100 Things That Caught My Eye by Chris Packham (Blink Publishing, £20) 4/5 stars 

AS well as being a naturalist, wildlife presenter and passionate campaigner, Springwatch host Chris Packham is also something of a dab hand behind the lens and in his new book he reveals some of his stunning photos.

As you’d expect, the natural world takes centre stage in Packham’s book, with lovely, big shots of the wildlife he’s encountered over the years. But there’s also Kenyan landscapes, ice chasms in Antarctica and Bosherston Lily Ponds in Wales, which Packham, who has previously judged the Countryfile Photographic Competition, recalls as being an “almost utopian ideal”.

Alongside the photographs, are Packham’s personal recollections on taking the pictures. As always, he is an informative and entertaining guide who writes in a lively style, offering anecdotes and often poetic reflections along the way.

Packham feels making great pictures is about engaging that part of the brain which feels for the picture, that learns how to see it coming and then, in that critical instant, makes all the decision from the heart.

Packham has made a thoughtfully put together book, which showcases his knack for finding the beauty in his surroundings.

Keeley Bolger

Your Life, Train For It by Bear Grylls (Bantam Press £14.99 ebook £6.65) 3/5 stars 

THE adventurer, born survivor and bestselling author has now turned his attentions to writing this guide to achieving peak fitness through 30-minute express workouts.

Along with the help of the virtually unknown fitness guru Natalie Summers, the Chief Scout has shared the exercises that have honed his body into the cut lines represented in the book. The book is a basic how-to.

With a photo story feel to the moves, the exercises are well described in words as well as images.

Broken into three sections, you can choose from Kettlebell Resistance training, Bodyweight workouts or Primal Power stretch sessions.

Based around the current trend for HIT (High Intensity Training), the moves are designed to be completed in the shortest time possible but with maximum benefit. The book has also got a short section on how to fuel your workouts. This is not a programme for the meek, but for the determined.

Rachel Howdle

Churchill: The Power of Words by Winston Churchill edited by Martin Gilbert (Transworld 12.99) 3/5 stars

WORDS were the very stuff of life for Churchill and, of course, his words were the stuff of life for Britain during the Second World War.

Martin Gilbert, in describing Churchill’s remarkable life through his writing and speeches, must have had a hell of a job, but a very jolly one. The selected 200 items are in praise of the “few”, condemning the Iron Curtain, putting the poisonous Lady Astor in her place and even finding time to offer some sage advice on optimism. “If you ever think your ship isn’t going to come in, try swimming out to it.”

Nobody used words like Churchill.

Steve Craggs