Whisky, or “whiskey” if you prefer, is a multinational, billion-dollar industry spanning the globe; it is made from New York to Tasmania. Although whisky is an umbrella term that includes Bourbon and Irish, it is most synonymous with Scotch. It is estimated that more Scotch is sold in France in a month than Cognac in a year. But, how did an obscure drink from the far reaches of northwest Europe become a worldwide phenomenon? That’s the first question asked in this book. Most decent bars and stores have a wide range of Scotches, but what do their individual names mean? A large proportion of their names derive from farm names, which is understandable since whisky was mostly an agricultural by-product. The names, in turn, reflect the various languages historically spoken across Scotland. Whisky gives us a glimpse into the world of our ancestors and allows us to see that world through their eyes. That’s the essence of the Language of Whisky. This book also strips away the veneer of self-proclaimed expert-speak and brings whisky back to where it belongs: hearth, home, and, of course, good company.
David McNicoll was born and raised in the Scottish Highlands; and after leaving Aberdeen University, where he gained an honours degree in geography, he went to work at a local distillery, Blair Athol. From there, he moved to the Scottish capital, Edinburgh, where he started working with a travel company specializing in small group tours of Scotland. In 2004, he set up his own firm called Scottish Routes, which was dedicated to whisky and ancestral travel. David moved to America in 2010, and has represented several Scotch whiskies as Brand Ambassador in New York. In addition, he hosts night-classes in the history of Scotland and freelances as a whisky specialist in private tasting sessions across the city.
David retains close connections with friends and family back in Scotland; and returns when he can – especially in the capacity as a member of the last private regiment in Europe: a ceremonial guard raised by the Duke of Atholl.
Hiss. Splat.
Tire's flat!
And Cow doesn't have a clue what to do. Luckily Cow has lots of friends with plenty of helpful suggestions. But will any of their ideas work? Are any of their substitute tires even the right shape? Whatever happens, a flat tire has never been so much fun!
Leslie Kimmelman, the author of Here Come the Helpers, The Little Red Hen and the Passover Matzah, Trick ARR Treat! and other funny and popular books for kids, has written a rollicking, rhyming adventure that's anything but flat. Chock-full of animal and auto noises (and a little bit of math) the story makes, well, a wheel-y fun read-aloud.
The book is illustrated by Marcus Cutler, who is known for his lively characters and vivid color palette. His artwork has appeared in picture books, magazines, educational texts, mobile apps, and more. He lives in Ontario, Canada, where you're likely to find him testing out the local slides with his wife and two daughters.
Come ride along with Cow and friends!
On two feet or on all fours,
Where would you be without yours?
Feet. They’re everywhere! We share them with bats, cats, rats, even gnats! But not all feet are the same. Some are sticky, and some are stinky. Some can hear, and some can taste. There’s a wondrous world of feet out there, especially animal feet. It gives one paws!
Artie Bennett, author of the beloved, kid-pleasing picture books The Butt Book, Poopendous!, Peter Panda Melts Down!, and Belches, Burps, and Farts—Oh My, directs his gaze downward now to deliver the final word on feet. In well-crafted, hilarious verses that teem with facts and fun, Artie identifies the parts of the foot, the unique adaptations of assorted animal feet, the largest human feet ever, and much, much more.
Mike Moran, acclaimed illustrator of Poopendous!, puts his best foot forward with uproarious artwork that both enlightens and delights. Feet have never been in better hands!
There’s even a two-page fact spread, “Feet Notes,” for those eager to jump into this fascinating subject with both feet. What’s Afoot! is guaranteed to knock your socks off!