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The Patron Saint of Butterflies

Lighting a Lamp: A Diwali Story (Festival Time)

Books in the Festival Time series describe the activities of typical families as parents and children celebrate some of their culture?s major holidays. Attractive color illustrations on every page will appeal to younger children. The simply yet delightfully told stories describe the festivities while giving children background information about holidays in many different cultures. A two-page spread at the back of each book contains information for parents, and includes suggestions on ways to communicate the holiday?s meaning to kids. Diwali is the Hindu five-day festival of lights that welcomes in the lunar new year. It is celebrated on the 15th day of the dark fortnight of the Hindu month of Ashwin, or Aasho, which occurs in October or November, depending on the lunar calendar. During the festival, tell stories that relate to the holiday, exchange gifts of sweets, light candles, and attend elaborate fireworks displays. The holiday is marked by an abundance of lights displayed in homes and businesses.

I Once Was a Monkey: Stories Buddha Told

"In a sort of story-within-a-story form, Lee presents six short Jatakas, or 'birth stories,' drawn from Buddhist literature...The appealing character of the monkey will pull children into the tales, which convey lessons in a direct yet gentle way that is never preachy. The accompanying linocut illustrations are lovely."-Booklist

School's Out (Always Trouble Somewhere Series, Book 1)

School's Out! And so is Rachel, with trouble following close on her barefooted heels! Nine-year-old Rachel Yoder is a delightfully high-spirited Amish girl who finds plenty of trouble amid the rolling hills of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. When she's not getting locked in a root cellar, bringing frogs to church, or taking wild buggy rides, she's setting fireflies free and trying out new skateboards in all the wrong places.

A Date with Dad (and Other Calamities) (Adventures in Odyssey)

Tamika is growing up, but Ed's the last to get it. How would you like to drive around in a life-size hot dog? With your dad?! Meanwhile the newest wordsmith in town--that would be Connie--may not get published at all if she can't beat a bad case of writer's block. Over at Whit's End, Bart Rathbone is the new intern--hide the valuables for safekeeping! Check out small-town living at its zaniest. A Date with Dad (and Other Calamities) explores responsibility, growing up, and other themes. Bonus features include the first-ever audio commentary with the writers and producers! Listen to the episode "Switch," then learn how the show was created, fun facts on sound design, and much more in a separate 25 minute bonus track.

For over 18 years, Adventures in Odyssey has been written and produced by award-winning professionals. Each half-hour audio drama utilizes original music and film-quality sound design. Recorded in Los Angles, the voice talent on Adventures in Odyssey has been featured in such films as The Land Before Time, Charlotte's Web, Mickey's Christmas Carol, and thousands more!

Episode titles (and themes)

• Dead Ends (God's Provision)
• A Cheater Cheated (The Golden Rule)
• The Poor Rich Guy (Bible Study)
• Bringing Up Dads (Respecting Parents)
• Broken-Armed and Dangerous (Guilt)
• The Impossible (God's Sovereignty)
• Three O'clock Call (God as Father)
• Switch (Managing Money)
• Now More than Ever (Being There for a Friend)
• Around the Block (Persistence)
• A Time for Action, Part I (Taking Action)
• A Time for Action, Part II (Taking Action)

Grandad's Prayers of the Earth

A beautiful and moving picture book about the bond between a grandparent and child—and the enduring spirit of love.

"Grandad and I likes to go for walks in the woods together. We didn't walk very far. Or very fast. Or very straight. While we walked, I would ask him questions about things I wasn't sure of. One day, I asked Grandad about prayers.

"'Did you know, boy,' Grandad whispered, 'that trees pray?'"

Grandad is the boy's best friend. Being with him always makes the world seem right. And how vast that world is. A world of tall trees that reach for the clouds and sun and moon and stars—and what else is reaching for heaven but a prayer?

Each time that he and Grandad walk in the woods, the boy listens for the prayers of the earth. And while he isn't always sure he hears them, Grandad's words inspire him to keep listening.

Finally, the boy asks the hardest question of all: "Are our prayers answered, Grandad?"

And, one day, long after Grandad is gone, after many, many prayers, after the boy is grown, he understands Grandad's reply: "Most prayers are not really questions. And if we listen very closely, a prayer is often its own answer."

Douglas Wood, author of OLD TURTLE, has written a wise and moving story for readers of all ages. With paintings by acclaimed artist P. J. Lynch, this beautiful and uplifting picture book just may change your life forever.

Thank You Prayer (My First Taggies Book)

Thank you for the world so sweet. Thank you for the food we eat. Thank you for the birds that sing. Thank you, God, for everything. Simply and sweetly worded and illustrated, this new addition to the Taggies cloth book collection is sure to entice babies and toddlers. Its the perfect bedtime read-aloud for thankful parents and their little ones!

Samsara Dog

Based on Buddhist concepts of Samsara and Nirvana, this moving story about love and life, death and dying, will touch every reader.

Back to School (Always Trouble Somewhere Series, Book 2)

Rachel's back in school in Lancaster County! And that's where trouble finds her once again! Except this time, trouble is spelled O-R-L-I-E. That's the name of the new boy--the freckle-faced kid with a nasty cowlick--who has an ornery attitude when it comes to Rachel. From mixed-up school lunches to playground high jinks, these two Amish kids are off on the wrong bare foot. Will nine-year-old Rachel be able to survive Orlie's constant teasing? Can anything good come from this mayhem and madness?

Does My Head Look Big In This?

Sixteen-year-old Amal makes the decision to start wearing the hijab full-time and everyone has a reaction. Her parents, her teachers, her friends, people on the street. But she stands by her decision to embrace her faith and all that it is, even if it does make her a little different from everyone else.

Can she handle the taunts of "towel head," the prejudice of her classmates, and still attract the cutest boy in school? Brilliantly funny and poignant, Randa Abdel-Fattah's debut novel will strike a chord in all teenage readers, no matter what their beliefs.