and funny novels have brought her a legion of devoted fans, and it’s not hard to see why. With true-to-life characters, realistic plots and a large dose of humour, Cathy really has her finger on the pulse of what teens and tweens enjoy reading. Meet Dizzy, whose mum left when she was small; Indigo, who is moving away from her best friend; Scarlett, who always seems to be getting into trouble, and a host of other appealing characters in these six heart-warming reads.

Maurice Sendak’s classic picture book was first published in 1963 and has since become one of the world’s bestloved children’s books. Max’s journey will soon be the subject of a huge film, so this is your opportunity to reacquaint yourself with this classic tale as originally told over 40 years ago.

At the age of 25, Spain’s Fernando Torres has already established himself as one of the Liverpool greats and a proud wearer of the fabled No 9 shirt. His first book provides a captivating illustrated story of his career to date, alongside candid snapshots of his early life in Madrid, as a child football prodigy and lifelong fan of local club Atletico.

Nicknamed ‘El Nino’ (The Kid), Torres opens up about life on the streets besides Atletico’s Vicente Calderon stadium, signing for the club at aged 15 and appointed club captain by 19, becoming, as one local journalist put it, ‘one part folk hero, one part native son, one part messiah.’

When Liverpool broke their club transfer record to bring Torres to Anfield in July 2007, it proved the turning point in his career. Competing in the goldfish bowl of the English Premier League, settling into the NorthWest and playing alongside Liverpool heroes like Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher, in the company of Spanish team-mates Pepe Reina, Xavi Alonso and Albert Rieira, and performing in front of the Kop who quickly adopted him as one of their own - Torres describes what it means to him to play on one of the greatest stages in world football, and compares and contrasts life in Spain with his new career in England.

Away from the football, Torres talks about life out of the spotlight with his childhood sweetheart Ollala, his family and friends, and what inspires and motivates him.

What possessed her to become a professional comedian in the cut-throat world of stand-up comedy after ten years as a psychiatric nurse? How did she deal with late night drunken audiences? Raised in middle class comfort, she left home in her teens to live with someone entirely inappropriate. Her parents were aghast at her behaviour and attempted to rein in her excesses, finally giving up when she demonstrated that she was not headed for the life of a nun. From her early years growing up in a small south coast town with two brothers who toughened her up, to emerging on stage as ‘The Sea Monster’, Jo Brand tells it like it is with wit, candour and a wonderful sense that life can be ridiculous but there’s always a funny side.

From the acclaimed master of action and suspense come three very different but equally exciting and gripping adventures. Travel with Alistair Maclean to the high-octane world of 1970s Formula One, the Gypsy Caravans of Provence and the world’s greatest circus in Cold War Europe… Hang on to your seat, wherever you go with Alistair Maclean, the journey is guaranteed to be fast and furious!