A Year of Watching WildlifeDavid Lukas Lonely Planet, £14.99
This simple but elegant book is a month-by-month guide to animal-centred trips. Surprisingly, Lukas writes that “never before have there been more wildlife destinations opening up”; somewhat reassuringly, he adds that in response to ecological concerns “many countries are setting aside vast swathes of wilderness faster than they can be explored” as national parks and protected areas. It is also relieving to read that many previously endangered populations are edging towards recovery.
There are chilling exceptions, however, most notably the spawning coral reefs of the Caribbean and Canadian polar bears. Each page has irresistible did-you-know points – the puffin’s scientific name, for example, means “little friar”, as the bird holds its feet together when flying, giving the appearance of prayer. Some of the choices seem unremarkable, but on closer inspection they reveal their fascination – flying to Mexico to see monarch butterflies seems a bit much, but they arrive each year for the Day of the Dead, earning the nickname the Souls of Little Children from locals, and there are a staggering 120 million of them.
Northern Spain HandbookAndy Symington Footprint, £14.99
Footprint guidebooks are rugged little gems with the terrific feature of a hardback cover. This one opens with suggested itineraries and lists of six of the best attractions in categories from sports and activities to cloisters and wineries. It’s refreshingly honest – bullfighting, the book insists, is a ritual, not a sport – and packs in an enormous amount, with clear, efficient maps and terrific breakout sections on artists, history and just the odd good story or two.