New Releases by Paul Jennings

Honest, insightful, funny - a brilliant memoir about writing and teaching and life from one of Australia''s most loved children''s authors. In the telling of his own tale, children''s author and screenwriter Paul Jennings demonstrates how seemingly small events can combine into a compelling drama. As if assembling the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle he puts together fragments, memories and anecdotes to reveal the portrait of a complex and weathered soul. The accounts of the trials and joys of turning his stories into episodes of the television program Round The Twist will be of special interest to the millions of fans of this series. Untwisted is revealing, moving and very funny. Paul Jennings has crafted perhaps his most masterful story yet ...the story of his life.

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 Jennings'Äô reflections serve as both a poignant memoir and a critical historical document, making it essential for scholars and general readers alike who wish to engage with the profound contradictions of liberty and servitude in the early United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.

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.

A 2017 CHOICE Outstanding Academic Title award winner *********************************************** This book is an introduction to the history of alcoholic drink in England from the end of the Middle Ages to the present day. Treating the subject thematically, it covers who drank, what they drank, how much, who produced and sold drink, the places where it was enjoyed and the meanings which drinking had for people. It also looks at the varied opposition to drinking and the ways in which it has been regulated and policed. As a social and cultural history, it examines the place of drink in society and how social developments have affected its history and what it meant to individuals and groups as a cultural practice. Covering an extended period in time, this book takes in the important changes brought about by the Reformation and the processes of industrialization and urbanization. This volume also focuses on drink in relation to class and gender and the importance of global developments, along with the significance of regional and local difference. Whilst a work of history, it draws upon the insights of a range of other disciplines which have together advanced our understanding of alcohol. The focus is England, but it acknowledges the importance of comparison with the experience of other countries in furthering our understanding of England’s particular experience. This book argues for the centrality of drink in English society throughout the period under consideration, whilst emphasizing the ways in which its use, abuse and how they have been experienced and perceived have changed at different historical moments. It is the first scholarly work which covers the history of drink in England in all its aspects over such an extended period of time. Written in a lively and approachable style, this book is suitable for those who study social and cultural history, as well as those with an interest in the history of drink in England.

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.

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!

Hedley Hopkins has a few problems: he is the new kid at school, straight off the boat from England in the 1950s. The only friends he has made are the kids at the Loony Bin especially bald headed, long armed Victor. But if he could just fulfil a dare and dig out the hideous skull hidden in a grave in the sand dunes, he could impress the bullies at school and become their friend. But Hedley is not so sure. Weird things are happening to his body. Is he being punished for his terrible actions? And if his uptight parents ever found out what he was up to, they might blow up. Full-moon murderers, an open grave, religious conversions and sexual awakening meld sometimes poignantly, sometimes hilariously in this riveting, stunningly original account of growing up in 1950s Australia. This coming of age tale is Paul Jennings at his very best!

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.

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 ...

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.

`Charge,'' came Gramps'' excited voice. I gasped. The frog general was as big as a full-grown cow. He started to roll his tongue back into his mouth. He was going to slurp me up and slide me up and slide me down his throat.

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.

A third gizmo yarn from Australia's master of madness.