Release Date: 07/09/15
Publisher: Lawrence King
SYNOPSIS:
Pierre the Maze Detective has a new case. Mr X has stolen the Maze Stone, which has the power to turn the whole of Opera City into a maze. Can you help Pierre and his friend Carmen find their way through the mazes – and stop Mr X before it's too late? This beautifully illustrated book features 15 full-spread illustrations of intricate, magical mazes. Take a trip through a fantastic world of underground cities, hot-air balloons, tree-top towns and haunted houses. Trace your way through each maze, spot the clues and solve the extra mystery challenges along the way. Hours of puzzle fun, for all maze detectives aged 8+. A page of answers with the routes through the mazes and other solutions is included at the end of the book.
REVIEW:
The Japanese version of Where’s Wally and whilst I’m an adult, I had a lot of fun going through each of the images, following the clues to get from point A to point B as I chase Mr X in order to save the Maze Stone from his evil clutches. OK, so its aimed at the 8+ market but lets be honest here, adults will get just as much fun from this title as young household members.
For me, this book wonderful, bright colours, top notch clues and with so many things to find within each image, it’ll take you quite a while to uncover all the nuances within. A great book for children of all ages and a title that my Dad has already pre-booked so he can do the puzzles with his grandkids. Who could ask for more?
Release Date: 08/11/12
SYNOPSIS:
Greetings, adventurer! We lay before you this most comprehensive gazetteer encompassing all the streets of Ankh-Morpork, as well as information on its principal businesses, hotels, taverns, inns, and places of entertainment and refreshment, enhanced by the all-new and compleat map of our great city state. Our city has grown well beyond its ancient walls, but the remit of this commission from the honourable Guild of Merchants was to 'map the city', the pulsing organ of commerce and culture, the heart as opposed to the body, and this we have done. In spades. We ask that when you pore over this glorious work you spare some thought for the humble cartographers and surveyors who made journeys into the darker corners of our metropolis - no less dangerous than the wilds of Skund or Bhangbhangduc. To some the only memorial is the map you now possess. Others, in their quest for knowledge, paid the highest price that scholarship demands, which is to say, a day off in lieu. And so we dedicate this map and these accompanying words to the officers, councilors and members of the Merchants' Guild and to all who will find in its pages paths yet to tread and places yet to explore within the magnificent wonder that is the city of Ankh-Morpork.
REVIEW:
"When dragons belch and hippos flee
My thoughts, Ankh-Morpork, are of thee
Let others boast of martial dash
For we have boldly fought with cash
We own all your helmets, we own all your shoes.
We own all your generals - touch us and you'll lose.
Morporkia! Morporkia!
Morporkia owns the day!
We can rule you wholesale
Touch us and you'll pay." (First Verse of We Can Rule You Wholesale, the National Anthem of Ankh Morpork)
If you’re a fan of Terry Pratchett’s Discworld, this quirky book is going to be a great item to pick up as its not only a guide to the city but includes a giant map to help you find your way round. Full of Pratchett’s humour alongside a whole range of fun added (including Adverts for Morporkian Businesses) this book is a great addition to the world as it really brings it all to life.
Finally throw into the mix a “travellers guide” and all in it was something that I had not only a lot of fun perusing, but one I’ll use quite a few more times when rereading my favourite books. Great stuff.
Release Date: 08/11/12
SYNOPSIS:
My name is Jack Reacher. No middle name, no address. I've got a rule. People mess with me at their own risk. Rule 1: if in doubt drink coffee. Rule 2: never volunteer for anything. Soldier's basic rule. Rule 3: don't break the furniture. Rule 4: only have one woman at a time. Rule 5: be on your feet and ready. Rule 6: show them what they're messing with: hand-to-hand combat; travelling light; cracking codes; handling weapons; conquering your deepest fears; and understanding women.
REVIEW:
Well my Grandad is a huge fan of Reacher so this book has been on my radar for quite some time, especially when you get to sit back and enjoy the rules that have helped shape the character through his myriad of adventures. It’s fun, it has a lot of useful tips and if you’re a fan of the hard man image it’s something that will hit the spot.
Throw into the equation a forward by Lee Child, some quirky additions like Man Toy’s and all round it is something that is going to give a lot of fun to the recipient.
BOOK BLURB:
If you want to get your kids to turn off the TV, step away from the computer and do something less boring instead, 'dadcando' has a project for you. Brimful of magical and creative ideas to try at home, from building a spaceship to doing science experiments in the kitchen, Dadcando is a must for any father who wants to spend quality time with his children. Not only that, it also includes bags of advice and support for dads who find themselves going it alone. Every father wants to be a hero to his kids, and with Dadcando you'll find it's child's play.
REVIEW:
Finding stuff to do when you’re an Uncle that doesn’t cost the earth is always something special so when this offering from Chris landed I really did wonder what I’d let myself in for. Within this offering are tons of projects that involve general household junk that create something new and fun for the child involved. Add to this advice for those who have split with their partners and its something that will aid Dad’s in this awful situation.
Whilst this is aimed at Dad’s it’s a book that will appeal to grandparents and other relatives for the simplicity as well as easy to come by materials for the reader. It will generate hours of fun although, to be honest, my main gripe is that the majority of projects within are aimed at the male market and a few more girly projects would be a great thing to add for future printings.
