Books published by publisher Chrysalis Books Group

Patently Absurd explores the funnier side of our inventive spirit by featuring actual patented products that have to be seen to be believed. The book features such inventions as "an animal powered drive," where an animal is used to move a belt and power a vehicle and a bird diaper to keep those pet birds clean. Gloves for couples who wish to hold hands in cold weather is the outcome of another patented idea, an improvement on ordinary gloves that are "unsatisfactory and indeed unromantic," where two hands can be inserted in one glove. An introduction outlines the background to patenting an invention and its history. Inventions are taken from patent offices internationally and are grouped in sections covering sport and exercise, household, animals, transport, clothing, and leisure.

Pittau and Gervais have managed to create a book which is stunning in design, visually humorous, but with a simplicity and naivety which will appeal to both children and adults alike. Each double page spread features a pair of elephants exhibiting contrasting features. The child-like style of the art is coupled with a sophisticated humour as the artists capture the essence of the opposites being described. This is the ideal gift book.

Meet a fashion-conscious fairy godmother with a difference in this stylish reworking of the classic fairy tale by a new brother-and-sister creative duo. Cinderella moves into the era of flapper girls and the Charleston in a new edition of this famous tale of rags to riches. Too blind to see what he is doing, Cinderella's father marries unwisely and brings home a heartless wife, her argumentative daughters and nasty little dog, who make life miserable for Cinderella until she triumphs in the marriage stakes. Fashion illustrator David Roberts brings all these characters to life in his meticulously researched drawings. Lynn Roberts has crafted a humorous story straight from the art deco period that perfectly complements her brother's illustration.

Suited in his bony-plated armor, Armadillo has no teeth -- but a wonderful personality to share with his friends! Join him in Bang on the Door's The Story of Armadillo, a funk, funny story perfect for beginning readers. With its rhyming storyline, easy-to-follow narrative, and bright pictures, this colorfully illustrated tale is perfect for reading aloud and has a modern twist that make it amusing not only for children, but for adults as well. The Story of Armadillo introduces a new collectible character--with a time-honored moral.

What does a little dog like to do all day? Find out all about canine interests in this adorable rhyming tale, The Story of Dog. Funky and funny, this bright, colorfully illustrated Bang on the Door book is a perfect starting point for any novice reader. Its crisp pictures and easy-to-follow storyline introduce a new collectable character who is not only great fun for children, but adults as well.

My Granny (Was a Frightful Bore But She Isn't Anymore) is a hilarious tale about a granny who's just learning to let go of her inhibitions and "live it up" after years of living a long, safe life. This hilarious, insightful book makes a wonderful gift for the young at heart. With meticulous illustrations by much-loved artist Beryl Cook and humorous rhyming text by Nanette Newman, the text is brilliant for reading aloud.