Stewart, Alexandra – The Bell Bookshop

Race to the South Pole

Emma — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Follow the stories of two men in one historic race to reach the South Pole.

In 1910, Captain Robert Falcon Scott and the team of the Terra Nova embarked on an intrepid journey to Antarctica. Their mission: to explore uncharted lands, carry out important scientific work and become the first to reach the South Pole. There was just one problem – Scott wasn’t the only one with his sights on the Pole! Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen had spent his whole life dreaming of polar adventure. After narrowly missing the chance to be first to the North Pole, he was determined to win the race to the South.

In this two-sided story, readers will follow one man’s journey before flipping the book to see things from the other side. This novel approach to storytelling encourages young readers to look at historic events from different perspectives, and to develop empathy and critical thinking as they face both triumph and tragedy in this remarkable true story.

Children’s author Alexandra Stewart expertly weaves together history, natural history and STEM into an engaging narrative-driven tale, brought to life with beautiful artwork by illustrator Sarah Wilkins.

Countdown to christmas

Emma — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

A beautiful gift treasury of twenty-four of the most beloved classic stories, poems and songs from all around the world that love to be shared in the countdown to Christmas.

Ride on the Snow Queen’s sleigh, discover the elves secretly making shoes in the night, learn about the first ever Christmas in space and enjoy a new Christmas story every night as you count your way down to the big day. With stories beautifully retold by Alexandra Stewart and gloriously illustrated by Freya Hartas, Countdown to Christmas is the perfect stocking filler to help little ones feel the magic of Christmas.

We dug up the world

Emma — Thu, 22 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

You can find AMAZING things when you DIG. Shells, bottle tops and slimy snails. But can you imagine what would happen if one day you dug up something extra special, something that had an amazing story to tell about what life was like a long time ago . . .

People have found some INCREDIBLE things by digging deep underground. Magnificent mummies from long, long ago. Dinosaur bones washed up on the beach. Beautiful cities buried by volcano ash. Mighty meteors from beyond the Milky Way. And even an ancient poo.

Team up with archaeologists from around the world and travel through time to learn about fantastic historical artefacts. From Tutankhamun’s tomb to the Titanic, and dinosaur bones on the beach to Pompeii, children will discover something new on every page and delight in learning about how the world used to be.

Darwin & Hooker

Emma — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 00:00:00 +0000

‘A beautifully illustrated book which shows the importance of teamwork in developing new ideas’ Books for KeepsOn 24th November 1859, Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species was first published, selling out almost immediately. Describing the now well known theory that humans evolved through a process called natural selection, it became an instant classic and cemented Darwin as one of the greatest biologists of all time. However, he couldn’t have done it without the support, encouragement and advice from those who believed in him. None more so than Joseph Hooker, his friend, confidant and fellow collector, who supported and helped Darwin when he didn’t dare ask anyone else. Hooker, too, had his own adventures and made his own discoveries – many of which not only aided Darwin, but went on to change what the world knew about plants. Becoming head of Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, he came to be one the world’s most influential botanists. Across many years, countless adventures and numerous letters, this captivating and wonderfully illustrated book tells the story of one of greatest friendships to happen to science. Publishing in partnership with Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, this book will show children how teamwork, curiosity, openness and trust can be the greatest tools a scientist will ever need. They might even help you change the world.

Everest The Remarkable Story

Emma — Thu, 02 May 2019 00:00:00 +0000

WITH A FOREWORD BY SIR RANULPH FIENNES
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CELEBRATING 70 YEARS OF THE FIRST SUCCESSFUL EVEREST ASCENT 1953-2023
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This beautifully illustrated book tells the incredible story of Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, the first people ever to set foot on the top of Everest. Ideal for readers aged 8+

In the late morning of May 29th 1953, the sun was shining brightly on the roof of the world, a gentle breeze was blowing, and two men were there to witness it for the first time ever. Their names were Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, and the roof of the world was Everest.

This is the breathtaking story of how two very different yet equally determined men battled frost-biting temperatures, tumbling ice rocks, powerful winds and death-defying ridges to climb the world’s highest mountain. Join these two unlikely heroes on the most amazing of adventures and discover the impact of hundreds of men and women who helped Hillary and Tenzing achieve their goal. But triumphs can be marred with tragedy, as not everyone who climbs Everest survives …

With a beautiful foreword by the greatest living explorer of our time, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, this brilliant book combines fresh and contemporary illustrations by Joe Todd-Stanton with Alexandra Stewart’s captivating writing. This unique narrative tells the story of how Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay made their mark on the world from birth right up to their final days and the impact they’ve had on Nepal today.
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