Computational Intelligence Paradigms in Advanced Pattern Classification

Welcome to the most magical bakery -- Witchycakes! Little Blue, a witch-in-training, delivers baked goods all over their town, and helps their neighbors with a touch of magic. Cozy up with this sweet chapter book with irresisitible full-color art on every page!In a magical bakery called Witchycakes there's a young witch-to-be named Blue. Blue's Mama bakes with magic and Blue makes the deliveries! They ride their bike all over town with their basket filled with magical scones, tartes, and pies to deliver. There's always something going on in Shelville and Blue loves to help their neighbors -- especially if helping them means they get to use a little bit of magic.Cook up some love with Blue as they use magic and problem-solving to be the best helper they can be in their whimsical little town. And there's a special magical recipe at the end of the book!Fresh from the oven. . . another WITCHYCAKES book! Don't miss Witchycakes #2:Changing Magic

Welcome to the most magical bakery -- Witchycakes! Little Blue, a witch-in-training, delivers baked goods all over their town, and finds things are magically changing allaround them, whether they like it or not. Cozy up with this sweet chapter book perfect for early elementary school readers!In a magical bakery called Witchycakes there's a young witch-to-be named Blue. It's Fallnow but Blue doesn't want to let go of the sunshine from summer. Does everything have tochange? Then, Blue discovers they aren't the only one who's not ready for change. Asthey deliver magical baked goods all over town, Blue helps their neighbors get used to newthings. . . and in the process finds the magic of change!Cook up some love with Blue as they use magic and problem-solving to be the besthelper they can be in their whimsical little townFresh from the oven. . . another WITCHYCAKES book! Don't miss Witchycakes #1:Sweet Magic!

Syaman Rapongan—one of the Indigenous Tao people of Orchid Island near Taiwan—calls himself an “ocean writer.” His works blend Tao folklore and accounts of maritime life with keen critique of the social, psychological, and ecological harms of colonialism. Eyes of the Ocean is his literary autobiography, both a powerful story of survival in a settler state and a masterful portrait of the Indigenous artist as a young man.In colloquial and vivid prose, Syaman Rapongan depicts Tao beliefs in ghosts, practices of exorcism, and the parallel worlds that exist alongside the human realm. He recounts his difficulties speaking Mandarin in school, his experiences of racial discrimination and exploitation in Taipei, and his decision to return to Orchid Island to rediscover his cultural heritage, as well as his travels to visit other Indigenous artists in places such as Greenland. Eyes of the Ocean also tells the story of Syaman Rapongan’s formation as a writer, a practitioner of a genre of his own

Froggy is just a small, slimy guy trying to navigate the big wide pond, and there's no end of sticky situations for him to get caught up in! A small pond like any other lies in the forest, but dwelling in this pond is no ordinary Froggy. He's a little bit of a klutz, and making friends with local wizards, falling foul of Mrs Possum whilst trying to steal her blueberries, and getting into scraps with Crayfish Craig are all in a day's work for this slimy guy. Learning how to deal with big feelings, big magic spells, and big fish in the big world can be a lot for a little frog, but he's not giving up any time soon.

Join in this popular nursery rhyme as you slide and play with this interactive board book!Sing along with your baby as you do the actions to Pat-a-Cake with this sturdy book that encourages language development. Use the Stories Aloud QR code to listen to the song and join in the words as you pull the sliders and spin the wheel. The perfect first introduction to this classic nursery rhyme. Other titles in the series: Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush, Five Little Speckled Frog, Polly Put the Kettle On, Old MacDonald Had a Farm and Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star, plus many more.

Gigi、Moyo 和 Uncle Dee 從城市來到壯麗的「大熊雨林」探險，卻因皮划艇漂走、隨之失去大部分物資，而被困在地球上最原始的森林之一。沒有道路、通訊與糧食，他們必須依靠野外求生技巧尋找食物與庇護所，並面對與野熊相遇的可能。書中由生存專家與保育人士提供專業知識，漫畫分鏡結合真實技巧，讓讀者在故事中學會生火、搭建庇護所、觀星導航、河中抓魚等技能，同時理解保護原始森林的重要性。Gigi, Moyo and their Uncle Dee have come from the city to explore the Great Bear Rainforest. But, when their kayak goes adrift, carrying most of their things with it, they find themselves stranded in one of Earth's deepest tracts of wilderness. What will they do for food and shelter? What if they encounter a bear? And how will they get help in this remote place without roads and without phones or radios?Dee shows them all the tricks they need to survive, telling them all about life in this ancient forest - and why the wilderness needs to be preserved.- Told in lively comic book style- Written with expert advice from wilderness survival experts and conservationists - Perfect for school projects- Discover more books in the 24 hours in... seriesChapters in this book include:- Finding camp- Firecraft

The ladybird and her farm animal friends have a clever crime-busting plan in this fantastic farmyard story, the second in the What the Ladybird Heard series.Join everyone's favourite ladybird in this fantastically funny farmyard caper, from the stellar picture book partnership of Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks.Those crafty robbers Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len are out of jail, and they're heading back to the farm with another cunning plan to cause trouble. They've been stealing eggs from the fat red hen, but now they're setting their sights higher and are planning to steal the fat red hen herself! Fortunately the quiet, clever ladybird is on their trail, and she and her farm animal friends have a plan of their own.With slapstick action, animal noises and a mysterious Snuggly Snerd bird, What the Ladybird Heard Next is a story you'll be reading over and over again.Enjoy more adventures with the clever little ladybird in What the Ladybird Heard, What the Ladybird Heard at the Zoo, What the L

Join in the bear hunt with this fabulous interactive sound book!We're going on a bear hunt. We're going to catch a big one. Will you come too? For thirty-five years, readers have been swishy swashing and splash sploshing through this award-winning favourite.Follow and join in the family's excitement as they wade through the grass, splash through the river and squelch through the mud in search of a bear. What a surprise awaits them in the cave on the other side of the dark forest! Now you can join in the fun with this gorgeous gift edition of the much-loved family favourite with eight exciting sound effects.

Owl wonders why everyone else in the forest sleeps at night, in this sweetly-illustrated story about how we learn to know ourselves. A splendid read for emerging readers, animal lovers, and fans of classics such as Winnie the Pooh, this book works both for bedtime and for budding lovers of adventure stories! Perfect for ages 4-8. In this thoughtful, refreshing, and lovingly illustrated picture book, Owl embarks on a quest to answer the question that's making him feel mixed up: why can't he fall asleep at night when all of the other animals in the forest are sleeping? Setting out on a quest to learn, Owl asks the squirrels, the rabbits, and even a bear! But alas, all the animals are asleep at night and too busy in the daytime to help Owl solve his problem. But this owl is determined to find out what's up with sleeping at night, and the answer might just surprise him . . .

In the thrilling conclusion to theNew York TimesbestsellingDefy the Night series, Brigid Kemmerer crafts heartrending twists and devastating turns that will keep readers breathless to the very end.Left for dead, but desperate to survive . . . they have one last chance to save their kingdom.Prince Corrick is out of options. Held captive by the vicious Oren Crane, he's desperate to reunite with Tessa, but will need to ally with the rebel leader Lochlan, who until now wished him dead. An unlikely but deadly pair, Corrick and Lochlan must plot their next moves carefully. . .An island away, Tessa Cade is heartbroken and angry. Grieving Corrick, and unsure how to find a way back to Kandala, she doesn't know who to trust. Until Rian--the man she trusts least--makes an offer: aid in a plot to finally oust Oren Crane and see what the future holds. . .Meanwhile in Kandala, Harristan is dethroned and on the run. He's struggling to unite the rebels in his fractured kingdom, but he finds support--a

嗝嗝普從未想過，一堂普通課竟會變成與巨浪搏鬥的求生冒險。與龍牙、風行者並肩奮戰，他在歡笑與驚險中，逐步學習何為真正的勇氣。全新《馴龍高手》支線故事(番外篇)，圖文交織，勇氣與友情同樣精采！In this exciting How to Train Your Dragon spin-off series perfect for developing readers and packed with beautiful illustrations and easy-to-read stories, follow Hiccup and his fellow Warriors-in-Training in their hilarious, hair-raising adventures. Disastrous Lesson Number One: The Art of Battle.It was supposed to be a quiet, sensible lesson. Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third never meant to get into trouble. But things take an unexpected turn along the way and Hiccup and his friends soon find themselves adrift on stormy seas in a sinking ship facing imminent doom.Join Hiccup and his dragons, Toothless and Windwalker, in their hilarious adventures at the Isle of Berk’s Training School for Vikings and Dragons, where they are at the bottom in pretty much everything.Welcome to HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON SCHOOL, where Viking and Dragon Heroes are made!

狗狗專屬豪華飯店沃夫摩爾，水碗總是滿滿、枕頭上還有飼料！這次來訪的是著名鬼故事作家方先生，他想遠離恐怖，享受彩虹與泡泡的假期。可是，沃夫摩爾真的沒有鬼嗎？幽默故事搭配可愛插圖，狗狗迷不容錯過！Return to the luxury hotel for dogs in The Woofmore Is Not Haunted, the second book in the pawsome, full-color chapter book series from authors Donna Gephart and Lori Haskins Houran and illustrator Josh Cleland—now in paperbackWelcome to the Woofmore, where the water bowls are always full and there’s kibble on every pillow! Rufus and his boss, Ms. Coco, work hard to make every guest feel like a VIP (Very Important Pooch).In the second installment of this pawsome series, famous spooky-story writer Silas Fang is coming to stay at the Woofmore. Mr. Fang spends all his time thinking about scary things, so he needs a vacation full of rainbows, unicorns, and bubbles. Rufus is happy to oblige. It should be easy—after all, the Woofmore is not haunted . . . or is it?With adorable illustrations and hilarious text, this early chapter-book series will hit young dog lovers smack in the funny bone!The Woo

Read five Elephant & Piggie adventures in this special bind-up collection that celebrates imagination! Featuring pop-out puppets so readers can continue the fun with stories of their own.Mo Willems, award-winning, New York Times best-selling creator of The Pigeon, Knuffle Bunny, and Unlimited Squirrels, presents best friends Elephant and Piggie.Gerald is careful. Piggie is not.Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can.Gerald worries so that Piggie does not have to.Gerald and Piggie are best friends.Stories included in this bind-up collection:*I Am Going!*We Are in a Book!*I Broke My Trunk!*Listen to My Trumpet!*I’m a Frog!

✦入圍美國Spirited Awards「最佳新飲品文化與歷史書籍」You love to eat. But do you know how to taste?敏銳味覺不一定靠天賦，而是可以練習培養的技能。解鎖味覺與嗅覺的奧祕，讓每一口食物都化為一場日常探險。這是一趟味覺探索旅程，帶你從日常飲食中發掘無限風味的奧祕。你不必成為世界級的杯測師，也不需要昂貴的餐酒專業設備，只要透過日常的吃喝練習，就能提升感官敏銳度，讓生活變得更有滋味。作者以親身經歷出發，從一名自釀啤酒愛好者到成為高級侍酒師（Advanced Cicerone），深入淺出地解釋味覺與嗅覺如何運作，並分享簡單實用的練習方法，幫助你學會辨識、描述並記住那些令人難忘的美好滋味。無論是超市架上的平價紅酒、街角小吃店的炸物，還是溫暖細膩的家常料理，只要懂得品嘗，每一口都能帶來豐富的感官體驗。書中以酒、咖啡、巧克力與起士為例，結合最新科學研究與專家經驗，深入探討食物的風味構成與品嘗方式，並運用科學方法，分析溫度、環境、聲音等因素如何影響味覺感受，幫助你更全面地理解「品味」，逐步建立屬於自己的風味記憶庫。本書不僅是品味指南，更是一趟重新認識生活樂趣的旅程。當你學會「品嘗」之後，將發現最平凡的日子，也能蘊藏最深刻的美好回憶。

Colour over 45 pages of adorable kawaii and chibi characters in this super-cute colouring book.Enjoy a little break with this pocket-size colouring paradise! Prepare to be enchanted!Mangatopia: Tiny Kawaii opens the door to a miniature world of wonder, inviting you to colour your way through adorably small kawaii and chibi characters. Peer into a happy realm of petite treats, squee-worthy animals, smiling houseplants and silly sushi rolls drawn in whimsical Japanese styles.- Discover more than 45 pages of art teeming with tiny delights and pint-size cuteness- Use crayons, gel pens, or even watercolours to bring this joyful little world to lifeFrom teensy tea parties to candy shops in minuscule towns, Mangatopia: Tiny Kawaii is a celebration of all things small and sweet!

Hippo, meet potty! Another title in the brilliant, young picture book series from award-winning Steve Antony, bestselling creator of Please Mr Panda.Hippo Potty is the fourth title in exciting, young character-led picture book series from the award-winning creator of Please Mr Panda, Steve Antony.Can a reluctant little hippo be persuaded to use his potty?Style, simplicity and humour combine to make this original and engaging look at potty training a real must-have for all toddlers and their grown-ups. Featuring a wonderfully expressive hippo and a simple but playful text, this is a fresh and funny look at a key milestone moment from a stand-out picture book talent.Other titles in the series:Cat NapBird BathChick Pea

做事靠AI，做人靠CI——開口之前的硬實力與高情商，決定你是否真的「懂說話」！ CI溝通智能學＝左腦／閱讀空氣的能力 × 右腦／洞察人心的智慧你也曾有過這樣的困擾嗎？–工作上要和陌生人或影響力人士建立連結，但你連怎麼破冰都不知道？–開會時主管對其他人反應熱烈，只要你一開口會議室就陷入一片死寂？–你總懷疑自己是否沒有把話說清楚，為什麼對方都沒有照你說的去做？–精心準備100頁提案報告，客戶卻只以「這不是我要的」就打了回票！ 你歸咎於自己不擅言詞，不知道怎麼溝通！ 但事實上，會說話不等於會溝通；會溝通也不代表要對方完全照做。 台灣奧美公關／奧美集團董事總經理謝馨慧（Abby Hsieh），協助企業經營品牌、解決危機近30年，從長期的商業實戰經驗中，梳理出一套系統化的CI溝通智能學（Communication Intelligence），其中包含兩大部分：洞察人心的智慧、閱讀空氣的能力，幫助你帶團隊、談合作、拆危機時，掌握「溝通」四大關鍵： 觀：快速掃描氛圍、判斷利害關係 問：引導對方說出你想要的關鍵訊號 聽：聽出對方沒說出口的弦外之音 說：明確表達對方需要的核心訊息30年品牌公關談判實戰 × 360度全景式溝通管理 透過這本書，你可以學會辨識溝通對象的風格、了解自己的溝通屬性、聰明管理你的溝通能量，在不同場合、不同情境、針對不同對象，都能說對話、做對事。這一套兼具「硬實力」與「高情商」的有效溝通法則，將幫助你：提升合作力：破解向上溝通、對下領導、橫向協作的盲點培養領導力：精準對標個人，共創多元、包容的團隊文化建立影響力：以內外部溝通成為自己或企業的品牌代言人 ★百位企業CEO「懂事長」按讚好評★專文推薦（按姓氏筆畫排列）沈尚弘 大亞集團董事長、李靜芳 遠東巨城購物中心董事長、盛治仁 雲品國際董事長、黃晨皓Kim PopDaily波波黛莉共同創辦人暨執行長【本書特點】1.30年品牌公關實戰：從商戰第一線鍛鍊出「觀、問、聽、說」的「讀空氣」密技2.360度全景式溝通管理：辨識上／下、橫向／外部的溝通屬性、對應正確的自我溝通風格3.Step by step步驟引導：每章都有圖表化練習，跟著做，一步步建立有影響力的個人品牌

Mouse needs to catch Gorilla - and quick! - in this zany story that's perfect for car-crazy babies and toddlers.Follow Mouse on an epic mission to find Gorilla in this interactive adventure full of zooming vehicles, comic capers and animal antics. Mouse races after Gorilla through a variety of exciting settings, from navigating a busy building site, to steering through snowy ski slopes. But is Gorilla really a baddie? No! Mouse just wants to give him back his banana!This quirky text has been lovingly abridged for younger readers and is now in chunky board book format. With cars to count on every page, and a mapped-out route to trace, little vehicle fans will be entertained for hours.Get ready for this wacky car chase and don't forget to FOLLOW THAT CAR!

A wonderful interactive insight into castle life.Visit a stunning stone castle and be transported back in time in this carefully curated flap book. With highly detailed illustrations, entertaining, informative text and over 50 flaps to lift, readers can lower the drawbridge, explore the keep, indulge in a feast, compete in a joust and witness a castle siege.

「香港幼兒普通話發展測評」（Hong Kong Preschool Putonghua DevelopmentalAssessment），簡稱「HKPPDA」。本測評是為考查香港幼兒普通話狀況，滿足香港幼兒普通話學習和（家庭、幼稚園等）教學需求，促進香港幼兒語言能力發展而研制的。 HKPPDA五大特色：1. 測評助成長：依託科學、專業的評估體系，通過語言知識的理解與表達，客觀反映幼兒真實語言面貌，為幼兒語言能力培養明確方向。2. 智能有趣：聚焦幼兒綜合素養培育核心，運用遊戲化與情景化智能交互界面，有效促進幼兒語言能力與認知、情感、社交等技能協同提升。3. 安全便捷：採用高效便捷的機測模式，流程簡潔流暢。4. 反饋個性化：成績報告全面詳實，從教與學雙向視角，為幼兒普通話提升提供有針對性的建議。5. 證書權威：證書由京港兩地權威教育機構聯合頒發，認受性高。 基於充分激發兒童語言潛能的理念，基於香港幼兒成長環境特徵、語言學習能力及學習方法，並在廣泛吸收兒童語言習得、語言教學、教育測量學及數智技術（Digital Intelligence）等最新成果的基礎上，我們研制了「香港幼兒普通話發展測評大綱」，並完成《香港幼兒普通話發展測評實施綱要》的編制工作。 本書由李宇明教授、郭風嵐教授擔任共同主編，李宇明教授作為總設計師，引入當代兒童語言發展最新理念，確定了HKPPDA名稱、宗旨和測試方式；郭風嵐教授設計了HKPPDA的架構並集中項目組的意見親自執筆編制、修訂HKPPDA大綱及本書稿；香港教育大學專家提供了大量的香港幼兒語言教育的調查和研究等學術成果，北京語言大學劉曉海副研究員、上海師範大學李建濤博士、首都師範大學朱海平副教授參與討論和HKPPDA大綱修改工作。北京語言大學語言資源高精尖創新中心招標委託河南在成長信息技術有限公司開發了HKPPDA智能試測系統，以技術實力和專業精神保障試測實施和成績報告的高效完成。

擺脫「親力親為」迷思，領會頂尖CEO的統領智慧告別低效內耗舊習，啟用群體智商潛能，開創組織新格局解析亞馬遜、蘋果與微軟等巨頭，成就領先地位的核心策略精髓從世界知名企業級轉型案例，見證蜂巢思維威力 本書不只停留在理論層面，更收錄世界知名企業的轉型成功的歷程：澳盛銀行：國內績效最低的金融機構，躍升為道瓊永續發展指數（ Dow Jones Sustainability Index， DJSI）全球排名第一的銀行；愛茉莉太平洋：氣墊專家團隊，公司的營收提升二成，變成40億美元，公司的股價也上漲超過250%；孩之寶：從「玩具製造者」變成「明星製造者」，2018年營收達到52億美元的新高點。到了2021年，他們的營收更是飆高17％，達到64.2億美元；WD40：讓公司成為蜂群，說出精彩故事。1997年營收1.379億美元，2021達到4.881億美元；亞馬遜：兩個披薩模式和六頁書。電子書攻占全球電子書市場的三分之二；2021營收達4,690億美元，公司成為「財星五百強」（Fortune 500）中排名第二的公司；蘋果：專家治理和創新。連續十六年，都被同業票選為「最景仰的公司」，全世界市值最高公司；Spotify：創造生態圈和小型團隊實驗模式。2021年，每年廣告營收超過12億美元； 除了上述案例之外，還有更多世界知名企業成功案例和失敗借鏡，盡在本書之中。 透過群體智商的運作、輕推策略的設計，以及領導角色的重新定位，這些知名企業成功解鎖組織的內生動力，實現了持續且可擴展的競爭力。這套模式同樣適用於新創公司、傳產轉型、跨國集團等不同類型組織，成為新世代領導必備的參考典範。單打獨鬥已無力，啟動「群商」方能應對動盪未來 在快速變動的市場與組織環境中，傳統的領導武器——高智商（IQ）與高情商（EQ）已逐漸顯露侷限。面對跨部門協作、虛實整合、文化轉型等複雜挑戰，光靠聰明或同理心，已不足以驅動整體行為的改變。 本書揭示了新世代領導者必須掌握的關鍵能力：群體智商（GQ, Group Intelligence）。唯有啟動群體動能、建立自我調節型團隊，才能在變革的臨界點上，順勢而為，突破舊有組織慣性。要如何運用這股新動能，你需要學會「群體動力九大法則」：一、模式法則：簡單的群體規矩會產生複雜的行為。二、連結法則：所有的行為都會在群體內造成漣漪。三、角色法則：個人扮演的角色會

This fan-favorite Gingerbread Man is cooking up something new in this graphic novel for the earliest readers!The Gingerbread Man’s class is back in the kitchen! They’re using shapes to make fun cookies and the Gingerbread Man knows just what to he wants to make—a new puppy! AKA a cookie’s best friend.But when the puppy comes to life and runs loose through the school, the class will have to come up with even more fun creations to lure him back home. Good thing this cookie sure knows how to have a ball!This Gingerbread Man’s series of graphic novels--published in both hardcover and paperback editions--is for the youngest readers, full of the hilarious rhymes and action-packed escapades kids know and love from his picture books.Series Overview: The Gingerbread Man is Loose in Graphic Novels!Spring 2024: Buttons on the Loose and Class Pet on the LooseFall 2024: Paper Airplanes on the LooseSpring 2025: New Friend on the Loose

Let’s read comics! I Can ReadComicsis an early reader line that familiarizes children with the world of graphic novel storytelling and encourages visual literacy in emerging readers.Hide & Seek with Clyde & Monique: Clyde in Plain Sightis the newest offering from comics powerhouse Graham Annable.Monique is excited to play with her best friend, Clyde! Clyde claims to be the best hider, but Monique is determined to prove him wrong in this fun seek-along game of hide and seek.Hide & Seek with Clyde and Monique: Clyde in Plain Sightis a Level Two I Can ReadComic, geared toward kids who are comfortable with comics, can read on their own, but still need a little help.

This book is the first book written by Omega Ministry, the reason why it is called the "Messenger of Time and Space" series because it was inspired by visions and dreams that I received—entirely from the Heavenly Father.Sometime back in 2012, a prophet named Patricia in Toronto prophesied about writing a book, saying that it would be revealed to the world. However, it wasn't until ten years later that I began writing. “Who Is Battling for Earth—The Clash of Spiritual Warfare” is the first book of the “Messenger of Time and Space” series.I never knew that in another dimension, another time and space, Someone had been watching, observing, protecting, and silently loving me all along, guarding me secretly. My life, which was nothing but a speck of dust among the multitudes, like a drop of water in the ocean—ordinary and unremarkable—became legendary due to Someone's intervention.How our story began – one day my world collided with His, and at a certain point in time, He (God) crossed time

What happens when the one that got away comes back? Find out in this sparkling comedy from #1 bestseller Mhairi McFarlane'Think of the great duos of history. We're just like them.''You mean like Kylie and Jason? Torvill and Dean? Sonny and Cher?''I think you've missed the point, Rachel.'Rachel and Ben. Ben and Rachel.It was them against the world. Until it all fell apart. It's been a decade since they last spoke, but when Rachel bumps into Ben one rainy day, the years melt away.They'd been partners in crime and the best of friends.But life has moved on: Ben is married. Rachel is not. Yet in that split second, Rachel feels the old friendship return.And along with it, the broken heart she's never been able to mend.Hilarious, heartbreaking and everything in between, you'll be hooked from their first 'hello'.'Very very witty and funny. Left me in awe ... a total gem' Marian Keyes'The funniest, most romantic book I've read since One Day' Lisa Jewell

In The New Politics of Beijing–Hong Kong Relations, Sonny Shiu-Hing Lo looks at the diverging changes to the ideologies from both Beijing and Hong Kong, and the ideological conflicts as taken in the form of factional political struggles between 2012 and the present. This book examines the paternalistic authoritarianism that can be seen in Beijing’s policy toward Hong Kong since the promulgation of the national security law in late June 2020. Lo analyzes the ideological shift from liberal nationalism to conservative nationalism in mainland China, which has taken place since late 2012. The increasingly radical localism in Hong Kong after 2014 transformed Beijing–Hong Kong relations into a conflict-ridden situation characterized by factional struggles. While the imposition of the national security law into Hong Kong since late June 2020 has stabilized the city politically, Beijing’s policy toward Hong Kong is now guided by the principles of protecting its national security and maintaining

NOMINATED FOR A CARNEGIE MEDAL FOR ILLUSTRATION 2025. AS SEEN ON MILKSHAKE'S STORY DEN IN MARCH 2025!Everybody knew that a big fierce troll lived in the cave. Day-by-day, the boy and the troll finish each other's drawings, until they one shows a boy holding hands with a fierce, scary troll.A touching picture book about the power of art and the imagination, brought to life by David Litchfield's art.Everybody knew that a big fierce troll lived in the cave."Leave me alone!" it yelled.So everybody did.Only one child cannot turn their back on the troll at the edge of the playground. One day, he takes his chalks up to the mouth of the cave. He draws a flower with every petal coloured in but one, and leaves the chalk behind. The next day, the flower has been completed. Day-by-day, the boy and the troll finish each other's drawings, until they each draw a portrait, showing a boy holding hands with a fierce, scary troll. "But you're not a troll," says the boy. "You're a boy - just like me."Pati

Get ready for a wild ride! The much-anticipated live action retelling of How to Train Your Dragon soars into theatres on June 13, 2025!Learn about the fascinating dragons on the Isle of Berk in this exciting guidebook!Dragons come in all shapes and sizes, with different strengths and weaknesses. But make no mistake, they’re all mighty! Find out all there is to know about each species, like their size and special powers, in this guidebook to the dragons of Berk, inspired by the new film.Based on the bestselling book series by Cressida Cowell, DreamWorks Animation released two animated feature films in 2010 and 2014. Hugely successful, the films received both Oscar and BAFTA nominations. A third film is planned for a 2019 release starring Cate Blanchett and Jonah Hill. The franchise also consists of four short films: Legend of the Boneknapper Dragon (2010), Book of Dragons (2011), Gift of the Night Fury (2011) and Dawn of the Dragon Racers (2014).A television series showing the continuin

All three books in theNew York Timesbestselling The Islanders middle grade series about friendship and the healing power of nature are now available together in one paperback boxed set.Eleven-year-old Jake’s life has just turned upside-down. His father was wounded in Afghanistan, and his mother is going to leave to care for him. That means Jake’s spending the summer on tiny Dewees Island with his grandmother. The island is a nature sanctuary—no cars or paved roads, no stores or restaurants. To make matters worse, Jake’s grandmother doesn’t believe in cable or the internet. Which means Jake has no cell phone, no video games...and no friends.He’s barely on the island before he befriends two other kids—Macon, another “summer kid,” and Lovie, a know-it-all who lives there and shows both Jake and Macon the ropes of life on the island. All three are struggling with their own family issues and they quickly bond, going on adventures all over Dewees Island.Their misadventures lead to community

★ "Simultaneously cozy and utterly engaging."--Kirkus, starred review​ This celebration of going at your own pace will remind readers that sometimes slow is the best way to go! After some sleep, sloth is ready to eat. Go, Sloth, go! In a world where the pressure to speed ahead seems relentless, now is the time to take a trip to the rainforest and cheer for the slowest mammal on Earth--a hungry sloth--who takes her time moving through thicket and vine in search of the tastiest leaves. Developed in consultation with The Sloth Conservation Foundation in Costa Rica, Toni Yuly's exploration of the sloth's habits and habitat springs to life, rendered in rich, colorful layers of torn paper and ink. Don't miss Toni Yuly's companion title The Pelican Can!

From the bestselling author ofBorn Survivors, a novel inspired by the powerful true story of a man who risked everything to protect children in Auschwitz.Fredy built a wall against suffering in their hearts . . .Amid the brutality of the Holocaust, one bright spot shone inside the Nazi death camp of Auschwitz. In the shadows of the smokestacks was a wooden hut where children sang, staged plays, wrote poetry, and learned about the world. Within those four walls, brightly adorned with hand-painted cartoons, the youngest prisoners were kept vermin-free, received better food, and were even taught to imagine having full stomachs and a day without fear. Their guiding light was a twenty-seven-year-old gay, Jewish athlete: Fredy Hirsch.Being a teacher in a brutal concentration camp was no mean feat. Forced to begsenior SS officers for better provisions, Fredy risked his life every day to protect his beloved children from mortal danger.But time was running out for Fredy and the hundreds in his

Created by bestselling author Camilla Reid, an interactive hide-and-seek book with tabs to push and pull, eye-catching neon details, a surprise mirror ending and an adorable animal character, Dot!From the range of joyful preschool books created by bestselling author Camilla Reid, and with distinctive and stylish illustrations by Carly Gledhill, Is Dot in the Tree? is perfect for toddlers.Little children will love sliding the easy-to-use tabs to discover where Dot is hiding, and then finding themselves in the mirror at the end.Look out for Is Dot in the House?

In this Level Three I Can Read! best friends Iris and Walter go on a highly anticipated class trip to the aquarium.Everyone in Miss Cherry's class is excited about visiting the aquarium. Iris and Walter can't wait to sit together on the bus and see scary sharks, shimmery angelfish, and—best of all—penguins. The aquarium is everything they had hoped for, until Walter gets lost! It's a good thing his best friend, Iris, knows what to do!In the beloved Iris and Walter books, the two friends discover that everything is easier when you have a best friend by your side.This Level 3 I Can Read! is written for independent readers and includes challenging words and more complex themes and stories.

In this Level Three I Can Read, meet Iris—the new kid in town—and her soon-to-be best friend, Walter!After a move, Iris is sure that life in her new home will be just awful. There's nothing to do and no one to play with. Iris willneverbe happy here. Then Grandpa suggests a walk. Down the road and around the bend, they discover a huge green tree, a secret hideaway—and a boy named Walter. Maybe life far from the city won't be so lonely after all.In the beloved Iris and Walter books, the two friends discover that everything is easier when you have a best friend by your side.This Level 3 I Can Read! is written for independent readers and includes challenging words and more complex themes and stories.

Celebrate Jungkook, the once-in-a-generation talent at the center of BTS, in this illuminating look into the forces that have made him a global icon.Jungkook is one of the world’s biggest stars, period. His first album,Golden, sold more than 2 million copies on the day of its release and stayed on the Billboard 200 for twenty-four consecutive weeks.How did a young prodigy from South Korea make music history?The Meaning of Jungkookis an unofficial kaleidoscopic exploration of the forces that made Jungkook into the triumph he is today. The book does more than chronicle his humble beginnings in Busan and meteoric rise to fame. A lively narrative, it places Jungkook in a larger cultural and historical context, shedding light on the inner workings of the K-pop industry, internet culture, ARMY, and more. We learn that Jungkook’s ruthless work ethic is a symptom of Korean culture and its singular pursuit for excellence; his style of dance places him in the lineage of Michael Jackson; and “the

When Devils Singis a rural, atmospheric YA horror is perfect for fans of Stephen King andWilder Girls. In a small town in the American South four unlikely allies investigate a local teen's disappearance. What they discover festering at the core of their community is far more sinister than they could’ve ever imagined . . .When Dawson Sumter goes missing, all he leaves behind is a smattering of blood in room 4 of the debt-ridden motel owned by Neera Singh's family. Disappearances like this aren't uncommon in the rural Georgia town of Carrion. Especially during the Cicada Festival, which takes place every thirteen years when a cicada brood returns from underground, shrieking their deafening screams.For Neera, Dawson is another reminder that in this corner of the South the rich only get richer, and the poor - well, nothing good comes their way.Desperate to find out if Dawson is still alive, Neera joins forces with three other local teens: Isaiah, son of a prominent judge and clandestine tr

Who wants to join the marching band? EVERYONE is welcome in this energetic, anarchic adventure with artwork by award-winning Littlest Yak illustrator Kate Hindley. Kate Hindley's picture books have sold over 180,000 copies and have won awards including the Sainsbury's Children's Book Award, and Oscar's Book Prize. This band gets bigger and louder on every page! Watch out for wrecking balls on the building site, tigers roaring in the jungle and yetis on the mountain.Everyone wants to join the fun . . .even aliens in outer space! Then it's time to zoom back home, wishing everyone goodnight, one by one. Addictive rhyming text and fun repeated words. Wind-down to bedtime at the end of the story.Funny detailed scenes including a building site, a beach, a jungle and outer space. Encourages counting skills - count all 10 members of the marching band!Get ready to stomp your feet and march along in time with the band, and have lots of adventures and laughs along the way!

An informative sticker book to help prepare children for moving to a new home.This reassuring book introduces children to all the different stages of moving house, from viewing properties and packing up, to moving in and having a housewarming party. With over 150 stickers to add to the illustrated scenes, children can join in with the fun and excitement of moving and learn all about what to expect.

最偉大的小偵探回來了！Bonnie和祖父受邀登上海上慶典船，沒想到夜霧降臨，一聲驚叫後船長離奇死亡，身上滿是疑似海怪留下的傷痕。Bonnie立刻變身為偵探Montgomery Bonbon，展開搞笑又聰明的追查行動！The world's greatest detective is back in the fourth instalment in a brilliantly clever, funny and highly illustrated murder mystery series.Shenanigans are once again afoot in the town of Widdlington, and this time they're on board the Dreadnowt – a galleon ship that’s set to host a fireworks display for the town. Bonnie Montgomery and Grampa Banks are on board as guests, but just after sundown, a fog rolls in and a terrible cry is heard over the crash of the waves. Captain Valancourt stumbles out of the mist, dripping wet and covered in red welts, the like of which a sea monster would leave behind, and is soon pronounced dead by the doctor on board.The crowd is shocked, and Bonnie's fishy-o-meter is off the charts. While Inspector Sands takes over as captain, Bonnie transforms into Montgomery Bonbon, and it’s not long before she’s laid anchor on her prime suspects.Can Montgomery