"You're in charge of Dudley's day. What will he do? What will he say"--Cover.

This is a unique collection of Cook's finest and funniest writings of which many have never been published before.

Violet's TV-director dad has traded a job in Vancouver for one in Los Angeles, their run-down house for a sleek ranch-style home complete with a pool, and, worst of all, Violet's mother for a trophy wife, a blonde actress named Jennica. Violet's younger sister reacts by bed-wetting, and her mother ping-pongs from one loser to another, searching for love. As for Violet, she gets angry in ways that are by turns infuriating, shocking, and hilarious. When her mother takes up with the unfortunately named Dudley Wiener, Violet and her friend Phoebe decide that they need to take control. If Violet's mom can't pick a decent man herself, they will help her snag George Clooney. In Dear George Clooney, Please Marry My Mom, Susin Nielsen has created a truly original protagonist in Violet and a brilliant new novel that will delight readers into rooting for her, even when she's at her worst.

For nearly all of its existence, Vallejo was a blue collar, lunch pail city where the destinies of the town and its shipyard were inextricably linked. In his first collection of short stories, C.W. Spooner tracks the lives of a handful of characters as they grow from childhood to adolescence and beyond in a hard place where everyone fought to keep what was theirs and children created their own adventures. Spooner begins with the tale of Nicholas, a terrified four-year-old who is ready to start his first day of nursery school. Nicholas knows he must adhere to his fathers advice to always be a good sailor, but when the first day does not go as planned, Nicholas discovers the true meaning of friendship. Fourteen-year-old Nicks dog, George, has gone AWOL. But just when he is ready to give up, hope arrives. When Carols past shows up at her door with wild hair and a Walt Whitman beard, she is thrilled. His war is finally ending, but it is the gift he leaves with her that finally gives her peace. This compilation of short tales shares a compelling glimpse into what it was like to grow up in a shipyard town during an uncertain time when no one took life for granted. These stories will touch your life no matter where you are from. Thomas R. Campbell, author of Badass: The Harley-Davidson Experience

This is the book we all know and love by Marlo Thomas and her friends-brought to new life with brand new illustrations to captivate and inspire a new generation of readers on a journey of the heart. Whether you are opening Free to Be . . . You and Me for the first time or the one hundredth time you will be engaged and transformed by this newly beautifully illustrated compilation of inspirational stories, songs, and poems. The sentiments of thirty-five years ago are as relevant today as when this book was published. Celebrating individuality and challenging stereotypes empowers both children and adults with the freedom to be who they want to be and to have compassion and empathy for others who may be different. Working closely with Marlo and co-creator Carole Hart, Peter H. Reynolds, the New York Times Best Selling Children's Book Author/Illustrator, conjured his whimsical drawings throughout the book bringing a new sense of unity and warmth to the pages. You will find yourself marveling at the illustrations, nodding in agreement with the stories and poems, and singing the words to all the classic songs! It is wonderful that the thoughts, ideas, and emotions the creators envisioned so many years ago can still have a magical effect on children today.

On a cold snowy night in the remote village of Whitney's Corners, Dudley Mansfield enters the Bridge Inn, where Megan Cummins is working for her uncle. Upon hearing her uncle greet the handsome bachelor by name, Megan flees to the kitchen for refuge. Although she has never formally met the man, she well remembers the harsh words they exchanged one afternoon five years earlier and the revenge she took out on him. She determines that he must never know who she is. But secrets don't last forever, and not long after the inn burns down, Megan finds herself not only homeless and jobless, but also at the mercy of this stern, commanding man-and his favors. (323pp. Masthof Press, 2018.)

In 'The Complete Charlie Chan Series All 6 Mystery Novels in One Edition' by Earl Derr Biggers, readers are immersed in a collection of classic mystery novels featuring the iconic Chinese-American detective, Charlie Chan. Biggers' literary style can be described as engaging and suspenseful, with a focus on clever plot twists and intriguing characters. Set in the early 20th century, these novels offer a unique glimpse into the cultural and social dynamics of the time period, making them not only entertaining reads but also insightful historical documents. Biggers' portrayal of Charlie Chan as a smart and charismatic detective challenges stereotypes and adds depth to the character, making him a beloved figure in detective fiction. This complete edition allows readers to fully appreciate the evolution and complexity of both the character and the series as a whole. Fans of classic detective fiction and those interested in representations of diversity in literature will find this collection particularly compelling.

Earl Derr Biggers is renowned for his captivating mystery novels, and the EARL DERR BIGGERS Ultimate Collection compiles 20+ of his best works, including the iconic Charlie Chan series. Biggers's writing style combines suspenseful plot twists with insightful character development, creating a rich literary experience for readers. Set in the early 20th century, Biggers's novels offer a glimpse into the cultural and societal norms of the time, making them not only entertaining but also historically enlightening. The collection also includes illustrated editions, enhancing the visual experience of the stories. Overall, Biggers's work is a must-read for any mystery enthusiast or lover of classic literature. Earl Derr Biggers's background as a Harvard graduate and successful playwright provides insight into the meticulous crafting of his mystery novels. His unique storytelling ability stems from his keen observation of human behavior and his talent for creating complex yet relatable characters. Biggers's interest in detective fiction may have been inspired by the popular mystery genre of his time, driving him to create his own iconic series and characters. I highly recommend the EARL DERR BIGGERS Ultimate Collection to anyone looking for a compelling mystery read that offers both entertainment and historical context. Biggers's masterful storytelling and intriguing plots will keep readers engaged from beginning to end, making this collection a timeless addition to any bookshelf.

This early work by Earl Derr Biggers was originally published in 1932 and we are now republishing it with a brand new introductory biography. "Keeper of the Keys" is the sixth and final mystery novel in the Charlie Chan series. The setting of the novel is rural California, where Chan has been invited as a houseguest. He meets a world-famous soprano, Ellen Ladona, who is murdered not too long after the meeting. Chan does not have far to look for suspects-the host is her ex-husband, as are three of the other house guests. Her servants, entourage and husbands all come under suspicion. Once again, Chan is expected to solve the murder, which he does by understanding the key clues-the actions of a little dog named Trouble, two scarves, and two little boxes. When he understands how the murder is committed, he learns the role of elderly house servant Ah Sing-the keeper of the keys. Earl Derr Biggers was born on 26th August 1884 in Warren, Ohio, USA. Biggers received his further education at Harvard University, where he developed a reputation as a literary rebel, preferring the popular modern authors, such as Rudyard Kipling and Richard Harding Davis to the established figures of classical literature. Following in their footsteps upon graduating, he himself began a career as a popular writer, penning humorous articles and reviews for the Boston Traveler. While on holiday in Hawaii, Biggers heard tales of a real-life Chinese detective operating in Honolulu, named Chang Apana. This inspired him to create his most enduring legacy in the character of super-sleuth Charlie Chan. The first Chan story "The House Without a Key" (1925) was published as a serialised story in the Saturday Evening Post and then released as a novel in the same year. Biggers went on to write five more Chan novels and all were licensed for movie adaptations by Fox Films. These films were hugely popular with several different actors taking the lead role of Chan. Eventually; over 40 films were produced featuring the character. Biggers only saw the early on-screen successes of Charlie Chan due to his death at the age of only 48 from a heart attack in April 1933.