Books with author Jim Taylor

Flying Start Science Pattern A fascinating introduction to the patterns that surround us, both in nature and in the human world. Superb action photographs by author Kim Taylor, leading wildlife photographer. Simple experiments for young scientists to try. "Engrossing and exciting introductions to both physical science and the natural world" — Kirkus Reviews on the Flying Start Science series.

All peoples have their own stories of how the Earth was created, what separated the land from the seas, and how the many animals, fish, and other creatures came to have their particular characteristics. The native tribes of North America are no different: they too have stories about the “way things began.” A fascinating collection of tales that explain the origins of tornadoes, forest fires, butterflies, horses, Niagara Falls, why dogs are our best friends, and even a very funny story of why owls and rabbits look the way they do.

The Bowery, 1883: Gamblers and thieves, immigrants and Street Arabs, Do-Gooders and charity houses, impossible dreams and impossible odds. This is the story of two "Bowery girls"—the pickpocket Mollie Flynn and the prostitute Annabelle Lee, young women without family or education who must fend for themselves.Two young women whose survival depends on each other. After a chance encounter with Emmeline DuPre, a "Do-Gooder" who has recently opened a settlement house, Mollie and Annabelle are given the opportunity to better themselves. But the city offers many temptations, and on the streets of the Bowery, you do whatever it takes to survive. This vibrant, carefully researched novel shows how much—and how little—our world has changed.

"When the lights are off And the stars are out, Only shadows move about" When Nicky goes to bed, the familiar objects in his room start to take on scary new shapes. Is that a creepy, crawly snake at the end of the bed? Is there a tall, dark stranger standing by door? Don't worry! The snake is only Nicky's sock and the menacing figure is just his robe hanging on the back of the bedroom door. If you have ever thought there might be someone hiding in your closet or peculiar things underneath the bed, this gentle little book will comfort you and take away all those night-time fears. "But do not fear For they'll be gone, When the switch is turned And the lights are on"

When eleven-year-old Brian Pankhurst has to stay with his grandparents, he's not exactly enthusiastic. He barely knows them, after all, and they're a little strange. They're stranger than he realises, in fact. Very soon after he arrives at their ancient house, Brian starts to feel that something isn't right. Why has someone sent his granddad a completely blank letter? Why don't people who go in to the local bookshop ever seem to come out again? What does his granddad mean when he says Brian's father wasn't really an accountant? Then Brian wakes in the middle of the night and finds he's going to have to adjust to three things very quickly: magic is real, monsters are real, and he and his family are in terrible danger...