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Illuminated Animal Globe (Insight Globes)

Childrens Toy Shop > Travel > General
by: Stellanova

November 15, 2006
I thought the big globe for my grandson was so nice I also bought a smaller one for my little granddaughter. Now they both can have a game asking each other which animal lives in which country. Very educational!! I might just have started a new game - wonder if I should patent it? Super value - very pleased.

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Roman Britain (Historical Map & Guide) (Historical Map & Guide)

Childrens Toy Shop > Travel > General
by: Ordnance Survey

March 08, 2001
If you're looking for a map that gives you all the known Roman sites in a particular area, then this map will be very useful. I was slightly disappointed to discover that it can't be used as a wall poster, because Scotland & Northern England appear on the back. There is also a lot of additional information printed around the sides of the map and, although this is probably of interest to some, I would have preferred a more traditional map of the UK with less of the fashionable multimedia-style trimmings.

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Eat London: All About Food

Childrens Toy Shop > Travel > General
by: Terence Conran, Peter Prescott

March 16, 2007
I was left dissapointed by this book which seems to assume that good food in London can only be found in affluent or trendy areas, and mostly in expensive delis or restaurants. I really felt that they missed a trick to really unearth the jems of London's food scene but opted instead for the obvious. For example, coverage for South East London is woeful, despite it being home to any number of excellent pan-asian and caribean shops and restaurants, as well as some of the best British food from great roasts, to fish and chips and pie and mash. You can only assume that the researchers didn't like the idea of Jerk Chicken in Catford. The cynic in me would also like to know how many of the establishments listed are somehow a part of the Conran empire. ... Read More:

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Are You Dave Gorman?

Childrens Toy Shop > Travel > General
by: Dave Gorman, Danny Wallace

July 04, 2002
they were probably posted by the authors' friends. There is no other explanation for those positive ratings. This is the first book in years I've stopped reading after forcing myself through the first one hundred pages. Boring, boring, boring. Two guys overstretch a very weak story to make a book and they do so by narrating it in such a ghastly way that you start hating yourself for having fallen for the reviewers' hype. I had my doubts but I decided to believe the "readers" ratings. Believe me, there is no way in hell so many people can honestly have found this book to be funny, interesting or in any way readable. Based on this book I wish to never ever meet anyone called Dave Gorman. Ah yes, it took two to fabricate it! Gawd... What I do mind is ... Read More:

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The Places in Between

Childrens Toy Shop > Travel > General
by: Rory Stewart

April 01, 2005
I enjoyed the book, for Stewart's eye to detail and his ability to convey so well the challenges facing the people of Afghanistan. As someone who has worked occasionally in Afghanistan (and with much less insight than Stewart), I felt that he really captured the realities of Afghanistan in 2002 and it made me wonder how much the same region has changed today, if at all. Stewart has an impressive knowledge of Islamic history and culture and uses it well to provide understanding of the people and the book is worth reading just for that.

Other reviewers have commented on his prose, and it has a simpleness to it, but lacks real depth, it has a repetitive quality, not unlike the steps he took on his journey. The missing link is his reason for ... Read More:

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Canada (Lonely Planet Country Guide)

Childrens Toy Shop > Travel > General
by: Karla Zimmerman, et al

April 01, 2008
I enjoyed the book, for Stewart's eye to detail and his ability to convey so well the challenges facing the people of Afghanistan. As someone who has worked occasionally in Afghanistan (and with much less insight than Stewart), I felt that he really captured the realities of Afghanistan in 2002 and it made me wonder how much the same region has changed today, if at all. Stewart has an impressive knowledge of Islamic history and culture and uses it well to provide understanding of the people and the book is worth reading just for that.

Other reviewers have commented on his prose, and it has a simpleness to it, but lacks real depth, it has a repetitive quality, not unlike the steps he took on his journey. The missing link is his reason for ... Read More:

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The Northumberland Coast

Childrens Toy Shop > Travel > General
by: Joe Cornish

May 08, 2008
Joe really is in the gods with his beautifully observed and executed photography. This book does not disappoint. I also own "Scotland's Coast" and "First Light". All outstanding. Recently went to the exhibition at the Michale Hooper Gallery. Wow!

Keep up the stunning work Joe.

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A Land of Two Halves: An Accidental Tour of New Zealand

Childrens Toy Shop > Travel > General
by: Joe Bennett

May 03, 2005
I think its the Daily Mail who describe this book as 'hilarious' - but its far from that I can assure you. I was expecting a lighthearted jaunt around the NZ islands but instead got the cynical ramblings from someone who has very little good to say about the country he has made his home for many years. I ploughed through it though and it was worth it when I did come across the funny bit just a chapter or so from the end. So if you're after a book to advise you on all the negative things to look out for then this is just the job, otherwise best avoided I think.....

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Bollocks to Alton Towers: Uncommonly British Days Out

Childrens Toy Shop > Travel > General
by: Robin Halstead, Jason Hazeley, Alex Morris, Joel Morris

March 02, 2006
I searched for this book under 'comedy' and have to say it hardly raises the mouth corners at any point or at least the third I read didn't. I'm sure it's well written and it's factual and informative but if you are looking for Jeremy Clarkson style quick wit then it's not for you.

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Guide to London 2009 (Not for Tourists) (Not for Tourists) (Not for Tourists)

Childrens Toy Shop > Travel > General
by: Happy Mazza Media

November 10, 2008
I searched for this book under 'comedy' and have to say it hardly raises the mouth corners at any point or at least the third I read didn't. I'm sure it's well written and it's factual and informative but if you are looking for Jeremy Clarkson style quick wit then it's not for you.