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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. -
Timeless books where all generations can find meaning. These many-layered stories have broad themes but focus on specific events and reality-based resilience topics. These books help kids navigate difficult situations. -
“THE WAY TEDDY” was born as a poem and remains so in this newly minted Book Twelve of Kelly Anne Manuel’s Essentials Series. In this story the Child is invited on a pet walking journey. This journey is full of surprises as the outing unfolds with the pet choosing the path. The narrator realizes that this is a fun and welcome way to spend time outside with the pet. “THE WAY TEDDY” offers a standing invitation to the Child. The Child will learn that spontaneous decisions can lead to fun adventures. The pet has its own ideas which allow for both freedom and adventure. Choices are a main theme that the author embraces in this light hearted story. There is playful approach to making decisions and choices in daily life that is also infused with positivity that will benefit the Child. The simple words take on new meaning as the illustrations pair perfectly with their presentation. The illustrations offer an imaginary setting of pets personified. The story is illuminated by this fun and loving supporting cast of characters. There is discovery in the air as many breeds of dogs and cats interact harmoniously. “THE WAY TEDDY” models the healthy expression of needs for both the pet and the narrator. This is a example of allowing events to unfold naturally and see what positive results are realized. The Child is invited to join the narrator at any time to visit this imaginary community. 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 Way Teddy” is a tool in a Caregiver’s toolbox to assist with that healthy formation. The author is taking the opportunity to utilize the relationship between pets and their owners as a model for interaction that is mutually beneficial. The Child who reads this book will be rewarded with a journey with pets where easy decisions lead to fun and spontaneous adventure. -
"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. -
At a time when violence in America and Europe dominates the daily news, a groundbreaking new book co-authored by James Gilligan, an eminent psychiatrist who has worked with criminals, and David A.J. Richards, a legal scholar of toxic patriarchy, illuminates the ways in which Shakespeare offers unique insights into the causes of violence as well as its prevention. Now a riveting new audio production, Holding a Mirror Up to Nature: Shame, Guilt, and Violence in Shakespeare takes advantage of scenes performed by acclaimed actors to dramatize how much Shakespeare’s tragic heroes exhibit the psychology of those who commit violence in the contemporary world. The voice of British-American actor John Douglas Thompson called “perhaps the greatest Shakespeare interpreter in contemporary theater,” together with women’s parts spoken by Shakespeare & Company’s distinguished Tod Randolph, and narration by award-winning theater star Nigel Gore, orchestrate this tour de force audiobook that belongs in the listening library of everyone who loves Shakespeare and is curious about what causes and what prevents violence. -
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Find out why Tim Draper calls this book the new bible for startup founders. Griffit's A-Z recipe is a treasure trove of storytelling secrets, powerful tips, and captivating anecdotes. Learn from the triumphs and failures of some of the biggest names in Silicon Valley, and understand the art of crafting a pitch that not only compels but also gets results.
Inside, you'll discover:
- What investors discuss after you leave the room
- The 10 most common mistakes startup founders make
- Essential elements of a successful pitch deck
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- The secrets to creating your own story-led pitch deckGriffit's philosophy is simple: every founder has a unique and compelling story. Allow her to help you peel back the layers and uncover the hidden potential of your startup narrative. With over 16 years of experience, Griffit has worked with Fortune 500 companies, startups, and investors across 30+ countries, helping them raise over a billion dollars.
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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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Searching For Monkumar: A Mystical Tale About Finding Freedom, Friendship, And Spirituality -
**This is a pre-order for the audiobook, which will be available 2/27/26** 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. -
*PRE-ORDER*
This is a pre-order for the audiobook, which will be available soon
A young Irish sailor cast adrift in the sea. A mermaid princess and Irish luck save him from drowning. This adventurous tale owes its inspiration to stories Mike Mirabella heard as a little boy. His sizeable Italian clan swapped such stories during family dinners at the kitchen table. "My grandpa and uncles would tell tales of fishing the waters off the coast of California and up through the inland passages of Alaska. I recall Grandpa Angelo telling of the scary times, when he was a cabin boy of 12 and was captured by pirates while working on the tall ships”. And then there was the never-ending argument between my grandpa and Uncle Cam: “What was that strange creature they caught off the coast of Alaska; a mermaid or a merman?" I was (and still am) that wee lad in our story, sitting wide-eyed, half-believing, yet never tiring of hearing those wonder-filled stories told by those salty, old jacks." Using the rhyming style of a pirate in an Irish pub, our sailor spins his yarn about seeing the slap of a mermaid's tail during a mighty storm. "On the Luck of an Irish Sailor" is a beautiful tale of adventure on the high seas. In a story that's been passed down for generations, author Mike Mirabella takes us on a magical experience deep beneath the ocean. Could it have happened? Did it happen? Folklore - that's the feeling sparked by the illustrations by illustrator Amy O'Hanlon. She uses hues of blues, grays, and browns to depict the fierce storm accurately. On other pages, O'Hanlon uses beige and brown tones to create the illusion of an older picture book-like classic story that's been around for years. Enjoy the bonus song sheets and sing along with this ‘mostly’ true story of adventure and redemption, in "On the Luck of an Irish Sailor." -
Does your child ever sit by themselves—alone and seemingly friendless? In I Used to Be Shy, meet Carla, our self-appointed social committee of one, who makes everyone at summer camp feel welcome. Carla spots a shy new boy who hides from others in his cabin, closing his curtain. Carla follows her heart and gathers a small group of fellow campers to coax him out to play games. With Carla’s encouragement, our new camper builds up his self-confidence, loses his fear, and learns to enjoy his new friends. The bonus song "Little Brown Pony" includes the lyrics and music notations as does "I Used to Be Shy." -
*PRE-ORDER*
This is a pre-order for the audiobook, which will be available soon
Amy O'Hanlon's excellent Sister Butterfly illustrations show Carla approaching a favorite corner of her garden where she feels safe and happy. Her vigilant brother knows that Carla can create beautiful fantasies as she twirls around and round to music only she can hear, engaged in quiet conversation with the small creatures such as butterflies and her favorite flowers. Mike Mirabella's children's book entitled Sister Butterfly, is a beautifully illustrated children's book based on a song from his 1998 CD entitled, Special People. Mike wrote Sister Butterfly song years ago for his daughter, Carla, when she was three years old. The theme of Sister Butterfly centers on Mike's abiding love for his daughter with Down syndrome and for self-discovery and the transformation of the hearts that surround her. Mike wrote in the song; "My sister is a butterfly who never learned to fly, ...”. Carla still wasn't walking or talking and Mike thought at the time, she would have little chance of accomplishing much of anything in her life. "How wrong I was; her life was a parade of accomplishments!” - Papa Mike.
