Here are twelve stories from thriller writer Howard Losness, beginning with the tale of a man who refuses to act his age. You'll read about the deal he makes with a Mr. Sattan in return for his youth and the consequences thereof. Then there is Harm, who is living the good life with his wife and family, until the arrival of a letter announcing an additional member that he hadn't counted on, or even knew about. Charlie finds his dream girl and marries her, only to give everyone at the wedding reception the surprise of their lives. And then there is Paddy O'Toole, a gangster wannabe. Wait until you read what fate has in store for this fool. No collection of short stories would be complete without a 'Who done it'. In The Butler Did It, you'll discover Howard Losness' version of not one butler, but a plane full of them. In each of Howard Losness' short stories you will find yourself drawn into the lives and dilemmas that his characters create for themselves.

Basic Buddhist teachings presented in an easy, conversational style, comprised of parables and stories from the world-renowned spiritual teacher’s own childhood experiences A significantly expanded edition combining the previous edition with Under the Rose Apple Tree, plus several new stories—over 2 dozen practices for kids and grown-ups to do together Written in a highly accessible style that doesn’t rely on lot of jargon or difficult vocabulary, Thich Nhat Hanh emphasizes the importance of the present moment through vivid metaphors, original allegories, and colorful stories. Young readers will learn about handling anger, living in the present moment, and the interconnectedness of all things. Thich Nhat Hanh offers various practices that children can do on their own or with others that will help them to transform anger or unhappiness. They’ll learn techniques to reconnect to the wonders of nature and the joy of living in the present moment. This revised edition contains teachings and stories that the whole family can benefit from, as well as practices such as transforming anger in the family, instructions on how to invite the bell, breathing and sitting meditation, touching the Buddha inside, and others. These simple teachings on spirituality and awareness provide thought-provoking advice and practices for children to use again and again. Including 10 black & white illustrations by Philippe Ames and Nguyen Thi Hop.

A playful, illustrated guide to one of the best known and most innovative meditation practices for young children experiencing stress, difficulty focusing, and difficult emotions Developed by Thich Nhat Hanh as part of the Plum Village community’s practice with children, pebble meditation is a playful and fun activity that parents and educators can do with their children to introduce them to meditation. It is designed to involve children in a hands-on and creative way that touches on their interconnection with nature. Practicing pebble meditation can help relieve stress, increase concentration, nourish gratitude, and can help children deal with difficult emotions. A Handful of Quiet is a concrete activity that parents and educators can introduce to children in school settings, in their local communities or at home, in a way that is meaningful and inviting. Any adult wishing to plant seeds of peace, relaxation, and awareness in children will find this unique meditation guide helpful. Children can also enjoy doing pebble meditation on their own.

This is a book about the simple pleasure of pebble spotting. Clarence Ellis is a charming, knowledgeable and witty guide to everything you didn't know there was to know about pebbles. He ruminates on what a pebble actually is, before showing us how they are formed, advising on the best pebble-spotting grounds in the UK, helping to identify individual stones, and giving tips on the necessary kit. You'll know your chert from your schist, your onyx from your agate, and will be on your guard for artificial intruders before you know it. Understanding the humble pebble makes a trip to the beach, lake-side or river bank simply that little bit more fascinating.

The twentieth-anniversary edition of Marion Blumenthal Lazan’s acclaimed Holocaust memoir features new material by the author, a reading group guide, a map, and additional photographs. “The writing is direct, devastating, with no rhetoric or exploitation. The truth is in what’s said and in what is left out.”—ALA Booklist (starred review) Marion Blumenthal Lazan’s unforgettable and acclaimed memoir recalls the devastating years that shaped her childhood. Following Hitler’s rise to power, the Blumenthal family—father, mother, Marion, and her brother, Albert—were trapped in Nazi Germany. They managed eventually to get to Holland, but soon thereafter it was occupied by the Nazis. For the next six and a half years the Blumenthals were forced to live in refugee, transit, and prison camps, including Westerbork in Holland and Bergen-Belsen in Germany, before finally making it to the United States. Their story is one of horror and hardship, but it is also a story of courage, hope, and the will to survive. Four Perfect Pebbles features forty archival photographs, including several new to this edition, an epilogue, a bibliography, a map, a reading group guide, an index, and a new afterword by the author. First published in 1996, the book was an ALA Notable Book, an ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers, and IRA Young Adults’ Choice, and a Notable Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies, and the recipient of many other honors. “A harrowing and often moving account.”—School Library Journal

2009 recipient of the Geological Association of Canada Neale Medal Have you ever been walking at the beach and wondered what that pebble or rock is, or do you ever wonder what stories rocks tell? If so, then this is the guide for you. The Field Guide to the Identification of Pebbles , a full colour, laminated, accordion folded, easy to use guide with over 80 beautiful photographs of pebbles from beaches and rivers. Use the photos to identify over 28 different types of rocks and minerals. A great resource for Earth Science curriculum units in schools, the short text deals with how rocks form and how to tell if a rock is igneous, sedimentary or metamorphic. It also provides some fun facts about minerals in our daily lives.

A small farming village in County Kerry, Ireland, where a new Hollywood film is being shot, serves as the setting for this hilarious and affecting comedy.

New in paperback! Where do pebbles come from? How were they made? This book tells the story of a pebble, from its origins in a fiery volcano 480 million years ago to a busy, modern landscape. Readers follow the processes of rock formation and erosion that create new pebbles all over the world. "Hooper and Coady pass on a sense of wonder for the history contained in one small pebble....Coady provides spectacular paintings, given texture, weight, and movement by the strokes of his brush." - Kirkus Reviews