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The Engine Woman's Light -
The Flood: Three Dangerous Exploits of Three Girls, a Cat and a Boat -
As the symphony floated above, Sora searched deep inside for a song. But nothing came. Melodies tickled across Sora’s toes, legs, and back as the little cricket searched in vain. Then a stern voice pierced the song, and the music stopped. “Someone’s not singing.” Discover one little cricket’s beautiful pursuit of inspiration. Readers are invited to stretch, balance, jump, and move along with the creatures in this delightful story of perseverance and celebrating your own unique voice. An enchanting sound-enhanced resource perfect for kindergarten and first-grade classrooms, dance teachers, and families at home. Sora Searches for a Song is ideal for ages 5-8. It features Sora (no pronouns), birds, fish, frogs, dragonflies, turtles, snakes and more. Delight your little one or class with this dance-and-move-along audio story, complete with nature and animal sounds. Track 2 includes Ballerina Konora’s suggestions for movement exploration. As kids move along with the characters, they experience head/tail connection, dynamic posture, vestibular action, balance, movement quality, partnering, and more. -
We'll be launching the "Spill the Tea with the TopKnotch Dogs" podcast soon! -
Forbidden love and fierce rivalry drive Jeff Hollister, a street-smart high school senior and gang leader of the Hurricanes, to the brink of disaster. Thinking he’s got the world in his back pocket, and the police at a safe distance, he and his scrappy gang of teenage delinquents come to discover they don’t always come out on top after all. A deadly vow by a member of the rival Tornadoes gang sets Jeff and his friends on a roller coaster of knife fray and gunplay, foot races and car chases, trust and betrayal, and murder. The death of a beloved friend serves a painful slap of reality to the Hurricanes that incites a burning desire for vengeance among the gang. With angry players going rogue, and weapons in the wrong hands, even the leaders are out of their depth. To make matters worse, Jeff is sidetracked by his budding love for Cindy, whose father just so happens to be the new police chief—the one person the Hurricane leader most wants to avoid. Yet she might also be the catalyst that can save Jeff from his own devices—if it doesn’t kill her first... -
“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. -
“The Night Quiet” was born as a poem and remains so in this newly minted Childhood Classic. This story plays an integral role in assisting the Child from being actively awake to falling gently asleep. It has a melodious rhythm, carries a tune, and lulls the mind into restorative sleep. “The Night Quiet” offers a standing invitation to the Child. The Child will learn that the cycle of day and night are connected in their own rhythm. The Night is personified in a way that heightens curiosity as well as wonder. The simple words take on new meaning as the illustrations pair perfectly with their presentation. There is a safe space created as sleep time is ushered into the bed with the Child. A world of fantastical dreams awaits the Child who benefits from a transition from activity to relaxation. It is in Early Childhood that sleep habits and patterns are formed. “The Night Quiet” is a tool in a Caregiver’s toolbox to assist with that healthy formation. Since sleep is one of the most important requirements for a healthy life this book is indispensable. Please join the author on a journey like no other into slumber. -
In this story the Child is invited on a journey into the galaxy where wonders never cease. This is a galaxy where love, acceptance, and unconditional support reign supreme. “THE FAMILY STAR” offers a standing invitation to the Child. The Child will learn that they are always in good company as Stars are personified in a unique and brilliant way. It is a fascinating opportunity to look upon a galaxy of stars in their seemingly infinite number and feel comforted by their resilience and tenacity. The simple words take on new meaning as the illustrations pair perfectly with their presentation. The Child’s imagination will be ignited with possibilities as bright as the stars themselves. The message is that if a star can shine so bright and survive so many elements so too can they. Children naturally look outside of themselves for love and approval. Why not explore the author’s theory about how Nature is a vital and prominent piece of this puzzle? Additionally, introducing the stars and the galaxy in this sing song way has the added benefit of Science discourse coupled with entertainment. It is in Early Childhood that self esteem and identity are under major construction. “THE FAMILY STAR” is a tool in a Caregiver’s toolbox to assist with that healthy formation. The idea that we are united with Nature and Science is such an important message that the author feels Children’s literature must reflect. The Child who reads this book will be rewarded with as many lessons as there are stars. -
“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. -
"The Morning Good" was born as a poem and remains so in this newly minted Book One of Kelly Anne Manuel's Essentials Series. In this story the Child is invited to experience their mornings in a unique and beautiful way. The optimism that the story presents is practical as well as heart warming. "The Morning Good" offers a standing invitation to the Child. The Child will learn that every morning is a fresh, new day, with unlimited adventures to embrace. It has a rhythm which encourages the Child to look upon each morning as special. The simple words take on new meaning as the illustrations pair perfectly with their presentation. The illustrations offer a different view of the morning on the planet. The Child will be drawn in to discover this different view as the Northern Lights as well as Polar Bear illustrations leap off the page. Children who begin their morning ritual with optimism reap wonderful benefits. The story ends with a decision to greet the morning with the awe that it really does inspire. Teaching the Child that they can also make decisions about how to face their day is crucial to healthy self esteem. It is in Early Childhood that self esteem and identity are under major construction. "The Morning Good" is a tool in a Caregiver's toolbox to assist with that healthy formation. The idea that we are united with Nature and Science is such an important message that the author feels Children's literature must reflect. The Child who reads this book will be rewarded with fresh optimism each day as they welcome “The Morning Good.”
