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< Back Dr Nizar M Benazzouz The innovative Animal Nizar M. Benazzouz, PhD examines the hidden pattern within all natural and human innovations. The Innovative Animal explores the concept of innovation in all its facets, from the computer field and business, to the creation of our Matrix, online streaming, and the introduction of AI. Benazzouz discusses the rapid and profound transformations that have taken place over recent times, and how they have disrupted almost every aspect of our lives, from our economy, our society, and our individual identity. He discusses how the smartphone has become an extension of ourselves, enabling us to do almost anything and everything, from ordering a taxi, to streaming movies, and communicating with loved ones. The world we live in today is almost unrecognizable from the world of the 1950s. For many, the rapid pace of change is confusing and overwhelming. Benazzouz developed “The Fundamental Identity of Innovation”, an equation, he argues, capable of describing all human and natural innovations. In the equation, innovation is a result of motivation (of the innovator), creativity (or vision), technology (or implementation), value (or outcome), and need (of the end user). This is a meticulously researched book by Digital Transformation Manager and Innovation Professor, Nizar M. Benazzouz. The book explores both the creative and destructive forces of innovation, integrating knowledge from the East and West, and exploring innovation alongside developments in other fields of science and social science, such as biology, physics, history, anthropology, philosophy, psychology, and neuroscience. Benazzouz’s primary motivation to write the book stems from a belief that we are approaching the apogee of the current technological revolution. An extraordinary and enlightening exploration of innovation, and its profound impact on our species and society. The book is accessible, yet thought-provoking. It offers readers a fascinating insight into the relationship between innovation and human evolution. Whether you are a tech nerd, a history buff, or just curious about innovation and the future, this book encourages reflection and debate about the intricate relationship between innovation and the world we inhabit. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An extraordinary and enlightening exploration of innovation, and its profound impact on our species and society. Purchase here

< Back S. C. Eston Deficiency Author S. C. Eston depicts a disturbing vision of society that is far too close for comfort. Set in Prominence City, on the planet Garadia, a prominent researcher at Thrium Laboratories, Detel Scherzel, suddenly disappears. Her profile is deleted from the data-sphere, and she is nowhere to be seen. Her brother, Artenz Scherzel, and sister-in-law, Keidi Rysinger, are frantic with worry. Keidi visits Detel’s laboratory but finds no trace of her existence. Meanwhile, it’s an important day for Artenz, as he launches a new project for his company, BlueTech Data. When Artenz nips out for lunch, enforcers enter his workplace and lock the building down. One of Artenz’s colleagues, Marti Zehron, contacts him and tells him not to return to the office, but to run and hide. The enforcers are searching for Detel, and when they learn that Artenz has left the building, they send out a team to capture him. Following Keidi’s unsuccessful visit to Detel’s laboratory, she visits Detel’s home and finds the place ransacked and destroyed. She decides to infiltrate the buildings security system, but her identity is discovered, and she is also pursued by the enforcers. Artenz is captured and taken back to BlueTech Data, where he is tortured by the enforcers. Keidi is hiding in Prominence City and, with nowhere else to turn, she seeks the assistance of an old acquaintance, and reporter for the Authentic Banners, Eltaya Ark. Eltaya and her team agree to help Keidi and they travel to the city to rescue Artenz. Artenz is taken to a place of safety, where he learns about Detel’s secret research and her mysterious disappearance. Keidi is lost somewhere in the depths of the underground, with the enforcers in hot pursuit. As Keidi tries to find her way to Artenz, Artenz plans to reveal the truth about his sisters’ research, and bring the aggressors to justice. Deficiency by author S.C. Eston, is a cleverly crafted science-fiction, dystopian novel, set on the planet Garadia, in the far distant future. Eston depicts a vision of society that is both disturbing and believable. On the surface, Prominence City is immaculate, and its citizens are healthy and law abiding, but the city harbours a dark and dirty secret. The citizens are merely pawns in a corporate game of greed, corruption, and control. It’s a vision of society that is far too close for comfort. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: Overall, a cleverly crafted, sharp, and chilling novel, with an intriguing and believable plot. Purchase here

< Back Nikita Kapoor Pack of the Lost- The Uninviting Forest Two young wolves must face their fears and enter a dangerous forest, by author Nikita Kapoor A pack of majestic wolves live peacefully in a cave on the edge of the forest on a crooked mountain. But when the roof collapses and the cave crumbles, two young wolves, Daffodil and Jasper, become separated from the pack. Jasper tries to persuade Daffodil to search for the pack in the forbidden, uninviting forest. The forest has hidden dangers and Daffodil is scared, but she won’t allow Jasper to journey alone. She reluctantly agrees, and together they venture into the depths of the forest. Jasper and Daffodil are chased by hungry tigers, and become separated. Jasper desperately searches for Daffodil, and whilst trying to avoid danger, he meets two dogs, Cosmo and Nova. Meanwhile, Daffodil is lost, scared and alone, deep in the forest. She meets a white wolf named Iris and finds a magical amulet, with a connection to her ancestors and the wolf god, Felix. The ghost of Felix helps the pair out of danger and the friends are reunited, but Daffodil is troubled by inner turmoil, and Jasper is haunted by a disturbing dream. Will the pair ever find their way out of the uninviting forest? And can they rebuild their pack? The Uninviting Forest, by ten-year old author Nikita Kapoor, is an imaginative, magical, fantasy fiction novel for middle grade readers. This is the first book in the Pack of the Lost series, and is packed full of action and adventure. The two main characters show strength, determination and leadership skills, as they face their fears and overcome many challenges in the forest. With excellent writing for someone so young, superb world-building, and captivating characters, Nikita Kapoor is a talent to watch out for. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An imaginative, magical, fantasy fiction novel, packed full of action and adventure. Purchase here

< Back Alan A. A. Winter Savior's Day (2025 Edition) Book blurb... Alan A. Winter's "Savior's Day" weaves two true stories into a high-stakes, edge-of-your-seat, apocalyptic thriller. The story begins as an elderly Jewish man is killed on the steps of St. Patrick's Cathedral. With his last breath he hands Archbishop Ford, a black man, a sliver of ancient parchment for safekeeping. Ford is amazed that NYPD detective LeShana Thompkins, also black, can translate the Hebrew writing on a scrap from the 1000-year-old Bible known as the Codex of Aleppo. LeShana explains how she knows Hebrew by telling truths about Ford's lineage kept from him by his adoptive parents. Ford's life is tossed into a cauldron of intrigue when he is summoned to the Vatican; a new Pope must be chosen. As dueling stories of Ford and the treasured Codex merge, Ford, plus other world leaders, travel to the Temple Mount to receive the long-lost missing Bible pages when two assassins squeeze their triggers at the same moment, jeopardizing chances to ease Mideast tensions. Purchase here

< Back Jessica Hamilton For Girls Who Become Women Book blurb... Jessica Alyse's For Girls who Become Women is her transparent heart on page; both bleeding and mending publicly to show women that it is possible to love others, and themselves again - after heartache. This work can be best described as a poetic journey through womanhood, the pain of love lost but most importantly the ability to recover and rediscover oneself after the dust settles. It unites readers and people through universal experiences - our loves, our disappointments, our growths and most importantly, our beautiful attempts at survival. Purchase here

< Back Reesa Shayne I Breathe For Me Inhale. Exhale. Breathe. A little girl learns how to use her breath to navigate through life. Her breath is a gift. Her breath is a friend. Her breath is a tool she uses to get through tough situations. Inhale. Exhale. Breathe. When she is sitting a test or having a tough lesson at school; when she is nervous or scared; or when she faces a difficult challenge, like climbing a rocky hill. She uses her inner strength and breath to get her through, even when she knows she might fail. She uses her breath to relax, calm herself and remind herself she is doing okay and that everything will be fine. I Breathe for Me is an inspiring and empowering picture book by Reesa Shayne, beautifully illustrated by Uttara Garg. The book will help children understand the importance and positive benefits of breath work and meditation, in a simple, engaging, accessible and age-appropriate way. It is a great resource for parents, carers and educators to help build confidence, self-esteem and resilience amongst younger children. It will help children understand and recognise their own feelings and emotions, and will encourage them to practice breathing techniques and self-care. With further resources, breathing exercises and positive affirmations at the end of this book, the book will help young children to find their own breath and inner strength. The illustrations are simply delightful. The little girl is a sweet, charming and relatable character, and her journey will inspire younger readers. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : An inspiring and empowering picture book to help children understand the importance and positive benefits of breath work meditation. Purchase here

< Back Katie Laprade Magical Things Magical Things by Katie Laprade is an illustrated picture book which aims to build self-confidence, positivity, and a sense of self-worth in young readers. The book combines affirmations with poetic imagery to inspire children to embrace their unique qualities and strengths. The affirmations are written in rhyme, making them easy for children to read and remember. Each affirmation highlights a positive trait, such as bravery, kindness, intelligence, and creativity, while using relatable and vivid metaphors like "I am brave, like a lion in the night" and "I am creative, like a working honeybee." The book's tone is uplifting and nurturing, fostering a sense of safety and belonging. The book's structure is simple yet effective, with each affirmation standing alone as a powerful statement. This format allows readers to focus on one positive message at a time, making it ideal for young children who may benefit from repetition and reinforcement. The affirmations culminate in a broader message of readiness and magic, encouraging children to embrace life's challenges with confidence and creativity. Overall, this book is a meaningful resource for children, promoting self-love, resilience, and positivity. Its affirmations are simple yet impactful, making it a delightful read for young audiences and a helpful tool for fostering emotional growth. Star rating: 4 Stars Summary : A heartfelt and empowering work that uses affirmations to instil positivity and self-confidence in young children. Purchase here

< Back Robyn M. Bolton Unlocking Innovation: A Leader's Guide for Turning Bold Ideas Into Tangible Results Unlocking Innovation: A Leader's Guide for Turning Bold Ideas Into Tangible Results is a guidebook by business leader and innovation expert, Robyn M. Bolton. Bolton builds on her experience of advising global brands to help business leaders develop new approaches and strategies to drive innovation. In the United States, 90 percent of corporate innovation incubators and labs are shut down within the first three years. Bolton sets out to prove what it takes to succeed and be among the 10 percent of corporate innovators who survive the first three years. Bolton argues that most companies don’t lack bold ideas, they lack the systems and leadership qualities to turn those ideas into results. Drawing on her extensive experience of advising global companies, Bolton offers a new framework for a holistic approach to innovation, named the ABCs of Innovation (Architecture, Behaviour, Culture). The ABCs of Innovation is a clear and simple three-year road map that any business leader can follow to foster a culture of creativity within their organization and drive impactful change. Unlocking Innovation: A Leader's Guide for Turning Bold Ideas Into Tangible Results, is an insightful, engaging and candid guidebook. Bolton’s tone is refreshingly honest, and the book is packed full of practical tools for readers to take away. With real life stories and examples from global companies, this is an excellent resource for anyone serious about driving innovation within their organization. Bolton doesn’t pretend that innovation is easy, but that it is possible with the right approach. If you have ever attempted to launch something new in a large company and hit a wall, this guidebook is for you. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A refreshing and practical resource for both new and seasoned innovation leaders and corporate executives. Purchase here

< Back Amanda M Cetas Thrown to the Wind A harrowing journey of strength, survival, and self-discovery. Based on true events, this historical fiction novel follows one boy's journey from France and across the ocean to North America in the seventeenth century. In France, 1660, during a period of rising tensions between the Catholics and Protestants (Huguenots), nine-year old Etienne Gayneau, a Huguenot, is separated from his cousin and only friend Nicolas. But, when a ship arrives in La Rochelle transporting King Louis XIV's elite musketeers, Etienne agrees to meet Nicolas at the harbor to witness the event. Etienne dreams of becoming a musketeer himself one day, and senses he is about to witness something momentous. But he doesn’t realise that the arrival of the ship will turn his life upside down. Etienne must choose whether to flee France with his family, to avoid his father’s arrest for being a heretic, or to run away and hide out in a safe haven with his cousin, a Catholic. If Etienne leaves France, he will never see Nicolas again or fulfil his dream of becoming a musketeer, but if he stays with his cousin, he will never see his family again. Etienne decides to flee, and leaves with his family, leaving everything but their faith behind. The family face a perilous journey, first to Amsterdam, Holland, and then across the Atlantic Ocean to New Amsterdam. The journey is fraught with many dangers, as they encounter criminals and pirates, and face many other challenges, including illness and injury. Etienne is quite literally thrown to the wind, but eventually gains confidence as a cabin boy. Thrown to the Wind is a well-researched, historical fiction novel for middle grade readers, by author Amanda M Cetas. The story follows a family who flee religious persecution in seventeenth century France, and seek refuge and freedom in the unchartered territories of North America. Told through the eyes of an innocent nine-year old boy, this is a harrowing journey of strength, survival, and self-discovery. Beautifully written, with meticulous attention to detail, the author brings this fascinating period of human history to life. The authors ability to balance historical accuracy with a compelling narrative, makes this novel an entertaining and enlightening read. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, and particularly those interested in seventeenth century migration from Europe to America Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A beautiful coming of age story about a young boy who flees religious persecution, leaving everything behind but his faith. Purchase here

< Back Gail Kuhnlein How Happy Is a Lark A joyful exploration of similes, by Gail Kuhnlein How Happy Is a Lark? by Gail Kuhnlein is an imaginative and interactive collection of similes, brought to life through funny stories and vivid illustrations. Each page introduces a new simile and poses a question, which will engage, entertain, and educate younger readers. How silly is a goose? How quiet is a mouse? How angry is a hornet? The book cleverly combines wordplay with captivating visuals. Each simile is accompanied by a silly tale, and funny illustrations that bring the simile to life. ‘ How cool is a cucumber? A cucumber is so cool he always has a date on Friday night.’ The illustration depicts a dashing cucumber arm-in-arm with a date (fruit). How Happy Is a Lark? by Gail Kuhnlein is a simple, effective, and memorable way to introduce similes to younger children. The book demonstrates the fun and playful aspect of language and will help develop children’s vocabulary. With further ideas for parents, caregivers and teachers, the book will spark curiosity and creativity, and will encourage a love of reading and language among young readers. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet and silly collection of similes, beautifully written and beautifully illustrated. A delight to read. Purchase here

< Back David Cairns The Case of the Emigrant Niece Unlikely duo, Findo and Errol, join forces to investigate the mystery of the lost inheritance. A historical fiction novel set in the 1800’s in Australia, London, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and the Scottish Highlands. Major Findo Gask sustains a serious leg injury at the start of the Indian mutiny in 1858, and is dispatched back to England to convalesce in a nursing home. On discharge he contemplates the next phase of his life and travels to Edinburgh to see his brother. He starts work as a consulting engineer with a local construction firm and is offered a position as a consultant to support the booming mining industry in Melbourne. He meets Errol Rait during a cricket match and rents a room from him on 21/2 Bourke Street. He learns that Errol is a criminal investigator, testing new finger marks to identify suspects. They meet a pretty young heiress, Mary Mitchell, and discover she has been swindled out of her inheritance. Errol decides to take on the case and Findo, keen to develop his investigative skills, decides to accompany him. With a link back to Scotland, the pair travel to Edinburgh to find the will of Mitchell’s late uncle. The investigation takes them from Edinburgh to the Scottish Highlands where they discover multiple murders and a sinister plot. Will Findo and Errol solve the mystery of the lost inheritance before it is too late? Will Mary receive the fortune that she rightly deserves? The Case of the Emigrant Niece is a captivating historical fiction novel by David Cairns, set in the 1800’s and spanning Australia, London, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and the Scottish Highlands. Written in the first-person point of view, from the perspective of Findo, the book follows his journey as he builds a new life for himself in Melbourne, and partners with his friend, Errol, in a fraud investigation. The novel is a work of fiction, inspired by real people, places and events. Extensively researched, and historically accurate, this book will appeal to readers who enjoy historical fiction. The novel has a definite Sherlock Holmes vibe, and I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery, suspense and intrigue. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A Sherlock Holmes-esque mystery, with two memorable and eccentric criminal investigators. Purchase here

< Back Christine Tussing Detective Stan the Crayon Man and the Missing Birthday Cake Can Detective Stan solve the mystery of the missing birthday cake? Detective Stan’s pink crayon glows brightly, which means there is an emergency in Colorful County. He races over to Pretty Pink’s bakery and finds Pretty Pink in distress. Someone has stolen the cake for Mellow Yellow’s birthday party. Detective Stan begins his investigation by interviewing all the crayons, but there are no signs of the cake, or the thief, anywhere. He searches the bakery and looks for clues. He finds messy sprinkles and purple drippy drops on the floor. He heads to Polite Purple’s home, but it can’t be her, as she was at the hair salon all morning. Detective Stan looks at all the different color combinations that make purple and considers whether two crayons worked together to steal the cake. Will Detective Stan find the culprit and solve the case? Will Mellow Yellow get a cake for his birthday party? And will Detective Stan get home before his mom notices? Detective Stan the Crayon Man and the Missing Birthday Cake by author Christine Tussing is a charming illustrated picture book. The book, written by the author when she was just eight years old, is a unique, creative, and playful story about a little boy who loves his crayons and loves to solve mysteries. When his crayons glow, he knows they need help, and he goes on an amazing adventure to Colorful County to help the crayons. Each crayon has a name and character based on their color, and the mystery clues are based on color-combinations. Young readers will enjoy following the clues and solving the mystery. The book will spark young children’s imagination, and will also help them to learn colour combinations. The illustrations by Izzy Bean are delightful. I particularly like how the two different worlds are represented – the real world where Stan lives; and the fantasy world of the crayons. I would love to see more adventures of Detective Stan! Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A charming and fun illustrated picture book that will spark young children’s imagination and creativity Purchase here