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2008
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Chester Raccoon and the Big Bad Bully
Written by Audrey Penn
Illustrated by Barbara L. Gibson
Picture book, 32 pages
978-1-933718-15-6, hardcover with jacket, $16.95
Coming in August 2008
In this latest addition to the Kissing Hand book collection, Chester Raccoon must learn to deal with another common problem of childhood: a bully at school.
When Mrs. Raccoon learns that there is a bully problem at school, she decides to investigate the situation. But after seeing the bully for herself, she shares a story about a forest that was full of smooth yellow stones, and how the animals living there changed a pointy stone they found into a smooth stone so that it wouldn't hurt any tender paws.
Chester, Ronny, and Cassy follow the spirit of Mrs. Raccoon's story when they next encounter the Bully. Approaching him as a group, they invite him to play, proving that the best way to get rid of an enemy is to make him or her a friend.
This book encourages children to understand that many child bullies are themselves unhappy and gives readers a good example of settling differences by peaceful means. Educators will embrace this story about a positive strategy for dealing with a bully.
Audrey Penn is the author of the New York Times bestseller The Kissing Hand, in addition to Sassafras, Feathers and Fur, A.D.D. not B.A.D., and The Whistling Tree. This continuing series in chapter book format demonstrates that Ms. Penn's talent at storytelling is apparent in any form. She currently resides in Olney, Maryland, near Washington, DC. Visit Audrey Penn's website.
For Kids
Four steps for dealing with a bully:
- Always tell an adult about the bully.
- Stick together. Bullies often work by turning one friend against another and keeping children fearful of being excluded from the group.
- Stand up to the bully together.
- Don't bully the bully. Invite the bully to be or remain a friend. Sometimes bullies are scared of being left out or have been treated badly themselves.
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Click here to download a hi-resolution jpeg of the book jacket. |
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The Miracle Jar
Written by Audrey Penn
Illustrated by Lea Lyon
Picture book, 32 pages
978-1-933718-16-3, hardcover with jacket, $16.95
Coming in October 2008
Sophie and her brother are excited by the arrival of Hanukkah, and they happily clean the cottage and shine the Menorah as their gift to the family. But when their mother shares her worry that they do not have enough cooking oil to last the eight days of Hanukkah, Father tells them the story behind the holiday celebration and the miracle of the oil. Inspired by the story, the family creates their own Miracle Jar and watches the oil disappear as they enjoy the special food that each day brings. The family's hope and faith is confirmed when a last wipe with a cloth produces just enough oil to enjoy the eighth day's treat.
In this heartwarming story told by bestselling author Audrey Penn, the flicker of the Menorah candles links past to present, and the miracle of the oil transcends the ages and reminds readers of the spirit of Hanukkah and the continuing possibility of miracles.
"The Miracle Jar is a sweet story that teaches us that miracles are not only big and happening long ago and far away, but can be small and in our own lives."— Rabbi Jeffrey Marker
Audrey Penn is the author of the New York Times bestseller The Kissing Hand, in addition to Sassafras, Feathers and Fur, A.D.D. not B.A.D., and The Whistling Tree. This continuing series in chapter book format demonstrates that Ms. Penn's talent at storytelling is apparent in any form. She currently resides in Olney, Maryland, near Washington, DC. Visit Audrey Penn's website.
Audrey Penn talks about The Miracle Jar
I grew up in a religious Conservative Jewish home where the preparation and celebration of a holiday was brimming with excitement, new clothes to wear to the Synagogue, and the smells of favorite holiday foods and baked goods filling our noses and heads with lasting memories. But the memories of our family Hanukkahs are probably the most cherished of all. Our grandparents, who came over from Europe, brought with them a solemnity and sense of importance concerning Hanukkah that, when mixed with the excitement of candle-lighting, gifts, and hidden gelt, gave us a well-rounded sense of the holiday we continue to pass on to our children.
How many Jewish children who receive gelt in the form of money or chocolate know why the coin is so important?
How many of us recognize the little miracles every day, such as finding a piece of cheesecloth to wipe out enough oil for the last treat? My mother did and passed the importance of these small miracles onto us as well as her most amazing holiday recipes.
My fondest Hanukkah memory is sitting on top of my brother's shoulders in order to have him help me light a candle. Thirty years later, I held my daughter in my arms at a family Hanukkah festival while lighting a candle for her.
This book is dedicated to those families who believe in the ancient miracle of the lasting oil and the greatest miracle of all: the fact that we are still sharing the same story with our children and their children.
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Fall 2007
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Click here to download a hi-resolution jpeg of the book jacket. |
Read an excerpt.
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Blackbeard and the Gift of Silence
Book 3 in the Blackbeard Quartet
Written by Audrey Penn
Middle Reader (Ages 8-12), 350 pages
978-1-933718-11-8, cloth, $15.95
Available now
"There are some secrets so dangerous that they can't be told,
even after death," Blackbeard worries. Daniel, Billy, Stefanie,
and Mark have found the ancient pirate loot and are delivering
it to its rightful owners in London. But the teens have only begun
to scratch the surface of the deeper mysteries they have unwittingly
uncovered, mysteries of the Stone of Scone, the Knights Templar,
and a burglary at Westminster Abbey. These secrets that have been
kept by Blackbeard and others before him through the centuries
by those in the highest realms of power. This title's rich blend
of story elements includes intriguing historical mysteries; a
slapstick comic adventure; and a cast of both familiar and new,
strikingly original characters.
Audrey Penn is the author of the New York Times bestseller The Kissing Hand, in addition to Sassafras, Feathers and Fur, A.D.D. not B.A.D., and The Whistling Tree. This continuing series in chapter book format demonstrates that Ms. Penn's talent at storytelling is apparent in any form. She currently resides in Olney, Maryland, near Washington, DC. Visit Audrey Penn's website.
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Two Moon Princess
By Carmen Ferreiro-Esteban
Middle Reader (Ages 10+), 320 pages
978-1-933718-12-5, cloth, $15.95
Available now
To Andrea, the life of a princess is not a dream; it's tedious
and stifling. But the certainties of her life, both good and bad,
are thrown into chaos when she accidentally travels to an alternative
world, from a cave on a forbidden beach in her family's kingdom
to the warm and carefree life of Southern California. Then a careless
visit to the cave results in terrible consequences: a brewing
war between kingdoms, her sister's love for the wrong man, Andrea's
own conflicted feelings for an enemy leader, and dark family secrets
exposed. Andrea needs to act to resolve problems which she helped
to create, and she faces many difficult choices, torn between
duty and desire on so many levels. Readers will enjoy the mix
of traditional elements of the fantasy genre, with fresh ideas
and a look at our culture through the eyes of a stranger.
First-time author Carmen Ferreiro, originally from Spain, currently
resides in Doylestown, PA, near Philadelphia. Visit Carmen on her website at www.carmenferreiroesteban.com.
Reviews
"In her first novel, Ferreiro-Esteban shows potential and presents an interesting take on old world vs. new world ...Two Moon Princess is worth a second look."— School Library Journal
"This is a strong title that will appeal to teens who like fantasy with adventure, romance, and strong female protagonists."— Wandsandworlds.com
"I loved Two Moon Princess! There was always something happening, rendering it impossible to be bored. With a completely original plot, it included practically every genre - fantasy, romance, action, adventure, and contemporary - so I think everyone will be able to find an aspect that they enjoy. Consistently thrilling and packed with exciting plot twists, it was extremely hard to put down."— thepageflipper.blogspot.com
Heartland Reviews gave Two Moon Princess four hearts! Read the review.
"Fast paced, enchanting, and humorous, Two Moon Princess is definitely a book that you will not want to miss. Don't be fooled by the demure cover, this one headstrong princess's journey will make you wish that Andrea's story would never end as she learns that she can be a lady and still follow her heart."— thecompulsivereader.blogspot.com
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68 Knots: A Novel
By Michael Evans
Young Adult (Ages 15-19), 350 pages
978-1-933718-14-9, cloth, $15.95
Available now
After the sailing camp owner's suicide, eight teens find they
have a boat to themselves. The 68 days of summer remaining are
full of memorable events: encounters with wildlife and people,
yacht races, pirate raids, a near fatal hunt for treasure, onboard
parties, romance, and a call to heroism. Underlying the tale of
adventures, however, is a subtle yet powerful story of awakening,
of teens on the cusp of adulthood. They get to know that gap between
who they are and who they want to be by experiencing tests of
physical, emotional, and mental limits. A stirring debut, this
novel examines issues of late adolescence with authenticity that
will speak to YA readers.
Michael Evans, an award-winning journalism professor at the University
of Indiana, lives in Bloomington, Indiana. Read a biography of Michael Evans, read an interview with him on teensreadtoo.com, and visit his website.
Reviews
"Reading 68 Knots is an experience that will have you waiting impatiently for a summer experience of your own. [more]"— flamingnet.com, Top Choice
"For a coming-of-age novel -- and some sailing -- check out this well-written, thought-provoking book from Michael Evans."— www.bookheaven.blogspot.com
"This classic coming-of-age novel, set in a fresh and novel location, featuring teens facing and overcoming modern-yet-universal obstacles is a winner by all counts. Though it is Michael Robert Evan's first novel, readers - certainly this one - will wait eagerly for his next."— myshelf.com
"68 KNOTS is a very fun read, and I really enjoyed it. The characters are interesting and diverse, and the book is full of
great details about sailing a ship. Even though the crew of the (ship) gets into some pretty sticky situations,
anyone who reads this is bound to want to go out and experience the same summer at sea as these kids - I know I do!"— teensreadtoo.com, 5 stars
Read a review of 68 Knots at CoastalBoating.net.
"A great ship, amazing characters, and total freedom at sea--a terrific story!""— NY Times bestselling author Linda Greenlaw
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Carmen's Sticky Scab
Written by Ginger Churchill and illustrated by Barry Gott
Picture book (Ages 4-8), 32 pages
978-1-933718-13-2, cloth, $15.95
Available now
In this hilarious, quick-paced story, Carmen has a scab, one
that's impossible to leave alone, even though everyone tells her
to. "Don't pick it," her dad says, "it will scar." But Carmen
constantly picks until a friend reminds her that if she bleeds,
sharks will eat her up. Carmen does everything to keep her scab
intact-from thinking of other things to pasting it down-after
all, she's going swimming soon. But one boy actually urges her
to pick it, "Scabs are delicious," he says. When the boy corners
Carmen on the bus, he rips off the scab with one quick grab and
uncovers. . . the end of the story!
Ginger Churchill lives in Provo, Utah, far away from sharks. Visit Ginger on her website at www.gingerchurchill.com.
Visit the website of illustrator Barry Gott.
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