Winter is officially setting in at the Mascot Books office. As everyone’s been preparing their holiday treats, the team here has been hard at work on our latest batch of releases. This month, we’re featuring a guide to help you recover from burning out, tales of prairie dogs and their misadventures, and picture books perfect for getting in the holiday spirit. Check out the full list of titles releasing this month below.
By Toviaz Sly“Many who are broken feel as though there is no use in fixing the cracks because they automatically assume they are going to be broken again, so they just paint over the cracks to cover them up.”In Broken Pieces, author Toviaz Sly takes a closer look at what physical and spiritual brokenness is. Using biblical verse, interpretation, and prayer, she delivers a commentary that helps readers to realize that brokenness isn’t a punishment, and is actually exactly where God wants us to be in order to grow. The stories told by Toviaz and contributing authors help readers see that pain is often a prerequisite to the promise and plan that God has for each one of us. The journey is never easy, but it can bring you closer to God so you can be molded into the person you’re meant to be.
By Joseph Maroon, MDAfter becoming a world-class neurosurgeon, Dr. Joseph Maroon felt he’d achieved success. At the age of 41, however, a rapid series of losses and setbacks led him into a baffling new reality— and straight into the darkness of depression. Maroon’s unexpected savior was a slim, leather-bound book titled I Dare You, which taught him how to address four key areas so important to rebalancing his life: good health, a sense of spirituality, meaningful work, and strong relationships. In Square One, Maroon combines deeply personal anecdotes with illuminating scientific explanations to help readers consider their own priorities. With keen insights into what it takes to avoid burnout and to seek more joy and creativity, Maroon guides readers from all occupations and professions back to “square one” so they can lead more balanced and truly successful lives.
By Greg WoodAfter a lifetime of work, Barbara A. Wood has become one of the world’s most collected impressionist artists. Her mastery of color, energy, and insight has led to a vast body of cherished paintings. In this select compendium of her works, her son Greg collects her striking portraits alongside some personal reflections and musings from both Greg and the artist herself. Barbara A. Wood’s paintings remain as vivid and evocative today as the day they were first completed.
By Jessica YoungA boy and his imaginary toy go on adventures all across the town. Even though some people may not understand him, the boy knows that imagination is the most wonderful thing to have. A heartwarming tale for young dreamers everywhere.
By Aaron LePedisSuper Penguin saves the day again by stopping Bullying in its tracks.This is a very special children’s book, dedicated to raising awareness and acceptance of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The idea of this book came from my son, who is on the autism spectrum. Often, when he became scared or nervous, he would start calling himself a penguin. As time went on, he started to wear a cape and solve ‘mysteries’ with his stuffed animals. Every time someone would meet him he would say “Hi, my name is Logan, but you can call me “Penguin”. Recognizing the empowerment he felt as his alter ego “Penguin”, I felt his story needed to be told to encourage other “penguins” and super hero kids to embrace their differences and to share these unique and yes Autistic gifts. So sit back, relax, and experience an adventure with us!
By Barbara W. MorinA Cavalier Cat is a loving tribute to Pretzel, a special cat who found his forever home with a professor’s family in Charlottesville, Virginia. Inspired by a true story, readers will follow Pretzel’s many adventures with his family and take a heart-warming tour of the University of Virginia and historic Charlottesville area.
By Octavia AshburnThe North Pole is headed toward a Christmas catastrophe. The mailroom is flooded with mail. If the elves can’t get the letters to Santa in time, the toy builders, painters, and wrappers won’t be able to get the toys ready for delivery on Christmas Eve.Santa has asked Emme Fairy Elf, the North Pole Problem Solver, to find a solution so Christmas won’t be cancelled. When Emme Fairy Elf discovers the secret to saving Christmas is hidden in the elves’ names, she realizes it is going to take a lot more than just one fairy elf to prevent this Christmas catastrophe.
By Rick ZurowestePip is a prairie dog pup (the runt of the litter, mind you) who, like all prairie dogs, lives underground. Unlike all other prairie dogs, Pip is afraid of the world Up Top so he stays in his room, reading and dreaming of a Christmas he’s never known. That is until one night when Pip hears a cry for help outside his tunnel.Soon, Pip finds himself on a Christmas adventure with Gretchen, a feisty dachshund, as they help the injured reindeer Thunderbolt get back to the North Pole. But treacherous terrain and all manner of hungry forest predators stand in their way. Will they make it in time for Christmas?
By Paige Slone Plagenz The night sky is a beautiful mystery. Learn about the phases of the moon through an enchanting tale that is sure to delight children of any age!
By Stephanie HowardA mother buys a pair of denim overalls for her soon-to-be-born baby, but as her child grows the denim overalls become much more than a simple piece of clothing. By lengthening the suspenders, it symbolizes the growth and milestones of childhood. A tender, cozy story of childhood and a mother’s unfailing love, it’s sure to invoke your own cherished memories held deep within your heart.
By Jennifer DoswellTall, smart, and clumsy Annie loves to learn, but often her fascination for learning is outside the classroom. She views the world around her as one big curiosity after another. When a trip to the store turns into an adventure, can her heart-warming antics save the day?
By Tanya TheriaultBah-bum…Bah-bum…Bah-bum…His heart beats fast in his chest. The smoke clears and he can visualize the clear sky ahead. The roar of the turbines pulsates in his ears. The thumbs up is given. He catapults off the carrier—the feel of wind under his wings makes the pride in his heart swell. He twists and turns, zooming through the sky. Excitement at mach 1.8. His dream of becoming a pilot is finally coming true!A portion of the proceeds from Flight of Dreams will go to support The National Naval Aviation Museum.
By Erin HarringtonIzzy and Frederick the Goldfish are the very best of friends. They do everything together, until one day, Izzy comes home from school and finds out that Frederick has died. Join Izzy on a journey of love, loss, and understanding as she helps give Frederick the most special celebration of life.
By Katie PorterfieldLetter by letter, discover what makes Virginia’s Omni Homestead Resort such a special place. Follow the Virginia state bird, a cardinal, as it flies to hot spots, like DownTime, Martha’s Market, and the Main Dining Room, and joins in activities, such as archery, hiking, biking, skiing, tubing, ice skating, and more. The Homestead A to Z brings to life just twenty-six of the many reasons why families from Virginia and beyond cherish this one-of-a-kind resort.
By Heather ZivkovichKay Rose is the oldest of eight grandchildren and has a strong suspicion that her Grandpa Bob is one of Santa’s elves. He is full of holly jolly magic and lives every single day like it’s Christmas. Find out if Kay Rose will get herself put on the naughty list or stay on the nice list while on her mission to find out the truth…
By Tracie MainAchieving your dreams is easier than it seems, all you have to do is BELIEVE!Everyone will be chanting along in this magical book: “I can and Iwill and I am the greatest!” A must-have for every parentand teacher! Children big or small will learn about the power of self-belief and that anything is possible by first believing in yourself.For more information about the author or her workshops, visit www.traciemain.com.
By Keosha SathIn this book, a small child is inquisitively asking her mother questions about life. The book begins with the mother and daughter in the car on the way to school. They then visit different job occupations throughout the day. The mom is so busy thinking about giving the best answers, that she forgets the most important job is being a mom.The importance of this book is to show all little girls that they can work in male dominated jobs. The book also plants the seed to strive to be the person in charge. This book encourages more girls to think about obtaining science, technology, engineering, and mathematics jobs, as there is a shortage of women in these fields.
By Sara Grace When Santa Claus finds out there are not enough toys to deliver to every girl and boy this Christmas, Mrs. Claus jumps into action with her team of elf experts to save the day!
By Greg ThomasIt’s Patrick Porcupine’s first day at school, and his teacher Mrs. Turtle has an important lesson for her class: what personal space is and how important it is to respect it. Hardcover edition.
By John George At the University of Pennsylvania, the Quaker mascot is the symbol of school spirit and guardian of Penn’s traditions. Despite Quaker’s enthusiasm for Penn, a number of setbacks cause him to question his ability to succeed. However, the spirit of Homecoming helps Quaker realize his own special set of talents. Join Quaker and Franklin, his trusted squirrel pal, on this courageous journey of discovery at Penn’s Homecoming!
By Anna TheriaultOver the three-mile bridge,and past the beach ball,Santa is on his way to Pensacola,bringing Christmas presents for all!The author of Goodnight Pensacola and P is for Pelican: The ABCs of Pensacola brings us a new story for the holidays featuring the beautiful town of Pensacola. This story is sure to be a Christmas tradition for years to come!
By Julius LanoilJulius Lanoil uses his unique styles of story-inspired poetry and portrait poetry to paint a picture of life in Trump’s America. Raw, darkly comical, and unfiltered, it captures in searing detail this pivotal age in American history.
By Latina McIntyreJoin the party with Royal and her family in this scary and fun Halloween tale! Full of love and laughter, Royal and her family get ready for a night to remember.
By Tiffany Foo-GarciaRuby Foo might seem like a normal middle schooler—until you get a taste of her amazing culinary creations! In the kitchen, Ruby transforms into a fearless superhero, the Fantastic Foo. It’s a good thing too, because when a mysterious famous photograph leads her out of her own kitchen and into her grandfather’s, she’ll need skill and courage to uncover some deeply buried secrets. With her end-of-year history assignment looming, will she be able to solve the mystery in time? Follow Ruby as she dives into delicious culinary challenges (recipes included!) and discovers how history, big and small, has shaped her life.
By Lane McDanalShelly the sea turtle loves the ocean and the beach, but she needs your help to keep these habitats safe for her and her family. Can you help Shelly by learning how to protect her environment from the dangers on the sand and in the water?
By Suzanne Malpass RogersAnimal lovers everywhere will savor this true story of an Arizona ranch horse that fell down a well and of the dog and volunteers who struggled to rescue him.
By Dayna Zimmerman It’s the happiest time of the year—The magic of Chanukah soon will be here!Chanukah Harry visits good girls and boys,In his path, leaving candy and toys!So light your menorah and gather around,The hope of the season soon will be found!
By Jim RobertsMeet Mr. Brown, the best ambassador a neighborhood can have. Thoughtful and attentive to all his friends and neighbors, Mr. Brown shares life lessons with a smile as sweet as his famous pies.
By Maria CordovaA military family’s lullaby, Unsung Heroes captures the heart of those who graciously serve and protect. Often saying “See you later!” when duty calls, these men and women selflessly sacrifice out of genuine love for their country and families.
By Alan BartelsJoin Penny the Prairie Dog and Tyler on their journey to find Penny’s family! Learn about the many different animals that can be found on Tyler’s family’s farm and in prairie dog towns all over, including box turtles, ferrets, prairie chickens, and more! A creative tale of conservation and compassion, What’s Going Down in Prairie Dog Town? is a must-read for all ages!
By Dan EdmondsonColor some rad skaters in the Adaptive Skate Coloring Book! The Adaptive Skate Kollective is a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness for the adaptive community by offering skateboarding training, coaching, competitions, and hosting special events.This book does not feature people with disabilities. It features skateboarders and skateboarding doesn’t discriminate. Please, color outside the lines.
By Bonnie McDanielPerfect for anyone looking to embrace the natural splendor of garden-to-table dishes, Of Food and Love offers a fresh take on traditional southern cooking. Written with powerful voice and personal insight,Bonnie McDaniel has compiled a brilliant collection of mouthwatering recipes that is sure to leave you hungry for more.
By Catherine Garrison Davis and Elizabeth Garrison RasorReading bedtime stories to her two-year-old son, Catherine felt there was one missing from their collection – a bedtime story about Clemson. So she and her sister Elizabeth wrote this book.A fun book for children and grandchildren of Clemson alumni, students, faculty, and fans! We hope you and your Little Tigers enjoy reading Night-Night, Little Tiger and make many Clemson memories!
By Stefan Michael BurnsTurtle hides while Alligator lashes out. What insecurities are they dealing with, and what lessons can Turtle and Alligator learn in order to face and conquer their fears?In this inspiring story about a shy turtle and a frightening alligator, the complex issue of bullying is addressed in an easy-to-understand manner for kids and adults alike. As bullying becomes more prevalent in today’s world, One Good Turtle empowers every parent, teacher, counselor, and child to practice kindness through its memorable cast of characters and uplifting message.One Good Turtle is a heroic tale about overcoming the struggles of being bullied and discovering what makes you uniquely special.
By Raakhee MirchandaniSuper Satya is ready to have a super day, including finally conquering the tallest slide in Hoboken. But her day takes a not so super turn when she realizes her superhero cape is stuck at the dry cleaner. Will she be able to face her fears, help her friends, and be the true hero everyone knows she is?Super Satya Saves The Day, written by Raakhee Mirchandani, illustrated by Tim Palin, and published by Bharat Babies, introduces Satya, a precocious Indian-American superhero and will be in bookstores Fall 2018.
By Kedron HolyfieldTommy has just found out that he is going to be a big brother! He and his family are very excited. There is only one problem: Tommy doesn’t know when his little brother or sister will arrive. One thing is for sure, though…it’s going to be a long wait. Join Tommy as he figures out how to be patient while waiting for the greatest gift of all.
