“I don’t think I was expecting to read a children’s book with so much concentration, and I also have to admit, with such great pleasure. However, I don’t think this means that I’m entering my second childhood. Leaving aside the fact that the book is well written - putting it purely and simply, I was gripped by the ingenuity of the characters, and by the exciting nature of their experiences. I am glad this first volume is not actually the last, and that we are talking about an entire cycle which is far from its end. You are now about to read the first volume in the cycle of ‘A Frog’s Heart’, while I have already read the second one and I’m preparing for the reading of the third. So I have a serious motive for wanting to encounter the same freshness as I read the rest of it. I do not know what exactly drove the author towards children’s literature, but two things seem clear to me. Firstly, that he has all the gifts of imagination and expression necessary for this genre, so he has an indisputable leaning towards it. Secondly, that he fell upon a genre which has been a stepchild, in our literature, for a good few decades. In recent years, the genre has had a presence for its readers, mainly through translations and re-editing, with original works being immensely rare, if not almost absent. I am glad that, among the few who sought to fill this gap, there is an author so visibly gifted. He is an author who, besides the gifts of imagination and expression already mentioned, has another gift which I consider to be essential – he knows how to introduce that moral dimension without which literature for children cannot be conceived, but he never falls into merely preaching. The moral thesis emerges from the happenings, dialogues and meditations of the characters. This seems to me, as I’ve already mentioned, essential. Nothing drives a child – or even a grown-up – further away from the ethical dimension than a moralising lecture. As far as I know, these stories will be presented to the public in several formulae – as richly illustrated volumes, as comic strips, and – if I understood it correctly – as animated cartoons. This is excellent – since our way of perception differs both according to our ages and according to our personalities; and it is very good to be reached through the means best suited to us. I would not like to conclude before wishing the readers a pleasant read, irrespective of their age and the form of the story for which they’ve opted – book, comic strips, etc. I would also like to wish great energy to the author, so that he can make us glad with as many adventures as possible of his ingenious and charming characters. Had anyone told me, before reading this book, that fleas, rats and even silkworms would seem cute creatures to me, I would have said he didn’t know what he was talking about! Once again, have a pleasant read!“ – Liviu Antonesei

A beautifully packaged edition of one of García Márquez's most beloved novels, with never-before-seen color illustrations by the Chilean artist Luisa Rivera and an interior design created by the author's son, Gonzalo García Barcha. In their youth, Florentino Ariza and Fermina Daza fall passionately in love. When Fermina eventually chooses to marry a wealthy, well-born doctor, Florentino is devastated, but he is a romantic. As he rises in his business career he whiles away the years in 622 affairs—yet he reserves his heart for Fermina. Her husband dies at last, and Florentino purposefully attends the funeral. Fifty years, nine months, and four days after he first declared his love for Fermina, he will do so again.

The whole world has fallen in love with this international bestseller - hundreds of thousands of copies have been sold across 25 countries. Now it's Australia's turn to rediscover this jewel of a book on mindfulness. In times of uncertainty, words of comfort are essential, and the stunning overseas sales of this title are testament to its universal appeal. These modern tales of hope, forgiveness, freedom from fear and overcoming pain cleverly relate the timeless wisdom of the Buddha's teachings and the path to true happiness in a warm and accessible way. Ajahn Brahm was born and raised in the West and in his more than thirty years as a Buddhist monk he has gathered many poignant, funny and profound stories. He has tremendous ability to filter these stories through the Buddha's teaching so that they can have meaning for all sorts of readers. There are many thousands of Australians who don't even know that they need this book yet, but who will no doubt embrace it just as overseas readers have. It is the perfect gift book as there is truly something in it for everyone. 'Ajahn Brahm is the Seinfeld of Buddhism' - Sumi Loundon, editor of Blue Jean Buddha: Voices of Young Buddhists and The Buddha's Apprentices

Monumental epic poem tells the heroic story of Aeneas, a Trojan who escaped the burning ruins of Troy to found Lavinium, the parent city of Rome, in the west.

Essays in which happiness becomes a magic carpet, lifting readers above momentary fret and making the ordinary appears wondrous.

WINNER OF THE COSTA NOVEL AWARD What if you had the chance to live your life again and again, until you finally got it right? During a snowstorm in England in 1910, a baby is born and dies before she can take her first breath. During a snowstorm in England in 1910, the same baby is born and lives to tell the tale. What if there were second chances? And third chances? In fact an infinite number of chances to live your life? Would you eventually be able to save the world from its own inevitable destiny? And would you even want to? Life After Life follows Ursula Todd as she lives through the turbulent events of the last century again and again. With wit and compassion, Kate Atkinson finds warmth even in lifeâe(tm)s bleakest moments, and shows an extraordinary ability to evoke the past. Here she is at her most profound and inventive, in a novel that celebrates the best and worst of ourselves.

An illustrated poem which celebrates children who enjoy doing all kinds of activities. This poem originally appeared in The Random House book of poetry for children, published in 1983.