'Capture the allure of life and reading for beginning bookworms ... Highly recommended.'
—Midwest Book Review
Of course all books are alive. Why would you ever think otherwise?
And this book would be honored to be invited into your home, be grateful for your hospitality, and truly treasure your companionship.
After all, the one thing all books have in common (besides being alive) is that they want to be opened, read, considered—all the better if they’re also loved, respected, or even recommended.
And if this book manages to brighten your day, make you smile, or remind you how great it is just to be alive—and reading—well then, you might become this book’s most favorite reader of all.
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'The dual messages in this book, about the liveliness of the written word and the joy of life itself, impart a rare feeling and opportunity for read-aloud parents to discuss the nature of books and ideas with the very young.' (D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review)
'One of those books which might go viral in your school. Unique and life-affirming, this is a great book to read with children and look at with a class of 5-8 years olds, and to use as an inspiration for writing with 7-9 years olds.' (The School Reading List)
'A celebration of all the wonderful possibilities of being a book, and being alive ... A delightful and empowering picture book to cherish.' (Readers' Favorite)
'The message here is simple: A book can be anything, just like you ... A gem of a book and a perfect gift.' (Wishing Shelf Book Review)
It's a day just like any other day... until something utterly unfamiliar suddenly lands in your back yard.Susan is the epitome of the happy housewife, contentedly conducting her daily ritual of cleaning her home and keeping everything just as it should be. Wrapped up in her own little world within those familiar walls, she hardly notices the altogether different arrival in her own back yard.She may ignore the sudden shaking beneath her slippered feet, she might even neglect to spot the conspicuous sight itself-but she can't evade the stench.Something's wrong. Very wrong. And Susan's incapable of determining just what to do about the uninvited eyesore in her back yard.Turning to her best friend for help with the impromptu emergency threatening to shake up her very existence and happy home, Susan combines efforts with neighbor Trisha to decipher the composition and meaning of the frightfully large and utterly unpleasant new arrival.But are these two women really capable of realizing the gift of new awareness they've just been given by an unseen entity? Or will they continue to fail to see the world that exists out there?What a difference a day makes... unless you choose to ignore it.
Everyone's afraid of the dark. Now, there's a reason to be.
Lux and his younger brother Lunam enjoy the full freedom of the simple life and all the childhood adventures offered by growing up in a small village in a picturesque glen. Life is tranquil, peaceful, and just about perfect-except for one formidable fact...
Every day is followed by night. And, with the night, comes the DARKNESS.
Slowly shrouding the valley and relentlessly seeping into every nook and cranny on its nightly rampage, the darkness returns to feast on its victims. No man, woman, child, animal-or even, insect-is safe. The darkness consumes all; the darkness's hunger is never satisfied.
When the sun falls from the sky, the villagers, young and old, must take to arms, guarding their homes, loved ones, and livestock with every ray of light they can muster. Even young Lux and Lunam are well-soldiered in their responsibilities to safeguard themselves and their parents during the nightly vigil, the nightly fight to live to see another day.
It's always been this way-the truths and ritual passed down from generation to generation since ancient times. No one dares question why. Nothing can change the frightening fact of the lives of the villagers or emancipate them from their singular foe-nothing, except a child's imagination and a curiosity as immutable as the darkness's own appetite.
There's just one truth guiding every man, woman, and child to strive to see another day: "Darkness Comes but Once a Night."
Emily wants what every woman does: to have it all. Is that too much to ask?
Emily really can't complain. She's married to a wonderful man, her high school sweetheart, who still dotes on her as he did when he first laid eyes on her. They have a beautiful home together, and they each enjoy successful careers. On the outside looking in, Emily has what any woman would be perfectly happy with.
But it's just not enough. Emily can't help wishing for just a bit more-for that special spark, for that thrill of something new and surprising, for the shivery tingles running down her spine. For real passion-for true romance.She never expects to find it during the workday and definitely not in the form of a sticky note.
Just one square slip of paper with a few handwritten words, tucked mysteriously into the contents of her purse and dropped right into her small world, marks the first of a slew of sexy surprises Emily couldn't have anticipated no matter how hard she wished for them. She's desperately sought after every one of the special moments in store for her, and there's no question that she deserves them. Even as Emily eagerly anticipates and thoroughly savors all of the excitement and mystery of what may come, she just can't guess the roller coaster of emotions she's soon to experience-or just how much it will change her.
And she may never guess just who-is leading her on the romantic adventure of her dreams.Just when she feels she's lost the life and love she most wants to have, she finds them-in the last place she'd ever think to look.
He'd never guess that his very courage to commit could be the cause of his own downfall.Jake's loved and lost, suffered failed relationships and felt real sorrow, but the new girl in his life may just be the one to finally put an end to that life.
His girlfriend Samantha is sweet and kind, full of joy, and the kind of girl Jake can be perfectly content sitting in complete silence with. It's so comfortable, so easy, to fall completely for her. In fact, Jake would do anything for Samantha, anything at all.Just returned from attending Samantha's family reunion, Jake's high as a kite, basking in the realization that he's been officially accepted as one of the family. He can't believe his luck, especially as he's driving off into the sunset with Samantha herself and so looking forward to those precious, anticipated moments alone with her. What could possibly go wrong?
Thump thump resonates from the trunk of the car as they speed along the highway together.Thump thump.He falls head over heels for her... but not exactly in the way he intended.
It's impossible but it's on-screen. He's captured-on camera-the scene of his own death.
One weekday to the next, Trevor quietly fulfills his roles as loving husband and father-to-be, trusted best friend, and dependable employee. He's chosen normality, routine, simplicity, even predictability: everything he never had as a child. And he prefers it that way.
And then comes Saturday.
The weekends are Trevor's alone. On the weekends, Trevor is king.
Charging into the beckoning canyonlands of southern Utah, Trevor seeks out true challenge without hesitation, dares the ever-changing terrain to test his finest skill, and defies death itself as he pushes his mind and body to the max.
He is the Weekend Warrior. Master of his machine. Trevor is a freeride mountain biker, and when he rides, the earth is at his command. Of course, he has to capture it all on camera. Trevor never rides without his helmet-mounted GoPro, recording the real-time video of his every triumph and technical maneuver.
But this Saturday, the camera captures so much more. When Trevor presses the play button, eager to relive the thrilling moments of his impressive, recent ride, the scene that plays out before him on the television screen ends in an unexpected way. The footage is more than captivating; it's horrifying.
They say that, in this age of advanced technology, if it wasn't filmed, it never happened. But what if it hasn't happened-yet-and it's already on film?
He has only two options: succumb to his fate the footage foretells or fight-to the death if need be-for his very own life.
When a staunch atheist is introduced to the Lord Almighty in the most casual-and childish-way, it's not the end of the world. It's a Tuesday.Bradley Michaels is just another man ending just another workday at just another job. He can list the usual complaints, can point his finger at the usual causes, and he can go about his routine as if one day is absolutely no different from the next.Until God himself just shows up uninvited and shakes up Bradley's entire existence by flaunting his own.It's not fair, but Bradley never claimed life is. And he tries to handle the new, omniscient presence in his head with calm attention and cool collectedness.But God happens to be a bit of a kid. He likes to joke, to prod, to stir things up. And what God sets his mind to, God succeeds at.Just as Bradley believes he's got life all figured out, God has to throw a wrench into it.But not at all in the way that Bradley-or you-can expect.Just when you think life is going according to plan, you find out your plan sucks. And it's time for a new one.
Today is the perfect day to die.Bernard is the type of man that accomplishes all that he sets out to-and easily. He's intelligent, hardworking, and completely unfamiliar with failure. His only complaint-the singular source of the inner anger bubbling within him-is that no one else in the world recognizes that.It's time to force them to.Bernard's had enough. Enough of the complete absence of respect in his life, of being looked down upon, of being the only person in the world-it seems-who truly sees the reality of his life and what he deserves acknowledgment for. In fact, that recognition is way overdue. And that makes Bernard's blood boil.Today is just like any other day; Bernard has planned and prepared for every aspect.
His heated rage stews just under the surface, just more fuel for the fire. He will accomplish this one goal as he has all others. Another success, his ultimate success. And he'll have made his blissful escape.The final statement will be Bernard's. At last. The perfection of the execution of this one, final achievement will be undeniable. Bernard will be free of this ridiculous world-passing calmly from his lifetime of frustration-and the world will realize its significant loss.They won't be able to take away-or look away from-what he's about to do.If he succeeds. But of course, he will. Why wouldn't he? He always has.He's dead set on killing himself, as many times as it takes.
'An outstanding alternative to most sleep books.' —D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
This is an invitation to a new nighttime ritual, a going-to-bed book that reminds us all that bedtime can be the most wonderful time of all...
The spellbinding style and alluring rhythm of Justine Avery's writing are brought to life by Liuba Syrotiuk’s dreamlike watercolor illustrations to inspire children and adults to set aside the day’s excitement and drift into the adventure of sleep itself.
What Wonders Do You See... When You Dream? encourages calm and creativity, relaxation and imagination, and welcomes young and old alike to the blissful, magical time of bedtime.
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'Kids realize that sleep is an opportunity; not a limiting factor to potential fun ... An outstanding alternative to most sleep books.' (Midwest Book Review)
'Delightful bedtime tale, superbly illustrated ... Perfect for a restless child at bedtime ... Highly recommended.' (The Wishing Shelf Review)
'The book almost acts like a lullaby ... A way for a parent to strengthen the bond with their child ... Perfect for any bedtime.' (Entrada Publishing)
'This is the book you should be reading.' —San Francisco Book Review
Only one obstacle stands in his way of enjoying a normal life. He remembers—every life he's lived before.
Tres is about to be born... with the biggest burden any has ever had to bear. He is beginning again—as an ageless adult trapped in an infant body.
He and his teenage mother face life filled with extraordinary challenges as they strive to protect, nurture, and hide how truly different he is. But Tres alone must solve the greatest mystery of all: who is he? The answer is linked to the one question he's too afraid to ask: why am I?
In his quest, Tres discovers that all is considerably more interconnected and dynamic than he could ever imagine—and fraught with far more danger. He cannot hide from the unseen threat stalking him since his birth.
Life as he knows it—as all know it—is in peril. And Tres is the only one aware.
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'An outstanding, well-detailed story that is hard to put down, evocative, thought-provoking, and filled with surprises and hope... very highly recommended ... expect far more insight from this read than most, tempered with a purposeful saga to keep readers thoroughly engrossed to the end.' (Midwest Book Review)
'Avery breaks the laws of nature and lifts a veil ... sophisticated ... masterful ... the work of a conscientious and gifted writer.' (Readers' Favorite)
'Our reality is only the tip of the iceberg ... The One Apart is a story heavy with emotion ... A unique tale that rewards readers who take the journey.' (Entrada Publishing)
'A perfect blend of realism, fantasy and deep spirituality ... Fascinating and compelling ... Illustrates the power of compassion and empathy ... A poignant and satisfying conclusion ... This book will stay with you long after you finish it, a hallmark of excellent literature.' (Chanticleer Book Reviews)
'Unabashedly takes the shame away ... Be prepared to giggle along.' —The Children's Book Review
Taking the taboo out of POO! ~ as featured in TV shows Dexter and Resident Alien ~
Everybody poops—it’s true! It’s time to blow the door right off the bathroom, and shine a light on what happens on the loo.
For the little ones just discovering the contents of their diapers and nappies, the bigger ones needing reassurance that their most mysterious bodily function is as natural as can be, and the biggest ones who still hold a fondness for toilet humor, Everybody Poops! is piled high with bold and audacious illustrations and the truth about who’s doing the pooing: every body is doing it!
Sure to incite giggling fits and all-ages laughter, Everybody Poops! exposes the least talked about fact we all have in common the world over and among all walks of life, benefiting the youngest of us by opening the discussion, promoting comfort with their bodies, and helping them feel included. Poo pride!
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Family Choice Award recipient
National Parenting Product Award recipient
Readers' Favorite International Book Awards Gold Medal recipient
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'Plenty to talk about ... Especially well-conceived ... The artwork is superb.' (LoveReading4Kids)
'Delightfully charming ... Adults will find it just as entertaining as children ... There are other books out there on this particular subject, without a doubt this is the best one I’ve read yet.' (Readers' Favorite)
'Poop is nothing to be ashamed of, and actually is something to celebrate.' (Midwest Book Review)
~ #1 National Bestseller ~
'Here’s to raising creative, passionate, problem-solving humans that are ready to take on the world.' —The Children's Book Review
For the artist, the free thinker, the uniquely inventive individual in each of us, Think Outside the Box unlocks the key to applying creativity to daily life and turning any problem or worry inside out.
Designed to define out-of-the-box thinking for the youngest of us, this fun and unique illustrative journey reminds us all how simple and practical it can be to apply a new perspective to even the most daunting challenges.
Think Outside the Box is an at-home library must-have for any future idealist, instigator, activist, maverick, or mover and shaker—and every individual.
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Goodreads Choice Awards Semi-Finalist for Best Picture Book
The US Review of Books RECOMMENDED Silver Seal recipient
National Parenting Product Award recipient
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'Creates passionate children and excellent problem solvers. ... A winner with its unique illustrations and motivating spirit.' (Entrada Publishing)
'Ingenious, clever, and very creative ... A personal journey of self-discovery and looking deep into our inner creative forces' (Readers' Favorite)
'Timely and on target ... Supports the work of teachers and parents ... Bold advice and encouraging reminders ... Children will be motivated and moved ... RECOMMENDED.' (The US Review of Books)
