Maryana Kachmar
Books
Pinky Swear
written by Diane Forti
illustrated by Maryana Kachmar
When Maggie moves away to Urbanna, she and her mother pinky swear that she will still be able to see her best friend Brooke as often as possible. But Maggie was born with only one arm, and nobody in Urbanna understands her. When Maggie discovers a lost pink dolphin living in the river by her new house, she learns that she is not the only one feeling lonely. She names the dolphin Paddy and visits her every day. But when the weather turns cold and Paddy gets sick, Maggie must choose between keeping her new friend close, and letting her go. Join Maggie in this story of acceptance, faith, and friendship, and learn about the many ways that we can all reach out to save each other!
A Race to Save the Australian Outback
written by Amanda Owen
illustrated by Maryana Kachmar
The Australian Outback is a place full of wonder, color, and life -- but it can also be unpredictable. When wildfires break out, all the animals are in danger! Join Kevin the Kookaburra and his clever crew as they work together to save their home in the Australian Outback.
Nick, the No Good, Icky Tick
written by Karen Gloyer
illustrated by Maryana Kachmar
Abby and her favorite four-footed friend Chowser discover all kinds of creatures while walking in the wild, wild woods one day. What they don’t expect to find is Nick, a no-good, icky, black-legged tick. Find out what happens when Nick the icky tick finds them...and the lessons they learn about how to stay safe on future outdoor adventures!
Author Karen Gloyer, a Lyme disease survivor, created Nick, the No Good, Icky Tick as a simple way to teach children and families the importance of tick prevention and awareness. Gloyer knows firsthand the hardships that come with this debilitating ailment—and that prevention and awareness are key. Let Abby, Chowser, and Nick the icky tick help teach the children in your life to “Look carefully!” as they learn to keep safe outdoors. Helpful tips and an afterword by Kenneth B. Singleton, M.D., M.P.H., a leading U.S. authority on Lyme disease treatment and prevention, round out this important book.
Morgan
written by Harry Holmes
illustrated by Maryana Kachmar
Meet Morgan, a misunderstood porcupine with a big heart…and a very special dream. At first glance, Morgan seems to be a porcupine like any other. His sharp quills protect him from predators that roam the forested mountain where he lives. In fact, most of the other animals on the mountain avoid him, too. They’re afraid to get too close to his quills. Morgan’s only friend, Beav, lives a very different life, and Morgan cannot see him often. Misunderstood and lonely, Morgan longs for a friend to share a hug with him in spite of his quills.
After a chance encounter with a bear, Morgan finally makes up his mind: he must leave the forest and find a friend who won’t be frightened of him. Nervous, but full of curiosity, Morgan decides to follow his dream and go on a journey to make friends with a human. As he leaves his mountain home, he faces new obstacles and dangers, like powerful waterfalls, noisy roads, and speedy cars. At times, he thinks of turning back and giving up on his dream, but Morgan is no quitter. His courage is strong, and he’s determined to find a friend and make a new life outside the forest. Soon, he finds himself nearing human civilization. When he hears the cries of a young girl in trouble, will Morgan be able to help her—and finally make a human friend?