New Releases by Paul Jennings

This book charts the history of gin from its arrival in England in the sixteenth century to the present day. In doing so it uses a range of perspectives: economic, social, cultural and political to give a rounded picture of how the spirit developed in the way it did over some 400 years. It looks at how gin’s popularity has ebbed and flowed over the centuries among different groups in society. It is therefore concerned with the drinkers of gin and why they chose it and at the meanings which they attached to its consumption. Gin was particularly popular with women and the spirit is often associated with them, in phrases like Mother’s Ruin. This also alerts us to the fact that gin has often had a bad press, never more so than in the infamous Gin Craze of the first half of the eighteenth century, so vividly depicted in Hogarth’s Gin Lane. The book attempts to tell something of the real history of gin beneath the frequent condemnation. It ends with the resurgence of gin’s popularity with the emergence of so-called designer gins in the twenty-first century.

In "A Colored Man''s Reminiscences of James Madison," Paul Jennings offers a compelling first-person narrative that intricately weaves the life of James Madison with Jennings'' own experiences as an enslaved man. The book, written in the mid-19th century, combines autobiography with sociocultural commentary, providing a unique lens through which to view the personal and political intricacies of early American history. Jennings'' prose is marked by a poignant clarity, bridging the gap between the lived experiences of African Americans and the founding ideals of the nation, while challenging the reader to reconsider the complexities of freedom and servitude within the context of American democracy. Paul Jennings, who was born into slavery and served as a valet to Madison, imparted his firsthand experiences with a sense of urgency and authenticity that reflects the tumultuous social landscape of his time. His narratives shed light on the often-overlooked perspectives of Black individuals in the founding era, underscoring his role not only as a witness but also as a participant in the political developments of his day. Jennings''Äô own struggles for dignity and recognition permeate his writings, lending a deeply personal touch to historical analysis. This book is invaluable for readers who seek to understand the complexities of American history beyond traditional narratives. Jennings''Äô reflections serve as both a poignant memoir and a critical historical document, making it essential for scholars and general readers alike who wish to engage with the profound contradictions of liberty and servitude in the early United States.

A story of new beginnings in a new land, and a surprising, heartwarming companion to A Different Boy and A Different Dog. Christopher is twelve thousand miles from home. The pub has a dirt floor and the owner is as rough as guts. The forest hides snakes, feral pigs and a dark secret. Mysterious, bold and strange. Expect the unexpected. And watch your step. Enter this place and you will be different for ever. A twisting tale from Australia''s master storyteller.

Among the laborers at the Department of the Interior is an intelligent colored man, Paul Jennings, who was born a slave on President Madison''s estate, in Montpelier, Va., in 1799. His reputed father was Benj. Jennings, an English trader there; his mother, a slave of Mr. Madison, and the grand-daughter of an Indian. Paul was a "body servant" of Mr. Madison, till his death, and afterwards of Daniel Webster, having purchased his freedom of Mrs. Madison. His character for sobriety, truth, and fidelity, is unquestioned; and as he was a daily witness of interesting events, I have thought some of his recollections were worth writing down in almost his own language.

Now you see him, now you don''t - an action-packed adventure about a boy who just wants to blend in, from a bestselling author/illustrator team. Even before all this happened I had never been like the other kids. I tried not to be seen. If I climbed a tree or hid among the bins, no one could find me. ''Where''s What''s His Name?'' they''d say. Then, one weekend, I got what I wanted. First, I blended in with things. But on the second day I changed. I mean, really changed. The hilarious story of a boy with an unusual problem, from children''s book legend Paul Jennings. Includes fantastic look-and-find colour illustrations.

The Paul Jennings phenomenon began with the publication of Unreal! in 1985. Thirty years and eight million books later, children all around the world continue to devour his stories. This special anniversary edition contains thirty stories, hand picked by the author from across his funny, spooky, weird and wonderful Un- books, and others. This book is sure to have readers laughing out loud.

(Percussion). This beginner''s guide takes you through the basics of the instrument and its techniques. The accompanying online videos include demonstrations of many examples in the book. Topics covered include: notation * bass and slap tone exercises * three- and four-tone exercises * basic rhythms * traditional djembe rhythms * modern technqiues * and much more.

(Percussion). This beginner''s guide for anyone learning to play the cajon take you through the basics of the instrument and its techniques. The accompanying online videos include demonstrations of many examples in the book. Topics covered include: playing position * notation * bass and slap tone exercises * grooves * changing pitch * foot slide exercises * finger doubles and triples * playing with brushes * and much more.

Book 2 in the fantastic four book series about taking risks and flying high, from the children''s book legend Paul Jennings and brilliant cartoonist Andrew Weldon. ''You''re grounded, Ricky,'' said Mum. ''Yes,'' said Dad. ''In more ways than one.'' Ricky is an ordinary boy, who can fly. He can really fly! But only when no one is looking. His dream is to one day be FAMOUS. But after accidentally opening the car window at the car wash, he''s grounded. No movies, no swimming, no phone. And definitely no flying. But he has a plan. The school concert is coming up and he has the best ever magic trick up his sleeve. Will he wow the crowd, or fall flat on his face? A brilliant series presented in words and pictures by master story tellers Paul Jennings and Andrew Weldon. Don''t Look Now will have readers laughing out loud at Ricky and his hilarious adventures - on and off the ground.

Book 1 in the fantastic four-book series about taking risks and flying high. A unique collaboration from children''s book legend Paul Jennings and brilliant cartoonist Andrew Weldon. The other kids don''t see things the same way as me. I spend a lot of time imagining things. I just don''t get it. Inside my head I am not the same as other kids. Ricky is an ordinary boy, who dreams of being famous. And he has a secret that might just help him realise his dream. Because Ricky can fly. Truly. He can really fly. But there''s a hitch. He can only fly when absolutely no one is looking. If a person, an animal or a bird sees him while he''s flying, he will fall out of the sky and almost certainly die. But Ricky is desperate. Will he risk flying in public, just for a shot at fame? The first two stories in a brilliant series presented in words and pictures by master story tellers Paul Jennings and Andrew Weldon. Don''t Look Now will have readers laughing out loud at Ricky and his hilarious adventures - on and off the ground.

A collection of nine stories about the scary, the supernatural, or the unusual, including an ice maiden with a deadly kiss and a magic harmonica with the power to do good or evil.

Paul Jennings'' books are enjoyed by millions of children throughout the world. From the hugely popular UnCollected series comes this special selection of tales – a showcase of Paul''s storytelling talents at their very best . . . and weirdest!

12 year-old Hedley Hopkins has been in Australia for a whole year, but he''s finding it hard to fit in. Confusing things keep happening - he can''t stop thinking about naked ladies, strange things are happening in his nether regions and the compulsory chat about the facts of life leaves him baffled and embarrassed. So when Ian Douglas issues Hedley with a dare and promises that if he fulfils it, Hedley Hopkins will be a fully fledged member of his gang, Hedley says yes. But he doesn''t know quite what he''s let himself in for. First, he has to steal a skull from the grave outside the loony bin. Then he has to deal with the ''loonies'' - actually a group of kids with learning disabilities, one of whom wants to be his friend. And when the skull starts giving him advice, Hedley knows he''s in big trouble. He has to find a way to make peace with the other kids - and return the skull to its rightful owner, before it''s too late.

In a clear and humorous style this book explains how you can open the world through a love of books. The author has cut through the jargon and the controversies to reveal the simple truths which will enable every parent to infect their child with the reading bug. Originally published: Australia: Penguin, 2003.

Modern scientific investigations of earthquakes began in the 1880s, and the International Association of Seismology was organized in 1901 to promote collaboration of scientists and engineers in studying earthquakes. The International Handbook of Earthquake and Engineering Seismology, under the auspices of the International Association of Seismology and Physics of the Earth''s Interior (IASPEI), was prepared by leading experts under a distinguished international advisory board and team of editors. The content is organized into 56 chapters and includes over 430 figures, 24 of which are in color. This large-format, comprehensive reference summarizes well-established facts, reviews relevant theories, surveys useful methods and techniques, and documents and archives basic seismic data. It will be the authoritative reference for scientists and engineers and a quick and handy reference for seismologists. Also available is The International Handbook of Earthquake and Engineering Seismology, Part B.

From two of Australia''s wickedest authors comes this collection of six shocking children''s stories. They are: The Slobberers, Battering Rams, Croaked, Dead Ringers, The Creeper and Till Death Us Do Part.

Amy''s mum is missing, her dad''s left and she''s stuck with a baby she''s never seen before. Meanwhile Sprocket has no idea how he ended up all alone in the bush, naked and with no food. But one thing''s for sure - being chased around by fiendish little brats isn''t going to help him remember anything ...

In no time at all, Amy and Sprocket were covered with scampering, crawling, hopping insects and spiders. They were in Sprocket''s hair and eyes and earholes. He gasped and sucked in air. And with the air he drew in a huge spider. It squirmed and wriggled inside his mouth like a live, damp feather. He spat it out with a scream ...

A collection of 8 shocking stories.

To solve the mystery and save their step family Rory and Dawn must find Karl. What awaits them in the abandoned refinery, a new beginning or a horrible end? Suggested level: primary, intermediate.

I looked up and saw a monstrous white hairy face disappear into the drain. I had never seen such a frightening sight. White hair covered its entire head. I couldn''t even see any eyes. In a flash Gramps splashed into the drain after it.