The Tortoise Usually Wins is a delightful exploration of the theory of quiet leadership. Written for reluctant leaders, it interacts with three key biblical images of leadership - the leader as servant, shepherd and steward - and links them with some of the key virtues of quiet leadership - modesty, restraint, tenacity, interdependence and other-centeredness. Exploding the myth that the good is the enemy of the best, it argues that the reverse is more often true, with images of unattainable perfection crippling competent people from getting on with the task of doing genuinely good things. The book strips leadership of some of its mystique, arguing that the bulk of leadership is about helping groups decide the right things to do and then getting on and doing them in an atmosphere that brings the best out of others. Brian Harris is the principal of a highly regarded theological seminary and also pastors a thriving local church, so the book carries the wisdom of both professor and pastor, satisfying the reader both intellectually and practically. These insights are supplemented by interviews with significant quiet leaders from around the world, ensuring a rich feast for prospective and current reluctant leaders. 'Books on leadership are today two a penny. Just occasionally, however, one of these books might stand head and shoulders above most of the others, and to my delight The Tortoise Usually Wins falls into that category. Furthermore, so many books on leadership are written for natural leaders; whereas, as the author makes clear, most churches are led by "quiet leaders" who know they are not great, but nonetheless, are "tenacious and committed to the task and willing to work co-operatively with others to achieve it". I can see many church leaders benefitting from this book. I warmly commend this unusual book.' Paul Beasley-Murray, Senior Minister, Central Baptist Church, Chelmsford; Chair of Ministry Today UK

Slowly Wins the Day: A Modern Day Version of the Tortoise and the Hare is a story filled with passion and determination that promotes exercise. In this timely tale, a little girl who takes part every year in numerous activities for sports day has always come in last, but has still greatly enjoyed taking part. Because she always finishes last, she has been landed with the name "Slowly." Even her grandmother calls her by that name. It is only when a new teacher joins the school that Slowly discovers she does have a talent, a sport in which she can excel. What is the sport and can Slowly finally win? Will her persistence help her win the day? Remember "The Tortoise and the Hare," where persistence pays off! Born in Kent, Helen Hendry is a podiatrist in Edinburgh, Scotland. "The Olympic Games open in the United Kingdom this year and I thought that a story delivering a clear message about exercise would be an ideal subject. It is important that exercise and sport should not be seen as a punishment, but should be enjoyed by everyone. I hope the story will encourage children of all abilities to succeed if they try hard enough and find their talent." Publisher's website: http: //sbpra.com/HelenHendry

A boastful hare meets his match in this attractive retelling of Aesop's famed tale.

Slow and steady wins the race in this classic fable by Aesop and illustrated by the legendary European artist Bernadette Watts. When Tortoise says to Hare, “I bet I can beat you in a running race!” all the animals laugh. Tortoise puts one foot in front of the next. Hare stops to nibble carrot tops and cabbages. . . . Who will have the last laugh? Bernadette’s vibrant palette and thoughtful illustrations encourage readers to move at a tortoise’s pace to admire every detail.

*A BOOK OF THE YEAR IN THE TIMES, GUARDIAN, FINANCIAL TIMES AND DAILY TELEGRAPH* *SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER* *BBC RADIO 4 BOOK OF THE WEEK* *SHORTLISTED IN THE 2020 PARLIAMENTARY BOOK AWARDS* 'All the history you need to understand why you're so furious, angry and still hopeful about being a woman now' Caitlin Moran Well-behaved women don't make history: difficult women do. Feminism's success is down to complicated, contradictory, imperfect women, who fought each other as well as fighting for equal rights. Helen Lewis argues that too many of these pioneers have been whitewashed or forgotten in our modern search for feel-good, inspirational heroines. It's time to reclaim the history of feminism as a history of difficult women. In this book, you'll meet the working-class suffragettes who advocated bombings and arson; the princess who discovered why so many women were having bad sex; the 'striker in a sari' who terrified Margaret Thatcher; and the lesbian politician who outraged the country. Taking the story up to the present with the twenty-first-century campaign for abortion services, Helen Lewis reveals the unvarnished - and unfinished - history of women's rights. Drawing on archival research and interviews, Difficult Women is a funny, fearless and sometimes shocking narrative history, which shows why the feminist movement has succeeded - and what it should do next. The battle is difficult, and we must be difficult too. 'This is the antidote to saccharine you-go-girl fluff. Effortlessly erudite and funny' Caroline Criado-Perez 'Compulsive, rigorous, unforgettable, hilarious and devastating' Hadley Freeman

Taking inspiration from the fable of the Hare and the Tortoise, internationally renowned trainer Matt Little reveals the essential strategies for sustainable success.

Following the huge success of The Tortoise Usually Wins, 2012, and The Big Picture, 2015, in When Faith Turns Ugly Brian Harris explores why the Christian faith sometimes wears two masks - usually life-serving and transforming, but occasionally escapist, illusionary and even poisonous. What are the warning signs that faith is at risk of turning toxic? What do we mean by the conviction that the gospel liberates? Brian Harris' take on what constitutes life-serving faith is refreshing and will be appreciated by all who would like to be sure that their obedience to Jesus the Christ will help to build a world with a better name.

Aesop's Fables are given a contemporary twist in this series of retellings with bright, graphic artwork. Featuring ingenious die-cuts, you can lift the page to release the mouse from the lion''s claws, then, later, turn the page to make the mouse release the lion in return. The upmarket format and stylish illustrations make this series of books perfect gift material.