{"title":"Books by Clare Balding","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"9780141377384","title":"The Racehorse Who Disappeared","description":"\u003cb\u003eClare Balding's second brilliant adventure for Charlie Bass and her funny family of humans and animals.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLife is slowly getting back to normal for Charlie after her reluctant racehorse, Noble Warrior, won the Derby and saved her family from financial ruin. But drama soon returns to Folly Farm when thieves break into the farmyard in the dead of night and kidnap Noble Warrior! With the police baffled and no trace of the prizewinning thoroughbred to be found, Charlie launches her own investigation...","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43403929911474,"sku":"9780141377384","price":7.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9780141377384.jpg?v=1786011103"},{"product_id":"9780008607012","title":"Pastures New","description":"\u003cp\u003e‘Funny, sensitive, and insightful – the perfect book to turn to at the end of a long day’ Bonnie GarmusThe perfect novel for anyone who has ever dreamt of a fresh start…\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAlex has unexpectedly inherited a crumbling sheep farm in wildest, wettest Wales. This was not her life plan. Not at all. Armed with only An Idiot’s Guide to Farming, and watched by a wary Welsh terrier, Alex sets out to uncover the truth behind her mysterious inheritance. But as secrets surface, will she pack her bags – or has she landed exactly where she’s meant to be? A joyful celebration of new beginnings, community – and a very stubborn dog.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eREADERS LOVE PASTURES NEW:‘A funny, heartwarming, emotive journey’ ★★★★★\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e‘This open and down-to-earth story really captured my heart’ ★★★★★\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e‘A fabulous feel-good read’ ★★★★★\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e‘The wonderful setting, the very special characters and the vibrant and tight-knit community made this book a very special read indeed’ ★★★★★\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e‘Fantastic’ ★★★★★\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e‘Couldn’t put it down’ ★★★★★\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":57682766856565,"sku":"9780008607050","price":9.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Hardback","offer_id":55897784615285,"sku":"9780008607012","price":20.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9780008607050_5e26410b-59ce-4f81-8d12-b8b34ff4e033.jpg?v=1792511707"},{"product_id":"9780141357911","title":"The Racehorse Who Wouldn't Gallop","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e'A heart-warming story with a great girl-power message' - Jacqueline Wilson\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCharlie Bass is a horse-mad ten-year-old who dreams of owning her own pony. So when she accidentally manages to buy a racehorse, Charlie is thrilled.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe horse she buys, Noble Warrior, looks the part: strong, fit and healthy. There's just one problem - he won't gallop. In fact, he won't even leave his stable without his best friend, a naughty palomino pony called Percy. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCharlie is convinced that Noble Warrior has what it takes to be a champion. But can she prove it? Derby Day is fast approaching and only a win can save the family farm from being repossessed.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe stakes couldn't be higher for the Basses. Can Charlie turn her chaotic family into a top training team? Can Noble Warrior overcome his nerves? Will Percy the pony \u003ci\u003eever\u003c\/i\u003e stop farting?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFind out in this classic, funny animal story, perfect for fans of Dick King-Smith and Gerald Durrell.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56224623657333,"sku":"9780141357911","price":7.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9780141357911_26d94f5a-b490-49b8-bbca-990a034b43c5.jpg?v=1786011610"},{"product_id":"9780241336762","title":"The Racehorse Who Learned to Dance","description":"\u003cp\u003eCharlie's racehorse has certainly earned the name Noble Warrior: he won the Derby against all odds and bested a bunch of nasty kidnappers. But now Noddy is facing his greatest challenge yet . . .\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCharlie's best friend Polly is still recovering from an accident that left her almost paralysed. But Polly has a real talent with horses - and she and Charlie are determined not to let it go to waste. Can the two best friends find a way to make Polly's equestrian dreams come true, and forge a new path for the racehorse who wouldn't gallop?\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56227818340725,"sku":"9780241336762","price":7.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9780241336762_8900f24b-eaaa-48c0-9c39-50f5ff856505.jpg?v=1786012416"},{"product_id":"9780241564424","title":"The Racehorse Who Wouldn't Gallop: Read It Yourself - Level 4 Fluent Reader","description":"\u003ci\u003eCharlie is excited when she finally gets a horse she can ride. She believes Noddy can help her family to afford their well-loved farm. But when Noddy does not want to gallop, Charlie must think outside the box to achieve her dreams. \u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Racehorse Who Wouldn't Gallop\u003c\/i\u003e is from \u003cb\u003eFluent Reader Level 4\u003c\/b\u003e and is ideal for more fluent readers aged from 7+ who are starting to read independently.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEach book has been carefully checked by educational and subject consultants and includes comprehension puzzles, book band information, and tips for helping children with their reading. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWith five levels to take children from first phonics to fluent reading and a wide range of different stories and topics for every interest, \u003cb\u003eRead It Yourself\u003c\/b\u003e helps children build their confidence and begin reading for pleasure.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56229488460149,"sku":"9780241564424","price":5.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9780241564424_d9a9d814-f1b7-49f6-8348-118bd1cdf7f1.jpg?v=1786012239"},{"product_id":"9780241959770","title":"Walking Home","description":"\u003ci\u003eWalking Home -\u003c\/i\u003e Clare Balding's unmissable new book of Great British Adventures\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eClare Balding is on a mission to discover Britain and Ireland. She's conquered over 1,500 miles of footpaths, from the Pennine Way to the South-west Coast Path.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAs well as blisters and a twisted ankle, she's walked with extraordinary people - botanists, barefooted ramblers, whisky-drinking widowers...\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn \u003ci\u003eWalking Home\u003c\/i\u003e she shares these stories and tells of more (mis)adventures with her family and her wayward Tibetan terrier Archie. Along the way there are beguiling diversions and life-changing rambles.\u003cbr\u003eFinally, Clare embarks on the most important journey of all - the long walk home.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eClare Balding's first book, \u003ci\u003eMy Animals and Other Family\u003c\/i\u003e, was a runaway number one bestseller and won Autobiography of the Year at the 2012 Specsavers National Book Awards. Clare broadcasts on TV and radio for the BBC, Channel 4 and BT Sport. In 2013 she received an OBE for services to broadcasting and journalism. She lives in West London with her partner Alice, their Terrier Archie and a cat who couldn't give a damn called Itty.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePraise for \u003ci\u003eMy Animals and Other Family\u003c\/i\u003e:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll want a horse' Caitlin Moran\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'Moving, funny, and larger than life' Michael Morpurgo\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'Simply fabulous' Jilly Cooper\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'Stonking anecdotes ... sharply charming' \u003ci\u003eGuardian\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'Magical, enchanting, riotously eccentric' \u003ci\u003eDaily Mail\u003c\/i\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56231363019125,"sku":"9780241959770","price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9780241959770_757d0037-79de-4911-882c-bcf2ae3e938b.jpg?v=1786012519"},{"product_id":"9780241959756","title":"My Animals and Other Family","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eMy Animals and Other Family\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e by Clare Balding  is a funny, brave, tender story of self-discovery\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003e'I had spent most of my childhood thinking I was a dog, and suspect I had aged in dog years.'\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003eClare Balding grew up in a rather unusual household. Her father a champion trainer, she shared her life with more than 100 thoroughbred racehorses, mares, foals and ponies, as well as an ever-present pack of boxers and lurchers. As a toddler she would happily ride the legendary Mill Reef and take breakfast with the Queen.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eShe and her younger brother came very low down the pecking order. Left to their own devices, they had to learn life's toughest lessons through the animals, and through their adventures in the stables and the idyllic Hampshire Downs. From the protective Candy to the pot-bellied Valkyrie and the frisky Hattie, each horse and each dog had their own character and their own special part to play.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe running family joke was that \"women ain't people\". Clare had to prove them wrong, to make her voice heard - but first she had to make sure she had something to say.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e'Moving, funny and larger than life' Michael Morpurgo\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'Magical, enchanting, riotously eccentric' \u003ci\u003eDaily Mail\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'Funny and unexpectedly wise. Balding has lots of good stories to tell. It is impossible not to admire her honesty \u003ci\u003eMail on Sunday\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'The reading equivalent of snuggling by the fire with a labrador' \u003ci\u003eThe Guardian\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56231601602933,"sku":"9780241959756","price":11.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9780241959756_f84b761d-f80e-4896-b56d-5162e6c20dcf.jpg?v=1786012518"},{"product_id":"9781526363459","title":"Animal All-Stars","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eA HILARIOUS GUIDE TO THE ANIMAL KINGDOM, WHERE YOUR FAVOURITE ANIMALS GO HEAD-TO-HEAD - BY BESTSELLING AUTHOR AND COMMENTATOR CLARE BALDING\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\"Truly engrossing... a very enjoyable read\" - PA review\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\"The perfect gift for sport and animal lovers\" - \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003eLancashire Evening Post\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWho would win in a race . . . the Australian tiger beetle or the peregrine falcon?\u003cbr\u003eWho is the strongest . . . the extraordinary ant or the grumpy gorilla?\u003cbr\u003eWho has the best superpower . . . the headless cockroach or the jet-powered squid?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFrom speed, agility and strength to super-sensory prowess, these animal all-stars will compete to set incredible animal records. Perfect for animal lovers and packed full of TRUE animal facts, stats and world records, this is a funny guide to the world's most fascinating animals. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe perfect gift for kids who love animals and sport. With laugh-out-loud commentary and incredible animal facts throughout, and rib-tickling illustrations by The Boy Fitz Hammond.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56302850670965,"sku":"9781526363459","price":10.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781526363459_d2eb145f-1456-47de-8f44-77e1f0816a64.jpg?v=1786021917"},{"product_id":"9781529343847","title":"Heroic Animals","description":"\u003cp\u003eTHERE IS NO SUCH THING AS AN ORDINARY ANIMAL. EVERY ONE HAS A HEROIC STORY TO TELL.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDiscover how . . .\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAble Seacat Simon rescued the crew of \u003ci\u003eHMS Amethyst\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBobby the Wonder Dog crossed a continent to find his family\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGalipolli Murphy carried 250 wounded soldiers to safety\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePickles tracked down the stolen World Cup\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAnd the Tamworth Two managed to save their bacon\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eClare Balding's stories of daring, courageous, remarkable creatures who changed our world for the better: from the dog that inspired Lassie to the bear that fought the Nazis.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56303620817269,"sku":"9781529343847","price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781529343847_10547f01-4d47-431c-933d-ba331eabd805.jpg?v=1786022484"},{"product_id":"9781529195415","title":"Isle of Dogs","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEvery dog must have his day.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThere's nothing the British love quite as much as their dogs - but did you know that our canine companions have also shaped the history of this sceptred isle? From hunting to our hearths, and from herding to heavy industry, our dogs have accompanied us through centuries of social and economic change, and our relationship is still evolving today.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn this fascinating alternative history of Britain, Clare Balding takes us on a journey across the length and breadth of the home nations, exploring our unique heritage of canine tradition and meeting the people who still live, work and innovate with their dogs. A story of companionship, loyalty and good old-fashioned hard work, \u003ci\u003eIsle of Dogs\u003c\/i\u003e is an unmissable read for anyone whose life has been transformed by a faithful hound.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56303766503797,"sku":"9781529195415","price":14.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781529195415_84ca13d4-7574-4b34-948a-3ad86296224c.jpg?v=1786022413"}],"url":"https:\/\/backstory.london\/collections\/author-clare-balding.oembed","provider":"Backstory","version":"1.0","type":"link"}