Local Virginia Authors
Adeline by the Sea
illustrated by Britt Van Deusen
It’s summer, and that means a family trip to visit Grandpa on the coast! Henry loves staying in the old house by the water; he loves listening to Grandpa’s stories, watching the purple martins build their nests, and of course, keeping an eye on his baby sister, Adeline. After all, that’s a big brother’s responsibility! But with little Adeline getting bigger, is it time for Henry to learn the difference between protecting someone and loving them enough to let go?
Adventures in Dinglewood
written by Helen Williamson
illustrated by Nancy Atkins
If you are in a hurry, you might pass by Dinglewood without paying much attention. But if you listen carefully, you just might hear the pitter-patter of small feet and the chattering of tiny voices. Turn the page—There’s a world of adventure here in Dinglewood for you to discover!
PRAISE FOR ADVENTURES IN DINGLEWOOD:
“Meet Henrietta and Jasper, two playful mice whose appetite for adventure inspires the five charming tales in Helen Williamson’s newest release. Beautifully illustrated, Adventures in Dinglewood will remind parents and grandparents of beloved books in the tradition of Peter Rabbit and The Wind in the Willows—But the storylines here are laced with mystery and mettle, crafted to appeal to younger siblings of the Harry Potter generation. Adventures in Dinglewood is sure to take its place alongside many long-loved children’s books as a delightful modern classic.”
~ Kai Rady, Toy and Book Buyer, Shenanigans (est. 1974), Charlottesville, VA, USA
“Helen Williamson and Nancy Atkins charm young readers with the magical adventures of Henrietta and Jasper as they encounter Dinglewood’s many zany woodland creatures. . . Adventures in Dinglewood would be a wonderful addition to any child’s bookshelf.”
~ Anna Burger, author of Pea Soup and the Seafood Feast and The Sea Hunt
“Imaginatively conceived and lovingly executed, these stories of mice friends Henrietta and Jasper and their encounters with real and fictional creatures catapulted me back into my childhood. Nancy Atkins' charming illustrations complement Helen Williamson’s lovely prose; the combination offers a reading experience likely to live in children's memories.”
~ Jay Strafford, retired reporter, editor, writer, and book critic for the Richmond News Leader and the Richmond Times-Dispatch. A native of Charlottesville with deep roots in Albemarle and Nelson counties, he has lived in Florida since 2015.
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.
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.
Bokky for Breakfast
illustrated by Kelly O'Neill
Jossie is NOT a typical toddler.
Jossie’s favorite time is mealtime. She loves trying new, yummy foods.
Sometimes yummy foods are crunchy. Sometimes yummy foods are soft. Sometimes yummy foods taste salty, and sometimes they taste sweet.
But when Jossie asks Mommy for a certain yummy food for breakfast one morning, it’s not what you would expect!
Will Mommy figure out what Jossie wants to eat?
Boswell Bear Goes to School
written by Marilyn Seigle
illustrated by Maegan Penley
Boswell Bear has been patiently waiting for his first day of school! Set off on an all-day adventure with Boswell as he makes new friends, learns new things, and discovers just how fun school can be!
Brave Bird
written by Judy Jamison
illustrated by Yasemin Arkun
Little Bird became Brave Bird when she found the courage to fly. We all experience anxiety, fear, and insecurities. Brave Bird shows the way to overcome those feelings. Have you ever been a “brave bird”? Share your story at judyjamison.com.
Bunny's Busy Day
written by Marilyn Seigle
illustrated by Maegan Penley
Easter traditions have always meant a lot to children—and children at heart. This enchanting story of an Easter morning will continue to add to that tradition.
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.
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.
Fireflies and Zeroes
February 2018, Charlottesville, Virginia.
The Generation is back—finally. Over the course of a yearlong hiatus, the pop-punk trio has seen their beloved hometown rocked by racist violence and endured months of radio silence from their brilliant yet volatile front man, Max. But guitarist Jason is ready to put all of that behind him when a late-night call from Max reconnects the lifelong friends and reunites the band.
At a party on the eve of the band’s reunion tour, Jason watches in horror as Max is thrown to his death off a balcony. Or so he thinks. In the chaotic hours that follow, two things become clear: the victim on the balcony was an imposter, and—as usual—there are no simple answers when it comes to the real Max. He’s just . . . gone.
Troubled by the emotional storms that drove Max away even before his disappearance, but desperate to bring him home, Jason resolves to find Max himself. In the long winter shadow of Virginia’s Blue Ridge, Jason sets out on a race against time to save his friend. In doing so, he unravels a series of surprising personal truths about the people and places he cares about most.
Flight: of butterflies and robins and other winged dreams
written by Anne Poarch
illustrated by Sander Gibson
Flight: of butterflies and robins and other winged dreams is a very personal collection of forty-eight poems. This thoughtful work chronicles the voice of a maturing young woman as she reawakens her heart and soul to the beauty of God’s natural world. She uncovers love, grief, self-awareness, and a happiness for which she is utterly unprepared. Bridging an out-of- doors childhood and the death of her father at age eleven, to a motherhood in which she longs to share all of nature with her young sons, the pages will surprise you and inspire you. To open these poems is to take a walk through the seasons, to pause and reflect on the intersection of the spiritual and physical, the love of parent and child. Placed mostly within the backdrop of Richmond, Virginia, words are arranged, not by academic instruction, but by feeling and emotion. Poems are shared with a voice of appreciation and awe, all the while wondering if the ephemeral dreams of love, joy, and beauty can be sustained. Or is that the lesson the young woman learns from her butterfly? As Anne Poarch expresses, none of us need try and hold beauty, because we all carry her in our hearts and souls.
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.
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!
The Hay-Wagon
written by Abigail Olson
After graduating high school, Abigail achieves her childhood dream of getting her CDL and learning to drive 18-wheelers. That’s where she meets a big roadblock: due to federal age restrictions, she’s too young to drive trucks across state lines. Unsure what to do next, she works as a part-time dump truck driver and part-time receptionist. That is, until she quits her job and relationship on the same day and takes the next flight to Mexico, where she lives for the next four months. Come with Abigail on a journey to self-respect and self-discovery.
I Just Met a Dinosaur!
written by Helen L. Williamson
illustrated by Nancy Taylor Atkins
If you met a dinosaur, what would you do?
Play hide-and-seek or go to the zoo?
Who knows if their skin was pink, purple, or blue?
Or if they squawked, roared, or mooed?
Did they polish their nails and feathers and scales,
And sharpen their teeth with the ends of their tails?
When you open this book of dinosaur rhymes,
You’ll meet some of those creatures from long-ago times!
Impressions Beyond the Terminal Cancer Diagnosis
written by Norma Woody
In this collection, as in her first book, Impressions Behind the Pink Ribbon, Norma explores a range of emotions and trials only a woman facing her own death can experience. A true and rich testament that only the examined life is worth living, she probes the depths and meaning of honesty, hope, friendship, and faith, as well as her own fear, isolation, heartache, and failures. For Norma, life was a kaleidoscope of miracles and experiences she felt compelled to capture in her writing, and had she lived, she would have penned many more books. We regret that this is her final manifesto of life, love, and hope.
PRAISE FOR IMPRESSIONS BEYOND THE TERMINAL CANCER DIAGNOSIS and IMPRESSIONS BEHIND THE PINK RIBBON
“As a Community Manager for the American Cancer Society, I work with people who have and have not been diagnosed with cancer. Because I work in the field of cancer and experience loss so often, I find myself wondering how many people live their lives with life itself going unnoticed until the moment of diagnosis. I am deeply moved by and profoundly grateful for Norma Woody’s honest and enlightening account of what it is to face a Stage 4 cancer diagnosis and try to live in the dying, make sense of the senseless, and yet acknowledge all the good things there are in the midst of the daily struggle. These very sentiments are what inspire the human spirit to find the hope and faith that are necessary to sustain life. Impressions Behind the Pink Ribbon is a gift for everyone who is searching to express the inexpressible about what cancer steals from us. Truly, we are all terminal from the day we are born, but cancer brings fear and starts the life clock ticking, which steals peace from those who are diagnosed and from those
around them. This book faces the tough emotional issues head on and will make you cry, make you laugh, but most of all it will allow you to see the beauty of the human spirit in the midst of the storm.”
—Amy Swartz, community manager, American Cancer Society
“Wow. Norma Woody has written a grace-filled, unflinching, and even, at times, whimsical book about her battle with Stage IV, Grade 3 cancer. Norma writes, “If we trust in God’s love, no matter where we are in life and no matter how difficult it can be at times, He will still bring beautiful people and beautiful things into our lives when we need them the most.” Norma and her book will be the beautiful person and beautiful thing many will find when they need them the most in the midst of their own life struggles.”
—Lynne B. Einhaus, Ph.D., licensed clinical psychologist and collaborative coach
“Anyone who writes a book while living with a diagnosis of terminal cancer deserves to be read. Few get the chance to have the last word about their life. In this book, Norma Woody does just that. She has insured that her experience will survive as her legacy to all who are on the same journey.”
—Betty Booker, Boomer magazine columnist and former Richmond Times-Dispatch columnist
“Norma Woody takes an unflinching look at her life after she was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Her book is filled with poetry, pain, reminiscences good and bad, apologies for being sick, an assessment that her life by her own standards has been ‘mediocre,’ and a hard look at cancer and ‘all the stigma and negativity and needing that comes with it.’ I recommend it highly to anyone interested in how one should confront his or her own life and death or the life and death of a family member or friend.”
—Randy Fitzgerald, Boomer magazine columnist, former college educator and newspaper columnist
A Jar Full of Kisses
story by Heather Bennett
illustrations by Amanda Spiers
Prickles is the happiest little hedgehog—except when she has to say goodbye. She loves her mom and dad more than anything, so one whole night without them seems like forever. Stick with Prickles to learn how to make goodbyes so much easier!
PRAISE FOR A JAR FULL OF KISSES:
“A Jar Full of Kisses is a beautifully illustrated book that exemplifies nurturing parent support for children with separation anxiety.”
~ Dr. Jennifer D. Clark, M.D.
“A Jar Full of Kisses is perfect for any child who is struggling with separation from loved ones! This book would be a great addition to a teacher’s or guidance counselor’s toolkit when a student is having a difficult time with the transition back to school.”
~ Carrie Wilson, third-grade teacher
“I wish I had this sweet book while raising my two kids who went through separation anxiety. As a preschool teacher now, this will be a must-read in my classroom the first week of school! The story about Prickles is relatable for kids, and the illustrations are beautifully done.”
~ Dawn Carson, preschool teacher
“A Jar Full of Kisses is such a cute story. I think it will help many kids who are afraid or sad when Mom and Dad are at work. All children can suffer from loneliness and this will be a nice bedtime story to help.”
~ Debbie Young, teacher
“A Jar Full of Kisses will be helpful in my counseling practice as we work through anxiety and fears with children. I like that the story presents a practical, tangible solution for kids to use as they struggle with their own fears.”
~ Julie Fletcher, MA, Resident in Counseling, Wellspring Christian Counseling, LLC
“I dearly love this sweet little book! A Jar Full of Kisses is a tender, loving story—a simple help for all parents who want to leave their children feeling secure and loved. I, too, have children who needed A Jar Full of Kisses when they were little. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful story of a special hedgehog family.”
~ Tanja Cottrell, Director, Child Development Center
“Prickles, an adorable hedgehog, is sure to be loved—especially by children who struggle with goodbyes.”
~ Kristen Ryan, nanny
“There are many “dos” and “don’ts” when children are anxious. In A Jar Full of Kisses, Prickles’ parents avoid the “don’ts” by respecting Prickles’ feelings. Instead of trying to eliminate Prickles’ anxiety, they find a way to manage it, thereby empowering their child instead of her fears.”
~ Dr. Ted Abernathy, M.D., FAAP