Patterns

Longlisted for the Man Booker Prize 2014A magnificent and moving novel' LOS ANGELES TIMESSeventy-year-old avant-garde composer Peter Els opens the door one evening to find the police on his doorstep. His home microbiology lab - where he is conducting the latest experiment in his lifelong attempt to find musical patterns in surprising places - has aroused the suspicions of Homeland Security. Panicked by the raid, Els turns fugitive, earning him the moniker 'Bioterrorist Bach'.He hatches a daring plan to transform this disastrous collision with the security state into an unforgettable work of art that will reawaken its audience to the sounds all around it. A gripping escape narrative filled with lyrical wonder, Orfeo is both a portrait of a creative, obsessive man, and a reflection on finding melodies in everyday life.

This fun baby book allows young children to practise their foundational literacy and hand-eye coordination skills while being introduced to the different types of landscape on planet Earth, from deserts filled with cacti to count to cities with bright windows. With warm, inviting illustrations and text encouraging them to spot and find different features on the page, this book will soothe and focus the attention of young children. Talking about the pictures helps to familiarise babies with patterns of speech.Talking and listening go together and help lay the foundations for language development.

A reassuring picture book celebration of individuality and heritage told with heart, emotion and evocative illustrations, for every child battling with their self-esteem or anxiety about wearing cultural dress.Celebrate each other's unique identity and build tolerance, empathy and understanding of everybody's background in this authentic and sensitively told story from Sophia Payne and the 2023 Diverse Book Award-winning illustrator Ruchi Mhasane.Ameena can’t wait for her aunty’s wedding. She is wearing a brand-new salwar kameez – the layers of floaty fabric filled with pretty patterns make her feel like a princess. But when someone comments on her “pyjamas”, she loses all confidence, fearing that her friends might not accept her traditional clothing. Through courage, family love and self-belief, Ameena discovers what it means to take pride in the beautiful layers of her heritage, especially in the face of difficult comments.

Explore the history of London with 20 brilliantly busy scenes and patterns to colour – before sticking in fun photographic object stickers from the British Museum’s collection!There’s a whole world to explore, and with this beautiful colouring book, readers can take a tour around London and get creative at the same time! Aspiring artists can pick up their colouring pencils and bring the scenes and objects to life, while learning about iconic landmarks through different eras.Includes more than 70 colourful stickers of objects from London’s history, from a Bronze Age shield and Roman mosaic to a Viking sword and Tudor toy horse.Packed with information about different London landmarks, including London Bridge, Buckingham Palace, the Globe Theatre and more.Made in consultation with expert curators from the British Museum.Don’t miss other titles in the series: Ancient Greece, Ancient Egypt and Ancient Rome