Join Adam Henson on the Farm in this week’s best paperbacks: The Deorhord by Hana Videen,

The Deorhord by Hana Videen (Profile £10.99, 352pp)

Everyone loves a cute animal story, but a fascination with creatures isn’t just a modern phenomenon.

In medieval times, illustrated books known as bestiaries were hugely popular. Written in Latin, they contained stories about animals – some familiar (hedgehogs), some exotic (panthers) and some mythical (the phoenix) – often with a moral lesson attached.

No Old English bestiaries survive, but animals play a vibrant role in medieval stories, poems and riddles, so Hana Videen decided to create her own – or Deorhord (deor is Old English for animal).

Each creature is brought to life in a colourful tapestry of medieval legend, folklore and illustration. The result is a fascinating, bizarre (gold-digging ants, hens that burst into flames), and delightfully detailed glimpse of the world of our distant ancestors.

Christmas on the Farm by Adam Henson (Sphere £10.99, 240pp)

When Adam Henson was growing up on Bemborough Farm in Gloucestershire, Christmas was a magical time.

Aged eight, he made a wish as he stirred the Christmas pudding – and it came true when his mum and dad gave him a longed-for spaniel puppy.

Eventually, the Countryfile presenter and his wife, Charlie, took over running the farm, and although the hard work of farming doesn’t stop for Christmas, it remains a special time.

His book explores traditions such as gathering mistletoe and we venture behind the scenes at Countryfile, including the time when Adam recreated the custom of walking Christmas geese to market. 

Plus, we meet the Bemborough animals that have become film stars – including the pig which appeared with Glenn Close in 101 Dalmatians.

Surrounded by Liars by Thomas Erikson (Vermillion £10.99, 368pp)

Are you surrounded by idiots, psychopaths, narcissists or vampires?

Swedish behavioural expert Thomas Erikson is the author of bestsellers on dealing with such tricky personalities, and his latest book adds liars to the list.

Admittedly, most of us lie from time to time, whether to save ourselves from getting into trouble, or to avoid hurting someone’s feelings. But we also live in a world of fake news and untruths that can spread in moments.

Using the four-colour personality grid featured in his previous books, Erikson explores the reasons we lie, the consequences of lying and how best to deal with liars. 

There’s also a multiple choice test to find out if you are a liar. Answer truthfully!