Reading

Isn't this a great cover? Sue Shephard, Pickled, Potted & Canned: the story of food preserving (2000, various reprints; ISBN 0-7472-6207-1).

Exploding Rats

The Australian War Memorial currently has an exhibition on animals in war ('A is for Animals') and the latest issue of their magazine Wartime features the 'exploding rat' developed by the Special Operations Executive. There's an 'interactive' display at the UK National Archives site (source of the above image). On the Australian War Memorial site one can also read about the Dickin Medal ("the animals' VC").

Playmobil Classics

What's not to love about the Playmobil 'Romans' series? More (an arena, chariots, soldiers, tents, family, etc.) via the Playmobil site. They're available online in Australia from Toybarn.