New Releases by Fiona Macdonald

This book investigates how paid care work and employment are being transformed by policies of social care individualisation in the context of new gig economies of care. Drawing on a case study of the creation of a new individualised care market under Australia’s National Disability Insurance Scheme the book provides important insights into possible futures for social care employment where care is treated as an individual consumer service. Bringing together sociological, political science and socio-legal approaches the book demonstrates how, in individualised care markets and with ineffective labour laws, risks of business and employment are devolved to frontline care workers. The book argues for an urgent re-evaluation of current policy approaches to care and for new regulatory approaches to protect workers in diverse forms of employment.

Take an incredible tour through a medieval monastery and discover what happened within its cloistered walls. This is a full-colour illustrated guide to all aspects of medieval monasteries, their construction, the lives of the monks and nuns who lived in them, and the various monastic orders and the disciplines they followed. Superb cutaway illustrations and pinpoint enlargements accompany the text. Informative captions, maps, a complete glossary and an index enhance the book''s educational value.

What are the most world-famous monsters? What are the deadliest dinosaurs? The most inexplicable phenomena? This quirky, kooky and ever-so-slightly creepy compendium features 100 entries about some of the scariest and most peculiar things ever, from ruthless rulers to hideous beasts. It is packed with vibrant, cartoon-style illustrations, clear, concise text and factoid panels designed to engage reluctant readers about everything from giant squid to the Abominable Snowman!

What would you say if someone gave you a bap, a dap, or a garron? How would you feel if they called you a dux or a sneuter? Do you know what to do with a flane, a hushock, a kist, or tassie? Could you wear raploch or schort-hoozle? Eat a cake that was gibbery, or keggum? And, with your nearest and dearest, how would you fancy a spot of houghmagandie? North of the Border - it''s not just the accent that''s different, the whole language is not the same. In fact, there are several different ways of speaking in Scotland, from the Borders in the south to the northernmost Orkney and Shetland Isles. This book will look at them all, although it will focus on Scots — the traditional language of the majority of Scottish people for the past thousand years and more. Fact boxes, a full glossary, timeline and index make the book both fun and informative to use.

How would you cope if there were no toilets? Where would you go? How would you keep yourself and your house clean? This book tells the fascinating story of a piece of technology that most of us take for granted. Find out why toilets are so important, how they improved over the years, and how they might develop in the future. You Wouldn’t Want to Live Without Toilets! is part of a brand-new science and technology strand within the internationally acclaimed You Wouldn’t Want to Be series. The clear, engaging text and humorous illustrations bring the subject to life and stimulate young readers'' curiosity about the world around them. Specially commissioned cartoon-style illustrations in full colour make these books attractive and accessible even to reluctant readers. Information is conveyed through captions, labels and humorous speech bubbles in addition to the main text. Illustrated sidebars headed ‘How It Works’, ‘Top Tip’ or ‘You Can Do It’ supply more facts, describe simple, safe experiments, or steps that readers can take to help make the world a better place. Each volume includes a timeline and a list of ‘Did You Know?’ facts.

It''s the end of the 15th century, and your local castle is looking for a jailer. Are you up to the job? Your charges will include all sorts of people, from hardened criminals to people with mental illnesses, and you won’t be expected to treat them kindly… This title in the best-selling children’s history series, You Wouldn''t Want To…, features full-colour illustrations which combine humour and accurate technical detail and a narrative approach placing readers at the centre of the history, encouraging them to become emotionally-involved with the characters and aiding their understanding of what life would have been like in a medieval dungeon. Informative captions, a complete glossary and an index make this title an ideal introduction to the conventions of information books for young readers. It is an ideal text for Key Stage 2 shared and guided reading and helps achieve the goals of the Scottish Standard Curriculum 5-14.

Learn the surprising truth about pain: how it actually helps keep us alive, healthy, and feeling good. You Wouldn’t Want to Live Without Pain! is part of a brand-new science and technology strand within the internationally acclaimed You Wouldn’t Want to Be series. The clear, engaging text and humorous illustrations bring the subject to life and stimulate young readers'' curiosity about the world around them. Specially commissioned cartoon-style illustrations in full colour make these books attractive and accessible even to reluctant readers. Information is conveyed through captions, labels and humorous speech bubbles in addition to the main text. Illustrated sidebars headed ‘How It Works’, ‘Top Tip’ or ‘You Can Do It’ supply more facts, describe simple, safe experiments, or steps that readers can take to help make the world a better place. Each volume includes a timeline and a list of ‘Did You Know?’ facts.

This book explores the ways in which notions of childhood are being influenced by a rapidly expanding consumer-media culture in the 21st Century. It has been argued that new stages of childhood are being created and defined by children’s role as consumers. The concept of ‘tween’, girls aged between 9 and 14, has generated the greatest debate. While the fantasy world of ‘tween’ offers girls a space to fashion a young, feminine identity it has been widely argued that the consumer-media’s messages pressure tween girls to consume and adopt highly sexualised appearances and behaviours. The author considers how the art of consumption for ‘tween’ girls is intrinsically linked with their desire for independence and belonging, and how their consumption is interwoven with other important social and cultural influences. The book will be of interest to scholars and students in the fields of Childhood and Youth Studies, Cultural Studies, Feminist andWomen’s Studies and Sociology.

Stories of shipwrecks are intriguing, often somber, reminders of the power the sea wields. Its waters destroy even the most invincible vessels. Ships on the seafloor also preserve historic relics. Even today, people can find treasures aboard ships that sunk hundreds of years ago! This in-depth book takes readers under the surface and into the fascinating realm of shipwrecks. Through 100 facts, a variety of topics are explored, including how wrecks are found and some tales of the most famous and mysterious wrecks of all. Additional fact boxes, activities, and diagrams aid in comprehension and contribute to this absorbing subject.

This book tells the stories of those intrepid adventurers who have circled the globe, from the first voyage around the world led by Ferdinand Magellan to modern solo circumnavigators such as Ellen MacArthur and Steve Fossett. Find out about the courage and skill of circumnavigators, and whether you''ve got what it takes to be an ultimate adventurer.

"The timeless novel, Journey to the Center of the Earth, is retold in this title in a graphic novel format. The graphic novel format helps readers understand and enjoy the classic story. Retold with easy to comprehend language and beautiful illustrations every reader will be excited to pick up this title."

Describes life for a medieval knight.

A study of various myths and legends of ancient Egypt.

Nothing brings ancient history to life like thinking about what ancient people did that we can relate to today. I Wonder Why Romans Wore Togas takes an accessible approach to the subject with child-friendly language, entertaining illustrations, and a series of questions that bring the people of Ancient Rome to life. Covering everything from clothing, food, and family life to art, architecture, engineering, and colonization, the short Q & A format delivers just the right information and the most interesting facts, encouraging lively discussion, and opening the door for deeper exploration of this important subject.

With the echo of regal church bells still ringing in the ears of royalists and well-wishers worldwide, Fiona Macdonald take a look at the quirky, odd and downright bizarre circumstances surrounding the weddings of the kings, queens, princes and princesses of Britain. One must leave one''s sense of decorum at the palace gates as the author tells the wacky stories surrounding the preparations, dresses, ceremonies and national moods that went with the excitement of a royal wedding, from England''s resident marriage addict Henry VIII, through Anne Hyde, the ''commoner'' who birthed two queens, right up to Prince Charles, Princess Diana and their son and daughter-in-law to be. Featuring facts, figures and family trees, Royal Weddings, A Very Peculiar History is sure to keep one in the spirit of things, even after the last fleck of confetti has touched the ground.

Dragged from the deepest, darkest depths of the ''Very Peculiar History'' vaults, this book collects tales of terror, morbid myths and frightening facts that will chill you witless. Introduced by everyone''s favourite bloodsucker, Count Dracula, ''Vampires: A Very Peculiar History'' features the origin of vampire-like creatures and a biological and mythological look at human blood (including the best places to bite if you were a vampire!) alongside tales of the real-life vampires that may have inspired the first vampire stories. It includes advice on how to spot a vampire as well as how to become one! Even vampires of film, graphic novel and manga get a taste of the action! Don''t be scared, be prepared...with ''Vampires, A Very Peculiar History''!

It''s not all longing looks across the dining room from that high-class gentleman! Life as a Victorian servant was tough, tough, tough! Discover the bizarre and oh-so-strict rules one had to keep to when serving the dignitaries in ''Victorian Servants: A Very Peculiar History''. Rise up through the ranks from washerwoman to housemaid to ladies'' maid and beyond, but mind you don''t keep any ''followers'', as boyfriends are immoral and are strictly not allowed! While you wait on hand and foot from 5.30 am to 11 pm you won''t even have time to rest your own. The chamber pots are certainly not to be sniffed at, and remember if the bell rings once, you are wanted. It''s hard work but it''s better than the alternative: begging, returning home penniless or heading to the workhouse. You''ll discover stories of suffering and household tips galore in ''Victorian Servants: A Very Peculiar History''!

Just when you thought it was safe to take a sneak peek into your stocking, it''s ''Christmas: A Very Peculiar History''. Taking an unbiased view of the myth and mystery surrounding the origins of the yuletide season, this book introduces mindbending facts about the holiday season and shatters the myths surrounding some of Christmas'' most treasured and well-known facets: When exactly was Jesus born? Why is Santa''s outfit red and white? Where do we get Christmas trees from? What''s the snow in a snowglobe made of? What''s Boxing Day all about? ''Christmas: A Very Peculiar History'' takes a sideways look at bizarre yuletide customs and stories from around the world, such as Santa''s evil sidekick, the terrifying Krampus, and the Scandinavian celebration of Saint Lucy. So leave the mince pies on the mantlepiece if you''ve been good and block up your chimneys if you''ve been bad, because ''Christmas: A Very Peculiar History'' is here.

Taking a unique look at one of the world''s most acclaimed and best-loved poets, ''Robert Burns, A Very Peculiar History'' provides a fascinating insight into the life and times of Scotland''s bard. Take a wee stroll through his romantic yet tragic life, and join him on his journey from underdog to celebrity. With much reference to his most famous works, Fiona Macdonald explores his profound, passionate poetry, as well as his use of the Scots language and his inspirations and influences. Featuring quirky stories and entertaining trivia throughout, find out what makes Burns so captivating to countless millions around the globe.

Whisky, A Very Peculiar History'' takes a sideways look at this most inebriating beverage from its simplistic origins to its pride of place in the drinks cabinets of the world. When Henry VIII disbanded the monasteries and let those brewing monks out into the wilderness, he had no idea of the kind of beast he''d unleashed. Whisky was used as a medicine, giving ''the glow of apparent well-being'' and even horses were known to be given a dram here and there (although via the kneecaps). Featuring quirky tales of whisky''s development and refining through the ages and detailed stories about its effect on the common man and woman, ''Whisky, A Very Peculiar History'' delivers a warm aftertaste of hilarity with every shot of fact.

“Scots Wha Hae!” ''Scotland, A Very Peculiar History - Volume 2'' is the concluding part of a lively and informative account of the vibrant history of Scotland, from the beginnings of Stewart rule up to modern-day Scotland. Celebrating the many and varied cultural and historic achievements of the Scottish, from the fierce Jacobite uprising to John Logie Baird''s insulating socks, this ebook provides an objective account of the nation''s chequered (or rather, ''tartaned'') history. You''ll also find fact boxes, quotes, poetry and unbelievable recipes to share with your family and friends (although we''d advise that some old recipes are only fit for reading)!

This volume examines ten of history''s most notorious pirates.

With fact boxes and sidebars offering additional information, this book introduces killer animals, from the mosquito to the great white shark.

This book lists some of the most dangerous mythical creatures.

Learn about World War II, the draft, and how people in Allied countries contributed to the war effort.

Originally published: Salariya Book Co., 2004.

Describes daily life in feudal-era Japan and explains the skills and duties of a samurai warrior.

Describes how people around the world have used precious stones, metals, dyes, and paints to decorate themselves throughout the ages.

Looks at the clothes worn around the world through history, telling how they were made, what they were made of, and the purposes for which they were designed.