Did you know that car-mad Richard Hammond worked in radio before that all-important audition for Top Gear? And there is more to him than just cars... he has presented science shows, a challenge game show and nature documentaries.

Find out all about the man nicknamed The Hamster by his co-presenters: what inspires him, who his celebrity mates are, just how many cars he owns, what his favourite food is, and much more.

A fantastic resource for biography based project work!


Real-life Stories: Banksy

by Hettie Bingham

Published 9 October 2014

Who is Banksy? One of the most famous street artists, he has managed to keep his identity a secret ever since his work first got noticed in the 1990s. He is known for his subversive stencil art that is often political and has a dark sense of humour. Today, he is world-famous, not only for his art, but also for his exhibitions, film work and books.

Find out all there is to know about the man behind the pseudonym: what we know about Banksy's childhood, what inspires him and how he went from local graffiti artist to global fame. Have a go at the Banksy quiz and find out about his most famous artworks and stunts.

Each title in the Real-life Stories series looks at a celebrity who is at the top of their game and the height of their career. We take a look at how they got to where they are today, what their daily life is like and where they are going next. All of the titles make fantastic resources for biography based project work; full glossary and index included.


Kate Middleton, now Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, is a role model, mother of a future king, and a style icon. Read all about her childhood and university years and her life as part of today's monarchy, supporting charities and representing Britain.

Find out all about the duchess and role model: how she grew up, what inspires her, her interests and family life with Prince William and their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte.

A fantastic resource for biography based project work!


Real-life Stories: Brian Cox

by Hettie Bingham

Published 11 September 2014

Brian Cox, star scientist! The professor of particle physics is probably best known for his hugely popular BBC programmes about our solar system and the universe. But did you know that he is also a member of the chart-topping pop group D:Ream and that he got a D in his maths A level?

Find out about the TV professor and pop star: what inspires Brian, where he grew up, his interests and his work in broadcasting and the world of science.

A fantastic resource for biography based project work!


Each title in the Real-life Stories series looks at a celebrity who is at the top of their game and the height of their career. We take a look at how they got to where they are today, what their daily life is like and where they are going next.

Jeremy Clarkson is the original petrolhead! With a love of supercars and motoring, Clarkson made his name with the popular TV programme, Top Gear. Driving the latest, fastest cars, taking on incredible challenges, and travelling all over the world is all in a day's work. Known to be funny, honest and outspoken, Clarkson leaves people in no doubt as to what he thinks.

Find out about the man behind the wheel; what inspires Jeremy Clarkson, where he went to school, how he has climbed from local journalist to famous personality, his height and even what he has for breakfast.

Readers get a great close up view of Jeremy Clarkson and his career; with interesting facts, fun trivia, and quotes. Have a go at the Clarkson quiz, find out about his celebrity mates, and what he likes to do - apart from driving cars!


Real-life Stories: Gary Barlow

by Hettie Bingham

Published 11 September 2014

Gary Barlow is a national treasure! A member of the group Take That, as well as a solo artist, Gary is one of the biggest names on the music scene today. He is known for his amazing musical talent, his appearance on The X Factor, and much more.

Find out about the man behind the microphone; what inspires Gary, where he grew up, his interests, and his work in activism and philanthropy.

Readers get a great close-up view of Gary - from his early days with Take That - with interesting facts, fun trivia and quotes. Have a go at the Gary Barlow quiz, find out about his famous friends, and what he likes to do in his spare time.

A fantastic resources for biography based project work; full glossary and index included.

Each title in the Real-life Stories series looks at a celebrity who is at the top of their game and the height of their career. We take a look at how they got to where they are today, what their daily life is like and where they are going next.


Adele

by Hettie Bingham

Published 9 October 2014
Adele shot to fame in 2007, at the age of 19, and she has been a chart-topping star ever since! She is known for her amazing singing and songwriting talent as well as her charity work. Find out about the woman behind the microphone; what inspires Adele, where she grew up, her interests, and her contributions to charitable causes. Readers get a great close-up view of Adele - from her early days to her global fame - with interesting facts, fun trivia and quotes. Have a go at the Adele quiz, find out about her famous friends, and what she likes to do in her spare time. A fantastic resources for biography based project work; full glossary and index included. Each title in the Real-life Stories series looks at a celebrity who is at the top of their game and the height of their career. We take a look at how they got to where they are today, what their daily life is like and where they are going next.

will.i.am is a music and style sensation! Founder of the pop group Black Eyed Peas, solo artist and collaborator, will.i.am is one of the biggest names on the music scene today. Known for his awesome outfits and amazing musical talent, his appearance on The Voice, and much more.

Find out about the man behind the microphone; what inspires will.i.am, where he grew up, his interests in entrepreneurship, technology, fashion and entertainment, and his work in activism and philanthropy.

Readers get a great close-up view of will.i.am - from his early days with the Black Eyed Peas - with interesting facts, fun trivia and quotes. Have a go at the will.i.am quiz, find out about his famous friends, and what he likes to do in his spare time.

A fantastic respources for biography based project work; full glossary and index included.

Each title in the Real-life Stories series looks at a celebrity who is at the top of their game and the height of their career. We take a look at how they got to where they are today, what their daily life is like and where they are going next.