29 BOOK REVIEWS Bookstand The latest releases in gift books THE SECRET LIVES OF MOLECULES By Dr Kathryn Harkup RRP: £16.99 Format: Hardback Dr Kathryn Harkup is on a mission to unveil the hidden atomic world that surrounds us. Here she introduces 52 of the most incredible molecules that are part of our daily lives. Molecules are constructed from a limited set of atoms that can combine in an almost infinite variety of arrangements. And when they do, they take on a kaleidoscope of properties and become far greater than the sum of their parts. From adrenaline to ozone and from nylon to DNA, Harkup explores the impact of a myriad of molecules and how they keep us engaged with life and living – or indeed the reverse. This fascinating book examines a cast of strange and intriguing compounds with forensic gusto and narrative flair; revealing the complexity and power of the hidden world that surrounds us. Did you know: Bees ‘talk’ to each other by emitting a molecule called Decenoic Acid? The Victorians pumped ozone into hospitals, churches and theatres, believing it to be good for them – when in fact it caused lung tissue damage? Low doses of alcohol can ward off both colds and heart disease? Caffeine is a potent psychoactive drug, although you’d need to drink upwards of fifty cups a day to suffer serious ill effects? Dr Kathryn Harkup is a chemist and author. Her first book was the international bestseller, A is for Arsenic. She has also written about the science of Frankenstein in Making the Monster, all the ways to die in a Shakespeare play in Death by Shakespeare and investigated the scientific background to vampires in Vampirology. She is the author of a companion volume, The Secret Lives of the Elements, published in 2021. www.quercusbooks.co.uk THE ETHNO BOTANICAL By Dr Sarah Edwards RRP: £30 Format: Hardback Since the beginning of humanity’s existence, plants have provided us with everything we need – they sustain us with air to breathe, food to eat, materials to make clothes and shelter with, and medicine to treat and prevent disease. Their beauty can also enhance our mood and provide spiritual and emotional nourishment. Western science has ‘discovered’ and named innumerable plant species over the course of its colonial history. To many Indigenous peoples, however, plants have been recognised for centuries as sentient beings, imbued with spirit and agency to help humanity. Publishing in partnership with the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, The Ethnobotanical offers a unique and beautiful perspective on plants and their roles in the lives of peoples from across the planet. Dr Sarah Edwards is an ethnobotanist and biodiversity informaticist who worked for many years at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and now lectures at the University of Oxford. She is also the current plant records officer for Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum. Her research has included investigating medicinal plant use in the favelas of northeast Brazil; traditional plant knowledg www.quercusbooks.co.uk THE LITTLE FROG’S GUIDE TO SELF CARE By Maybell Eequay RRP: £8.99 ISBN: 9781837991013 Format: Hardback Hop into this uplifting little book, filled with positive affirmations on self-love and empowerment, as told by the internet’s most fashionable frog. “Don’t forget about the subtle magic that is happening all around you every day” Meet the little frog! With its mushroom cap and endless collection of fabulous footwear, this adorable amphibian is here to be your new best friend. Whether you need an emotional boost, some friendly encouragement or an honest view on the world, the little frog will be your guide. Created by the California-based artist Maybell Eequay, this book is a perfect compassionate gift for yourself or others. Inside you will find: • Over 40 hand-drawn illustrations of the little frog • Beautiful life lessons and empowering reminders that it’s okay to be gentle with yourself and to feel your feelings • A humorous, no-nonsense approach to positivity These illustrations will fill your heart with love for yourself and others, and remind you that it’s brave and wonderful of you to exist! www.hachette.co.uk THE YOUNG ONES | THE COUNTRY SET By Hannah Dale RRP: £12 The charming and captivating creatures within are brimming with character and ready to bounce off the page in Hannah’s unique and quirky style. Readers will meet foxes, seals, otters, dolphins, horses and many more adorable animals, making these books irresistible for any nature enthusiast. The Young Ones is a delightful celebration of new life, featuring fifty hand-painted British baby animals. From playful fox cubs to tiny fluffy ducklings, each animal portrait is accompanied by informative and witty text describing how these little creatures make their way into the world. Discover that kingfisher chicks have to leave the nest after four days and how young dolphins remain in their mother’s care for up to six years, all nestled amongst adorable illustrations. The Country Set showcases fifty quintessentially British birds and animals from the red deer to the harvest mouse, including entertaining written introductions and paintings of tracks and feathers to help you identify where they have been, even when you can’t see them. www.batsfordbooks.com
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTA0NTE=