E-books
Adder in the Path
Beautifully written and unflinchingly honest, Adder in the Path is a tragic chronicle of the Mormon War, and two very different families caught up in a maelstrom of intolerance and violence. It is a tale that teaches the fragility of human connection and the destruction caused by fanaticism and hypocrisy--crucial lessons that resonate long after the last word.
Smashwords ebook available here ($2.99)
Kindle ebook available here ($2.99)
The Age of Dinosaurs in Virginia and Nearby States
Although the fossil dinosaur deposits of the western United States are justly famous and widely appreciated, the fossil deposits of the eastern United States have received much less publicity. The Age of Dinosaurs in Virginia and Nearby States is intended to provide a detailed guide to the little publicized history of the age of dinosaurs from the perspective of the Mid-Atlantic states. This book focuses primarily on Virginia, but it also extensively covers the age of dinosaurs in North Carolina, Maryland, Delaware, southern Pennsylvania, and southern New Jersey. This has resulted in a more comprehensive view of the age of dinosaurs in the Mid-Atlantic region than has ever been previously attempted.
Albert
written and illustrated by Beth Roberts
Albert is the story of a mouse—a mischievous, fun-loving and very special mouse. There have been many stories about adventurous, talking mice, but there’s never been a story about a mouse who bakes delicious treats with love and sunshine and delivers them to your doorstep all wrapped in red bows. This is a story about how Albert came to live with Bob and Franny, and how he learned to share love, kindness, and sweet surprises with everyone just to make them merry.
Albert is about loving, baking, and giving. And inside, you’ll find recipes, labels, and inspiration for finding the Albert in your own heart.
Kindle ebook available here ($4.99)
Albert: A Frog and His Dream
illustrated by Keegan Williams
When Albert the tree frog announces that he is going to learn to fly like a bird, his friends and neighbors all think it’s a big joke. After all, Albert is very clever, but he’s also a little odd, what with his constant daydreaming and odd hobbies. But Albert is determined to prove to his friends—and to himself—that with hard work and a little imagination, anything is possible!
Astra the Lonely Airplane
illustrated by Michelle Simpson
Astra is a sleek, shiny airplane who loves to go flying with her best friend, Captain Dan. But when Astra and Dan suddenly find themselves out of a job, Astra must wait in her lonely hangar for a new owner to come along and give them somewhere to go! As the weeks turn into months and the right buyer still doesn’t appear, Astra begins to wonder: Will she ever get to fly again?
Before the Foundation of the World
written by Susan Weiner
Before the Foundation of the World examines the nature of good and evil in God’s creation. Using poetry and song lyrics, this collection offers a celebration of joy in response to God’s covenant with man. From Christmas poems to simple lullabies, the author paints a vivid picture of the incredible experience of wonder in a world of God’s design. An extended exchange in Appendix I with “The Father of Lies”(“Pater Mendaciorum”) and the promises of Christian faith reflects our reconciliation with God and explores the redemption of mankind in the face of radical evil. Journeying from the psychology of evil to the good news of the spirit, Before the Foundation of the World speaks to the ways of God, embodying gratitude and love as the foundation for mature Christian belief.
PRAISE FOR BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD:
“Before the Foundation of the World is poetry of the highest sort. It is a wonderful fusion of artistry and truth. It takes the reader to places where prose cannot go, into the mystery of the spirit where good and evil reside. Susan Weiner has created an enduring Christian testament that speaks to both believer and unbeliever. It is a triumph for her. I feel myself drawn back into her poetry again and again.”
—Curtis J. Young, senior pastor, Church of the Atonement, Silver Spring, MD
“Poetry challenges us to see things in a different way. Susan Weiner’s lovely poems lead us to meditate on God’s love and greatness, His Son’s birth and ultimate sacrifice, and of His mysterious workings in our lives and in the world around us. In these verses, biblical events come alive, urging us to see the stars and the stable, hear the thunder of the stormy seas, feel the sand beneath our feet, smell the spices, taste the honey—and marvel at what God has done for us.”
—Anne Morse, author (with Charles Colson) of Burden of Truth and (with Congressman Frank R. Wolf ) of Prisoner of Conscience
“Like fine cuisine, Susan Weiner’s Before the Foundation of the World is rich food for the soul not to be devoured hastily, but savored slowly and deliberately. Powerful images engage all the senses, transporting the reader back to biblical times, bringing to life the realities of good and evil and the ultimate victory God has given us in Christ. This is poetry for our time—a beautiful declaration of God's glory and His unfathomable love for His people.”
—Joanne Hamilton, former president, Associate Reformed Presbyterian Women’s Ministries
Before White Night: Rescue from Jonestown
John Olsen hurries to rescue his daughter from the Jonestown Cult before it is too late.
by Joseph Hartmann
Bill Hausman, an American diplomat in Guyana, has scarcely heard of Jonestown, the religious “paradise” that has recently established itself deep in the Guyanese jungle. He knows very little about the Peoples Temple or their leader, Jim Jones, a passionate, pro-integrationist minister with a vision of a harmonious future for all God’s children—and dark personal demons that will twist that vision into a horrifying nightmare. Yet Bill quickly becomes acquainted with all these things when his world collides with that of John Olsen, an American businessman whose ex-wife has moved to Jonestown, taking their daughter, Katrina, with her. As rumors surface of hunger, beatings, manipulation, and other strange abuses within the closed cult settlement, John grows increasingly frantic to get Katrina out of there, before the cruelest of these rumors comes to fruition…before Jim Jones’ long-awaited White Night.
Set in the truth of history, with detail that comes from the author’s firsthand experience, Before White Night is a fictionalized account of courage at the threshold of one of the twentieth century’s most shocking and unsettling tragedies.
Smashwords ebook available here ($2.99)
Bella Joins the Service
illustrated by Penny Weber
Bella, a fun-loving Lab, spends her days with her person, Kirk. Together, they run, swim, hike, and climb through Colorado’s great outdoors. But one day, everything changes. While mountain biking, Kirk has a disabling fall that leaves him unable to use his arms and legs the way he used to. What’s a Lab to do?
Bella chooses to “join the service”—service dogs, that is. While Kirk learns a new way of life, Bella learns how to do many things with her nose, mouth, and paws that Kirk can no longer do with his hands.
Follow Bella and Kirk’s journey as they come full circle to live the same adventurous life they lived before—just differently.
A Cabbit Tale
Meet Ace, a young and curious cat who loves his family. When Ace loses the precious stone his grandfather gave him, he must venture into the forbidden forest to retrieve it. Before he can get very far, however, his family sets out after him, determined to protect him against all odds. Along the way, Ace avoids a great winged beast and meets a woodland creature: a cabbit—half cat, half rabbit. What else lurks in these strange woods? Does Ace have what it takes to recover his stone, and perhaps solve another mystery along the way?
A Caterpillar at the Dentist
illustrated by Kelly O'Neill
She’s never had a filling before! When Ira meets Zack, a talking caterpillar, in the dentist’s waiting room, Zack knows just how to make her feel better. Zack will explain that the dentist’s tools are simple, harmless objects used in everyday life. Through their imagination, Ira will learn to understand the nature and importance of getting a filling.
PRAISE FOR A CATERPILLAR AT THE DENTIST:
“A Caterpillar at the Dentist is a must-read for parents who want to help their child prepare for their first dental visit. It is a positive story that provides child-friendly language for the different parts of a dental visit and a positive reflection of the dental team, along with the office setting and tools they use to keep kids’ mouths healthy! A great example of caring and collaboration with dental providers and families to maintain a healthy smile, which keeps kids healthy and ready to learn!”
—Tegwyn H. Brickhouse, DDS, PhD; Interim Chair, Department of Oral Health Promotion and Community Outreach; Director, Oral Health Services Research Core, Phillips Institute for Oral Health Research, VCU School of Dentistry; Director, Oral Health in Childhood and Adolescence; Institute for Inclusion, Inquiry, and Innovation
“Children almost always dread visiting dentists due to anxiety and fear that may stem from parents, peers, or other sources. This book will definitely help in eradicating such fears. It will not only boost the child’s confidence in visiting a dentist, but also make the child look forward to visiting one. I also congratulate Dr. Shweta Ujaoney immensely for coming up with this wonderful caterpillar story, which I believe is so beautiful and colorful that any child will read with keen interest.”
—Dr. Paul Chalakkal, Pediatric Dentist, India; Prestigious Young Pedodontist Award Recipient, Proactive Academician Award Recipient for Pediatric Dentistry
“Extremely well-written and well-illustrated! Very novel way to prepare kids and parents for a visit to the dentist.”
—Manju Mamtani, MD
“Little Ira has a cavity in her tooth, and she’s worried about seeing the dentist. But when she visits Dr. U’s office, she makes a friend who gives her the inside scoop. Join Ira and Zack as they take a special tour of the dentist’s office and meet all the fun characters who help Dr. U every day. Packed with information about tools and procedures, this bright book will be handy for any child visiting the dentist.”
—Pavi Raman, MD
“Informative, educational, and colorful are just some of the words that come to mind when describing A Caterpillar at the Dentist. Join Ira on a fun-filled adventure that thoroughly explains what a cavity is, how it is fixed, and what tools are used to fix it. As a registered dental hygienist, I truly feel this book will familiarize children with the dental office and ease dental anxiety because it is informative and explains things in such a vibrant and calming manner. It is a must-read for all young children.”
— Amanda Hann, RDH
“Informative, innovative, and inspirational!”
— Hemant Kulkarni, MD
Chester Chipmunk Will NOT Sleep
written by Kathleen George
illustrated by Louisa Mae
It’s bedtime in the nook of Cherry Hill, but Chester Chipmunk just can’t sleep! He’s had too much fun playing today, and he isn’t ready to stop now. Good thing Mom knows a trick or two to help change his mind! Join Mama Chipmunk and Chester on a whimsical journey to discover all the many adventures that await in his dreams!
PRAISE FOR CHESTER CHIPMUNK WILL NOT SLEEP:
“Chester Chipmunk Will NOT Sleep is a heartwarming story that celebrates the wonders of childhood. Through its title character and majestic illustrations, the reader is whisked away on an exciting journey through the imaginative world of dreams. This book is sure to delight and awaken the inner adventurer in all of us!”
—Stephanie Parwulski, author of Beatrice and the Sunflower Gift and Gloria’s Hope Tree
City in the Sky
“Freedom. Must. Fall.”
For Ryan Kendrick, being mugged on the way home from work is the perfect end to another terrible day. So when a stranger appears just hours later with a job offer from a mysterious organization, Ryan accepts without knowing anything more than the company’s name: Atlantis Technologies, Inc. But Atlantis is no ordinary company. In fact, it’s not a company at all—it’s a civilization.
Atlantis, thought to be long lost to legend, has been hiding in plain sight for millennia, and Ryan has been offered a chance to be part of it. Now, Ryan must adapt quickly to life on a city floating thousands of feet above the Atlantic Ocean, where telepathy and flying soldiers are commonplace. But even as he makes friends and strives to build a life for himself in this new world, Ryan soon realizes that Atlantis is not quite the utopia it claims to be.
And far worse, an ancient enemy known only as the Order has finally emerged from the shadows, vowing to destroy the Atlantean way of life. The Order sank Atlantis once before, thousands of years ago. Now, Ryan must do what he can to protect his new home and stop the Order from doing it again—this time permanently.
Desperate Endeavor
If only Humanity knew what sense to make of the fight with AranthChi, the future would be less bleak.
Thirty-five years after the only interstellar war Humanity has ever fought—with the only aliens Humanity has ever met—one man has wondered his entire adult life why the hell that war happened. As part of the peace, the AranthChi hired Humanity to do scientific research for them, and Mikail's job is to ensure the safety of Humanity's secrets. But the AranthChi's long-term conspiracy is beginning to unravel, and Mikail knows something is very wrong. He sets out on a quest to find answers and soon learns that Humanity is in more danger than ever before . . . and time is running out.
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Edison the Christmas Elf and the Imperfect Perfect Toy
written by Papa V
illustrated by Melissa Blue
Edison the Christmas Elf dreams of making the perfect holiday toy. He’s full of imaginative ideas, but they’re often disastrous! Every year Santa Claus waits for Edison to reveal his new idea, and every year Santa worries: just what enormous, tremendous, monstrous problem will Edison build next? Can the elf create the perfect toy, or will he destroy the workshop trying? Join Santa and find out!
Kindle ebook available here ($5.99)
iBook ebook available here ($5.99)
Eleven Dollars and a Half Tank of Gas
written by Greg Drost
In this candid memoir of a classic American boyhood, Greg Drost—teacher, family man, and self-taught surfer—takes a moment to look back on the events that led him to where he is today. From summer hijinks and schoolboy woes, through hardship and heartbreak, and down the long and winding road to self-discovery, this delightful collection of anecdotes is more than the story of one man’s coming of age. It is an examination of all those moments, great and small, that shape us into the people we grow up to be.
An Evening Dream in Springtime: Memories of My Grandfather
written by Mika Matsuno
illustrated by Jack Lefcourt
Most Saturday nights, young Mika races to her grandfather’s house, where she finds him painting artful calligraphy. He chants strange words in a stirring voice, surrounded by a house filled with eccentric treasures. Mika later sifts through remembered moments as she pieces together a fuller appreciation of her grandfather. She recalls favorite passages from an ancient book, Grandfather’s collection of fine writing tools, and the red stamp marking his most distinguished art. Mika wonders how it would have sounded to hear her grandfather play the biwa. What else didn’t she know about this hardworking, dedicated, gentle man? Mika’s story invites us to wonder: Who were our grandparents? How will we hold them close when their house and most of their things are gone?
Folly
Ezra Magee has worked hard to make a good life for himself as a professor, husband, and father. He’s even made peace with the fact that he can’t remember any of his childhood in the small town of Folly, Alabama, before a traumatic event at the age of twelve erased it from his memory.
But when his own son turns twelve and exhibits symptoms of an illness Ezra thought long-gone from his life, Ezra is suddenly caught between the lies he’s told and the events of his past he was grateful to forget. For the sake of his son and his marriage, he returns to Folly to search for answers: for the truth about his eccentric father, his own history of mental illness, and the harrowing event that robbed him of his family and his childhood.
From Basketball to Bow Ties: A Journey in Leadership, Self-Discovery, and Success through Service
What do basketball and bow ties have in common? More than you’d expect. Namely: leadership. Part memoir, part self-help book, From Basketball to Bow Ties follows Harold E. Harris Jr. from his tumultuous youth spent playing and eventually coaching basketball to his adulthood as a successful businessman who is never without his signature bow tie. Harris’s journey through the hoops helps to shape his ultimate career path, where he leads a team with the foundations of teamwork and diligence. He skillfully translates lessons learned on the court to actionable tips for professional leadership. Leaders, professionals, sports fans, and students will find this book an invaluable resource for developing their leadership skills.
From Chaos to Connection: A Marriage Counselor’s Candid Guide for the Modern Couple
written by Lori Epting
Get inside the mind and marriage of Lori Epting, an experienced marriage counselor, wife, and mother who has guided thousands of couples from disconnection, heartache, and fighting to connection, security, and safety. Through the stories of her couples—and yes, even her own relationship—learn how she protects her marriage and helps couples survive during their most vulnerable times. You’ll walk away with candid advice that can help you and your loved one find connection amid the chaos.
From a Tree to a Chair
written by Roseanne McDonald
illustrated by Mary Barrows
Look around you. Do you see something made of wood? A chair or table, a toy or tool, perhaps
even the building you're in right now? Have you ever wondered where these items come from?
Prepare to find out! Beginning at a busy logging site deep in the woods, we'll follow the journey of a tree as it is harvested, processed into lumber, and carefully crafted into a beautiful set of chairs. With a deep respect for the trees, and for the useful things they give us, this book reveals all the hard work that goes into making the items we take for granted every day.
PRAISE FOR FROM A TREE TO A CHAIR:
"Rose McDonald takes an innovative look at how the trees we live under become the furniture we use. Readers will see just how much goes into the process, and may even be inspired to pursue one of the many careers described. From a Tree to a Chair is interesting and fun."
—Rob McCallum, social studies teacher and former newspaper reporter from timber country
Gloria's Hope Tree
illustrated by Tania Ramírez Cuevas
Hope the maple tree is often overlooked by shoppers at the garden nursery because of her small size, crooked branches, and few leaves. Then, one spring day, Gloria and Daddy choose Hope, bring her home, and plant her by the roadside. Despite Hope's joy in her new home, Gloria and Daddy sometimes seem so sad. Why did they choose Hope, and how will she fit into their little family? Join Hope, Gloria, and Daddy to find hope in unlikely places.
PRAISE FOR GLORIA'S HOPE TREE:
“A lonely maple tree and a grieving father and daughter come together to discover time, nature, compassion, and love can heal. Stephanie Parwulski’s Gloria’s Hope Tree is an excellent primer for young children learning to define emotions and to relate to how others may be feeling.”
- KarenMarie Kauderer, BSW
“Just as she did with Beatrice and the Sunflower Gift, Stephanie has eloquently spread the much- needed message of love through the universal language of kindness with Gloria’s Hope Tree. She has mastered the art of capturing, understanding, and translating the essence of the human condition from adult concepts into simple children’s literature, expressing the infinite power of nature to comfort. The result is pure magnificence. Readers will laugh and shed tears of joy with this heartwarming tale. Storytime’s end is sure to result in a shared hug.”
- Mary Clista Dahl, founder of Capture Life Writing and author of Reconciliation of the Heart
“Stephanie does it again with her inspiring upcoming children’s book, Gloria’s Hope Tree. In this beautiful and timeless tale, we learn a story of love, strength, and hope for a better tomorrow. Gloria and her father, both grieving the painful loss of their mother and wife, encounter a courageous young tree, and through the power of love and hope, they all find a way to blossom together beautifully. Any young reader searching for answers in the pain of despair will find hope for a better tomorrow with the help of Gloria. A wonderful story that will surely touch the heart.”
- Will Mason, author of The Boy with the Rainbow Heart children’s book series, Keep
Walking, The Backyard, and Duffy, the Famous Wing
“Stephanie Parwulski shines again in her second book with an authentic and heartwarming story of eternal love, beauty, and acceptance. Gloria's Hope Tree intertwines delicate topics such as grief, belonging, and compassion in a gentle approach. Truly inspiring!”
- Tara Schafer, Executive Director of Literacy NY Buffalo-Niagara
"Gloria's Hope Tree is a touching story about how one family, during a season of sadness, finds hope in planting and growing a young sapling maple tree. This book teaches children that all their feelings are valid and important during the journey of grieving. In writing this book, author Stephanie Parwulski has given a beautiful gift to the world by encouraging young readers to plant and grow trees. This book shows the reader how powerful and beneficial nurturing new life can be for both the plant and the gardener."
- Liz Ballard Hamm & Andrew Ballard, authors of The Great Big Ark in the Sky
The Great Big Ark in the Sky
written by Liz Ballard Hamm and Andrew Ballard
illustrated by Lucy Koo
Where do animals go when they leave this world? After losing their family dog, a little girl and her brother embark on a magical voyage aboard a flying ark to seek the answer to that question. Come aboard this adventure into the great beyond!
PRAISE FOR THE GREAT BIG ARK IN THE SKY:
“The story is an enchanting tale of acceptance and assurance when a child faces the loss of a pet. The illustrations and placement of the words on the page provide a sense of wonder and adventure suitable for a variety of ages spanning the youngest of listeners to more advanced readers. This book provides an opportunity for families facing difficult times to imagine the possibilities and open the door for processing their loss across faiths.”
— Samara Musselman, MT, M.Ed., early childhood educator
“The most significant relationships of a child’s life can be those they share with their pets. This book honors these relationships while illustrating the importance of giving kids language to talk about loss and death. I’m thankful that this book continues to expand the options parents have to explore these topics with their children.”
— Joy Outland-Brock, LCSW and therapist
“Reading The Great Big Ark in the Sky was a delight. Its tender language and gorgeous child-friendly illustrations pulled me in immediately. What a gentle and kind way to teach children that death is not an end, but a transition. The artistry of Ballard, Hamm, and Koo is on display, and their reverence for the subject of love, loss, and loving again will likely comfort many young and not-so-young alike. Kudos for such a gift.”
— Cynthia R. M. Rafala, LPC, LMFT, CCMHC, counselor and therapist
“The Great Big Ark in the Sky is an absolute must in your child’s library! Not only does it tackle difficult subject matter with a gentle word and a sense of wonder, but the illustrations are charming and approachable. A dream of heaven for all of God’s creatures has never been so natural or so beautiful.”
— Jessica Moretti, MFA, designer and illustrator
“People are often young when they first experience the permanence of loss and truly deep sadness that accompanies the death of a beloved animal family member. A cat, dog, guinea pig—it does not matter—the grief is real! I would like to think my Foxhound is sitting next to the helmsman, taking in the sights on The Great Big Ark in the Sky.”
— H. E. Burchard, DVM, owner of Amberwood Veterinary Hospital
“The Great Big Ark in the Sky is a sweet story! This book will bring comfort to anyone who has lost a furry best friend. I know that I have several friends who are waiting for me! The loss of a pet is definitely a tough topic that many families have to address with their children. This story will bring comfort to the sensitive little ones who worry about all animals and what happens when they die.”
— Lisa Ann Groves, MS, MLS, school librarian
“The Great Big Ark in the Sky will touch the hearts of all of its readers. This beautiful story’s universal message of love, shared by two endearing children, provides comfort and peace, especially to anyone who has experienced loss. Imaginative and inspiring, The Great Big Ark in the Sky reminds us that those we love will always be with us, forever watching over us from their heavenly home.”
— Stephanie Parwulski, author of Beatrice and the Sunflower Gift and Gloria's Hope Tree
The Grit and Joy of Being
by Anne Poarch
There is grit and joy in life.
You can eat a peach,
taste the soft silky sweetness of the fruit,
and still catch a flake of pit in your mouth.
I’ll take the unwelcome to get at the heart.
Come and visit the orchard with me;
We’ll shake the trees and give out bushels of joy.
(“Grit & Joy” by Anne Poarch)
PRAISE FOR THE GRIT AND JOY OF BEING:
"Within the interplay of nature and sensuality is where Anne's poetry soars. This collection, while steeped in the Southern tradition, is also about soulful transcendence." —Tembi Locke, actor, advocate, and author of From Scratch
Grow with Me Poetry
Grow with Me Poetry uses poetry as a means of introducing children and early teens to the practice of mindfulness. In Grow with Me Poetry, you will find both a primer on mindfulness and basic meditation techniques, as well as a guide to incorporating that practice into your daily life. Through unique interactive exercises and discussion prompts, adults and children alike will have the opportunity to engage, to converse, to learn about each other, and ultimately, to grow. This book is sure to become a treasured keepsake on any family’s bookshelf!