**This is a pre-order for the audiobook, which will be available soon**
In the sultry, supernatural underbelly of New Orleans, death comes calling with a name. As Infernal assassins begin stalking a magical district known as the Haint, an uneasy alliance forms between sworn enemies. Storm witch Lena Nevers summons a warrior's soul from another reality to settle an old debt, and everyone gets more than they bargained for—a displaced spirit, a demon-slayer, and a dark soul that hungers for more. Awakening in a dead gangster's body with his true identity stripped away, the warrior finds himself an unwilling pawn in a supernatural power struggle. Taking the name and fractured memories of his host, Ciro Case, he must navigate a world where witches wield cosmic power, Lycans guard mystical neighborhoods, and vampires broker deals between all sides. In a city where every soul has a price and every spell demands payment, the greatest threat may not be the demons hunting in the shadows—it might be the hijacked soul or those seeking to bring him down. Perfect for fans of Jim Butcher's Dresden Files or Kim Harrison’s The Hollows series, Saintsville blends a political thriller, urban paranormal fantasy, and crime noir into a tale of divided loyalties, dark magic, and the river that runs through it all.-
Immerse yourself in the drama and excitement of the Rugby World Cup - including clips from the iconic "World in Union" theme song (by Hayley Westenra) and supporting sound effects from rugby’s greatest stage.
You can go behind the scenes of “the game they play in heaven”, and find out how it was the forefather to all rugby football codes and also American football. What if you could be in the room where decisions were made that brought to life what is now the third largest sporting event in the world?
This audiobook is the most comprehensive account of how the game of rugby and the Rugby World Cup first came about, and listeners are taken on the full journey with the iconic tournament theme song and official commentary and ambience from key moments throughout.
Lance Peatey is an established media business leader with a career spanning 25 years, working for major global media organisations including Disney/ESPN, BBC, IMG Media, and both the Nine Network and Seven Network in Australia. It was while working with Seven during Rugby World Cup 2003 that Lance first decided to write A Complete History of the Rugby World Cup - In Pursuit of Bill.
The first edition in 2007 earned impressive reviews, including David Llewellyn from The Independent describing it as “a minor masterpiece". Lance has also assisted former Australian rugby star flanker David Pocock with two editions of his autobiography “Openside” in 2011 and 2018.
This first ever audiobook edition comes after the historic and colourful 2019 tournament in Japan. Narrated by Dryw McArthur and with clips from the iconic rugby anthem "World in Union" sung by Hayley Westenra, it will give you:
- All the drama and excitement across the nine Rugby World Cup tournaments played from 1987 to 2019.
- Fresh highlights from the Japan 2019 tournament, as World Rugby pushed into Asia for the very first time.
- The history of rugby union, and the formation of rival codes that pushed its evolution to professionalism.
- Rare insights to heated boardroom politics that almost quashed the pinnacle event from ever happening.
This is a must-listen for newly initiated rugby fans right through to the more seasoned devotees.
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It’s the summer of 1976—the Bicentennial of America—and 13-year-old Mary is about to embark on the road trip of a lifetime. With her father at the wheel, her twin younger sisters in the back seat, and their baby-blue Peugeot sedan—affectionately named Blue Pierre—as their ride, Mary sets off on a cross-country adventure filled with fireworks, flag ceremonies, and hard-earned truths. What begins as a patriotic escape from small-town Ohio quickly becomes a test of loyalty, courage, and growing up. As her father’s behavior turns more erratic, Mary must navigate not just unfamiliar highways but the shifting landscape of her own beliefs. When the journey takes a turn they never expected, Mary discovers that sometimes the people you love the most are the hardest to understand. Told with heart, humor, and a vivid sense of 70s nostalgia, Bicentennial Summer is a coming-of-age story about family, freedom, and finding your own way when the map runs out. Perfect for fans of The Glass Castle and The Bean Trees, this unforgettable debut explores the bittersweet moment when childhood ends—and independence begins. Whether you remember the Bicentennial or are just discovering it, Mary’s voice will linger with you long after the last mile is driven. -
Navigating the stormy seas of the 1960s wasn't easy, especially if Vietnam was on your horizon. Ignoring his 2-S selective service deferment, Conor Patrick McKall volunteers for the draft, and Uncle Sam promptly deposits him in the Big Green Machine. Six months later McKall is walking point in jungles, rice paddies, and rubber plantations. In nine short months, he's made an infantry squad leader responsible for a dozen other grunts. In the "boonies," life is lived one day at a time. Joining McKall's squad is Jack "Red" Sheridan whose near-death encounter with a black panther presents challenges to his credibility from other members of Lima Platoon. When McKall stands with Sheridan, an unbreakable bond develops. They meet Red Cross Donut Dollies and together experience the infamous Black Virgin Mountain where the good guys control the top and the bad guys the rest. Escaping Vietnam for a handful of days on R&R in Sydney, Conor experiences Aussie hospitality and the attention of a green-eyed beauty who offers him a chance to escape the war. Loyal to his oath and to his men, Sergeant McKall barely has time to supplant the fading scent of Chanel before he and his squad must face their determined and deadly adversaries. The arbitrary gauntlet of Vietnam offers no guarantees. -
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. -
Tales from the Razor's Edge "Some Cold War Blues" — A neighborhood snowball fight erupts into a thing as close to war as an 11-year-old American boy is likely to face. "Dude" — A wanna-be cowboy confronts his last sunset on the ranch. "On the Last Frontier" — Old and broke in Juneau with winter coming on. "Dewdrops" —The life and death struggles of a charismatic but tormented drug rehab counselor and his patients. -
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. -
It's been said the code was never deciphered. That's not true. As an introvert growing up in Lakehurst, NJ, the tragic loss of a close friend forced me to understand how consequence and conscience are akin to the Roman god Janus—both sides of the same coin. 1972 became the genesis of my father’s immersion into the macabre Grace Cohen case, a troubled young girl who wrestled with her inner demons and vanished from Horicon Lake. Her vexing disappearance thrust the rural town famous for the Hindenburg disaster into a maze of deadly nuance, rendering it ground zero for the mesmerizing Zodiac Killer case. No one could ever have imagined the mystery, embroiled in international espionage and secret encryptions, would by six degrees of separation reveal the clandestine motive of Hindenburg’s destruction and unlock the enigma hidden within the “unbreakable” Somerton Man Code. -
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... -
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. -
Imagine a world, exactly like ours, but different… Welcome to the H2LiftShips series, a cosmic romp fans have compared to The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy for its witty quirkiness, and that critics hail as "The most unique and weirdest book series out there." Captain Graciela is where she wants to be, far from her controlling mother, in a rented solar sail cargo ship, trading and gambling throughout the heliosphere. It can be lonely in the void, but the crew on the H2LiftShip, the LunaCola, is all the help she needs: Jack, a talking dog with a nose for Earth jerky, Tang, a poker-obsessed orangutan, and Octopus, in his watery navigation station, are her constant companions on her journey. In book one, Beyond Luna, the crew sets off on a space adventure that has them crossing paths with everything from pirates, anarchists, and poker players, to jail time. Part action-adventure space opera and part tech manual of a possible future, the H2LiftShips series imagines a world where hydrogen balloons lift solar sail ships through outer space to trade goods across planets and asteroids. Here, commerce is the name of the game. Even in deep space, there is no avoiding family issues. When Graciela inadvertently meets her duplicitous mother on a distant rock, it ignites a family showdown between pirates, thieves, and gamblers. Will Graciela rescue her mother and win it all in a rigged card game, or will the crew lose everything? Find out in the first volume of the H2LiftShips series – Beyond Luna, where lovers of science, astronomy, chemistry, physics, engineering, and good old-fashioned sci-fi fun will never be the same after their ride on an H2LiftShip. -
“Heart-Dreamer: Stepping into Life, Love, Creativity and Dreams – No Matter What” is an award-winning motivational book written for anyone who has a dream, lost their dreams along the way, or never knew how to dream. Rooted in the ebb and flow of Cheryl Melody Baskin’s life as an unstoppable dreamer, creative visionary, musician, and motivational life coach, Heart-Dreamer lights the way toward more moments of self-discovery, self-love, inner healing, soaring dreams, and hope. “As soon as I saw the sentence 'allow your heart to guide you,' I knew Heart Dreamer contained the truth about life." - Bernie Siegel, MD., New York Times best-selling author and physician As you listen to the author’s heart-centered and interactive presentation, breathe in all the support, journal writing prompts, life wisdom, self-talk dialogues, inner child healing, creative imagination, soothing visualizations and meditations, self-care strategies, life-changing positive affirmations, sound healing, inspirational songs, and transformational wisdom from people around the world. "This isn't just a book, it's a way of life." Ricky Kej, Grammy award-winner and United Nations humanitarian artist. With Heart-Dreamer by your side, discover how to believe in yourself and in new possibilities; release fears, doubts and the perfection syndrome; shoo away your inner critic; ignore the inner voices of naysayers from your past or present; unleash your creative spirit; tap into your inner child's imaginative side; experience nerve-busting tools and how to write effective positive affirmations; listen to the intuitive voice of your wise inner guru; learn how to become your own best friend; ignite a spark of adventurous curiosity and choose to begin again with new visions of hope. “Melody invites me to be gentle with myself and with everyone around me, and at the same time, she challenges me to dare to dream big.” Reverend Dr. Deborah L. Clark, Multi-faith coordinator, pastor, and yoga instructor Simi -
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. -
New Wine will cause you to embark on a soul-stirring journey as you dive into revelations of what happens when you are a recipient of God's outpouring of new wine. * Have you ever wondered if there's more to life? Felt that inner dryness that saps your spirit? It's time to uncork the New Wine of the Lord. Within these pages, you'll encounter a tapestry of narratives meticulously woven to awaken the dormant embers deep within your soul. * New wine will provoke you stir up an insatiable hunger for the extraordinary. Don't surrender to the mundane; embrace the promise of greater things ahead. * No matter your past, your trials, or the passage of years, know this: Your story is far from over. The Lord isn't finished with you yet. He will, at times, shake your very core to beckon you to a higher plane of spiritual awakening. * Just as He summoned the prophets to new horizons, He is calling you to venture beyond your comfort zone. When you return, you'll carry a fresh perspective, a blazing passion, and the taste of New Wine within your spirit. As you glide through these pages, prepare to be challenged, ignited and refreshed. Pick up your copy and begin your journey into new depths! -
Inspired by the events of his 2022 award-winning book, Captured by COVID: Deceit, Conspiracy, and Death—A True Story. Michael E. Bowers’s Olivia is a story of adoration, hatred, desolation, exhilaration, and heartbreak. Caught between two forces far beyond her control, Olivia’s quiet life is shattered when she becomes collateral damage in a deadly clash between the DEA and a ruthless Mexican cartel. As her world unravels, those around her spiral into darkness—none more than Allen, whose descent into unthinkable acts reveals a side no one ever imagined he possessed. -
Imagine Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test meets Murder, She Wrote.
One part hippies grooving on the waterfront and fighting the man, one part murder mystery.It’s the 1970s, and the “houseboat wars” erupt in Sausalito on the site of Marinship, the abandoned World War II shipyard. Hippies and squatters are living free and easy on houseboats in a ramshackle shantytown, and greedy developers are determined to evict them and build new docks to attract affluent residents.
The counterculture is in full flower and the houseboaters, fearing their community will be destroyed, resist eviction with street theater, civil disobedience, monkeywrenching, and more. Like climbing into dinghies and pushing away police boats with oars. Like sinking a barge to block a pile driver. All in front of TV cameras!
Then, someone gets stabbed.
Pirates of Sausalito is fiction, but inspired by true events. As Larry Clinton, former president of the Sausalito Historical Society, said, “If it didn't happen exactly this way, it could have.”
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Benno Neuburger, a modest land investor from Munich and Anna Einstein daughter of a cattle dealer from Laupheim, marry in 1907. They begin their lives together with great hope. It is a relatively prosperous time and a very optimistic one for German Jews who are enjoying a social renaissance in the industrializing, urbanizing rising star that is Germany. It’s not clear that this good fortune might begin to unravel. Even as news of an assassination in an “obscure” Balkan corner of the continent passes like a cold wind through Munich on a warm beer-garden July day, people shudder but feel no great alarm. Yet what follows is a war provoked by inter-colonialist competition. It is prolonged and bloody, giving way to German defeat, revolution, a brief socialist interlude in Munich, a merciless counter revolution, and the pitiless demagoguery of defeated generals. So marks the commencement of an era of nearly relentless distress and turmoil for Germany. The lives of Benno and Anna and their extended families are amid this swirl—trying to make a life as they struggle to survive, as they cling to the hope of a peaceful resolution to crisis. But to no avail. Munich becomes the epicenter of German fascism fed by nationalist resentment and racial madness – an offspring of European rivalries and colonialism. In the 1920s the brown shirts of Germany’s former African colonial army become the uniform of a domestic legion of terror. In the 1920s Benno, Anna and their children live as close neighbors to the demagogue who will become the Nazi leader. A slow-moving horror show envelops them in the years that follow. In the 1930s and 1940s: Emigrating children, a pogrom, a new war, evictions, “resettlement” via a train ride east . . . desperate acts of resistance, arrest, trial – as the holocaust plays out— all up close and personal: A human story told through the voices of those who lived it. -
A fast-paced, globe-trotting thriller with full cast, original music and sound effects that asks the listener to consider the earth’s very origins, -
Destination stories that aid in imaginary and play discourse. The gap between reality and pretend is bridged. Each book begins with “The other day I went to visit a friend…” and transports readers to a different place where anything is possible. -
- Restore Me! dives right into the matter from the first page: Who cares for the one who gives care? You may be caught in the complex place of taking care of a congregation, a group of people, or even one while dealing with your own personal issues. - You may be wondering why you feel empty, fatigued, not relevant to society, yet feeling the need to appear strong to others. Restore me! gives you the opportunity to honestly assess your life from the inside, not as others see you, but as you see yourself without the masks. It brings you face to face with the reality of the dichotomy between your internal struggles and your external successes, and then offers keys to breaking you free of the cage you may find yourself in. - Through these dynamic pages Dr. Agbenoto has one-on-one sessions with you in the privacy of your home. She gives you the opportunity to identify and confront problems, prays with you, and empowers you to take the necessary next steps. Restore me! leaves you challenged, renewed in restorative hope and refreshed. Pick up your copy and begin your journey of restoration! -
The fastest growing segment of the horse world is women mid-life and beyond. This thorough but light-hearted guide welcomes you to the equine life. Whether a newcomer to the world of hay and hoofs more someone who’s been in the saddle since childhood, you’ll find information about every aspect of the horse world. Riders of a Certain Age is full of wisdom and sound advice for people coming into horses as adults. It encourages us to keep riding forward at a point in life when others might expect us to whoa. From leasing to leakage, money to manure, this engagingly candid, comprehensive resource is an owner’s manual for reclaiming the right to indulge your horse-loving inner child. With carefully curated guidance collected over years of horsing around, Fran Severn presents you with tips, lessons, and advice as you begin enjoying a life with horses in it. You’ll find information about: -Getting into the saddle (or not, but still enjoying horses) -Finding an instructor and being a good student -Understanding and overcoming fear -Riding with ‘replacement parts’ -Dealing with the physical changes and challenges of our older bodies -Learning the world of buying, leasing, and boarding horses -Managing your ‘stable finances’ to pay for it all and still stay solvent -
Have you been a seventh grader, taught or parented one? Then you’re guaranteed to laugh as the new female vice principal faces hormonally charged middle schoolers, demanding parents, an obnoxious boss, and clueless teachers. Ride the roller coaster of the new job and cheer for Cynthia Walker as she dives into the hilarity and angst of working with tweens. Watch her deal with bomb threats, fire, and pythons on the loose. Bullied kids and abusive parents. Dysfunctional homes, charges of racial bias, and a touchy-feely principal who demands her attention but provides no guidance. And she would like to date the handsome and talented history teacher, if only she weren’t his supervisor. Schooled will take you back to your own school days. This page-turner will open your eyes to the challenges of public education, the job satisfaction to be found by educators who care, and the type of leader you want to guide your children. -
Sins, Tragedies, and Other Things That Make Us Human is a collection of five thought-provoking short stories that blend historical fiction, dark humor, and contemporary drama. Each tale holds a mirror to society, exposing the shadows we often choose to ignore. Unflinching and unsettling, this book is not for the faint of heart—but for those willing to confront the darker side of humankind. -
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. -
In stories tailor-made for pet lovers, a seasoned veterinarian shares her good, bad, and messy days on the job—and highlights the undeniable magic of the human-animal bond. Dr. Dawn Filos’s own menagerie of pets, including Willie the woolly monkey, primed her for a. career as a veterinarian. With emotional honesty, Dr. Dawn shares her heartfelt, and often hilarious journey, from nervous novice to seasoned, self-assured doctor. This modern-day James Herriot finds her niche as a house-call vet, with unique, intimate access into the homes and lives of her beloved patients and their human families. She understands with all of her heart that no visit or emergency is too trivial to a pet parent. After reading Tales of a Pet Vet you will never see your own vet the same way. Sometimes heartwarming, sometimes sad, and often hilarious, Tales of a Pet Vet will resonate deeply with pet lovers everywhere. -
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. -
This epic space opera continues the adventures of self discovery begun in The Blood. Still struggling with her new identity as the Singer for the Anyala Stone, Ani returns to her home world in search of her twin, known as The Balance. The Anyala Stone has been mortally injured by her own grandmother and only The Balance can save it. Stubbornly, Ani refuses the assistance offered by her father who is barely ten years older than she due to the Stones' ruined time song, because his unexpected presence on Teramar will complicate the search. And after twenty years, Ani is barely able to admit that her father is alive. She chooses to return to Teramar with her telepathic canine, Kela, and Lrakiran pilot Renloret to enlist the help of Taryn, the sheriff of Star Valley, to sift through twenty-five years of lies and secrets on their search. Then as they are getting close to discovering the twin''s identity, the unimaginable happens and Taryn's life is endangered. Must Ani choose between saving her best friend or saving the life of an alien? Once again time is running out. Will the Anyala Stone die before the twin can be found and brought to Lrakira? Will the twin, if found, accept their new identity and travel the stars to save the life of an alien creature?What more does the prophecy within the first song have in store for the people of Lrakira and Teramar? -
“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. -
Can Ani and Taryn stop Treyder’s experiments? And will they find the Stones of Teramar? As Taryn struggles to understand who he is and who he is to become, he and Ani must lead the way in thwarting Treyder’s experiments before they result in unimaginable harm. As if that were not enough, Taryn must not only find the Stone destined for him, he is driven to find the other two Stones of Teramar and their Singers. The Song of Teaching cannot be sung until all three Teramaran Stones and their Singers have been located. And without that song, knowledge of the shared past, future, and place of origin of those on Lrakira and Teramar may be lost. It will take the combined efforts of Ani, Taryn, Renloret, Yenne, and many others to pull off. And there is no time to waste.
