- Table View
- List View
Multiplying Love: A Vision of United Methodist Life Together
by Paul W. ChilcoteA Vision of United Methodist Life Together.Our world needs love during these desperate days of radical polarization and division. Our United Methodist churches yearn to embrace love more completely because God first loved us. Our “faith” (including doctrine) is important; Christian “hope” (including renewal) is important; “love” of God and neighbor is more important. Multiplying Love underscores what matters most and stands in contrast to divisive misreadings of essential Methodist teachings. Chilcote helps us embrace anew the Wesleyan vision of love of Jesus as central to what we believe and how we live.When I finished Multiplying Love, I found myself jumping up and down shouting, “Yes, yes, yes! Gosh, do we need this!” We are at a remaking moment in the church. Dr. Chilcote beautifully articulates the deeper theological vision that beckons and sustains us. Multiplying Love helped me more thoroughly embrace the kind of loving people we are hoping to become. That’s what it’s all about to me, and this book nails it!—Rev. Christy Allen Holden, co-creator of The Channel UMC, a new hybrid community of faith (@christyallenholden)Every United Methodist pastor would do well to invite their church council to read Paul Chilcote’s brief and powerful Multiplying Love. It recalls the power of the Wesleyan approach to the gospel and makes a compelling case for the future of The United Methodist Church. I loved this book!—Rev. Adam Hamilton, Kansas pastor and author of Wrestling with Doubt, Finding Faith
Upward!: Wesleyan Formation in Three Movements
by Steve Harper Paul W. ChilcoteA powerful guide for new and longtime United Methodists.Upward! is a simple but brilliant course on Wesleyanism for regular people. It thoroughly and methodically guides readers through the distinctive qualities of the Wesleyan way—the theology, practices, habits, and attitudes that characterize Methodist people. Paul W. Chilcote and Steve Harper, two of Methodism’s most beloved teachers, offer this extraordinary book as an invitation to a life of wisdom and wonder in our current world. It is a book of both instruction and celebration, teaching (or reminding) us what makes the Wesleyan way most gracious and lovely. Pastors and other leaders will use Upward as their primary resource for sharing the Wesleyan approach. It can be used in a wide variety of ways and settings—as a sermon series, congregation-wide study, or for new member classes, to name a few. Individuals will use the book as a personal study, ideally in connection with others. Upward! helps leaders and readers to:- correct misconceptions about Wesleyan theology- clarify and reclaim Wesleyan theology- gain a new framework for understanding Wesleyan theology and sharing it with others
By the Grace of God: My Life as an African Bishop
by EBEN KANUKAYI NHIWATIWAAn African bishop shares his story and ministry.Born in the small Zimbabwean village of Gandanzara, Bishop Eben Kanukayi Nhiwatiwa became an inspired and accomplished leader in the church and larger society. Elected as a bishop in The United Methodist Church in 2004, he has guided ministries in Zimbabwe and across Africa and beyond through periods of immense and rapid change. In his book By the Grace of God, the bishop takes the reader through his educational odyssey, winding through Zimbabwe and the United States. He narrates with humor his introduction to the US and its unfamiliar customs. He inspires readers with the story of the remarkable series of events that shaped him as a Christian and bishop.The book provides a succinct master class on the art and science of leadership. Drawing inspiration and insights from an array of literature and astute observation, Nhiwatiwa synthesizes what have been his most important gleanings about factors that contribute to visionary and effective leadership.Nhiwatiwa became known as the “Chabadza Bishop,” advocating for vibrant mutual partnerships with churches and annual conferences in other parts of the world. Chabadza is a Shona word meaning “to give a helping hand to someone who is already working.” He urges people asking for help to be active workers in the project themselves. He has diligently advanced ideas for collaboration that eliminate approaches rooted in maintaining dependency.Nhiwatiwa writes, “Life-changing events in my life took place, not because of my sustained goal to pursue a certain objective, but that by the grace of God.” His witness and leadership have helped transform The United Methodist Church for ministry in the twenty-first century.
Cultivating Christlikeness: Loving as Jesus Loved
by Paul W. ChilcoteAre you ready to reclaim our inheritance as United Methodist Wesleyans?Our communities and the world are crying out for empathy, authenticity, and integrity. This book helps us choose ways of living that are grace-filled and redeeming. Cultivating Christlikeness is about the bold adventure of United Methodists celebrating and living into a grand vision that includes everyone in God’s extravagant embrace. Jesus invites us to partner in the work of transformation, new birth, and resurrection in every aspect of our lives. Together we can step into a future showered by God’s multiplying love.Paul Chilcote mines his decades of study, prayer, and devotion to Christian practices to share his vision for how we partner with God to make the world more loving and just. In Cultivating Christlikeness, he weaves the threads of insight and appreciation with special attention to Wesleyan ways of loving God and neighbor that can change us and change the world. With his gentle direction, we discover with new appreciation how 18th-century John and Charles Wesley illumine our 21st-century quest to befriend Jesus, who frees us to live into and by the grace of God.Chilcote’s book is a practical guide. He guides us with a mentor’s insightful nudge as we explore essential Wesleyan teachings about God and the beloved community. He helps us know how to share these understandings with our families and neighbors, and more importantly, he points us to ways to live out our commitments with purpose, courage, and joy.The framework and flow of Cultivating Christlikeness make it easily adaptable for group discussion and individual use. It includes a plan for a two-day retreat for those eager to join in a more intensive experience of mutual engagement to renew their spirits and discover fresh ways to grow in love and grace. The book is a companion to Chilcote’s, Multiplying Love (Abingdon Press), which casts the theological vision that animates this practical spiritual guide. And it is an updated and expanded revision of an earlier work entitled, Wesley Speaks on Christian Vocation, originally published by Discipleship Ministries, then reissued by Wipf & Stock.
Program Evaluation: A Practical Guide for Social Work and the Helping Professions
by David RoyseHow do you uncomplicated the subject of program evaluation for students without being too simplistic? David Royse focuses on what readers really need to understand in order to apply useful program evaluation techniques in their practice serving individual clients, couples, and families. Drawing on decades of teaching this subject, he skillfully takes an incremental approach to teaching so that students aren't overwhelmed by information that they won't necessarily use in professional settings. He develops readers' interest in each new chapter's topic by incorporating real-life scenarios, excerpts from articles on program evaluation, and his own personal experiences in assessing and evaluating programs. Each chapter contains suggestions for additional reading and examples from current literature. These interesting-to-read segments not only show students that program evaluators and practitioners use these techniques, but they also gently expand readers' knowledge of the field. Helpful features such as review questions and skill assessments are found at the end of each chapter. This text is also unique in the amount of coverage it provides on cultural sensitivity―ways of understanding the concept and assessing its presence (or absence) among employees in agencies.
Superfood Slaw: Vegetable Solutions for Busy People
by Jill GreenwoodWith Superfood Slaw, it's quick, easy, and inexpensive to chop your way to health. This healthy cookbook features 60 base recipes and 120 tips on how to transform the slaws using tasty toppers—as well as how to morph them into complete meals, including soups, wraps, and bakes.These recipes of nutritionally dense, micro-chopped vegetables can be whizzed up in any food processor (or with a knife and chopping board), making preparation simple and fun for those with busy lifestyles.• Organized by nutritional benefits like immunity, energy, hydration, and recovery• Quick and easy, these healthy superfood and nutrient-dense slaw recipes are great for busy people looking to increase their vegetable intake.• Recipes work with all diets—including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and keto.Superfood Slaw is teeming with rainbow-colored nutritional boosts to empower habits for a healthier diet, boost your energy, improve your immunity, and help you recover after exercise.Get ready to embrace maximum nutrition, variety, value, and taste!• A refreshing, easy, and cheap way to eat healthy• Perfect book for fitness meal preppers, dieters, mason jar salad makers, people who are sick of zoodles, and anyone who loves superfoods• Add it to the collection of books like Inspiralized: Turn Vegetables into Healthy, Creative, Satisfying Meals by Ali Maffucci; The Healthy Smoothie Bible: Lose Weight, Detoxify, Fight Disease, and Live Long by Farnoosh Brock; and Mason Jar Salads and More: 50 Layered Lunches to Grab and Go by Julia Mirabella.
The Secrets of LEGO House: Design, Play, and Wonder in the Home of the Brick
by Jesus DiazThis guide takes you on a tour of the "home of the brick," the official LEGO® House, so you can experience it for yourself at home!With photos, interviews, essays, and art from the LEGO archives, The Secrets of LEGO House explores the visual wonders and the themed "zones"—yellow for emotions, blue for problem solving, green for social interaction, and red for creativity—within the iconic LEGO House in Billund, Denmark.The Secrets of LEGO House offers an insider's look at the creative philosophy behind the iconic brand. On each page, discover the true "secret" hidden among the 25 million LEGO bricks—that everything in the house is purposefully designed around nine core principles of learning through play.A joy for those who aren't able to visit in person, and just as exciting for those who have, The Secrets of LEGO House is a bright, colorful celebration of the endless experiences possible with LEGO bricks.• EXCLUSIVE CONTENT: This book is a perfect gift or self-purchase for avid collectors and super fans seeking new, never-before-published content.• BROAD APPEAL: This book is not only perfect for longtime LEGO collectors, but also a broader audience of fans looking to explore the history of the toy they know and love.• BELOVED BRAND: For decades, the LEGO brand has inspired billions of people to stretch the limits of their imaginations. This book captures the creativity and joy at the heart of the LEGO brand, taking readers behind the scenes to reveal the brand's core ethos and ideals.
Heroes: The Greek Myths Reimagined (Stephen Fry's Greek Myths #2)
by Stephen FryIn this sequel to the bestselling Mythos, legendary author and actor Stephen Fry moves from the exploits of the Olympian gods to the deeds of mortal heroes. Perseus. Jason. Atalanta. Theseus. Heracles. Rediscover the thrills, grandeur, and unabashed fun of the Greek myths. Whether recounting a tender love affair or a heroic triumph, Fry deftly finds resonance with our own modern minds and hearts. Illustrated throughout with classical art inspired by the myths, this gorgeous volume invites you to explore a captivating world with a brilliant storyteller as your guide.• Each adventure is infused with Fry's distinctive voice and writing style.• Connoisseurs of the Greek myths will appreciate this fresh-yet-reverential interpretation, while newcomers will feel welcome. • Retellings brim with humor and emotion."Mostly Chiron saw in the child, and the young man he became, boundless courage, athleticism, intelligence, and ambition. He saw too lots of words beginning with 'self,' which gave him pause. Self-belief, self-possession, self-righteousness, self-confidence, self-love. Perhaps these characteristics are as necessary to a hero as courage."In Heroes, Fry draws out the humor and pathos in both tender love affairs and heroic battles, and reveals each myth's relevance for our own time. • A collector's edition filled with classical art inspired by the myths and a luxe, foil-stamped jacket• Perfect gift for mythology and history buffs, lovers of ancient Greece, art aficionados, and devoted fans of Stephen Fry• Add it to the shelf with books like Circe by Madeline Miller, Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman, and Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes by Edith Hamilton
Tables & Spreads: A Go-To Guide for Beautiful Snacks, Intimate Gatherings, and Inviting Feasts
by Shelly Westerhausen WorcelFrom the author of the bestselling Platters & Boards comes a beautifully photographed recipe collection and styling guide that shows you how to easily create lovely, abundant spreads for every occasion.Tables & Spreads is a must-have cookbook and resourceful styling guide from bestselling author Shelly Westerhausen. Here are more than 60 easy-to-prepare recipes plus behind-the-scenes insight into creating a beautiful, inviting table for every occasion, including tips on choosing a theme, styling your food in creative ways, and achieving that "wow factor" with linens, flowers, music, and more. There are 20 visually striking spreads that range from Ladies Night Lettuce Wraps to a Christmas Morning Dutch Baby Party, Dips for Dinner, and a Boozy Bloody Mary Bar. Rich with gorgeous and instructive photography, Tables & Spreads is inspiring yet totally accessible, perfect for home cooks who like to host gatherings of all sizes, and those who loved Shelly's first book, Platters & Boards. Complete with timelines, shopping lists, diagrams, and more, this book includes all the tools you need to make every meal delicious and unforgettable.• NEXT LEVEL ENTERTAINING: Tables & Spreads takes easy entertaining to the next level with additional recipes and robust guidance on casual styling of beautiful platters and tables for any number of guests.• ON TREND: The simple but impactful guidelines in this book speak to the way people are eating and entertaining today—often casually, with beautiful presentation, and a "help yourself" mentality. This book teaches us how to do that elegantly and create gorgeous grazing tables whether you're preparing a "snack dinner" for one, a family brunch, or a large-scale wedding or holiday table.• FOR ALL SKILL LEVELS: Anyone can make successful, beautiful spreads with these easy-to-follow guidelines and visual inspiration. These grazing spreads offer low-effort, high-impact results with easily sourced ingredients to feed a crowd—perfect for anyone that loves to eat and entertain.Perfect for:• Fans of Shelly Westerhausen and of Platters & Boards• Ina Garten and Martha Stewart fans who are always looking for creative & tasty ideas• People who seek inspiration in tablescaping, arranging, menus, and party inspirations
The Moon Sign Guide: An Astrological Look at Your Inner Life
by Annabel GatFrom Annabel Gat, the author of The Astrology of Love & Sex, comes a fascinating guide that provides a deeper look at Moon signs—the zodiac sign the moon occupied at one's birth.Most casual fans of astrology are familiar with their Sun sign, but your Moon sign is just as essential to your astrological profile. While the Sun sign symbolizes your ego and will, your Moon sign represents your inner world, your emotional landscape—your feelings, memories, and subconscious; your fears, needs, and desires.Organized into twelve chapters, one for each Moon sign, The Moon Sign Guide details the characteristics and personality traits for each sign in relation to key aspects of life, including self-care, home, family, work, friendship, love, and compatibility. The book also includes a glimpse into progressed moons because as you age, your Moon sign changes, providing new emotional perspectives.Illustrated throughout and packaged as a lovely hardcover with foil-stamping and gilded edges, The Moon Sign Guide is an invaluable reference for astrology enthusiasts of all levels and modern mystics looking to explore lunar energies and gain deeper insights into themselves and others.EXPERT AUTHOR: Annabel Gat writes the daily and monthly horoscope column at VICE. She is a practicing astrologer certified by the International Society for Astrological Research.ACCESSIBLE: Organized into twelve easy-to-navigate chapters (from Aires Moon to Pisces Moon), this guide is packed with information that will appeal to astrology fans of all levels. And every two and half years, your progressed Moon sign changes, making this guidebook a handy reference you'll turn to for many years to come.EXCELLENT SELF-DISCOVERY TOOL: Astrology is a wonderful way to further explore and care for yourself and your emotional well-being. By learning about your Moon sign, you learn more about who you are and what you need to feel emotionally secure, safe, and nurtured.EYE-CATCHING PACKAGE: With foil stamping on the cover, silver gilded edges, and vibrant illustrations throughout, this book makes a lovely gift for zodiac lovers and anyone captivated by the powerful and mysterious moon, and an excellent companion to The Astrology of Love & Sex.Perfect for:• Astrology enthusiasts of all levels, horoscope readers, and anyone who can't get enough of all things zodiac• Fans of wicca, mysticism, spirituality, and tarot• Those who enjoyed The Astrology of Love & Sex, The Only Astrology Book You'll Ever Need, and You Were Born for This
The Snail
by Emily HughesAward-winning illustrator Emily Hughes offers a luminous picture book about the life of renowned Japanese American artist Isamu Noguchi.Isamu Noguchi is one of the most important sculptors of all time. His Akari lamps changed the way modern buildings light their space. But before he was important, he was a kid. This is his story.Noguchi was a Japanese American artist who gave the world light. The world, however, was not always so giving in return. Growing up mixed-race, born in the United States but raised in Japan, Noguchi found himself perceived as an outsider who did not belong in either country. Unable to identify fully as either Japanese or American, he conceived of himself as a snail, capable of retreating into his creative shell when the world did not embrace him. Through his art, the Snail could shape, hold, and create light—to conquer the darkness without.Poetic and searing, heart-wrenching and exquisite, Emily Hughes's paean to creativity explores emotions ravaged by a history of Japanese incarceration, the effects of personal isolation, and the power of art to heal those wounds. RENOWNED ARTIST: Isamu Noguchi's art is everywhere. You have likely seen it without knowing he was the artist—or even that it was art!IMPORTANT TOPIC: This book uses art and history to discuss mixed racial identity, making a difficult topic more accessible to young readers.STUNNING VISUALS: Hughes's illustrations are rich and evocative of the grace, power, and ephemerality of nature. Light and dark, complex yet simple, her art and storytelling echo the dual identity of Noguchi himself.PERFECT GIFT FOR ART LOVERS: The subject and the beautiful visuals make this book the ideal gift for art students, art enthusiasts, and museumgoers of all ages. Perfect for:Parents and grandparentsFans of Isamu NoguchiFans of contemporary artTeachers and librarians
Maurice
by Jessixa BagleyThe winning personality of Corduroy meets the fable-like storytelling of Extra Yarn in this uplifting story about a dog and his music amidst a changing Paris.Meet Maurice: a gifted canine who was born to share his songs with the world. Whether selling out the Palais Garnier or delighting Parisian pedestrians, music is Maurice's love language. But time and things change, and when the world stops paying attention, those notes fall flat. . . . This transcendent journey of one busking dog, who combines the power of inner strength and the gift of friendship to arrive at true self-discovery, is sure to inspire young dreamers and lift all souls in a stirring celebration of the world's inherent beauty, welcoming all who seek it.As readers follow Maurice through good times and bad in this beautifully illustrated children's book, his story shows that there's light at the end of the tunnel and even when we feel like we're at our lowest, we still have the power to meaningfully contribute to the world.PASSIONATE AND PRESENT: Maurice is a character who loves what he does, and the joy he gets from playing music allows him to appreciate the little things in life. Whether it's simply saying hello to a neighbor or reveling in the world around him, his character is present and ready with a smile, showing that if we can find it within ourselves to pursue what we love, what drives us, we are able to make the world a brighter place to be. PERENNIAL MESSAGE: Whether you're inside your home or listening to music echoing along the streets of Paris, the world can feel like a turbulent, chaotic place. This uplifting story shows that it's possible to weather great change and that even hard times eventually come to an end. GORGEOUS WATERCOLOR ARTWORK: Each page of this charming book set in Paris is awash with color and details to delight the eyes and the heart. Although he's a dog that plays the accordion, Maurice is a character almost everyone can recognize in the real world, and each scene reminds us how music like Maurice's scores city streets, parks, plazas, and markets. Readers young, old, and in between will love this fresh, deeply felt story about those members of society we may forget to appreciate despite their impact on us all. REASSURING MESSAGE: Inevitably in life, there are moments of loneliness and sadness. This story comforts young readers by showing them that, even when we feel alone and forgotten, there is always an audience and a community that will listen and accept us. All we have to do is share ourselves with those around us.Perfect for:Dog lovers and music loversParents and grandparents seeking kids' books about music, generosity, empathy, and communityTeachers and librarians to add to their picture book collection for toddler, preschool, and early readersFans of such classics as Madeline, The Story of Ferdinand, and Where the Wild Things Are
Senbazuru: One Thousand Steps to Happiness, Fold by Fold
by Michael James WongFold your way to happiness through the inspiring philosophy of Senbazuru—the tradition of folding one thousand paper cranes—with a leading voice in the global mindfulness movement as your guide.In Japan, the paper crane is a symbol of peace, hope, and healing. It is considered the "bird of happiness," a mystical and majestic creature that according to myth can live for a thousand years. Tradition has it that if a person were to fold one thousand paper cranes in a single year, they would be gifted one special wish that would grant long life, healing from illness or injury, and eternal happiness. The tradition of folding one thousand paper cranes is called Senbazuru ("sen" meaning "one thousand" and "orizuru" meaning "paper crane"). In this book, renowned yoga and meditation teacher Michael James Wong brings Senbazuru to life as an inspiring philosophy that encourages slowing down and taking many small steps on our own personal path. This is a book of small steps and gentle wisdoms to heal your soul and help you find your own path to happiness.FOR READERS OF: Ikigai and Dot Journaling, and fans of mindful craft like coloring books and puzzles.ORIGAMI IS THE NEW MINDFUL CRAFT: Fans of coloring books and puzzles will flock to this trend for its ease, versatility, and affordability.FOR FANS OF JAPANESE CULTURE: This will appeal to readers of books like Ikigai and A Little Book of Japanese Contentments.EXPERT AUTHOR: Wong is the founder of Just Breathe, an organization focused on bringing mindfulness into the real world. He hosts events; speaks regularly in the UK, Australia, and California; and partners with brands like Rituals and international festivals like Wanderlust. He has nearly 40,000 followers on Instagram, and his work has been featured in The Telegraph, BBC Radio, Mind Body Green, Women's Health, Men's Health, Yahoo! News, Well + Good, and more.CHARITY PROJECT: Through Michael's charity partnership, Cranes of Hope, his corporate sponsors will donate £1 to a COVID relief fund for everyone who makes and sends in a paper crane. The cranes are going to be built into an amazing installation in St. Paul's Cathedral in London, where an event will be held to mourn those lost to COVID and bring hope for the future. Details on U.S. events to come.A PRACTICE OF PATIENCE FOR HEALING AND WELLNESS: As we've had to take a step back from socializing and cancel plans during the pandemic, we have all been reminded of what it means to really slow down. The origami practice is not, like most things today, a work of self-gratification but rather a work of patience and discovery. Wong's origami technique forces readers to breathe deeply and slow down, soothing the mind and soul.Perfect for: enthusiasts of mindfulness, wellness, yoga, origami; coloring book / puzzle aficionados; parentsDigital audio edition introduction read by the author.
Bright Cooking: Recipes for the Modern Palate
by Camille Becerra"Anyone interested in committing to a more mindful approach to cooking … will joyfully embrace Becerra’s dazzling, flavor-punched collection of recipes."—Library Journal From celebrated chef and tastemaker Camille Becerra: a uniquely beautiful primer that teaches home cooks new ways of cooking and thinking about nourishing, flavorful foods. Great food should look beautiful, taste special, and make you feel good. In Bright Cooking, her highly anticipated first cookbook, Camille Becerra, acclaimed chef at the Ace Hotel’s As You Are, offers 140+ fresh, natural dishes to boost one’s body and mood with plant-based, healthful ingredients. More than 90 foundational pantry basics—mother sauces, broths, dusts, finishing oils, and more—are combined in uncommon and uncomplicated ways to create 50+ eat-anytime dishes. Say you went to the farmers’ market and bought some beautiful chicories. From there, you could add some Chili Mushroom Pickle and swirl on some Crispy Honey Chile Oil from your pantry to create Maple Chicories with Chile Honey. Maybe you’re not in the mood to put together an involved meal, but you picked up some squash at the market—you could char it and nestle it in a cloud of Fennel Pollen Yogurt with a dusting of pistachios for a thrown-together treat, or add Coconut-Ginger Broth and curry paste to create a warming, brothy bowl. Bright Cooking inspires you to create based on what you have in your kitchen, what you hunger for, and what your body is asking for. With advice throughout on adding big flavor and playfulness to your repertoire, Bright Cooking is a uniquely beautiful primer that teaches home cooks new ways of cooking and thinking about nourishing, flavorful food. After you work your way through the book, you’ll only be a smear of this, a few sprinkles of that, and a pinch of flourish away from confidence and creative freedom in the kitchen—and you’ll feel amazing, inside and out. CELEBRATED CHEF & TASTEMAKER WITH DEDICATED FOLLOWING: Camille Becerra is an "it" girl in the food world, both for her dishes and her style in and out of the kitchen. Featured in the New York Times Style Magazine, Bon Appetit, Vogue, Refinery 29, Elle, Condé Nast Traveler, Martha Stewart Living, Kinfolk, and on the cover of Cherry Bombe, to name just a few, her cooking and food styling are iconic—instantly recognizable, covetable, gorgeous, and packed with nutrients. HEALTHY RECIPES DONE RIGHT: As a pioneer of the healthy chic food movement, Becerra represents her ideals through the plant-based and pescatarian recipes in this book. Her philosophy is that food should look beautiful, have dimensions of flavor, and make one feel good after eating it, all while nurturing one’s immune system with superfoods to maximize nutrients. EASY, SUSTAINABLE WELLNESS: Becerra's crafted approach to cooking comes from the many styles of restaurants in which she has experience: macrobiotic, vegetarian, local, organic, and sustainable. Recipes utilize every component of each ingredient, resulting in well-rounded flavors and no food waste.Perfect for: Skilled and beginner home cooks People looking to dip their toes into a plant-based diet for health and/or environmental reasons Fans of publications such as Cherry Bombe, Kinfolk, and Domino Well-rounded foodies with an interest in fashion and design Inspired gift-giving for birthday, wedding shower, or housewarming
Oh No, the Aunts Are Here
by Adam RexEvery family has its special aunt: the cool aunt, the wacky aunt, the scary aunt. But this family has ALL THE AUNTS. Shhh, listen. Do you hear that?Oh no. Oh dear. Oh . . . my . . . godmother. They've traveled on planes, in taxis, and across state lines. And now they're here at the doorstep, a cheesy gift in one hand, the other poised for a pinch on the cheek.IT'S THE AUNTS! THE AUNTS ARE HERE. One girl's all-too-recognizable experience—a visit from a troupe of overwhelming and overly enthusiastic relations—escalates to new heights of chaos, absurdity, and delight in a laugh-out-loud take on family reunions. Written with signature humor by Adam Rex and illustrated by Lian Cho, this picture book is a celebration of the universal and endearing strangeness of family.MULTIGENERATIONAL FAMILY SHENANIGANS: The antics of our silliest family members are never not funny. This uniquely hilarious and authentic observation of aunts and uncles sets this book apart from other sweet family-based stories, which tend to take a more sentimental approach.LAUGH-OUT-LOUD FAMILY FUN: This book provides a truly different kind of lightheartedness and is perfect for those who love Your Baby's First Word Will Be DADA and Goodnight Already. Any family can enjoy and bond over the common experience this book speaks to so humorously.GREAT READ-ALOUD: This book's irrepressible rhythm and its witty observations make it perfect for family read-alouds or library reading circles.BELOVED AUTHOR: Adam Rex books are beloved by librarians, booksellers, and readers of all ages. He is the creator of many modern classics, including School's First Day of School, Frankenstein Makes a Sandwich, and The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors.FUN FOR KIDS: Even for families with normal aunts or no aunts at all, the quirky situations this character faces, and the ways her aunts save the day, will delight any child reader.Perfect for:Parents, grandparents, aunts, and unclesLibrarians and teachers seeking funny picture books to shareAnyone looking for humorous illustrated children's books or read-aloud family booksBirthday, holiday, or Mother's Day gift for aunts, nieces, nephews, or for the familyFans of Adam Rex, Mo Willems, Drew Daywalt, Mac Barnett, Jory John, and Kevin Henkes
Green Dumb Guide to Houseplants: 45 Unfussy Plants That Are Easy to Grow and Hard to Kill
by Holly Theisen-JonesFor those who want to take care of houseplants but can hardly take care of themselves, The Green Dumb Guide to Houseplants is the perfect handbook for even the most greenery-inept individual.We all love the idea of houseplants, and maybe you've stood by helplessly as a cactus went all slimy or you've endured the perpetual indoor autumn of an unhappy Ficus. Good news—all of the plants in this book have two things in common: They're easy to find and hard to kill.The benefits of plant ownership are legion. Studies indicate just being around plants creates a relaxing effect on people. And plants make great roommates—no Peace Lily will ever criticize you for quitting your workout video to go finish a box of Triscuits. Does your bedroom have a mattress on the floor and Christmas lights taped to the wall? Put a Money Tree in the corner. Instant upgrade! Are you a corporate lackey trapped under fluorescent lights and a drop-tile ceiling? A colorful Calathea or a chunky little Aloe could help restore your will to live. The Green Dumb Guide to Houseplants is full of useful advice, crucial dos and don'ts, and realistic inspiration for all budgets and attention spans—ensuring success to even the most risk-averse, commitment-phobic indoor gardeners.THE EASIEST POSSIBLE GUIDE TO LEARNING THE BASICS OF PLANT CARE: No skills needed, except knowing how to read this book.FORTY-FIVE HOUSEPLANT PROFILES: EACH ONE EASY TO FIND AND HARD TO KILL: Divided into difficulty sections ranging from "Practically Plastic," "Chill," "Fussy," or "Master Gardener" (only one of those!), this handy houseplant book ensures you choose the right plant for your level of commitment.IF ALL ELSE FAILS, A BONUS SECTION ON HOW TO CHOOSE PLASTIC PLANTS: Shade doesn't only come from plants! Take your absolutely true advice with a healthy dose of humor.Perfect for:Everyone who has ever tried and failed to grow houseplantsDIY decoratorsAnyone starting out in a new home or apartmentA great gift for grads, newlyweds, and hosts or hostesses (along with a plant, of course)
The Apartment House on Poppy Hill
by Nina LaCourWinner of the 2024 Lambda Literary Award for LGBTQ+ Children's Literature A charming new chapter book by bestselling author Nina LaCour. Welcome to 1106 Wildflower Place: It is no ordinary apartment house, but you, reader, are no ordinary visitor. So, please, come in!Two new tenants have just arrived, and nine-year-old Ella is determined to help them settle in. Who better to teach them about the glitchy lights and the nighttime noises? After all, Ella knows all the neighbors. Well, almost all. No one has met the mysterious Robinsons who live on the top floor. Will a special neighborly celebration change all that? This bighearted chapter book by bestselling author Nina LaCour, highlighted by lively illustrations throughout, celebrates community, friendship, family, and home. It is a place of walking dogs that aren't yours, keeping surprises secret, and making everyone feel welcome.Here, the eccentric joy of Armistead Maupin's Tales of The City merges seamlessly with the antic fun of Ivy + Bean, the family tenderness of The Penderwicks, and the madcap adventure of Eloise in an irresistible story that will leave you eager for the next one!BESTSELLING, AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR: Nina LaCour is a highly acclaimed author of both YA and adult novels. This is her first novel for younger readers and a terrific introduction of a talented writer to the next generation.HILARIOUSLY UNIVERSAL: Ella is a strong protagonist that readers of all ages and genders will love. She is bighearted, curious, and just a tad mischievous.DIVERSE CAST OF CHARACTERS: Featuring many different family structures, this story is wonderfully diverse and inclusive. Any reader can imagine themselves living at 1106 Wildflower Place.DRAWN FROM AUTHOR'S PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: The charming characters and their stories were conjured by LaCour and her young daughter during the long walks they took through San Francisco during the early days of Covid-19 and inspired by the people they encountered along the way.Perfect for:Parents, teachers, and librariansGift-givers looking for entertaining chapter books for kids who enjoy stories full of humor and heartReaders who love such bestselling book series as Ivy + Bean, Clementine, Judy Moody, and Junie B. Jones
LEGO in Focus
by LegoA vibrant and adventurous LEGO® photography book that sees the world in LEGO bricks and minifigures.LEGO® In Focus celebrates the boundless creativity of LEGO play through stunning brick and minifigure photography. Look through the lens of 50 toy photographers as they imagine the world from a LEGO point of view.This distinctive collection from creators across the globe explores minifigure-sized perspectives on nature, urban life, travel and adventure, and much more.From diving into the ocean's depths and seeking shelter in a snowstorm, to dancing at a washing machine disco and enjoying ice cream on a summer day, each image offers surprises and hidden humor, while sharpening our focus to the magic of play. Detailed captions and behind-the-scenes progress images take us deeper into the bricks and elements that connect us. LEGO® In Focus is the perfect experiential, imaginative photography book for LEGO builders and dreamers alike.TOY PHOTOGRAPHY FOR LEGO FANS, BY LEGO FANS: The art for this beautiful coffee table book was provided by two talented fan photography communities, Brick Central and Stuck in Plastic. Each of these global communities works closely with the LEGO Group to engage Adult Fans of LEGO (AFOLs).FIRST OF IT'S KIND: Never before have adult LEGO fan communities from across the globe come together quite like this. An original concept, this book offers beautiful photography plus quiet humor that fans of LEGO photography books like Small Scenes from a Large Galaxy will love.ADULTS WELCOME: One of The LEGO Group's largest growing demographics is grown-ups, including the fan communities that contributed to this dynamic and colorful book.BROAD APPEAL: This book is not only perfect for longtime LEGO collectors, but also a broader audience of casual fans looking to explore the toy they know and love.BELOVED BRAND: For decades, the LEGO brand has inspired billions of people to stretch the limits of their imaginations. This collection captures the creativity and joy for all ages at the heart of the LEGO brand.Perfect for:Parents and gift giversPhotographers Avid LEGO collectors and casual fans
LEGO Build Every Day: Ignite Your Creativity and Find Your Flow
by Alec PostaA collection of inspirational, bite-sized lessons on creativity and life taught through LEGO® brick building.A handful of LEGO® bricks can change the way you see the world. They can ignite your creativity, help you solve problems, focus, and find your flow. In LEGO® Build Every Day, Master Model builder Alec Posta show readers how to build their way through problems—by using LEGO techniques to solve real life challenges. Filled with bite-sized lessons on creativity, perspective, and process, each illustrated chapter explores a LEGO concept and follows with a building prompt to put the idea into practice. Its bold typographic design and thought-provoking topics and prompts make LEGO® Build Every Day a thoughtful gift for graduates of all ages, or anyone in need of inspiration at a milestone moment. What might you discover about yourself by simply sitting down and building something every day?BITE-SIZED TOPICS: Readers can dip in and out or read all 22 mini-chapters in one sitting.IDEAS INTO ACTION: Each inspirational topic is followed by a building prompt or activity, to motivate readers to put what they've learned to work, right away.INSPIRATION FOR LIFE: The lessons in this book starts with LEGO building concepts, but translate to all parts of life—whether your writing, drawing, composing, acting, competing, or working toward a goal at school, work, or home. This book is meant to help readers overcome creative challenges of all kinds.BOLD DESIGN: Each chapter is a visual treat, with bold typography, colors, and a modern take on iconic LEGO bricks and minifigures. The perfect LEGO gift for grads, dads, and all LEGO lovers of all ages.GO BACK TO THE LEGO BIN: Rediscover what you can do with the bricks you already own. You can build something every day—no new sets needed!Perfect for: Ages 12+, LEGO fans, adult LEGO fans, graduates, parents, dadsLEGO, the LEGO logo, and the Brick and Knob configurations are trademarks of the LEGO Group. ©2022 The LEGO Group. All rights reserved.
LEGO Heroes: LEGO® Builders Changing Our World—One Brick at a Time
by Graham HancockLEGO® Heroes is a collection of twelve remarkable stories featuring everyday heroes using the LEGO® system in innovative ways to solve global challenges.Meet twelve visionary builders from around the globe who have turned LEGO® play into life-altering innovations through immense curiosity, creativity, passion, and a handful of LEGO bricks. From a wheelchair for an injured turtle to customized prosthetic arms to lab research for coral reef preservation, each chapter showcases individuals of all ages and backgrounds who have applied the LEGO System in Play to solve some of life’s greatest challenges in the fields of technology, sustainability, education, and more. With inspiring messages of imagination and problem-solving through play, readers will be moved by this heartwarming celebration of people who are changing the world . . . one brick at a time.LEGO, the LEGO logo, and the Brick and Knob configurations are trademarks of the LEGO Group. ©2023 The LEGO Group. All rights reserved.MORE THAN A TOY: LEGO® Heroes takes a new and unique look at the worlds’ most beloved toy. These innovators of all ages are finding real-world applications for LEGO bricks to make the world a better place.GREAT GIFT FOR AFOLs: Adult-fans-of-LEGO® will love this fascinating collection of stories about their favorite pastime. With interesting tidbits and moving takeaways, this book will inspire LEGO® fans to use their building knowledge in a new, life-changing way.BELOVED BRAND: For decades, the LEGO® brand has inspired billions of people to stretch the limits of their imaginations. This book captures the long-standing boundless imagination, creativity, innovation, and care at the heart of the LEGO® brand.Perfect for:Ages 12+Adult fans of LEGOGift giversEngineersCreativesArchitectsActivists
Tales of Polynesia: Folktales from Hawai'I, New Zealand, Tahiti, and Samoa
by Yiling ChanguesExplore the enchanting world of Polynesian folklore in this beautifully illustrated collection of traditional stories.A woman falls in love with the king of the sharks. Two powerful sorcerers compete in a battle of magical wits. The king of Maui's fastest messenger races to bring a young woman back from the dead. In these traditional tales, the borders blur between life and death, reality and magic, and land and sea.This volume includes legends from Hawai'i, New Zealand, Tahiti, and Samoa, showcasing the rich narrative tradition of the Polynesian islands. You'll encounter awe-inspiring warriors, tricky magicians, and fearsome creatures of the deep. Each tale is paired with evocative contemporary art, creating a special illustrated edition to read, share, and treasure across generations. POPULAR SERIES: The Tales series gives new life to traditional stories. Celebrating the richness of folklore around the world, and featuring the work of beloved contemporary illustrators, these books are treasured by adults and teens alike.TALES THAT TRANSPORT YOU: These folktales are deeply rooted in the landscape of the Polynesian islands. Dramatic mountain peaks, secluded valleys, and mesmerizing ocean vistas offer striking settings for timeless stories of magic.GORGEOUS SPECIAL EDITION: With a mesmerizing full-page illustration for each story, as well as creamy paper, a ribbon page marker, and a handsome hardcover design, this edition is perfect for gifting and display.Perfect for:Adult, young adult, and teen fans of fairy tales, folklore, myths, legends, and historyReaders with Polynesian heritage or interested in Polynesian cultureIllustration and art loversCollectors of illustrated classics and such popular mythology books as D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths or Bulfinch's MythologyFans of MoanaFans of the illustrator Yiling Changues
Creative Business Handbook: Follow Your Passions and Be Your Own Boss
by Alicia Puig Ekaterina PopovaOffering veteran insight and friendly, actionable advice from two self-made women who manage three six-figure businesses, this practical handbook acts as a roadmap to guide anyone wanting to build a profitable venture out of their creative passion.Figuring out how to make a living from your creative work poses unique challenges and obstacles. From choosing the right business model to building a brand, from managing your time to scaling up your production—starting your own creative business often means doing it all yourself. Enter The Creative Business Handbook by Alicia Puig and Ekaterina Popova, the dynamic duo behind Create! Magazine.With its conversational tone and accessible advice, this handbook lays an essential foundation for anyone wanting to earn a living with their art—no fancy business degree required! In addition to nuts-and-bolts advice based on the authors' real-life experiences, each chapter of the book includes an interview with a creative entrepreneur from a different background and craft, and ends with action steps that will help keep you on track. Written by creative business owners for creative business owners, this is the perfect book for anyone with a vision who is ready to hit the ground running.EXPERT AUTHORS: Informed by the authors' decades of experience founding and managing three successful creative businesses—as well as the lessons they learned from some projects that didn't stand the test of time—this book offers tried-and-true advice for artists looking to get their creative enterprises off the ground and achieve real financial success. Popova and Puig have also included interviews with other self-employed creatives across a variety of fields, giving you a window into the myriad paths available to you as you embark on your entrepreneurial journey.FOR ALL CREATIVES: This book offers real wisdom for starting and sustaining your unique creative business no matter your passion, whether you are a career artist looking to make a living outside of the gallery space, an experienced freelance writer interested in mentoring your peers, or a podcaster who dreams of sustaining yourself by making content that you genuinely care about. From advice about best marketing practices to striking the ever-elusive work-life balance, this guide will help you to understand the business side of your creative practice.Perfect for:Artists, designers, makers, illustrators—recent graduates and budding professionals—looking to start their own businessesCreative people exploring career ideas and looking for practical advice and inspirationGraduation, birthday, or holiday gift for artistic and entrepreneurial friends and loved onesReaders of Create! Magazine, Steal Like an Artist, Big Magic, and Untamed
Some of These Are Snails
by Carter HigginsPress Here meets Eric Carle in a concept book that makes familiar ideas exciting and surprising.From the creative mind behind Circle Under Berry comes this deceptively simple concept book that explores sorting, classification, and patterns as it teases the brain in unusual ways. With an elegant and simple approach, this thought-provoking book shows young readers that even the most familiar things can be seen from infinite perspectives. As with the best classic children's books, you read it once, read it ten times—and see something new every time.MULTIPLE WAYS TO READ: The author has provided creative and helpful suggestions for different ways in which to read this book for varying reading levels and age ranges, making it truly versatile.PACKED LEARNING VALUE: The unusual approach to colors, shapes, and animals intelligently introduces young readers to patterns, classification, and problem solving. The imaginative language, rich with rhythmic phrasing and playfulness, begs to be read aloud.WIDE APPEAL FOR SCHOOL AND LIBRARY USE: Carter Higgins presents engaging learning with a variety of concepts. With its clear read-aloud qualities, this is ideal for teachers and librarians who organize reading events in their classrooms and communities. UNIQUE DESIGN: The art style for this book, with playful nods to Eric Carle and Hervé Tullet, stands out from the pack in ways that will resonate with children as well as adults. It sits beautifully on any shelf—from classroom to home libraries.TALENTED AUTHOR: Carter Higgins has many successful titles across multiple age groups, including Circle Under Berry, Everything You Need for a Treehouse, This is Not a Valentine, Bikes for Sale, Big and Small and In-Between, and Audrey L and Audrey W.Circle Under Berry[star] "[V]isually striking . . . positively begging to be read aloud." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review[star] "[D]rawing readers" attention while achieving real grace . . ." —Publishers Weekly, starred review"[S]parkling and ingenious . . . positively tingles." —The Wall Street Journal "A triumph of design and a beacon of possibility." —The Horn Book Magazine"[A] striking exploration of shapes, colors, and patterns . . ." —Booklist Reviews Everything You Need for a Treehouse"Get ready for your imagination to explode!" —NPR Best Books of the Year"[A] feast for the imagination." —Book Page"This book urges adventure and creativity." —School Library JournalThis is Not a Valentine "An enduring message of friendship." —School Library Journal"A perfect book for kids who find the whole Valentine's Day holiday icky and overrated." —Book Riot"Recognizes that you can don't need sugary hearts and mushy sentiment to show you care." &mdash:Newsday"Heartwarmingly funny." —Entertainment WeeklyBikes for Sale"Celebrates the ways in which serendipity can lead to friendship and sharing." —Booklist"A sweet, quiet, different take on new-friendship." —Kirkus ReviewsBig and Small and In-Between[star] "[V]isually stunning and emotionally rich . . ." —School Library Journal, starred review"[A] profoundly moving, charmingly crafted picture book." —The New York Times"[A]n abstract journey with many turns and surprises." —Publishers Weekly Audrey L and Audrey W"Funny and engaging." —Kirkus Reviews"This sweet series-starter holds plenty of promise." —Booklist"[S]ensitive and gently humorous." —Shelf Awareness"A great addition to libraries where memorable girls like Ivy + Bean and Judy Moody are popular." —School Library Journal"[Readers] will find their sweet spot with this easy reader." —The Bulletin of the Center for Children's BooksPerfect for:Parents and grandparents seeking engaging, interactive books for kidsTeachers, librarians, educators, and caregivers of children ranging from toddlers to emerging readersClassroom gift book for preschool, kindergarten, art teachersBaby shower, birthday, and holiday gift givingFans of Carter Higgins, Eric Carle, and Laura Vaccaro SeegerFans of fun educational books
Dear Intern
by Mara Nelson-GreenbergEveryone makes mistakes—especially in their first job. Cringe and commiserate with the everyday missteps and epic workplace screwups in this collection of self-confessed blunders from disaster‑prone‑yet‑good‑intentioned interns finding their footing in professional settings.All tenured professionals know that detours and mishaps are an essential rite of passage en route to a successful career—but that doesn't make them any less funny. This curated collection of true intern confessions, from minor mistakes to major messes, is the workplace humor book everyone can relate to. Whether spilling coffee on the boss's laptop or drunkenly sending out a personal tweet on the company's Twitter account, these first-hand stories comprise a cringe- and compassion-inducing celebration of the many memorable blunders that can (and do) happen in our entry‑level years.UNIQUE ADULTING BOOK: This one-of-a-kind collection of hilarious intern stories is the perfect way for current and past interns and entry-level newbies to commiserate over embarrassing moments and lessons learned. RELATABLE HUMOR: Whether you are about to start an internship, currently are an intern, or were once an intern, these stories are a great reminder that levity in the workplace makes all the difference in getting through any given day. Everyone has humiliating slipups, and it is comforting to share them.GREAT GIFT FOR GRADS: What better way to celebrate the trials and tribulations of the workforce than a book poking fun at interns and their amusing mistakes? For anyone from recent graduates to long-standing coworkers, this is perfect as a funny first-job gift or work-iversary present.Perfect for:Graduates and young professionalsGift-giving between coworkers or from bosses to internsComedy and humor fansShort story and essay collection readersFans of The Office, Parks and Recreation, and Office Space
A Sense of Shifting: Queer Artists Reshaping Dance
by Coco RomackEnter the groundbreaking world of queer dance in this gorgeous collection of stories and photographs.Two women hold each other tight as they dance the two-step. A fierce-eyed man in a long red dress performs flamenco. A dancer improvises in a blooming garden, blending diverse influences into a style all their own. This book showcases twelve individual artists and dance companies who are reclaiming traditional genres and building inclusive dance communities. Whether professionals or amateurs, ballerinas or experimental performers, pole dancers or line dancers, these artists embody the queer experience in unique ways. Photographer Yael Malka invites us into an intimate, visceral experience of rehearsals and performances, and writer Coco Romack offers wide-ranging reflections on the creative process drawn from in-depth interviews with the dancers. This beautiful book documents the rise of a new generation of artists and will inspire dance lovers, LGBTQIA+ creators, and anyone who delights in the power of the human body in motion.INSPIRING STORIES: The stories in this book represent a distinctive slice of the LGBTQIA+ experience. For dancers, whose art form is inseparable from their bodies, gender expression entwines with creative expression in challenging and liberating ways. The artists featured here generously explore their journeys in the interviews, while the photographs show the joy to be found in the queer dance community.BEAUTIFUL PRIDE GIFT: This collection is the perfect gift for anyone interested in the intersections of art, identity, and activism. With a deluxe art-book treatment and stunning photographs, the book can be proudly displayed on your coffee table or presented to the creative activist in your life.INCLUSIVE AND INTERSECTIONAL: This collection highlights a truly diverse array of experiences. The stories delve into the experiences of dancing in a wheelchair, navigating the intersections of gender and race, engaging with cultural inheritance on one's own terms, and even striving to make non-activist art when simply existing as a queer person can be a political action. The various dance styles and body types featured emphasize this book's welcoming, inclusive tone. Whether you love to dance or watch from the audience, identify as LGBTQIA+ or as an ally, this book is for you.Perfect for:Dancers and dance enthusiastsPeople interested in contemporary dance styles and dance companiesFans of portrait and performance photographyLGBTQIA+ artists, activists, and alliesReaders seeking inspiring art and storiesFans of portrait anthologies and storytelling projects like Humans of New YorkFans of LGBTQIA+ photobooks like Loving: a Photographic History of Men In Love 1850s–1950s, We Are Everywhere, and Queer Love In Color