What Our Staff is Reading
(Posted on Friday, May 6, 2022)
It has been a busy month for our staff as we continue to evaluate submissions, edit manuscripts, and market our incredible books. However, that work has not kept everyone from reading some incredible, thought-provoking books in their free time.
Our CEO, Naren, is continuing to expand his knowledge of the nonfiction space by diving into the bestseller Think Again by Adam Grant. To find out what the rest of our staff is reading, check out the list below. Some choices might surprise you…
Acquisitions
Ben deemed last month “Athletic April” and spent his time reading Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner, How to Beat a Broken Game: The Rise of the Dodgers in a League on the Brink by Pedro Moura, and Showtime: Magic, Kareem, Riley, and the Los Angeles Lakers Dynasty of the 1980s by Jeff Pearlman.
Jess is reading The Glass Queen by Gena Showalter.
Kortney is reading Life on the Rocks by Juli Berwald.
Production
Gillian is reading The Club: How the English Premier League Became the Wildest, Richest, Most Disruptive Force in Sports by Joshua Robinson and Jonathan Clegg. 
Julia is reading The Hunting Wives by May Cobb.
Lauren recently finished White Noise by Don DeLillo and Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt.
Nina is reading The Sanatorium by Sarah Pearse.
Graphic Design
David just finished The Godfather by Mario Puzo and is now reading A Time to Kill by John Grisham.
Matt is reading The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein.
Marketing
Caitie is reading The Woman Outside My Door by Rachel Ryan.
Francys is reading The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris.
Kristin is reading The Final Girl Support Group by Grady Hendrix.
Michelle is reading This World is Not Your Home by Matthew Vollmer, one of her former professors at Virginia Tech.
Sky is reading Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism by Amanda Montell.
Taylor just finished Left of Boom by Douglas Laux and the second book in the Bridgerton series by Julia Quinn. She has picked up Persuasion by Jane Austen for the second time in preparation for the upcoming film adaptation.
Bookkeeping
Emily is reading Redwall by Brian Jaques and Love that Story by Jonathan Van Ness.
Helen is still reading The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien and has also started Cats Are Not Peas: A Calico History of Genetics by Laura Gould for when she needs a break.
We will see you next month with more books from the office. In the meantime, what are you reading? Leave your answers in the comments here or on social media!
April 2022 New Releases
(Posted on Tuesday, April 5, 2022)
This April, we have four incredible nonfiction titles debuting across two of our imprints: Amplify Publishing and Mascot Books. All of them are great reads to inspire you, feed you, and teach you. Plus, we have six wonderful Children’s books from Mascot Kids. We hope they catch your eye and look forward to hearing your reviews!New Books from Amplify Publishing
Amplify Publishing, our flagship imprint, is dedicated to excellence in business, politics, and big ideas. This month’s new releases include Expansive Impact by Sarah Young, a book that aims to empower readers to lead in everyday situations, The Golfer’s Wife by Janet Thompson, which details Janet’s personal story of being married to a pro-golfer as well as the stories of seven other wives of golfers, and finally The Business of Timeshares by W.H. Campbell, which illuminates the world of timeshares for the non-real estate readers as well as exposes the problems in the industry.
Additionally, Steve Cadigan’s book, Workquake, is being released in paperback after its successful debut in hardback in 2021.
New Books from Mascot Books
Mascot Books publishes everything from fiction to nonfiction, and each month features a different mix of genres and titles. This month, we are excited to share our latest cookbook, written by Heather Antonelli. Filled with beautiful photos and delicious recipes, this book is sure to send you into your kitchen and have you planning a dinner party!
New Books from Mascot Kids
Mascot Books started by publishing Children’s books, which are still a large part of our work through our imprint, Mascot Kids! We always have a wide variety of stories to share and this month is no different with bunnies for Easter, lots of sports, and even Rosie going on an adventure in Paris.
Shirin Alavi Goodarzi on her new book, The Art of Fearless Living: A Glimpse into My Heart
(Posted on Thursday, March 3, 2022)
Shirin Alavi Goodarzi’s book The Art of Fearless Living: A Glimpse into My Heart debuted this week and became one of the top 100 books in lifestyle photography. In honor of the book’s release, Shirin sat down and talked with us about fearless women, inspiration, and how photographs fit into her new book.
1. What motivated you to write a book that empowers strong, complex, and fearless women?
This book was inspired by my upbringing. What I went through as a child, growing up during the Iranian revolution and living through two different wars gave me a completely different perspective and a sense of deep gratitude. In addition to my childhood, I was also influenced to write this book by the experiences I faced as a young female immigrant getting settled in the US and pursuing the American dream.
2. This spiritual memoir and inspirational self-help book encompasses many beautiful quotes and words of wisdom. What is your favorite quote from your book and why? How did you decide what quotes to include in your book?
They all are my favorite. They all speak to my heart. I am constantly writing about the things that can unleash the potential of women.
3. What is the secret to living a fearless life? Is it a continuing journey or something that can be accomplished in an end goal?
I always say one must have an open mind and a positive outlook on life, and at the same time, to trust the process. It’s definitely a continuous journey. You will certainly get to a point of being at peace with who you are and what you have accomplished, but the journey is never-ending, which in itself is a beautiful thing. 
4. Why did you choose to include photography in your book? How do these visual enhance your book’s message?
Photography is my way of capturing moments that I sometimes fail to put into words. It’s one way of my daily gratitude while practicing compassion. I feel like I can express myself and my love through the photos I take. It gives me a sense of peace, freedom and being in the present—always finding so much beauty in the little moments. There is an unspoken sense of interconnection we all hold under the same sky, and I think pictures put everything on pause and allow us to appreciate our surroundings.
5. What do you hope women will take away from your book? How do you hope this can change their perspective on their life and the world around them?
I want this book to inspire them to also be role models. To have hope despite what life throws at them. To change their lens in which they view the world or situations. To have a sense of self-acknowledgement. To turn their challenges into opportunities and inspire others. To remind them that even on the bad days, there is always magic to be found even if it’s only for a moment. And that at the end of it all, it ALWAYS works out! It really does! It always does!
Thank you Shirin for all of your insight into living fearlessly and a peak into your new book. You can purchase your own copy of Shirin’s new book now.
March Adult Book Releases
(Posted on Wednesday, March 2, 2022)
This March, we are highlighting our adult book new releases separately from our children’s book releases. Our March adult books range from fearless women to human kindness, and from reducing stress to dating in NYC.
Enjoy all of our new adult titles this month!
The Art of Fearless Living: A Glimpse into My Heart
By Shirin Alavi Goodarzi
Seasoned women are complex and full of flavor. We are strong but can be vulnerable. We are unique and worthy of celebration. Despite the boxes the world may try to squeeze us in, I know there is so much more to enrich our lives, because I have lived it. This is my call to you—to all women: be fearless.
Pulling Each Other Along: 31 Inspirational Stories of Human Kindness
By Todd Civin & Doug Cornfield
Pulling Each Other Along contains 30+ inspirational stories of human compassion intended to provide practical advice and inspiration for acts of kindness. The significance of helping people while helping ourselves is monumental as we grow in kindness and bring people together regardless of gender, race, abilities or disabilities, wealth status, or political affiliations. You’ll hear inspirational stories from people like Dave Clark, the only professional baseball player who went from crutches to pitching; Rocky Bleier, who, after being wounded during his service in the US Army, became a starting running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers; Laura Chagnon, who became paralyzed and legally blind after an assault on her twenty-sixth birthday but is now a motivational speaker; and many others. This book will inspire, challenge, and enlighten you with stories that highlight some of the good in this world—showing you, step-by-step, how we can all pull each other along.
Un-Hinged: What I learned from Saying, “It’s You, It’s Not Me” in the NYC Dating Scene
By Mariann Yip
In Un-Hinged: What I Learned from Saying, “It’s You, It’s Not Me” in the NYC Dating Scene, Mariann Yip recounts her dating experiences from over a span of two years in New York City.
When it comes to dating, love will come and go. It’s important to remember that finding love is a journey and takes patience and time. Your unique dating experience is valid, and the way your relationship ends does not define your worth or what you deserve. And, most importantly, you should never settle, because oftentimes, honey, it’s them—it’s not you.
A Spoonful of Gratitude: Tips to Reduce Stress and Enjoy Life to the Fullest
By Najma Khorrami
In this inspired collection of sixty-eight articles published over five years, public-health expert Najma Khorrami reveals why gratitude is the foundation of personal growth. Writing with emotion and experience, Khorrami offers readers the tools they need to thrive and enjoy their lives to the fullest. Whether you’re already an expert in gratitude or a novice looking to acquire a new skill, A Spoonful of Gratitude provides a wealth of research-based evidence and straightforward advice to help reduce stress, build confidence, and improve your mental and physical health. Containing more than just a spoonful of insight into life’s most valuable lessons, this book will strengthen you from the core outward.
February Book Releases
(Posted on Tuesday, February 1, 2022)
This February, we’re bringing you children’s books about ocean pollution, memoirs about humorous travels, the first titles from Subplot, and more!
Our new imprint of Mascot Books, Subplot Publishing is an independent hybrid publisher focusing on compelling and literary works of fiction. We publish titles with strong voices, intriguing plots, and dynamic characters in the adult fiction setting. All of our titles are hand-picked for this imprint during the submissions process based on theme, marketability, and overall tone.Explore our new titles below to stock up on your reads this winter!
Children’s Books
Evelyn’s Wild Imagination
By Elizabeth Gephardt
Hi there! My name is Evelyn. What’s your name?
It’s very nice to meet you! Are you as curious as I am to know what this book is about . . . hmmm? Maybe it’s about . . .
Gorillas?
Or, Halloween?
. . . nah.
Maybe it’s about cats or dogs, both big and small, or maybe it’s about going somewhere, like to Disney, Hershey, or Niagara Falls! We will have to wait and see, but in case I forgot to mention this—thank you for choosing me!
First, I want to get to know you. Tell me what you like the most about school. Is it your teachers? Classes? Lunch? RECESS? Who are your friends? For this story (are you ready?) . . . you get to be . . . MY FRIEND FOR THE DAY!
Come take a journey with me and see what a WILD day in school is like and what BIG ideas are in store. This isn’t just any sort of school day. What do I mean, you ask? Let’s check it out, explore, and so . . . much . . . MORE!
For the Love of Laxmi
By Bijal Shah
You know how your mom tells you to oil your hair, or you’ll go bald? Or no one is going to marry you because you can’t find the blouse she put away? This is a compilation of those everyday moments. Oh, and. . .hi! I’m Laxmi. You’ll get to know me soon.
Gordo Goo
By Ruth Neikirk
What is MAGIC POTION #2?
Well, that is the key for Gordo Goo!
Turn the pages to find out.
You will be the wiser, no doubt!
A portion of proceeds will be donated to the William R. Neikirk Scholarship Fund in the College of Communication and Information.
Guapo’s Giant Heart: The True Story of the Calf Who Kept Growing
By Janet Zappala and Wendy Perkins
Guapo’s Giant Heart is based on the true, heartwarming story of a baby calf with no place to live until a kind human adopts him and gives him a loving home. With a safe place to rest his head and plenty of food and love, Guapo keeps growing . . . and growing and growing!
Although Guapo is a sweet, friendly cow, not everyone is kind to him at first. While the animal friends who’ve known him since he was a baby calf love him, those who meet him later in life aren’t so sure—they find Guapo’s larger-than-life presence intimidating.
Towering over everyone he meets, can this gentle giant teach the other animals that being different is a good thing?
Esperanza y Pecas: huyendo hacia un bosque mejor
By Bill Kiley
Esperanza, una cierva de cola blanca, y su cervatillo moteado, Pecas, se enfrentan al hambre y al peligro en su bosque. Esperanza decide que deben abandonar su hogar e ir en busca de un lugar mejor donde estén a salvo. Cuando llegan a un nuevo bosque, Esperanza y Pecas se enfrentan a retos inesperados que les obligarán a separarse. ¿Podrán volver a estar juntos algún día?
Después de leer la historia de Esperanza y Pecas, sigue explorando las historias de personas de todo el mundo que tienen que abandonar sus hogares para escapar del peligro o del hambre. Deja que la historia de Esperanza y Pecas te enseñe sobre los millones de personas que se enfrentan a las mismas dificultades que esta madre cierva y su pequeño hijo enfrentan como refugiados.
How the Bay Was Saved
By Steve Gray
What can one little dolphin do to stop humans from littering and save the Chesapeake Bay? Join Donnie Dolphin on this exciting adventure as he formulates a plan with the help of a very wise seagull and his friends. Together, can they teach humans that polluting the bay is wrong?
I Can’t Wait till You Know
By Trey Little
What could be more inspiring than seeing the world once again through the eyes of a child? As parents, we can’t wait until our kids get to have some of the same experiences that we did growing up, especially when we can share them together. These pages follow a father and daughter on a journey through nature, using their senses to enjoy the sounds, smells, and sights of the beauty around them. There is anticipation for something new at every turn that will bring fresh joy to both the parent and the child as they make discoveries hand in hand.
If Puppies Had Backpacks
By Lyn Willy
If puppies had backpacks. . .what would they do? This charming board book is the perfect bedtime read for you and your little one.
Imperfectphil Is a Friend
By Sue Steinhardt
Hi! My name is Phil Basher, and I love life!
If you’re ever feeling down or starting to wonder what this journey is all about, read my stories. I promise to bring you all the happiness and joy I can pack into my giant puppy body. I won’t let you down because I’m perfect…I’m Perfect…imperfect. I’ll tell you more about this later.
Imperfect. Just. Like. You.
In book three which you are holding in your hands, you will learn what it means to be a friend.
Karis & Brook Stories: Lakeside Friends: A Story About Cancer
By A. B. Namy
Brook doesn’t know why his friend Joel can’t spend time with him at the lake, like they usually do. When he learns that the reason is Joel’s cancer diagnosis, he has even more questions. Thanks to some ants and his quick-thinking Mom, Brook comes to understand the situation in his own way, and he even comes up with a creative way to spend some lake time with Joel.
Using real-life analogies to explain complex circumstances, the Karis & Brook series seeks to assist adults in structuring conversations with children. By utilizing the principles of Encounter, Educate, and Encourage, these books facilitate memorable and lasting conversations that go beyond the pages of the story, while recognizing and inspiring others.
Nora’s Hockey Dream
By Ryan Minkoff
Nora has never attended or even played in a hockey game. When her parents take her to the Women’s Professional Hockey League Championship between the Booming Thunder and the hometown Wicked Waves, Nora discovers a newfound passion. However, chasing after her big hockey dream might be harder than she thinks.
Nora’s Hockey Dream is endorsed by Team Canada Captain and Hockey Night in Canada‘s Cassie Campbell-Pascall, USA Olympic Gold Medalist Hannah Brandt, and Minnesota Whitecaps Captain Winny Brodt-Brown. Minkoff’s passion for giving back to the game of hockey inspired him to pen his first children’s book.
Olive and the Valentine’s Spell
By Helen Millman
Olive is a sweet elementary school boy who is afraid to go to school on Valentine’s Day. . .because he thinks he’ll have to get married! Olive’s mom joins in his fight to defeat the “princess of love,” but along the way he learns an even bigger lesson, discovering the true meaning of love.
Olive and the Valentine’s Spell is an inspiring children’s book for all ages that shines a humorous light on Valentine’s Day and overcoming your fears.
Pen Pal Gals: Friends Forever
By Julie Thiessen
Meet Reese and Addie—two girls, one great friendship.
It’s summer break! Reese is on her way to vacation at Camp Lake Shore with her family. When Reese meets a new friend, Addie, the two immediately connect and form a lasting friendship. Swimming, boating, laughing, and soaking up the sun are just a few highlights of their summer vacation. The girls become best friends. When their vacation comes to an end, Reese realizes she may never see Addie again. Determined to stay in touch forever, can Reese and Addie find a way to continue their friendship and share their adventures?
Recess Magic
By Bonny Spence Dieterich
We are kind every day and in every way.
On Greyson’s first day at a new school, his excitement turns to embarrassment when a classmate asks about his disability. At first, Greyson wants to hide. Then, he learns that sometimes, it takes courage to speak up. With his help, Greyson’s class learns that it’s important to understand new perspectives. And with kindness, empathy, and a little magic, a special friendship begins.
Self-Care with Ted and Friends
By Najma Khorrami
Ted and his friends invite you to join them on their journey of self-care! Watch Ted fly his kite, share lessons, and so much more. Self-care starts with this book!
Simply Samrina: Marvelously Mixed
By Shamim Rupani
Hi, I’m Samrina, and I’m proud to be a mixed kid—a child of two unique cultures and traditions. Even though other people make fun of me for being different, I know these differences make me, me. I’m proud to be marvelously mixed. Come meet my family!
Starr’s Wonderful Discovery
By Trey Jeffries
Starr is a loving, talented panda who finds happiness in her uniqueness. She shares her uniqueness every day with her family and friends in the forest. One special morning, she ventures out of her valley and discovers a lonely panda named Shine, who is sad and lonely because he has not yet learned to embrace his uniqueness. Can Starr help Shine find happiness in himself?
The Magical Path Leading to the Glass Bottom Boat
By Candice Zafran
Meet Prince Blake and Princess Brooklyn, a brother-sister pair who love going on adventures together. In this first installment of The Adventures of the Glass Bottom Boat series, join the siblings on a magical journey to their destination. Along the way, you’ll meet talking animals, discover hidden waterfalls, and walk through every color of the rainbow. Hurry now, the glass bottom boat is waiting!
The Truth about the Tooth
By Mistie Psaledas
Do you ever wonder what children all over the world do with their lost teeth? Or what tooth fairies actually look like?
In this delightful, educational book, tooth fairies reveal their secrets and share what happens to children’s lost teeth around the world. The Truth about the Tooth is a story about the diversity, creativity, and imagination of different tooth fairy legends—one from which the entire family can take inspiration.
Cookbooks
J.C. in the Kitchen
By John Contratti
Growing up, cooking and eating were ways to gather people together. With this cookbook, I hope to bring people back to the kitchen and the dining table to become close again. During hard times, we can find comfort in family and good food, and that is what I want to inspire in everyone who opens these pages.
Fiction
Get Me Out of Here! Reflections of PD the Put-Upon Pug
By PD the Pug
More cookies than a Mrs. Fields’ warehouse, his own house constructed under the stairwell, too many toys to fit in his four beds, a veritable Life of Riley for dogs…yet PD the Pug is convinced that his life is a Ruff one, a life of penury, destitution, and want. He longs to be “OUT,” convinced that Out There is where happiness lies, where he can chase every squirrel, forage for more food than his pug belly can hold, and play until he passes out. But…does PD really have a lousy existence with Mommy? Or does he live the life of a Prince and is too silly and spoiled to know how good he has it? More important: Does PD find a way to escape Mommy and see what life on the outside truly is all about? Find out! Order Get Me Out Of Here! Reflections Of PD The Put-Upon Pug today!
Nonfiction
Along For the Ride: Living My Fantasies as a Flight Attendant’s Husband
By C. J. Nicholas
From Europe to the Caribbean and back to the U.S.A., C. J. and Alejandra take you on their true and funny adventures of traveling the globe on standby and making the most out of their exploits. From traveling with severe food poisoning to their honeymoon destination, to listing their return flight plans in a marijuana bar in Amsterdam, to having an audience with the Pope in Italy—these are their stories.
How to Suck at Business Without Really Trying
By Marah Archer
As the World’s “Best” Boss puts it: I’ve never shied away from giving great advice— especially when free food or money is involved. Money is my lover, and boy, is she into bondage. I’ll show you how to master money’s rules to foreplay for navigating the business world. I’ll take you on a trip that teaches you all there is to know about starting a world-class business and to rubbing elbows (or even more) with the world’s elite.
Listen, I have an MBA from a top university (an American one, of course), no debt, millions in the bank, and an animation studio start-up that I can proudly say does a lot of stuff that I don’t quite understand. And that’s a good thing, because it keeps me focused on my money.
I’ll teach you how to run a business my way. A few of the things I’ll cover are:
• Human Resources
• Strategy
• Marketing & Business Development
• Leadership
• Tech & Big Data
I promise to give you a peek at my abundant life so that it drives you to be just as successful as I am. If you’re already a millionaire, you should pick up this book to validate what you already know to be true.
Legacy Culture
By Ronald Monack
Legacy Culture helps coaches establish their personal ethical values and bring themselves and their athletes in line with these goals. For any coach who desires to impact their athletes beyond the game they teach, this is their guide.
The Forbidden Fruit: A True Story of Sex, Drugs, and the Afterlife
By Tina Scott
My story is full of secrets. A twisted novel of my life’s journey—a failed marriage, death, sex, a touch of insanity, and an insatiable desire to believe there is a god. There are no more skeletons in my closet.
The Forbidden Fruit is a raw memoir told in an honest and resonating tone. It is the story of facing fears and finding ways to hurl through the unknown.
Young Adult
Dr. Ford Freud: Skeletons Are Not Scary
By J. A. Ford
“So many questions. So many skeletons.”
Jered Barstow is only eight years old, but he’s burdened by serious concerns. Why does he suspect he’s being raised by people who aren’t his real parents? His family now seems preoccupied with skeletons. Paper Skeletons. Candy skeletons. Why so many skeletons? Skeletons are scary, right?
Subplot
A Tangled Affair
By Anne C. Scardino
Clair Bondi makes the painful decision to divorce the only man she ever loved—Vince Bondi, her husband of twenty-five years. But Clair never gets the chance to tell Vince she is leaving him, because he is found fatally shot in his Porsche one night when driving home from his weekly tennis game. Haunted by his death, Clair is determined to help the Philadelphia police find the killer. Vince’s secret life, including an account in Turks and Caicos, forces Clair to realize that he wasn’t the man she thought he was. No longer the “good wife,” Clair’s strength and resilience take her from her darkest moment to a life unimagined—one with true love and purpose.
Sainted in Error
By Glenda Winders
What do you wear when you testify against your best friend as she goes on trial for murder?
As Maggie Patterson runs her hand over the clothes in her closet and muses about the prosaic details of preparing for a shockingly personal murder trial, she is catapulted into the memories that led her to this moment. Piece by piece, she assembles the fragments of her past to make sense of a violent crime, the echoes of which ripple through her recollections.
Maggie and Cynthia meet as college freshmen and are seemingly destined to be best friends for life. As the years pass, however, Maggie’s marriage and career lift her to success and wealth while Cynthia’s jealousy and untreated mental illness cause their relationship to disintegrate. As the stories of the two women’s lives unfold, Cynthia’s paranoia and anger sour every relationship she has and turn even the people who have loved her most against her, ultimately bubbling over into an event that Maggie never sees coming.
Not a murder mystery in the usual sense, and spanning time and space, Sainted in Error delves into the tenacity of friendship and the damage that the stigma still attached to mental illness can do.
The Art of Traveling Strangers
By Zoe Disigny
It’s the 1980s, and art historian Claire Markham reels from a series of heartbreaking losses. Desperate to escape her shattered reality, she becomes an art guide in Europe for quirky stranger Viv Chancey and embarks on a life-changing journey through the art-filled cities of Milan, Venice, Ravenna, Florence, Siena, Rome, and Paris.
Once abroad, Claire tries to hide her woes by focusing on Viv’s art education, but Viv—who is not who she seems—has a different learning experience in mind. Frustrated and wanting to reimagine her life, Claire embraces the idea of reality as illusion and finds herself slipping into the tales of art and history.
When threatened with one more crushing loss, Claire must learn from the spirit of her eccentric companion and the lessons from the art they encounter to take charge of her life or lose the most precious thing in it.
The Art of Traveling Strangers is a journey of self-discovery and personal empowerment inspired by the great art masterpieces of Italy and France. It’s a tale of female bonding and the amazing powers of perception. After all, reality, like art, is just an illusion.
December Book Releases
(Posted on Tuesday, December 7, 2021)
It’s beginning to look a lot like….holiday shopping season! From early chapter books about magical underwater cities to cookbooks that include delectable recipes for home cooks, our December releases are perfect gifts for all the book lovers in your life. Jump into the holiday spirit by checking out our list of new books!
Children’s Books
A Fairy on My Sleeve
By Mari Sherkin
If you look closely through the green, there are wonders to be seen!
Join author, poet, and actress Mari Sherkin as she glimpses a magical world where things are as real as they seem.
Can You?: A Food Allergy Story
By Emily Duty
When Maya first meets a new boy at a party, she thinks his habits are a little strange—especially when it comes to eating. After the new boy explains that he has food allergies, Maya starts asking questions, and she learns they have more in common than she thought.
Dash and Nikki and The Jellybean Game
By Anthony C. Delauney
Welcome, kids of all ages, to The Jellybean Game! Dash and his sister, Nikki, are so glad that you came. Discover what awaits—there are surprises in store: candy, competition, and a little something more! Join in the excitement as they challenge one another, and learn a life lesson that’s unlike any other.
Football Freddie & Fumble the Dog: Gameday in Tampa Bay
By Marine Schneider
There’s only one thing that Freddie loves as much as football: sightseeing! Every time she and her trusty companion, Fumble the Dog, visit a new city, they set out to learn all about the location and its history before cheering on the home team!
It’s gameday in Tampa Bay! Football Freddie and Fumble are on their way to RJ Stadium to cheer for the Buccaneers. But first, they’ll explore beaches, meet some manatees, and visit other historic locations to learn everything they can about this coastal city in the Sunshine State. Come along and cheer with Freddie and Fumble for Tampa!
Gingerbread Cone: Under Construction
By Melissa Tumpane
The Gingerbread Cone is being chased by a fleet of hungry trucks! Will he make it to safety, or will he be their snack?
Go Be The Light!
By Robin Bennett
Lester is a little firefly who suddenly loses his tail’s special glow. Even though his glow is gone, he learns how to gain it back by spreading kindness and looking for the good in each day. Go Be the Light! is the perfect book to help children—and adults as well—learn the importance of sharing their light with the world. After the story, it includes a journal that prompts readers to reflect on their blessings and make plans for spreading kindness.
Good Brother No
By Pastor Dave Oravec
If God came to you with a scary request, would you be like Brother No? Would you answer with a “yes?” Good Brother No retells the Genesis flood narrative in invigorating and relatable rhyme that all young readers can enjoy. Pastor Dave Oravec’s rendition of the Noah story is honest and hopeful. It’s a wonderful reminder of God’s love and what happens when people trust in God’s promises.
Goodness Gracious Golly Gee: I Forgot My Christmas Tree!
By Carol & Cori Burcham
Goodness Gracious Golly Gee, I forgot my Christmas tree! Goodness Gracious Golly Gee, what will Santa think of me?
With Christmas right around the corner, a stay-at-home dad scrambles at the last minute to get everything ready for the holidays. Like many parents who experience holiday-related anxiety, the father is overwhelmed by the many expectations that come with Christmas. From putting up the tree, decorating the house, and baking Christmas cookies, the father worries he won’t be able to get it all done in time for Santa’s arrival.
Will his family, not to mention jolly old St. Nick, be disappointed if there’s no Christmas tree? In this whimsical rhyming Christmas tale, the pressures to buy the perfect present and maintain holiday traditions take a backseat as the father is reminded of the true spirit of Christmas (with a little help from a mysterious, magical Christmas figure who comes to save the day)!
Happy in Hope
By Kristina Gipe
Romans 15:13 – May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
What is Hope?
It is through God’s word that we learn more about hope. We learn how to trust in Him through each step in our journey through life. We can be happy in hope.
Howdy’s Adventures in Aggieland
By Annabeth Reeb
This is the story of Howdy, a friendly golden retriever who lives on a farm outside of College Station, Texas. When Howdy’s family goes missing one afternoon, he sets off on an adventure that takes him all over Aggieland. Filled with familiar College Station scenes and faces, Howdy’s Adventures in Aggieland is the perfect book for little Aggies.
Listen and You Can Hear the Call: The Journey of Kansas State University’s Bluemont Bell
By Debbie Mercer
Answer the call of Kansas State University’s Bluemont Bell! Journey through the bell’s 160-year history with illustrations by Kansas State teacher education students and discover what makes the Bluemont Bell a K-State icon, from a lightning strike to the theft of the bell’s clappers.
Little Lu Finds Courage
By Denise Dagash
A tiny, skittish chihuahua, Little Lu spends most of her life terrified of just about everything. But when a thief breaks into her house one fateful evening, Little Lu faces a scary decision: she can either find the courage to defend her family or stay terrified. Read along to discover what this tiny little chihuahua will do!
My Favorite Day of the Year
By Jessica DeGorter
Imagine yourself walking into a sweet little bakery in a quaint little town. Bells chime as you enter, the delicious smells surround you, and you’re greeted by so many desserts that it’s impossible to pick just one.
Behind the front counter a little bit of magic is helping to create the dozens of beautiful, joyful sugar cookies that rest in the gleaming display cases. You will find smiling cookie cutters and their friend the baker hard at work. People come from all over just to try this bakery’s beloved sugar cookies, and now you will too. Which will your favorite be?
Popper and Friends
By IL Ritchie
Popper is a sweet little woodpecker who is trying to find a new home. Now that he is grown, it’s time for him to leave the nest and find a home of his own. The first book in the Popper and Friends series, follow along as Popper explores different options and gets helpful advice from his friends.
Raising Betty
By Sarah Zagaja
Betty is a golden retriever who is training to be a guide dog. Follow her family’s heartwarming and whimsical adventures as they attempt to raise a successful and confident puppy. With the help of her friend Old Tess, Betty learns the ins and outs of the training process. Does Betty have what it takes to become a hero and change someone’s life?
Super Girl Azalee
By Shameeka Spann
Azalee is a second-grade girl raised by a single mom, with help from her grandmother and aunt. She struggles with low self-esteem because she feels like she does not look or dress like her peers. Azalee focuses so much on what she does not have that she forgets that she is special. She has great family members and friends who try to help her understand her worth.
In this book, Azalee is nervous about the first day of school because she is afraid kids will pick on her for not looking like them. Azalee also faces a bigger challenge: bullying. With the help of her friends and family, she stands up to her bullies and finally understands her worth. This book focuses on the bond between family and friends, and how these bonds can positively affect us in life. This book also encourages children to develop self-love at any age.
Tails From Down Under
By Tara Lala
When Paradise Royale goes on a vacation with her cruel adoptive family to Italy, she discovers an entrance to a world full of mermaids and mermen. But how does she unlock the entrance as a human? Will she be able to solve the many mysteries in this magical underwater city called Aquaria? Or will the monster living in the depths of Aquaria capture her first?
The Bubble’s Day at LSU
By Rachel Chustz
Do you ever wonder where bubbles go once you have blown them into the air? Most of the bubbles pop, but what about the bubbles that slip away? Where do they go?
Well, the little bubble in this story floated right over to Louisiana State University. She rolled through the campus, where she got to see Mike the Tiger, an LSU football game, and a performance by the Golden Band from Tigerland. The little bubble even got to dance with the Golden Girls! Join her as she spends the day at LSU and becomes a true Tiger fan!
The Hero of Hawk’s Nest Beach: A Sea Turtle Rescue
By Barbara Gervais Ciancimino
“Finn, who was good at finding things on the ocean floor, jumped into the water to look for the bucket. He looked in seaweed beds and behind rocks, but he couldn’t see it anywhere. Then, just as he was about to give up, he noticed something in the distance. Swimming closer, he saw a fishing net wrapped around a piling…and there, caught in the net, was a very frightened sea turtle. Finn knew he had to work fast, but would he be able to free the turtle in time?”
Finn, who considers himself to be a “regular everyday” dog and his best friend, Little Mutt, spend every summer together on Hawk’s Nest Beach, fetching driftwood and playing with the children. The last thing Finn expects is a life-and-death adventure beneath the waves. After unexpectedly coming across a trapped sea turtle, Finn does what heroes do: he selflessly jumps into action to save the turtle’s life. Finn discovers that being ordinary doesn’t mean you’re unable to do extraordinary things. Many regular everyday” heroes give of themselves to help others and save lives, no matter how “ordinary” they may think they are.
The Rescue of Philip the Houseplant
By Casi Babinchak
When a happy little houseplant is left behind in a dorm room at Penn State University, his rescue and the adventures that follow capture the hearts of many during a time when hope is needed the most.
The Truth Fairy
By Tori Praver
Lily is an ordinary little girl, but she has one bad habit that gets her into trouble: she often tells fibs. One day, Lily learns about The Truth Fairy and starts to think twice about telling the truth.
There’s a Hummingbird in My Garden
By Donna Brainard
Marcus is a boy living in Brooklyn, New York, who loves to ride his bike and his skateboard in the park. He loves moving FAST, but everyone is always telling him to slow down. One day, in a rare moment of standing still, a hummingbird whizzes past his head! Marcus is intrigued and begins to observe this wonder of nature. In time, the hummingbird teaches him a valuable lesson: some things are worth slowing down for.
Cookbooks
Fine Dining Made Easy: Galley Gourmet with Chef Lisa Mead
By Chef Lisa Mead
Lisa Mead, international TV host of Galley Gourmet With Chef Lisa for the last seven years, has perfected the ability to cook quickly and efficiently within very limited spaces, particularly about luxury yachts and for private estates. Her goal is to satiate hungry people waiting to be wowed—something that will resonate with home cooks around the world. The recipes in her debut book are all favourites of her tropical yachting guests, with each dish easily translatable to home cooking. Have fun preparing and cooking what she terms “global cuisine,” enhanced by the bountiful flavours of the Caribbean, her home base when not in Australia.
Nonfiction
Experiencing the Lowcountry
By Pamela Craft
Dive into the Lowcountry with these gorgeous pictures and insights into South Carolina living.
Verdaderamente Poderoso
By Dr. Rosa Romero
Permite que la ponderosa palabra de Dios transforme tu vida, cambiando tu rutina cotidiana atraves de tus pensamientos y tu manera de hablar. Para poder vivir segun la verdad y sabiduria, hay que aprender a razonar uno mismo. Con un mensaje importante y sencillo este libro te ayudara ha encontrar tu proposito en la vida, te identificaras con el de principio a fin, esta basado en testimonios reales que tocaran lo mas profundo de tu alma.
Reconoceras que eres el unico dueno de tu destino y que tienes el poder de reescribir tu historia, que cada crisis, cada reto son para profundizarnos en una intimidad con el creador. Busca dentro de ti hasta encontrar a Dios, el esta en el interior de todas las personas, todo mundo tiene por lo menos un atributo positivo, el cual es visible a todos aquellos con una mente y corazon abiertos.
Rosa Romero una gran mujer de Dios, multifacetica con un doctorado en letras humanas, madre, empresaria, instructora de comestilogia, master coach certificada, Pastor y Profeta que obedeciendo la volunta de Dios junto a su esposo el Pastor Fredy Gonzalez, iniciaron en el 2015 la Iglesia Cristiana Unity Life El Reyno de Dios para las Naciones en el area de Manassas y son ellos mismos quienes continuan al frente de la misma como Ministros Principales.
The Inside Scoop to Getting Testimonials
(Posted on Tuesday, November 30, 2021)
Testimonials can be some of the first words a consumer reads when picking up a book. These book blurbs serve as a way for readers to get immediate access to a book’s praise directly on the front and back cover, rather than having to search for them online. But how do authors get these endorsements from noteworthy people?
Let’s go over why this praise can be helpful, what a good testimonial looks like, and how to even get them.
Relevance and Quality
There are many reasons why you should consider having testimonials, some of them being that they strengthen your author credibility and attract readers to your book’s plot or themes.
This begins with the perceived influence of the reviewer. Even if the reviewer is not a household name, it’s crucial to make sure that they have industry experience. It always looks good to include a subheading or title after the person’s name to explain why they are relevant to this book. That means you’ll have to ensure that you are collecting testimonials from people that have real knowledge about their field and – this is critical – are able to communicate their thoughts concisely and creatively.
Some blurbs you receive from top authors or leaders might be bland or non-specific. While it may be great to hear from them, a successful testimonial is eye-catching and narrows in on particular aspects of the book that make it unique. The goal should always be quality over quantity.
Cultivate contacts that know you personally and/or professionally and can speak to your work. Vague statements are not worth your book’s cover – you want specific feedback that speaks to real aspects of the book and has concrete rationales for why that particular person is offering their endorsement. Your book deserves the best possible quotes. To get them, you’ll want to pick people that are not only knowledgeable in their profession, but also eloquent and have the ability to express why something works. They have to be able to communicate that well to an audience.
Brainstorming Questions
Who are your readers? Who influences them?
What elements of your book are most important to you, and who in your field can speak to those specific topics?
What does your ideal testimonial sound like? What do you want audiences to take away from your book? This will help focus your queries and request for reviews/blurbs.
Organization and Process
Coming up with a system for gathering testimonials is a large part of the process. Having a streamlined methodology will help you stay focused and will allow you to maintain the goals you have set for yourself. Check out the following tips to help you begin collating reviews and testimonials:
- Craft a short template query that you can send to prospective readers for their blurb or feedback, but make sure to leave room for a sentence or two that can be personalized. Sincere compliments go a long way. The template should explain explicitly that you are looking for a quote for the book, what you hope to accomplish, and, if the person does not know you personally, introduce yourself briefly but substantively.
- Depending on the volume of queries you intend to disseminate, maintain a spreadsheet that keeps track of the names you are reaching out to and the status of their decision(s). In general, it’s best to spread your net wide, as you will not get responses from everyone. (The net should not be so wide, though, that you begin to move away from the focus of the book.)
- Establish deadlines for yourself and for your reviewer.
- Make sure that the system is as user-friendly as possible for the person you are requesting a testimonial from; send the book to them in whichever format they like, and try to accommodate their needs.
Elements of a Memorable Testimonial
Any testimonial should tell the reader how they will benefit from the book, but being able to illuminate that in a way that pops is a golden ticket to a top-notch testimonial.
Short and succinct blurbs are the best, but don’t be afraid to seek one that’s a bit longer. Having the reviewer explain what they learned is always a good starting point. It is always important to find a balance between substance and style. You want a reader to see a testimonial and actually get information from it, rather than just absorb a glowing review that may be sycophantic in nature.
Brainstorming Questions for the Reviewer
What are some particular pieces of information that they learned, and how relevant are they to the book as a whole? Do they match the themes?
How was the information in the book conveyed, and what makes it different from other books on the market?
Strong Examples
Contains specific remarks about the book and/or language that is visual or surprising
- “Ignore this book at your own peril.” -Seth Godin, Rework
- “For those of us who didn’t pursue MBAs – and have the penny-ante salaries to prove it – Sorkin’s book offers a clear, cogent explanation of what happened and why it matters. -Julia Keller, Too Big to Fail
- “Lean In is an inauguration rather than a last word…” -Anna Holmes / “What Sandberg offers is a view that shows twenty-somethings that choices and tradeoffs surely exist, but that the ‘old normal’ of blunting ambition so that can fit in one category or another does not have to be the way it is.” -Gayle Tzemach, Lean In
Weak Examples
Lack of specificity, personalization, snappy wordplay
- “This was an inspiring book full of great advice and tips on how to succeed.”
- “A must-have book for all managers and businesspeople.”
- “The best book I’ve read all year!”
With these tips in mind, what are you waiting for? It’s time to go get those well-crafted testimonials! Let us know how it goes by contacting us at info@mascotbooks.com or tagging us on social media @Mascotbooks:
November Featured Title: Why We Are What We Eat
(Posted on Wednesday, November 17, 2021)
This month’s featured title is Why We Are What We Eat: The Role of Diet and Symbiotic Microorganisms in Mental and Physical Health by Inna Kruman, Ph.D!The idea of a strong link between food and human identity is age-old. However, exactly how food affects the human body and mind remained unclear until recently, when researchers determined that our environment can turn gene expression off and on, thereby influencing the way we function. In Why We Are What We Eat, Inna takes a close look at these recent research advances and explores the interplay between the digestive, immune, and nervous systems.
We spoke with Inna about how humans’ relationship with food has evolved, the common misconceptions about health, and more!
While scientific publications are a central part of academic life, this book is a popular science book written for a general audience. By communicating ideas and discoveries to the wider public, popular science books can generate debate, influence culture, and inspire future researchers. I wrote this book because food is one of the most critical environmental factors that determine its role in the normal functioning of living organisms.
Why are we what we eat? Why did you choose this as your title?
I chose this title because the main idea of my book is a modern view on the well-known statement that we are what we eat. I make an accent on “why.” How does food affect living organisms, their physical and mental functions?
Contemporary research establishes the ways by which food affects our body and mind, explaining WHY we are what we eat. Other relevant books are mainly about practical issues, such as specific diets, protocols, clinically proven programs, or nutritious recipes. However, in my book, I focus on the scientific causes of the digestive system’s reaction to diet.
How have human relationships with food evolved? How will our relationship with food change in the future?
The history of human diet and nutrition represents an interface between biology, culture, and the environment. In the six to seven million years since our last common ape ancestor, human evolution has resulted in significant nutritional and physiological changes. One of the most striking differences is increased meat consumption. Since meat is more calorically dense than vegetables, a higher meat content in the human diet is an adaptation to the high metabolic costs of our brain. This steady increase over a period of a few million years allowed for dramatic growth in the brain size of our pre-human ancestors.
Another important step in human evolution is cooking, which helped to make meat and plants more digestible and nutritionally available. Additionally, we’ve created many new technologies related to food: the ability to process and preserve foods for storage, smoking, drying, salting of meat, fermentation, and producing bread, beer, or cheeses. These new technologies made possible the production of safer and more stable foods. As human culture advanced, different populations of humans introduced new technologies that resulted in an extraordinary diversity of human diets.
It is difficult to predict how our relationship with food will change in the future, but these changes are already taking place in some ways. The nutritional transition to the Western diet (a modern-day style diet), associated with massive shifts toward processed foods, disturbs immune function and promotes inflammation. This can be associated with significant changes in the composition of the microbial community and, consequently, to some metabolic health issues, including obesity and diabetes.
What would you define as being “healthy”? What are some of the common misconceptions about health and diet?
The World Health Organization defines health as “complete physical, mental, and social well-being.” What we eat has profound effects on our overall health. Research shows that dietary habits influence the risk of different diseases. Bad diets are responsible for more deaths than smoking or high blood pressure. Being healthy, however, does not mean only the absence of physical illness. Mental balance and the absence of stress are also very important. A growing body of research shows that social ties are as important for our health as diet and exercise. What is healthy and not healthy changes constantly. Several well-known misconceptions about food are well known. For example:
(1) Many diets ban carbs. However, the truth is that carbohydrates aren’t bad for a human organism. When eaten in the right amounts, carbs are healthy. They are the main source of energy. Complex carbohydrates like the ones you find in brown bread and wholegrain products are better because they slowly release sugar into the bloodstream ensuring a steady supply of energy, and they make you feel fuller for longer.
(2) Fats are seen as bad for your health, and fat-free foods are healthy. We need fats to provide energy for our bodies. Additionally, they allow our body to regulate its temperature (brown fat), build hormones, support our immune system, reproduction, and more. A fat-free diet is not a good idea, and fats are actually very healthy in moderation.
(3) Eggs — particularly the yolks — have gotten over the years for being high in cholesterol. However, guidelines for egg consumption have been modified as more research is done on their health effects. Moderate consumption of eggs is healthy. Thus, moderate consumption of complex, not simple carbs (sugars), fat, and eggs are good for our health.What surprised you most in your research on how food affects one’s well-being?
(1) Diabetes was mostly unknown among Native American populations during the first half of the twentieth century. However, since the 1950s, the prevalence rates have increased dramatically (In some American Indian and Alaska Native communities, the diabetes prevalence among adults is as high as 60 percent). These changes can be explained by the lifestyle alterations over the past fifty years (e.g., less activity, greater food availability, and more fats and simple sugars in diet).
(2) Autism, a disorder characterized by disturbance in language, perception, and socialization, is usually linked to neuroinflammatory conditions, dysregulation of the immune system, and altered bacterial gut microbiota. In some cases, remodeling the gut microbiota alleviated the symptoms of autism.
(3) Promoted by changes in diet or antibiotic therapies, dysbiosis (alterations to the composition of the gut microbial community) plays a critical role in allergy and autoimmune diseases, as well as in the development of mental disorders, such as depression or schizophrenia, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Thus, our gut health is required for overall good health and wellbeing and depends on our diet.
November Book Releases
(Posted on Tuesday, November 2, 2021)
Are you or your child in a reading slump? Do you need a riveting page-turner, educational read, or perhaps a spiritual guide to get back into it? From children’s books about adoption to memoirs about pursuing a meaningful life, we have just the books to get you and your child into reading again. Check out our November releases below!Children’s Books
An Ode to My Period
By Swana Thomas
Periods are no fun, and we all know it! Join Sonia as she experiences her first period and writes a letter to defeat and overcome her cycle of menstruation. Follow along as Sonia provides tips and tricks to help during your encounter with menstruation, too!
Around the World in Devi Days
By Alisha Sarkar
Ready to explore? Join Devi, a young Indian girl, on an adventure around the world!
Bruce the Spruce: A New York City Fairytale About the True Meaning of Christmas Trees
By A.A. Cristi
Bruce the Spruce has Christmas all wrong.
Thanks to his fancy decorations and adoring admirers, this artificial spruce tree doesn’t just wear a star at Christmas, he is the star. But when his longtime family gets a new tree, Bruce is sent on a whirlwind adventure through New York City. From a party in Brooklyn, to a run-in with rats, to a high-speed garbage truck ride down 5th Avenue, Bruce the Spruce takes an unforgettable holiday journey to discover the true meaning of Christmas trees.
If Puppies Had Pockets
By Lyn Willy
If puppies had pockets. . .what would they do? This cute board book is the perfect bedtime read for you and your little one.
Malik’s Magic African Alphabet Hat
By Malik and Oni Adunni
Malik travels to Africa from countries A to Z.
Travel to locations with him, and you, too, will see:
a lion’s mountain, animals not in a zoo,
a haunted house, a ghost town, and a mask festival, too.
He travels by a hat that is in his possession.
At the end you’ll find out
how he learns a great travel lesson.
Montana’s Memory Day: a nature-themed foster/adoption story
By Sue Lawrence
Montana is a thinker and a rememberer, and tomorrow is his Memory Day.
He used to be a foster kid, but now he lives with New Mom, who adopted him.
There’s a differentness about this mom—she’s like a steady stream that gurgles.
But Montana is still adjusting to his place in this family and life on a farm in the middle of winter.
Robbie Robin
By Theresa Perna
Robbie Robin is the true story of three children who find a baby bird fallen from its nest and their journey to save its life. As the children learn how to nurture and protect the young bird, they must also learn how to say goodbye as Robbie grows and leaves the home the children have made for him. Both an emotional tale and a chronicle of scientific discovery, Robbie Robin reminds us that happiness and grief are shared, universal experiences that bind us all together, and that the connections formed in adolescence are sometimes the ones we remember the most.
Rules of the Playground
By Gina & Glenn Noonan
Meet Charlie, an above-average adventurer. As a playground expert, he wants all kids to know the most important ways to have fun on the playground. Luckily for us, Charlie narrates these rules in A-B-C order! Join Charlie as he takes us through these playground rules from A to Z.
The Adventures of a Military Brat: My Military Life
By Johanna and Daniel Gomez
Join a brave boy as he takes readers on a journey that is familiar to military children located around the world.
Follow him as he reunites with his cousin, anticipates an upcoming move, adjusts to his father’s recent return, and shows pride demonstrating military traditions.
About The Adventures of a Military Brat series: Each book highlights unique challenges of growing up in a military family. Join our characters as they turn these challenges into opportunities and build resilience through positive messages.
The Baby Duck Summer
By Suzanne M. Malpass
Imagine an eight-year-old girl who has to babysit every day during the summer! Why? Well, because she fell in love with a tiny baby duck at the county fair and wanted it for her own!
The Sleepy Seal
By Eric Bowman
A playful daughter. A loving mother. A heartwarming story for your child’s bedtime routine.
This Is Clare
By Lindy Nelson
Come follow a lady and her hound.
New adventures with new friends will abound.
Learn some English and verse with Lindy and Clare.
We’re in China; we hope to see you there!
Nonfiction Books
Prepare Yourself to Be Lucky: Spirited Lessons to Cultivate Business Success
By Ed McDonnell
As Ed McDonnell grew up in poverty in South Boston, his Irish immigrant parents’ greatest hope for him was a career as a grocer. But McDonnell wanted more. After joining the army and using the GI Bill to pay for college, McDonnell landed a job at Raytheon. During a short post in London, he discovered a passion for international business.
McDonnell had learned a crucial lesson while working his way up: by preparing himself to be lucky, he would be ready to embrace any opportunity that came along. He put that principle into action when his offer to give the president of General Foods a ride home during a snowstorm eventually led to a life-changing opportunity to run one of General Foods’ largest international holdings in São Paulo, Brazil.
In 1981, McDonnell was hired by Seagram CEO Edgar Bronfman Sr. to build Seagram’s international operations. After leading a dramatic turnaround of Seagram’s global business, McDonnell became president and CEO of Seagram’s $5 billion Spirits and Wine Group.
In Prepare Yourself to Be Lucky, McDonnell shares ten lessons from his fifty-five-year career in international business. He also offers insights on the rise and fall of Seagram, which experienced one of the most disastrous collapses in corporate history after Bronfman passed the company’s leadership to his son.
Sex, Drugs, Etc., Etc., Sex, Drugs, Etc., Etc., Etc.: Unforgettable Lessons that will Change the Lives of Teenagers and Twenty-Somethings
By Rob Shindler J.D.
This is not a HOW TO book, it’s a how NOT TO book.
My dad up in heaven had a favorite saying: “A little bit of knowledge is dangerous.” Truth be told, sometimes a little knowledge is all we really need. As a lawyer for thirty-plus years, I’ve seen young people from different neighborhoods and different upbringings repeatedly make the same wrong choices and take the same wrong turns, literally devastating their futures. If someone had just given them a little bit of knowledge, they could’ve avoided ever seeing the inside of a lawyer’s office. I wrote this manual to provide a map to navigate teenagers and twenty-somethings through unexpectedly dangerous waters and guide them around the occasional iceberg. I am arming them with just a little knowledge to help make important and crucial choices, which can hopefully change the course of their lives. It takes a village, but in the famous words of Bob Marley, “Every little thing is going to be all right.”
Spirituality 104: Lessons of Love from The School of Life
By Ivan Figueroa-Otero, M.D.
If you could see all the knowledge obtained from the lessons of your school of life reflected in the magical mirror of your mind,
WOULD IT HELP? WOULD YOU WELCOME IT?
In Spirituality 104, Iván Figueroa-Otero, MD, offers us a selection of the wisest quotes from his School of Life trilogy, with loving messages about different aspects of our existence. If we practice them, they could help us find the emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being we all aspire to. Each quote is explained and has exercises to integrate the message into our daily living. If you read the previous books, this will help you refine the concepts and practice their teachings. If you have not read them, here is a practical and concrete guide to receive the most important messages for your progress.
The Little Things: A Memoir of Paralysis, Motivation, and Pursuing a Meaningful Life
By Jack Trottier
What happens to a promising athlete when their life turns upside down and they land in a wheelchair? Who are you when your body no longer seems like your own? Jack Trottier’s The Little Things: A Memoir of Paralysis, Motivation, and Pursuing a Meaningful Life takes us on a journey from the catastrophic accident that shattered his C6 vertebrae through the physical, mental, and emotional challenges that followed as he fought to redefine his life on his own terms. Jack shares the motivation that sustained him and the lessons he learned along the way with writing that is honest, beautiful, and even humorous. The Little Things encourages us to look beyond the chair and see the person sitting there. Just like you, they have a story to tell.
Why We Are What We Eat: The Role of Diet and Symbiotic Microorganisms in Mental and Physical Health
By Inna Kruman, Ph.D.
The idea of a strong link between food and human identity is age-old. However, exactly how food affects the human body and mind remained unclear until recently, when researchers determined that our environment can turn gene expression off and on, thereby influencing the way we, as organisms, function. This discovery caused a breakthrough in our understanding of how our diet affects our wellbeing, as food is one of the most critical environmental factors.
In Why We Are What We Eat, Inna Kruman, PhD takes a close look at these recent research advances and explores the interplay between the digestive, immune, and nervous systems. In doing so, she focuses on the role of symbiotic microorganisms in these relationships, detailing the central role diet takes in shaping this symbiotic microbial community—making those tiny microbes the key to our physical and mental health. Join Dr. Kruman on a journey to discover why we are what we eat.October Book Releases
(Posted on Tuesday, October 5, 2021)
Pumpkins, apple cider, hayrides, and new books! These are just a few of the necessities to start off the new season. Come join us by checking out our October releases, and Happy Fall!
Children’s Books
A Tale of Two Princesses
By Rianna Matter
Princesses Jade and Jane came to their kingdom in very different ways. Their stories are unique, but they’re beautiful in their own ways, and both end in the same place—with a Queen and King who love them.
Cloud Monsters
By Francine Piriano-Davila
Jack is expecting to spend the day celebrating his little brother Charlie’s birthday, but the universe has something very different in store. During the party, his family’s world is turned upside down by some uninvited guests—cloud monsters. After watching family and friends be abducted by these strange creatures, Jack embarks on a journey to save his family, while trying to understand the motives of the seemingly villainous group.
Will they make it to safety in time? Or are they in more danger if they flee? Follow along with Jack, Charlie, and their parents as they struggle to understand the cloud monsters and accept their new reality.
Cool Kids
By Arlene Freeman
Like most kids, Michael and his friends are so excited for their first day at a new school. They have a lot of questions about what to expect, but most of all, they wonder if they’ll get to join the football team. That would be the perfect way to start the year!
However, Michael soon finds out that it’s not as easy as he thinks. The team is filled with bullies, and to join, he has to become one of them. In order to be cool enough to get a spot on the football team, Michael has to start changing his behavior—for the worse! Suddenly, terrible things start happening to him. Finally, he begins to wonder: Was it all worth it?
Goodnight Star, Whoever You Are
By Jodi Meltzer
One fateful night, a child notices a magnificent star that looks like it’s following him during a car ride home from the beach. When he asks his mom about it, she gives him a textbook explanation at first, and then makes him think twice. Heartfelt and reassuring, Goodnight Star, Whoever You Are helps kids cope with grief, loss, and longing in an enchanting way, sparking meaningful conversations about the everlasting power of love. With an imaginative point of view, kids will discover that the connection they share with the person or pet who died transcends the space between them. Children can reflect on their unbreakable bond with an “I Remember” page at the end of this delightfully illustrated picture book, providing comfort during trying times.
Humbugs and Ladybugs
By Julian Klazkin
Gerry and Dana have a farm with lots of animals who simply do not get along. They fight, chase each other, and sometimes look at one another as their next meal. They’re just a bunch of humbugs! Luckily for Gerry and Dana, a kindly ladybug shows up one day to help them with their problem.
How? Through exercise, of course . . . ladybug style!
What does that mean?
Gerry and Dana have no idea, but they’re about to find out what a little magical fun and creativity can do. A funny story with a quirky heroine, Humbugs and Ladybugs reinforces the concepts of kindness, respect, and gratitude in young readers. And yes, there are even a few chicken jokes along the way!
It’s Time to Say Good Night
By Dr. S. Amna Husain, MD
The day is coming to a close, and bedtime is drawing near. Animals come together as their parents cuddle them dear. The sky darkens, and the stars glow bright. They shine down upon the world to tell us, “It’s time to say good night!”
Maxwell
By Jeremy C. Gredone
Maxwell is a unique children’s book that celebrates the power of imagination and dreams. It’s a story about transcendence, and the extraordinary blossoming out of the ordinary. It is about the timeless and ever-expanding bond between parent and child, and the priceless lessons of love they hold for each other. While Maxwell is primarily created for children, parents will be delighted at the extras designed with them in mind. Truly something for all ages to enjoy!
40-page children’s book with vibrant and layered illustrations that will encourage many a reading to discover all the hidden magic within.
Children will become part of this interactive story themselves as they are invited to take part in the “imaginative process,” creating new roles and adventures for “The Amazing Maxwell!”
Includes a separately bound 28-page “True Story of Maxwell + Time Capsule” attached in back pocket of the book–Read the true story of Maxwell (a wild spider) as the author experienced it AND take part in your very own “Time Capsule” between you and your children–the making of a keepsake that can be handed down for generations!
My Cat Is Blue
By Sarah Sommer
When someone you love is feeling down in the dumps, you try everything to help. But sometimes, you don’t have the cure, and those blues can even become contagious. It just might be the unexpected that allows you both to shed your blues and move toward a bright and colorful future.
The Famous Phoebe of Long Island: Phoebe’s Adventures at Sailors Haven
By Jean Derespina
When Phoebe was a young pup, she was adopted from a shelter by Jeana and Frank. She had no idea how exciting life with her forever family would be. Phoebe’s new parents planned to take her with them on all their boat trips.
Come along as Phoebe tells the story of her first boat trip to Sailors Haven on Fire Island. When they took off into the Great South Bay, Phoebe was a bit frightened, but she soon realized what a delightful adventure she and her new parents would have as they explored the wondrous national park from the forest to the beach, making many friends along the way.
The Legend of the Mask: A Sloan the Sloth Story
By Aaron Fox
The legend of Ninja Sloth began with The Secret Life of Sloan the Sloth. Now, that story continues with a new beginning. Where did Sloan’s mask come from, and what was its purpose? Find out in . . . The Legend of the Mask!
Read other books in the Sloan the Sloth series:
The Secret Life of Sloan the Sloth
The Story of Me from the Inside Out
By Christine Heimbach
Did you know your blood tells a story? Read along to learn about blood work and the unique, important messages our blood tells about us. Instead of being afraid, look at your blood work as an exciting time to learn more about your body and what is going on inside of you!
The Story of the Curious Elf
By Joan C. Yingling
One Christmas Eve, a little boy encounters a lost elf who let his curiosity get the best of him. Stuck far away from home, the elf doesn’t know if he’ll ever see Santa again!
Will he ever find his way back to the North Pole?
Tripod Kitty and the Recipe for Kindness
By Clarice Nassif Ransom
Orie is a handsome and athletic kitty who overcomes cancer and the loss of a limb during summer break. He is afraid to go back to school because he is now different. Through a wise teacher, Orie and his friends learn that the recipe for kindness can be as simple as baking chocolate chip cookies.
Cookbooks
A Taste of Living in Charleston: Lowcountry Dishes Anyone Can Cook
By Bobby Shealy
A Taste of Living in Charleston is the ultimate guide to Southern cuisine. The recipes Bobby includes are an accumulation of more than forty years of cooking. Some are from family and friends, some are originals, and other are repurposed classics with Bobby’s own twists.
A staunch believer that, “If I can cook it, so can you!” Bobby’s delicious and soulful recipes, along with his insights into setting an elegant atmosphere without breaking the bank, are your ticket to perfect lowcountry cuisine.
Bake Away: A Collection of Recipes Capturing the Spirit of Creativity, Experience, and Expression
By Sahana Vij
Bake Away is a celebration of baking’s impact on our creativity, self-expression, and personal experiences. It’s a reflection of what’s important in our lives.
From the delicate Portland Berry Cream Pie to the towering Atlanta Crêpe Cake, Sahana Vij brings you on her journey of inspiration, sharing the simple steps to create an array of delightful desserts, each crafted from personal connections and beautiful memories. Each recipe is accompanied by exquisite food photography and portraits of stunning locations.
Explore an elegant fruit garden in Temescal Valley as you make a luscious Citrus Poppy Seed Bread. Learn a little about Maui as you prepare a decadent Coconut Chocolate Tart. Share a subtly spiced Chai-Infused Cake, inspired by visits to a prominent tearoom in Seattle, with those you love. Bake Away is more than a cookbook: it is a beautifully written book grounded in family, relationships, and giving.
Nonfiction
Inspiration from Legendary Zim
By Cathy Papplardo
What qualities does it take to become a legend? Photographs from Don Zimmer’s career as a professional baseball player, coach, and manager highlight his positive personal qualities. He left a legacy of success, mentorship, and love of the game!
It Can Be You: Humanizing Homelessness
By Jordana Guimaraes
It Can Be You encourages the world to become more compassionate and understand the reasons behind homelessness, rather than judge. This book tells the challenging and complex stories of forty-five fashion influencers from all over the world and how they’ve overcome those obstacles to be where they are today.
Author Jordana Guimaraes’s compassion for the homeless, combined with her experience in the fashion industry, inspired her to tell these stories to decrease the stigma surrounding homelessness. Life’s circumstances have the power to uplift us or, just as easily, sink us. It Can Be You takes a transparent look into the lives of fashion influencers and homeless individuals who, when placed side by side, turn out to have many common struggles.
Search for Signers: Visiting the Graves of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence
By Jennifer Epstein Rudnick
What started out as a quirky hobby soon became an obsession. During a road trip with friends to Boston, in a cemetery with three Declaration signers’ graves, a project was born—traveling to and photographing the graves of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence. It seemed an easy task. As photos were taken and names checked off the list, questions arose. Is this where the signer was first buried? Was he moved from an original burial spot? Why did that move happen? Is the actual grave location known? Along the quest, it turns out that a number of Declaration signers—prominent men in their colonies—are not interred in their original burial locations. Follow the adventure with some unusual stories, and discover how many graves were found and how many signers are not really buried where their marker sits.