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Immerse yourself in the drama and excitement of the Rugby World Cup - including clips from the iconic "World in Union" theme song (by Hayley Westenra) and supporting sound effects from rugby’s greatest stage.
You can go behind the scenes of “the game they play in heaven”, and find out how it was the forefather to all rugby football codes and also American football. What if you could be in the room where decisions were made that brought to life what is now the third largest sporting event in the world?
This audiobook is the most comprehensive account of how the game of rugby and the Rugby World Cup first came about, and listeners are taken on the full journey with the iconic tournament theme song and official commentary and ambience from key moments throughout.
Lance Peatey is an established media business leader with a career spanning 25 years, working for major global media organisations including Disney/ESPN, BBC, IMG Media, and both the Nine Network and Seven Network in Australia. It was while working with Seven during Rugby World Cup 2003 that Lance first decided to write A Complete History of the Rugby World Cup - In Pursuit of Bill.
The first edition in 2007 earned impressive reviews, including David Llewellyn from The Independent describing it as “a minor masterpiece". Lance has also assisted former Australian rugby star flanker David Pocock with two editions of his autobiography “Openside” in 2011 and 2018.
This first ever audiobook edition comes after the historic and colourful 2019 tournament in Japan. Narrated by Dryw McArthur and with clips from the iconic rugby anthem "World in Union" sung by Hayley Westenra, it will give you:
- All the drama and excitement across the nine Rugby World Cup tournaments played from 1987 to 2019.
- Fresh highlights from the Japan 2019 tournament, as World Rugby pushed into Asia for the very first time.
- The history of rugby union, and the formation of rival codes that pushed its evolution to professionalism.
- Rare insights to heated boardroom politics that almost quashed the pinnacle event from ever happening.
This is a must-listen for newly initiated rugby fans right through to the more seasoned devotees.
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As the symphony floated above, Sora searched deep inside for a song. But nothing came. Melodies tickled across Sora’s toes, legs, and back as the little cricket searched in vain. Then a stern voice pierced the song, and the music stopped. “Someone’s not singing.” Discover one little cricket’s beautiful pursuit of inspiration. Readers are invited to stretch, balance, jump, and move along with the creatures in this delightful story of perseverance and celebrating your own unique voice. An enchanting sound-enhanced resource perfect for kindergarten and first-grade classrooms, dance teachers, and families at home. Sora Searches for a Song is ideal for ages 5-8. It features Sora (no pronouns), birds, fish, frogs, dragonflies, turtles, snakes and more. Delight your little one or class with this dance-and-move-along audio story, complete with nature and animal sounds. Track 2 includes Ballerina Konora’s suggestions for movement exploration. As kids move along with the characters, they experience head/tail connection, dynamic posture, vestibular action, balance, movement quality, partnering, and more. -
Forbidden love and fierce rivalry drive Jeff Hollister, a street-smart high school senior and gang leader of the Hurricanes, to the brink of disaster. Thinking he’s got the world in his back pocket, and the police at a safe distance, he and his scrappy gang of teenage delinquents come to discover they don’t always come out on top after all. A deadly vow by a member of the rival Tornadoes gang sets Jeff and his friends on a roller coaster of knife fray and gunplay, foot races and car chases, trust and betrayal, and murder. The death of a beloved friend serves a painful slap of reality to the Hurricanes that incites a burning desire for vengeance among the gang. With angry players going rogue, and weapons in the wrong hands, even the leaders are out of their depth. To make matters worse, Jeff is sidetracked by his budding love for Cindy, whose father just so happens to be the new police chief—the one person the Hurricane leader most wants to avoid. Yet she might also be the catalyst that can save Jeff from his own devices—if it doesn’t kill her first... -
“My Name Is Mountain” was born a poem and remains so in this newly minted Book One of Kelly Anne Manuel‛s “My Name Is” Series. The story invites the Child into Nature where a unique adventure is experienced. The Child and the main character, Mountain, get to know each other on the pages of this story. The Child‛s observations are voiced and received while Mountain does the same. “My Name Is Mountain” begins with a Child who is curious about what they are encountering. It becomes clear that the Child has questions regarding the information being shared. The Child has the opportunity to use their words in a clear and concise manner. The Child will learn to ask questions and see what fun adventures await when they engage actively in communication. The simple words take on new meaning as the illustrations pair perfectly with their presentation. The Child will notice that Mountain knows who it is at its core. The author intends for the story to spark open dialogue and conversation about whether or not the terms utilized to describe inner and outer worlds match. This book is a tool in a Caregiver‛s toolbox to assist with the formation of healthy communication skills. The Child who reads this book will recognize that respecting Nature and all its gifts is as important as respecting their own inner nature. -
“The Night Quiet” was born as a poem and remains so in this newly minted Childhood Classic. This story plays an integral role in assisting the Child from being actively awake to falling gently asleep. It has a melodious rhythm, carries a tune, and lulls the mind into restorative sleep. “The Night Quiet” offers a standing invitation to the Child. The Child will learn that the cycle of day and night are connected in their own rhythm. The Night is personified in a way that heightens curiosity as well as wonder. The simple words take on new meaning as the illustrations pair perfectly with their presentation. There is a safe space created as sleep time is ushered into the bed with the Child. A world of fantastical dreams awaits the Child who benefits from a transition from activity to relaxation. It is in Early Childhood that sleep habits and patterns are formed. “The Night Quiet” is a tool in a Caregiver’s toolbox to assist with that healthy formation. Since sleep is one of the most important requirements for a healthy life this book is indispensable. Please join the author on a journey like no other into slumber. -
In this story the Child is invited on a journey into the galaxy where wonders never cease. This is a galaxy where love, acceptance, and unconditional support reign supreme. “THE FAMILY STAR” offers a standing invitation to the Child. The Child will learn that they are always in good company as Stars are personified in a unique and brilliant way. It is a fascinating opportunity to look upon a galaxy of stars in their seemingly infinite number and feel comforted by their resilience and tenacity. The simple words take on new meaning as the illustrations pair perfectly with their presentation. The Child’s imagination will be ignited with possibilities as bright as the stars themselves. The message is that if a star can shine so bright and survive so many elements so too can they. Children naturally look outside of themselves for love and approval. Why not explore the author’s theory about how Nature is a vital and prominent piece of this puzzle? Additionally, introducing the stars and the galaxy in this sing song way has the added benefit of Science discourse coupled with entertainment. It is in Early Childhood that self esteem and identity are under major construction. “THE FAMILY STAR” is a tool in a Caregiver’s toolbox to assist with that healthy formation. The idea that we are united with Nature and Science is such an important message that the author feels Children’s literature must reflect. The Child who reads this book will be rewarded with as many lessons as there are stars. -
“My Name Is Light” is the newly minted Book Two of Kelly Anne Manuel’s “My Name Is” Series. In this story the Child is invited on a journey into Nature where a discovery is made with the help of the Animal Kingdom and a joyful celebration results. The Child is curious and Nature, as in real life, does not disappoint. “My Name Is Light” begins with a Child in the great outdoors who notices something bright in their vision. The Child takes the opportunity to interact with a feeling of “light.” The Animal Kingdom animates this exciting, fun, and playful adventure. The Child will learn to ask questions and see what fun adventures await when they engage actively in communication. The Child will learn that Nature has so many wonders to explore. These wonders are available and ready for action once the Child actively engages with communication that relates directly to their own observations. Children will experience a light hearted and fun story that will ignite their own imaginations. Why not explore the author’s theory Childhood is a time of playful fascination as well as learning? This fascination can be enhanced by literature that allows for pretend conversations. It is in Early Childhood that we learn how to connect and interact with others. “My Name Is Light” offers a path to these connections that allows for observation, self reflection, and play. Play is so important at this age and the Child who reads this books will be rewarded with the joy of witnessing play at its best. -
"The Morning Good" was born as a poem and remains so in this newly minted Book One of Kelly Anne Manuel's Essentials Series. In this story the Child is invited to experience their mornings in a unique and beautiful way. The optimism that the story presents is practical as well as heart warming. "The Morning Good" offers a standing invitation to the Child. The Child will learn that every morning is a fresh, new day, with unlimited adventures to embrace. It has a rhythm which encourages the Child to look upon each morning as special. The simple words take on new meaning as the illustrations pair perfectly with their presentation. The illustrations offer a different view of the morning on the planet. The Child will be drawn in to discover this different view as the Northern Lights as well as Polar Bear illustrations leap off the page. Children who begin their morning ritual with optimism reap wonderful benefits. The story ends with a decision to greet the morning with the awe that it really does inspire. Teaching the Child that they can also make decisions about how to face their day is crucial to healthy self esteem. It is in Early Childhood that self esteem and identity are under major construction. "The Morning Good" is a tool in a Caregiver's toolbox to assist with that healthy formation. The idea that we are united with Nature and Science is such an important message that the author feels Children's literature must reflect. The Child who reads this book will be rewarded with fresh optimism each day as they welcome “The Morning Good.” -
"The World Small” was born as a poem and remains so in this newly minted Book Two of Kelly Anne Manuel’s Essentials Series. In this story the Child is invited to experience their sleep time ritual with the comfort of Nature nearby. It is a remarkable combination of relaxation yet imagination igniting prose. “The World Small” offers a standing invitation to the Child. The Child will learn that no matter where they are on the planet, Nature has common elements. She is always available for discovery and wonder. In the story Nature is personified as a unifying presence to our planet. The simple words take on new meaning as the illustrations pair perfectly with their presentation. The story identifies common elements such as a the sky, sun, clouds and rainbows, to create continuity for any number of environments. Children who begin their sleep time ritual with “The World Small” will benefit from the rhythm of the words and the message they send. The message that how Children play and enjoy the world around them no matter their geographic location is designed to awaken curiosity and stimulate conversations on the topic. It is in Early Childhood that a Child’s view of the world and their place in it is under major construction. “The World Small” is a tool in a Caregiver’s toolbox to assist with that healthy formation. The idea that we are united as a global community with elements of Nature and human nature is an important message that the author feels Children’s literature must reflect. The Child who reads this book will be rewarded with unlimited travels into imagination and how they would like to play once they arrive there.