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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. -
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. -
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.” -
Positive self-talk books that kids can pick up anytime. Daily affirmations filled with positivity that encourage independence so children can face their fears and explore their world with the help of animals and the natural world. -
“THE NEED GNOME” was born as a poem and remains so in this newly minted Book Eleven of Kelly Anne Manuel’s Essentials Series. In this story the Child is invited on a journey to meet a mythical creature named the Need Gnome. The Child will engage immediately with the narrator who introduces this unique and mysterious main character. “THE NEED GNOME” offers a standing invitation to the Child. The Child will learn that this character represents a safe space where stating needs is not only accepted but encouraged. This is a story for all times of the day because its theme is a supportive one. There is a positive energy that the Child will feel as a result of the hopeful message that is delivered throughout the book. The simple words take on new meaning as the illustrations pair perfectly with their presentation. The illustrations offer an imaginary setting with animals and gnomes personified. The story is illuminated by this fun and loving supporting cast of characters. There is discovery in the air as bunny rabbits, hedgehogs, and winged mythical friends grace the pages of the book. “THE NEED GNOME” models the healthy expression of inner needs to a support system. The Child is invited to join the narrator at any time to visit this imaginary community. That positive communication is there for the Child to absorb throughout the story. Wonderful discussions and conversations will be started with this book as a topic. It is in Early Childhood that futures are under major construction. “The Need Gnome” is a tool in a Caregiver’s toolbox to assist with that healthy formation. The idea that Children can openly express their needs in a way that is heard, received, and validated is embraced by the author. The Child who reads this book will be rewarded with a journey to an imaginary destination where the Need Gnome is always waiting and ready for a visit. -
“The Inclusive All” was born as a poem and remains so in this newly minted Book Ten of Kelly Anne Manuel’s Essentials Series. In this story the Child is invited on a journey to a magical place. The narrator welcomes the Child on a voyage that is complete with the theme of inclusion throughout. It is a place where peace and harmony reign supreme. “The Inclusive All” offers a standing invitation to the Child. The Child will learn that they can actively engage with literature that is also entertaining. This is a story for all times of day because it is characterized by the freedom of joy and happiness. There is a positive energy that the Child will feel as a result of the hopeful message that is delivered throughout the book. The simple words take on new meaning as the illustrations pair perfectly with their presentation. The illustrations offer a colorful view of beautiful and ethereal scenery. There are so many birds to find that represent the peace of this magical place. Waterfalls, trees, and plants will capture and hold the Child’s attention. “The Inclusive All” allows the Child to see cooperation in the way the animals interact. There is discovery in the air as butterflies, peacocks, and even fish accompany the Child on this unique voyage. The Child is invited to join the narrator at any time to visit this imaginary community. Positive communication is modeled and there for the Child to absorb throughout the story. It is in Early Childhood that futures are under major construction. “The Inclusive All” is a tool in a Caregiver’s toolbox to assist with that healthy formation. The idea that we can learn from observing inclusive environments is a message the author embraces. The Child who reads this book will be rewarded with an imaginary destination that is always ready to welcome their arrival. -
“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. -
“The Tinker Sleep” was born as a poem and remains so in this newly minted Book Eight of Kelly Anne Manuel’s Essentials Series. In this story the Child is invited on a journey into space when the narrator is unable to sleep during the night. An interesting character known as the Tinker Sleep is introduced towards the end of the book and has been created to personify slumber. “The Tinker Sleep” offers a standing invitation to the Child. The Child will learn that if their sleep is interrupted, writing on paper can be helpful. They can use a journal, diary, notebook or pad as a temporary tool to find their way back to sleep. This is a story for all times of the day but really does fit in nicely with a sleep time routine. “The Tinker Sleep” addresses the important issue of a good night’s sleep. The idea that paper and pencil can be helpful once awoken from sleep is a theme the author embraces. The Child will enjoy the rhythm of the words and playful ideas of outer space. The message that great ideas can be found in times of quiet is also supported by the story. It is in Early Childhood that sleep patterns, night time rituals and habits are formed. “The Tinker Sleep” is a tool in a Caregiver’s toolbox to assist with that healthy formation. The idea that Children can learn to self soothe with a hobby such as writing is such an important message. The Child who reads this book will be rewarded with a fun adventure into not only a dream world but a literary one.
