1810: The Royal Navy of Great Britain is all that stands between Napoleon and absolute domination of Europe. Royal Marine Captain Thomas Pennywhistle is assigned to HMS Active, part of a small squadron of frigates in the Adriatic Sea. It’s considered a sideshow theatre of the war, but on those waters, one of the greatest naval battles of the age will be fought. As a Marine, Pennywhistle fights on land and sea. He leads his handful of men first against a battalion of Napoleon’s Army and finally against the French fleet in all its terrible grandeur, always leading from the front, fighting not only with weapons but by using his wit—cool and analytical where others are blinded by passion. Pennywhistle’s own passions will be aroused by the beautiful and fiercely independent Carlotta, and he will be tested by conflicts that make him question his deepest principles. HMS Active will take Pennywhistle's measure. Will he measure up?

Presents instructions on how to plan parties to celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, and the New Year.

Suggests games, crafts, and activities for sick children and offers advice on keeping up with schoolwork

Offers ideas for activities, decorations, and food for parties celebrating a new baby, summertime, grandparents, Friday the 13th, and Earth Day

'There’s a growing awareness that for the good of their health, children need to be out and about more, with their friends, exploring the outdoor world in their own way.' - Nicola Butler, Director of the Free Play Network It is widely acknowledged that children today do not get outdoors often enough and there are serious concerns about children's activity levels and rising associated behavioural, mental and health problems. With such structured and technology-driven lives, it is easy for young children to stay indoors, play on computers and not socialise with other children in a healthy and active way. This book not only supports 'playing out' as an integral part of children’s natural growth and development, but also provides early years workers with a full programme of outdoor physical activities to promote physical, social and behavioural skills. This book is a guidebook to setting up an outdoor physical activity programme in any early years setting. The book focuses on how getting outdoors and taking part in physical activities will provide children with positive fun experiences to enhance their general learning and development. The programme can be adapted to suit any timescale - from a whole term to one or two days. Key features include showing practitioners: how to make the most of their outdoor area for all children step by step explanations to the outdoor activities how to engage participants (including parents) how to set up and plan activities ideas for group and individual assessment how to carry out risk assessments how an outdoors programme can change children's lives for the better.

Offers advice on planning a family vacation, and suggests travel activities and games

This is the first publication of a book by Arthur Ransome, originally commissioned in 1910. The manuscript, nearly complete, was sequestered by Ransome's wife in 1914, and he never saw it again. It came to light only by chance, long after his death. Arthur Ransome here gives an exceptionally personal and perceptive account of the strengths and weaknesses of Stevenson as man and writer. Writing when most books on Stevenson were biographical or merely adulatory, he intended his to be the first 'critical study'. Here Ransome wrestles to identify techniques that later underpin his Swallows and Amazons. Moreover, this is the only manuscript first draft of a work by Ransome to survive, and as such provides a unique insight into his working methods. The appendices include all other extant material relating to Stevenson by Ransome, from his very first story (written at the age of eight, and hitherto published only privately) to working notes and articles in literary periodicals. The editor's introduction gives an account of the history of the manuscript's development, disappearance, and rediscovery, and adds a new chapter to the tumultuous story of Ransome's first marriage, early career, and escape to Russia.