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Danika loves ballet. She translates each ordinary aspect of her life into a remarkable dance performance. Ballerina Konora (a professional ballerina) joins the fun with how-to instructions for kids who want to dance along with Danika, Penelope the cat, and their animal friends. -
Dance along with Eka and Ballerina Konora in this interactive adventure story. Eka’s family creates a garden, but Eka worries animals may destroy all their hard work. When playful elephants visit, will Eka find a way to save the vegetables and flowers? -
Ella’s thrilled about her new part but quickly realizes she's only filling in and won’t be performing on stage. This advanced Dance-It-Out! ballet story is ideal for dance students or kids aged 6-9 who have enjoyed other books in the series. Kids are invited to join Ashton and Ballerina Konora practicing steps such as pliés, tendus, rond de jambes, petit battements, and sautés. -
A heartwarming story of gratitude, and a reminder to enjoy the journey. Travel to a mysterious island alongside Frankie to wish on a magic feather. The path to the hidden feather will only be revealed through patience, wit, and joy. But time is running out, and wishes are only granted on one special day. Dance along with the creatures in this sound-enhanced audio story with a powerful message about what’s important in life. Frankie’s Wish is ideal for children 5-8. It features Frankie (no pronouns), Auntie Duke (she), a dinosaur, a gorilla, and an eagle. Major themes include gratitude, asking for help, friendship, self-affirmation, and believing in yourself. Track 2 includes Ballerina Konora’s suggestions for movement exploration. Kids are invited to re-create the characters’ actions and explore movement fundamentals by twirling, squatting, waddling, balancing, jumping, stretching, reaching, sway, and more. Self-affirmation and gratitude are also encouraged. Frankie’s Wish is the latest Dance-It-Out! imagination journey by Once Upon a Dance, winner of over 40 book awards including Mom’s Choice Gold, Kirkus Reviews Starred Review, and Outstanding Creator Awards Top 10 Author of 2022. -
The circumstances surrounding the bizarre photograph initially inspiring Meredith Carson to ghostwrite Jack Wagoner’s horrifying account are now included in this audiobook and remain unexplained. When Meredith Carson accepted the task of ghostwriting the frightening narrative you are about to hear, she had no idea how that decision would affect her. Miss Carson shared with other members of the World Codex Staff that, at times, while transcribing Jack Wagoner’s spellbinding story, she felt like Agent Starling from THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS. Meredith Carson’s unnerving experience documenting Wagoner’s struggle for survival in the Klamath Mountains and the subsequent events is astonishing. -
Leaving Dahomey is set in 1840 in the ancient West Afrikan Kingdom of Dahomey. Our story centers around the people in their everyday lives and occupations, the applique workers, the calabash makers, pottery makers, storytellers, makers of verse, the needleworkers/designers, the smiths, and the cultivators. The story follows a year in the life of a fifteen-year-old hammock-borne, Adeoha Adetoye, and her connection to a Vodun prophecy of a magical oracle that will appear in time. -
Welcome to the wonderful world of Kelly Anne Manuel’s Modern-Day Nursery Rhymes. This collection includes all the books in four magical series: The Classics, The Essentials, The Rainbow’s End, and My Name Is. This collection offers a book for each day of the month with messages about permission and encouragement. The books are designed to help children see the world in entertaining and inspiring ways. This experiential collection will become tried and true books for current and future generations. -
“My Name Is Art Fine” is the newly minted Book Three of Kelly Anne Manuel’s “My Name Is” Series. In this story the Child is invited on a journey where honest discourse and communication result in clarity. The Child and the main character, Art Fine, get to know each other on the pages of story. The Child’s observations are voiced and received while Art Fine does the same. “My Name Is Art Fine” begins with a Child who is curious about who they are encountering. It becomes clear that the Child has questions regarding the information being shared. The Child has the opportunity to use their words in a clear and concise manner. The Child will learn to ask questions and see what fun adventures await when they engage actively in communication. The simple words take on new meaning as the illustrations pair perfectly with their presentation. The Child will notice that the use of the word “fine,” may not be a true representation of what is actually occurring. The story navigates the wide breadth that may exist between what words are used to accurately describe emotions, thoughts, and feelings. Children will experience a light hearted and fun story that will ignite their own imaginations. Why not explore the author’s theory that Childhood is a time to create a rich vocabulary that aligns correctly with thought and purpose? The author intends for the story to spark open dialogue and conversation about whether or not the terms utilized to describe inner and outer worlds match. It is in Early Childhood that we learn how to connect and interact with others. “My Name Is Art Fine” offers a path to these connections that allows for observation, self reflection, and humor. These are excellent tools for a Caregiver’s toolbox to assist with the healthy formation of these skills. The Children who read this book will be rewarded with a fresh view of the word “fine” in all its finery. -
“My Name Is Light” is the newly minted Book Two of Kelly Anne Manuel’s “My Name Is” Series. In this story the Child is invited on a journey into Nature where a discovery is made with the help of the Animal Kingdom and a joyful celebration results. The Child is curious and Nature, as in real life, does not disappoint. “My Name Is Light” begins with a Child in the great outdoors who notices something bright in their vision. The Child takes the opportunity to interact with a feeling of “light.” The Animal Kingdom animates this exciting, fun, and playful adventure. The Child will learn to ask questions and see what fun adventures await when they engage actively in communication. The Child will learn that Nature has so many wonders to explore. These wonders are available and ready for action once the Child actively engages with communication that relates directly to their own observations. Children will experience a light hearted and fun story that will ignite their own imaginations. Why not explore the author’s theory Childhood is a time of playful fascination as well as learning? This fascination can be enhanced by literature that allows for pretend conversations. It is in Early Childhood that we learn how to connect and interact with others. “My Name Is Light” offers a path to these connections that allows for observation, self reflection, and play. Play is so important at this age and the Child who reads this books will be rewarded with the joy of witnessing play at its best. -
“My Name Is Mountain” was born a poem and remains so in this newly minted Book One of Kelly Anne Manuel‛s “My Name Is” Series. The story invites the Child into Nature where a unique adventure is experienced. The Child and the main character, Mountain, get to know each other on the pages of this story. The Child‛s observations are voiced and received while Mountain does the same. “My Name Is Mountain” begins with a Child who is curious about what they are encountering. It becomes clear that the Child has questions regarding the information being shared. The Child has the opportunity to use their words in a clear and concise manner. The Child will learn to ask questions and see what fun adventures await when they engage actively in communication. The simple words take on new meaning as the illustrations pair perfectly with their presentation. The Child will notice that Mountain knows who it is at its core. The author intends for the story to spark open dialogue and conversation about whether or not the terms utilized to describe inner and outer worlds match. This book is a tool in a Caregiver‛s toolbox to assist with the formation of healthy communication skills. The Child who reads this book will recognize that respecting Nature and all its gifts is as important as respecting their own inner nature. -
Self and identity themed books that help children explore the duality of their internal and external nature. The importance of self-esteem and clear communication of the self are explored. These books give the child the opportunity to say: “This is who I am.” -
“My Name Is Wing” was born as a poem and remains so in this newly minted Book Three of Kelly Anne Manuel’s “My Name Is” Series. In this story the Child is invited on a journey into Nature where a discovery is made through observation, vocalization, and communication. The Child discovers a ring who believes itself to be a wing. “My Name Is Wing” begins with a Child in the great outdoors who notices something round in their vision. The Child takes the opportunity to interact, ask questions, and listen actively. The Child will learn that asking questions leads to fun adventures, interesting conversations, and positive outcomes. The simple words take on new meaning as the illustrations pair perfectly with their presentation. The Child will learn that Wing knows who it is at its core. The core values of Wing are excellent models for freedom, self empowerment, and courage. The illustrations capture Nature in an exciting way to hold the Child’s attention while they witness healthy discourse. The wonders of Nature are available and ready for action once the Child actively engages with communication that relates directly to their own observations. Children will experience a light hearted and fun story that will ignite their own imaginations. Why not explore the author’s theory that Childhood is a time of playful fascination as well as learning? This fascination can be enhanced by literature that allows for pretend conversations. It is in Early Childhood that lessons of connection with ourselves and others are learned. “My Name Is Wing” models practical connection skills in a clear and concise manner. The author feels that Children who know what traits and values reside in their core will be self empowered. The Child who reads this book will be rewarded with an adventure where clear communication leads to a positive solution. -
Grab a scarf and join the fun! Kids will love dancing along with Tammy, Ballerina Konora, and their new friends in this sweet adventure that’s perfect for preschool and kindergarten kids and classrooms. Readers are invited to stretch, spin, jump and more as they act out the journey to find Tammy. Kids can use a scarf as a backpack, a paddle, butterfly wings, a towel, and a pillow to enhance the fun and explore movements, dance fundamentals, and early-learning concepts. -
“THE AWAY CAST” was born as a poem and remains so in this newly minted Book Nine of Kelly Anne Manuel’s Childhood Classics. In this story the Child is invited on a journey where the narrator must find courage to take on a new challenge. The Animal Kingdom characters of Bravery and Bolder are called in to assist and model strength for the Child. “The Away Cast” plays on the meanings of the word “cast.” It is used as a term for the cast of a play and also to examine the idea of the fear related to being “cast out.” The story unfolds with the narrator auditioning for a play even though it creates some anxiety and discomfort. The message is that trying new things, even if there is discomfort, can be beneficial in a myriad of ways. The challenge itself is becoming part of a courage cast, so being “cast out” is irrelevant. The simple words take on new meaning as the illustrations pair perfectly with their presentation. The story is supported with scenes from the Animal Kingdom that will spark both imagination and courage to try new things. The Child will be ignited with dreamy possibilities as all manner of images leap off the pages. Children are naturally drawn to stories of journey and adventure. This story provides both. The depth of the message is measured by where the Child is on their own growth journey so it is always age appropriate. The author hopes it will serve as a launch pad for discussions about courage, determination, bravery, and relying on oneself for a barometer of inclusiveness. It is in Early Childhood that futures are being constructed. “The Away Cast” is a tool in a Caregiver’s toolbox to assist with that healthy formation. The idea that being uncomfortable while tackling new and different experiences is normalized. Since it is common the author feels it is important to address it in Children’s Literature. -
“THE BEAR TEDDY” was born as a poem and remains so in this newly minted Book Three of Kelly Anne Manuel’s Essentials Series. In this story the Child is invited on a journey to the Arctic where the Animal Kingdom there enhances the adventure. The Child will naturally engage with the immediate introduction to the main character, Teddy. “The Bear Teddy” offers a standing invitation to the Child. The Child will observe that there is inspiration to be found in the natural world around them and in far off distant lands. It is a happy way to see the Arctic animals live cohesively while providing support for each other. The story ends with an example of sharing that is heart warming and practical. The simple words take on new meaning as the illustrations pair perfectly with their presentation. The illustrated animals in this story are personifi ed to provide an example of cooperation, encouragement, and friendship. The Child’s imagination will be ignited with possibilities as all manner of images leap off the pages. Children are naturally curious about different environments and far off places. In this story the author encourages the Child to actively engage in fl exing their imagination muscle. The narrator presents examples of how mutual support can allow relationships to fl ourish. It is in Early Childhood that futures are being constructed. “The Bear Teddy” is a tool in a Caregiver’s toolbox to assist with that healthy formation. The idea that Nature and the Animal Kingdom are available to model positive and optimistic interactions is fully embraced here. The Children who read this book will be rewarded with an adventure into the Arctic where cohesion rules the day. -
“The Boots Rain” was born as a poem and remains so in this newly minted Book One of Kelly Anne Manuel’s Rainbow’s End Series. In this story the Child is invited on a journey to experience an entirely new event that the narrator is so eager to share. The narrator describes this fictitious occurrence with such wonder, amazement and vigor, that the Child will naturally join in for the fun. “The Boots Rain” offers a standing invitation to the Child. Journey to the tail of a rainbow’s end and see what fantastical adventures await. In “The Boots Rain” the Child will experience a fun and unique way to look at rain in a different light. The story is meant to be a challenge to the regular idea of rain boots and the author hopes to spark curiosity and discussion. The simple words lead the way to an adventure where considering a different approach to a common event in nature is expected. Children are naturally able to imagine events that are characteristic of a playful youth. Why not join the narrator on a discovery mission to find out exactly what a Boots Rain is? In this story the author invites the Child to actively engage in flexing their imagination muscle. It is in Early Childhood that futures are being constructed. “The Boots Rain” is a tool in a Caregiver’s toolbox to assist with that healthy formation. The idea that every boot that falls in the Boots Rain is unique, individual and one of a kind, is an important message that the author wants to relay. The Child who reads this book will be rewarded with a fantastical insight to what magical events occur at the tail of a rainbow’s end. -
Murders overshadow botanist Millie Whitehall’s peaceful summer surveying endangered plants in northwest New Mexico. When autopsy reports show two seemingly unrelated deaths involve plants, Millie must use her knowledge of ecology as she races to identify the murderer – before she becomes the next victim. -
“The Case Suit” was born as a poem and remains so in this newly minted Book Seven of Kelly Anne Manuel’s Childhood Classics. In this story the Child is invited on a journey where packing an imaginary suit case brings new meaning and adventure. It is a game for the Child to engage in with “Pretend” as a character who is always available to join them. “The Case Suit” offers a standing invitation to the Child. The Child will be invited to investigate what the narrator chooses to pack and travel with to any destination imagination can create. The destination is open ended so the Child will participate with curiosity and play. The Child has unlimited freedom to decide, dream, and explore, while traveling along with the narrator. The simple words take on new meaning as the illustrations pair perfectly with their presentation. There is a mix of practical and fantastical elements to visually stimulate curiosity. This active engagement in imagination results in a world rich with creativity for the Child. The Child will be ignited with dreamy possibilities as all manner of images leap off the pages. Children are naturally drawn to stories of journey and adventure. This story provides a balance of structure and a springboard for the Child to be a part of the action. It is a game that can be played at any place and time for entertainment and discussion. This is a story that the author hopes will be enjoyed with humor while considering everything the Child can dream of to pack in their own case suit. It is in Early Childhood that futures are being constructed. “The Case Suit” is a tool in a Caregiver’s toolbox to assist with that healthy formation. The idea that practicality can be set aside while ushering in a world of imagination is a theme the author embraces. The Child who reads this book will benefit from the freedom to dream up any destination with all their Case Suit can hold and more. -
"The Catcher Dream" was born as a poem and remains so in this newly minted Book Five of Kelly Anne Manuel's Childhood Classics. In this story the Child is invited on a journey where self empowerment is modeled through an interaction between the narrator and a fictionalized character known as the Catcher Dream. This is a story where the narrator models strength and courage once an uncomfortable matter is identified through self assessment. "The Catcher Dream” offers a standing invitation to the Child. The Child will learn that they are individuals in charge of safeguarding their physical and emotional space. It is an example of how imperative it is to process the thoughts, feelings, and emotions that uncomfortable matters provoke. The simple words take on new meaning as the illustrations pair perfectly with their presentation. The Child will observe illustrations that are in alignment with the serious tone of the story. It is important that the art match the conflict presented and resolved by the narrator. The narrator shows the Child that once a boundary was encroached upon, speaking up in a firm manner provided a solution. Children learn how to handle conflict by observation. It is important for their literature to address a balanced yet firm approach to conflict resolution. The author intends this book to be a launch pad for discussions about personal space, respect, and boundaries. These are all areas that deserve to be explored frequently as the Child ages. It is in Early Childhood that futures are being constructed. "The Catcher Dream" is a tool in a Caregiver's toolbox to assist with that healthy formation. The idea that self empowerment is formed during these early years is embraced by the author. The Children who read this book will be rewarded with a valuable lesson that facing fears results in the positive trait of resilience. -
The Crow's Nest is a tale of high adventure, as seen through the eyes of Will Anchor and his sister, Sara, ages 11 and 13, as they set out by canoe on a dangerous mission to find help for their ailing mother.
The year is 2049 and their home is in the drowned and abandoned city of New Orleans. Water levels, worldwide, have risen to unprecedented levels. Civilization, as we know it, has been brought to its knees, yet life struggles on, with promise for the future.
This story depicts an environmental disaster that some scientists predict may actually come to pass. This story is a timely, upbeat, and wholesome adventure. It is a down-to-earth odyssey that takes many twists and turns and is very exciting.
This audiobook has appeal for all ages.
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“The Emotion Commotion Locomotion” was born as a poem and remains so in this newly minted Book Four of Kelly Anne Manuel’s Rainbow’s End Series. In this story the Child is invited on a journey to a town where there is a fantastical train. This train has amazing boxcars for the Child to visit in this book. This book is designed to address all kinds of emotions with the help of some furry friends. “The Emotion Commotion Locomotion” offers a standing invitation to the Child. Journey to the tail of a rainbow’s end and see what transportation adventures await. The Child will experience a train where unique feelings are represented in each boxcar. The freedom to experience and then process emotions is a springboard for many discussions for Children of any age. The simple words take on new meaning as the illustrations pair perfectly with their presentation. The illustrations lead the way to an adventure where furry friends represent the feeling expressed in the boxcar. The human likeness of the animals are utilized to capture and keep the Child’s attention. The Child’s imagination will be ignited with possibilities as all manner of images leap off the pages. Children are naturally able to imagine events that are characteristic of a playful youth. In this story the author encourages the Child to actively engage in flexing their imagination muscles while also receiving information about the natural cycles of emotions. These natural cycles are excellent models for life experiences and that is embraced by the author. It is in Early Childhood that futures are being constructed. “The Emotion Commotion Locomotion” is a tool in a Caregiver’s toolbox to assist with that healthy formation. The idea that feelings, thoughts, and emotions are alive and well is an important message that the author wants to relay. The Child who reads this book will be able to relate with, connect to, and enjoy the unique boxcars of this fantastical train.
