Planet Earth II : A New World Revealed by Stephen Moss, £25

TEN years on from the BBC's groundbreaking series Planet Earth advances in both scientific discovery and technology bring us an even more amazing view and understanding of the world. Using quite astounding photographs and stills from the BBC Natural History Unit's footage we can take a new look at the complex life of some of the most amazing places on Planet Earth. From the comfort of an armchair we can travel from the most desolate desert to the depths of the jungle, from blistering heat and freezing cold to perpetual darkness, from the remotest wilderness to the heart of urban cities and discover how creatures have evolved and adapted to survive in extremes conditions by becoming the fastest, the biggest, the most poisonous or even the most devious.

This book is definitely at the top of my Christmas list!

CAROLINE REECE

WATERSTONES KENDAL