Stories from the natural world

Why blend in, when you were born to stand out? Here is wonder, nature and amazing science, told in animal voices. Funny Bums, Freaky Beaks is our number 1 best selling science and nature book — a celebration of difference and weirdness. Also available in paperback, with a Dutch edition (Grappige Billen, Gekke Bekken) and American English edition (Funny Butts, Freaky Beaks). A Guardian top pick in non-fiction books for children.

Written with my writing buddy Sean and the brilliantly cheeky illustrator Sarah, it is written for children aged 5–10, but reviews indicate that preschoolers and grown-ups are enjoying it too. This book was created during a challenging time — a weird period when ideas of 'normal' were turned on their head, when many of us found a welcome distraction in being reminded of how extraordinary the natural world is.

Our book has spent several months as the Amazon UK Number 1 'most wished for' children's book on zoology and number 1 best selling children's zoology book. This book got to the number 1 spot in a pandemic without a marketing budget and no funded promotion — just with a lot of passion from everyone involved and kind interest from book reviewers.

"The child-appeal of Funny Bums, Freaky Beaks isn't limited to the title — this compelling compendium of animals is grouped by body parts from strange toes to perplexing necks, with lively text and intricate, vibrant illustrations."

— The Guardian

"This compendium intrigues and delights the reader. It celebrates evolution and creates a feeling of awe and wonder at the variety of the natural world. The book informs and inspires and can be dipped into again and again. Highly recommended for children aged 6+."

— The English Society

"Behind every kid that knows all the animal facts, there is a well-thumbed compendium like this one. Full to the brim with all sorts of extraordinary adaptations, the authors take us on a journey across body parts through page-after-page of lavishly illustrated spreads."

— BBC Wildlife Magazine

"A laugh-out-loud compendium of animals with bizarre body parts that serve a vital function. Funny Bums, Freaky Beaks is a heart-warming reminder of the power of being different."

— Waterstones — top nature book pick

Winter Sleep was long-listed for the Kate Greenaway Medal and is a Year 1 & 2 'Power of Reading' recommended top choice with the Centre for Literacy in Primary Education, who have put together lesson plans: clpe.org.uk/powerofreading

A boy and his gran share a woodland adventure and discover where life disappears to in winter. A non-fiction section explains more about different ways animals get through winter: hibernation, torpor, diapause, brumation and more. Illustrations by Cinyee Chiu.

This book was the first in our popular Seasons in the Wild series, each one combining storytelling with science.

"Busy, joyous and richly decorative."

— Nicolette Jones, Sunday Times

A follow-up to our popular Winter Sleep: A Hibernation Story, written for children aged 4–6 in the same format — combining storytelling with science and natural history.

A story of discoveries of seasonal wildlife in a family nature garden, followed by a non-fiction science section on plants, mammals and the Earth in temperate areas in spring. We introduce pollination, metamorphosis, plant life cycles, animal behaviour, phenology, climate, and ideas for children to learn and do.

Busy Spring was voted Best Innovative Non Fiction Book of 2021 by 400 judges on @inclusiveStoryTime. Available in shops, online, and at Bookshop.org.

A girl and her grandpa walk to the beach, noticing grasshoppers, dragonflies and the aftermath of a fire. The book gently introduces the impacts of a warming climate on wildlife, ways life has adapted to heat, and ways we can help.

"Boundless blues and vivid yellows impart a sunlit heat that rises off the page, while the story addresses the changing climate with openness and hope."

— The Guardian

Autumn Feast is our latest children's nature book, published in August 2024.

This story follows a family who go exploring and foraging on a blustery autumn day, as their local park turns into a flurry of red, orange, pink and gold. They are enchanted by the sights and sounds around them — crunchy leaves, a feast of nuts and fruits — and the children discover lots of plants, animals and fungi and how they are preparing for cooler months.

We introduce animal behaviour, evolutionary adaptations and plant science throughout the story and in the non-fiction section. This book stars an LGBTQ+ family. Available in shops, online, and at Bookshop.org.

"Busy, joyous and richly decorative."

— Nicolette Jones, Sunday Times

Written by Penny Worms and illustrated by Hannah Bailey, this ecology story book for primary school age children blends non-fiction with storytelling, exploring keystone species that have special 'superpowers' and explaining how these help keep whole ecosystems healthy.

Endorsed by the British Ecological Society and recommended by the Sunday Times, the book has won the KS1 Best Curriculum Support Award from @booksfortopics. Some profits from the book will help young people from less privileged backgrounds into careers in ecology.

I served as consultant editor on this book. Available to pre-order now.