A frank and hilarious account of pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood.

An A-Z of Caledonian myth and mischief, exposing the scarred underbelly of Scottish history.

Never shirking a tackle as a player, there are still no holds barred now, long after the boots have been put away. Celtic legend Bertie Auld’s book is a sensational read.

Covering the well-known, lesser known and downright surprising uses of bicarbonate of soda, this book is a must for those looking for some handy tips.

A fast-paced read documenting the relationship between Rock n’ Roll and Scotland through the decades.

Chronicling the most notorious and gruesome murders in Aberdeen over the past hundred years, this is a compelling read for those too young to remember – and those who cannot forget.

It is the eternal question: Are you cool for cats or hot for dogs? Ian Black delves into the debate, weighing up the pros and cons of both and sorting out the age-old question in his usual comic style.

The kids will go bananas! With jokes for every occasion, Cheeky Wee Monkey promises to keep you laughing for hours.

A humorous management guide which sets out to prove that it’s easier to work in Doric than in English.

£17.99 £7.20 (hbk) / £7.99 £3.20

Rangers legend Derek Johnstone lifts the lid on his rollercoaster career with the Glasgow giants.

A free-flowing look at the history of one of Scotland’s most intriguing and diverse cities.

A highly entertaining memoir from one of Scotland’s favourite actresses.

This stunning pictorial account documents 30 years development of the Strathclyde brigade, Scotland’s largest fire service.

The true story of one of Glasgow’s most controversial detectives and his battle with the violent criminals of the city.

A thought provoking memoir from the late Brigadier Frank Coutts who held many controversial views on the state of the nation.

£17.99 £7.20 (hbk) / £7.99 £3.20

Uncompromising both on and off the pitch for Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Rangers, Roberts is a true football legend and this is his no-holds-barred story.

This miscellany of essential trivia celebrates the culture, history, geology and wildlife of the Scottish isles.

The battle to end them all; it is of course the battle of the sexes. This hilarious book sets out the argument from both sides.

Enter the hilarious world of Scotland’s favourite minister once more, as the legendary I.M. Jolly sets off on a secret mission on behalf of the Church.

£14.99 £6.00 (hbk) / £7.99 £3.20

The controversial autobiography of Dutch football legend Arthur Numan whose remarkable Rangers career propelled him straight into the heart of the fans.

Legendary Glasgow detective Les Brown re-investigates some of the more disturbing and confusing unsolved cases in recent memory.

Morrison brings together the best jokes in the country and proves beyond doubt that Scotland is one of the funniest nations on earth.

£17.99 £7.20 (hbk) / £7.99 £3.20

Ted McMinn has led a colourful and controversial life, both on and off the field. Here he tells his riveting story.

A powerful family saga depicting one woman’s determination to protect her family and her life’s work in the face of great conflict.

Give your brain a bit of stimulation with The Herald Crossword Books – whether you’re looking for a challenge or just a bit of fun, these are the crossword books of choice.

Bruce Sandison’s Rivers and Lochs of Scotland is the only book on fishing in Scotland that an angler will ever need. This new, comprehensive and completely revised edition describes more than 5,000 freshwater fishing locations complete with access details, flies and tactics and where to obtain permission to fish. For anyone fishing in Scotland, this book is the angler’s bible.

Chic Charnley is one of the most controversial, colourful characters in Scottish football history. Blessed with awesome talent, incredible ability and spectacular skills, he’s the player who could – and should – have been one of the biggest names in sport. But, by his own admission, he blew it. Here he tells all in Seeing Red – the most revealing, unputdownable book of the game.

What questions would you ask your doctor at a comedy gig? Is it healthy to sleep with a pet? Do unlucky beds exist? What’s the best sexual position for losing weight? Should I have Scrabble before marriage? GP and comedian Phil Hammond has collected 250 of life’s quirkiest queries from audiences across the UK. Open wide for the finest answers to the most bizarre questions, ranging from tongue in cheek to quite risqué … yet surprisingly useful, in Sex, Sleep or Scrabble?

A Game of Two Halves is a candid, entertaining and thought provoking autobiography which brings Archie Macpherson’s story and his passion for football to life with all his characteristic insight, humour and honesty.

Blood in the Glens is a fascinating collection of true crime stories from the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. Murders and unexplained deaths happen wherever there are people and, despite its sparse population, the Highlands have had more than their fair share. Now Jean McLennan, an honorary Sheriff from Wick, investigates some of the most chilling crimes committed in the north over the last sixty years.

Ralph Milne established himself as a fans’ favourite at Dundee United. However, his volatile relationship with manager Jim McLean culminated in him leaving for spells at Charlton and Bristol City before making a dream move to Alex Ferguson’s Man United. Yet Ralph struggled to produce his stunning performances of old, retiring a few years later. In the eyes of Dundee fans he will always be a legend and was inducted into the club’s Hall of Fame this year. What’s It All About Ralphie? is his remarkable story.

Davie Hay is a true Celtic legend. He was known as The Quiet Assassin in his playing days – a nickname given to him by Scotland manager Tommy Docherty – and he was one of the most ferocious competitors in the game. Now he has decided to talk about his truly remarkable career and reveal some secrets that will undoubtedly startle football supporters everywhere.

Scottish Football Quotations 3 is sports journalist Kenny MacDonald’s third volume of quotations about Scotland’s national sport. The book features over 2,000 brand-new quotations in over 60 categories – ranging from football’s largest personalities to specific topics like religion and referees. It’s funny, sad, serious and hilarious and will be a key addition to the literature of the country’s favorite pastime and the perfect gift for every football fan.

Wherever Scots gather they tell jokes and stories. And the very best of these much-loved tales find their way to the daily Diary column of Scotland’s best-selling quality newspaper, The Herald. In this volume Ken Smith gathers the very best tales from The Herald Diary, proving that ordinary Scots are still the natural comedians of the world.

Working as a journalist in Glasgow in the 1970s and 80s should have carried a health warning. For Tom Shields, the daily mission was to produce an amusing diary to entertain the readers of the Herald newspaper, and with the generous weekly expenses, or ‘drink vouchers’, this was done mostly from the pub. It was fun but could it last? In Fifty Ways to Leave Your Liver, Shields confesses all– the fun, the laughs, the cosy stop-drinking-or-you-will-die chat – and tries to work out if it’s possible to turn your life around.

The rivalry between Cardiff and Swansea is one of the fiercest there is anywhere. Each city has its own point of view about the other and over the years their citizens have developed a fine line in humour. Now Ian Black turns his rapier-like wit to this tale of two cities to bring this (mostly) friendly rivalry to life in Bluebirds vs Jacks: Jacks vs Bluebirds.

This book presents more friendly city rivalry anecdotes from Ian Black. How much do Mancs hate Scousers? Well, there’s not a lot you can compare it to, except of course how much Scousers hate Mancs.There are diatribes and angry jibes in Mancs vs Scousers: Scousers vs Mancs 2, but it’s just a friendly rivalry, really. Right?

Hailed for revealing a ‘fascinating story with Orkney history’ Philip Paris‘ The Italian Chapel has a ‘feel good factor’ that has already captured countless readers.

Bruce Sandison’s Rivers and Lochs of Scotland is the only book on fishing in Scotland that an angler will ever need. All new, comprehensive and completely revised edition!

For the first time, Chic Charnley talks about his rollercoaster career. Seeing Red takes the reader on a journey through football with tales as outrageous as the character himself!

The Italian Chapel is an enthralling novel set during World War II and based on a true story of forbidden love, lifelong friendships torn apart, despair and hope, and the creation of an astonishing symbol that has become a world famous icon.

During more than three years of research, Philip Paris tracked down ex-POWs from the World War II Orkney camps as well as descendants of the key artists involved in building the chapel and those involved in running Camp 60 to create this inspirational novel.

Margaret Thomson Davis’s new novel is a gripping saga with plenty of twists. Double Danger tells the story of Jessica McKay, who after moving to Saudi Arabia with her husband Brian, feels threatened by terrorist attacks and decides she must return home with their twins, settling in an estate that Brian has inherited in the Campsie Hills near Glasgow.

However, back in Scotland, things are not what they seem. Jessica’s children mistrust the attractive gardener, Patrick, believing his charming manner conceals sinister schemes – and when a terrible accident befalls their father on his way home to visit, they fear their worst suspicions are about to be realised.

Mae Stewart was brought up in Dundee in the 1940s and 50s. It was a world without television, inside toilets or electric light but full of fun, adventures and some fascinating characters. In Dae Yeh Mind Thon Time?, Mae Stewart recounts her childhood years in way we can all relate to and recalls the women who brought her up, days at the Washies, trips to the Saturday Cinema Club, holidays and the daily routines of life.

Barlinnie has held Glasgow’s toughest and most violent men, swept up from the city streets. Ten men died on its gallows in the infamous Hanging Shed, including serial killer Peter Manuel. It has sparked rooftop protests and cell block riots, and been home to godfathers of crime like Arthur Thompson and Walter Norval. Barlinnie was also the scene of one of the most controversial experiments in penal history, the Special Unit, where the likes of Jimmy Boyle and Hugh Collins were at the centre of a fierce battle between those who see prison as retribution and those who regard it as a step on the road to redemption, even for the most evil killers.

A hundred years on, Barlinnie still makes headlines. Now, Robert Jeffrey tells its fascinating, turbulent history in The Barlinnie Story.

Celtic – The Supersonic 70s is a rollicking romp through a decade of triumphs and disasters both on and off the pitch, when football and fashion intertwined to the sounds of glam rock and punk and the world changed forever – from Wilson to Thatcher, from Bolan to Rotten, from The Persuaders to The Professionals, from Choppers to skateboards and from the First Division to the Premier League.

Relive the story of Celtic, as Gerard McDade takes you through the Stars, the tantalising title jousts, the titanic Cup finals, the tasty European adventures and a decade that altered fashions, fads, futures and football.

Pittodrie Idols studies the cult figures in the rich history of Aberdeen FC, examining why 20 of the club’s most loved stars were elevated to hero status. Some were entertainers, others were destroyers. Some stood out physically, others had personality which lit up every ground.

Author Paul Smith tells the irreverent, intriguing and at times poignant story of Aberdeen’s cult heroes through interviews as well as insights from esteemed media figures and supporters who helped transform players into idols.

In this new book Katie makes her way through the months of the year, experiencing the changing seasons and some of the key events of the calendar. James Roberston uses simple Scots words in rhyming couplets to guide the reader through the months of the year, and Katie is as cheery and inquisitive as ever. With lots of things to look at and point to in Karen Sutherland’s bright and cheery illustrations, Katie’s Year will prove just as popular as its predecessors.

True crime from Dundee, covering the most fascinating and shocking cases from the last century.  This updated edition of The Law Killers features six new cases.

Having reported on many of them first-hand, journalist Alexander McGregor has unique insight into the cases and his stories are as chilling as they are compelling.

A new fully revised and updated edition in mass-market format bringing the bestselling story of Paul Ferris’ life of crime bang up-to-date. In Vendetta, Paul Ferris slashes open the underbelly of Britain’s streets and exposes the dark forces that police them, as well as revealing the truth about the conspiracies and corruption that won’t leave him alone.

Celtic fans everywhere are in for a treat with this new title exploring the life of Tommy McInally: Celtic’s Bad Bhoy. McInally, star of Celtic’s team of the 1920s, was a tremendous player – yet his record of only one Scottish Cup medal, two Scottish League medals and two Scottish caps was a profoundly disappointing one for a man of his talent. He has now been dead for over fifty years, but questions still remain about Celtic’s Bad Bhoy – ‘the boy wonder’, who had the potential to have been the greatest player of them all.

If you’ve ever used the NHS, thought about using it or think you might use it at some time in the future then you probably ought to read this book. Dr Phil Hammond has spent sixteen and a half years exposing the dark side of medicine in the pages of Private Eye and suggesting ways to make the NHS safer for patients. Trust Me I’m (still) a Doctor is his acerbic, insightful, uplifting and occasionally frightening review of how the NHS has got to where it is today and what that might mean for you as a patient.

Anybody in need of a good laugh should get their hands on this new collection of stories, jokes, anecdotes and tales from ex-polis Harry Morris. The hilarious adventures of Harry the Polis, the self-appointed Chief Constable of funny stories, continue with the publication of his seventh book, Up Tae my Neck in Paperwork.

• Ted Brack will be reading from and talking about There is a Bonny Fitba Team at Waterstone’s, Ocean Terminal, on Saturday 6 June, 1 – 2.30pm, as part of the Leith Festival.

• Millie Gray will be reading from In A Class of Their Own and speaking about her experiences of a lifetime in Leith at Waterstone’s, Ocean Terminal, on Saturday 13 June, 1 – 2.30pm, as part of the Leith Festival.

Itchy Coo’s bright and beautiful new website is now online with previews of text and artwork for all its titles, and loads of info about the imprint’s news, authors and more. We think it looks braw – check it out!

Scottish Book Trust has shown its support for Scots and Itchy Coo by selecting Katie’s Beasties as their Book of the Month for May 2009. In Karen Sutherland’s beautifully illustrated new book for young children, the inquisitive young Katie gets a colourful close-up look at Jenny Lang-legs, clegs, midgies, ettercaps and much more.

If you haven’t got your copy yet, it’s available from Amazon and all good booksellers.

Look out for lots more new titles COMING SOON, including In a Class of their Own by Millie Gray, There is a Bonny Fitba Team by Ted Brack, and new paperback editions of Bertie Auld’s A Bhoy Called Bertie and Margaret Thomson Davis’ Red Alert.

Katie’s Beasties – published 2 March

Itchy Coo’s 32nd title is a bairn’s guide to Scotland’s bugs and creepie-crawlies. The ever-inquisitive Katie gets a close-up view of Reidcoats, Hairy Oobits, Horniegolachs, Jenny Lang-legs, Clegs, Ettercaps and many more – even the dreaded Midgie! Karen Sutherland’s illustrations are bright, cheerful and funny, accompanied by simple, memorable rhymes in Scots.

The Press & Journal Restaurant Guide – published 31 March

This is the essential illustrated guide to eating out in Aberdeen and around Scotland, collecting 70 reviews of the finest restaurants the country has to offer. The Guide will be launched at the forthcoming Taste of Grampian event at Thainstone, Aberdeenshire, which celebrates its 10th anniversary with celebrity chefs Phil Vickery and Jean-Christophe Novelli.

Dr Phil Hammond at the Abingdon Arts Festival
Amey Theatre, Abingdon, Sat 21 March
“Sceptical, irreverent, very funny and like a mighty gust of fresh air in a field that’s bedevilled with cover-ups and cloaked in a vow of silence.” – Time Out

Look out for more great new titles coming in April, including Angling Lines (pictured) and Celtic FC – The Ireland Connection. Our spring/summer online catalogue will also be available shortly, and the website already lists information about all our forthcoming Spring and Summer titles.