Ever wondered if other parents have the same thoughts? Remember the time your child painted the family dog? Ever wondered how other’s feel about losing a loved one? Well so have I. It’s a Buddy’s World is based on real life events, both personal and the tales of others. Th e book actually started with articles I published in magazines and news papers. My readers commented on wanting more, and some actually thanked me for making them feel better. I have tried to include a broad selection of topics which I hope you will enjoy and, in some cases, take to heart. Curl up and relax, and let me warm your heart and stimulate the “ Hmmm, I wonder...”, side of you. I promise at least some will bring a knowing smile to your face, while others will bring forth feelings of empathy. As that old saying goes : “Keep smiling, it makes people wonder what you have been up to”. I hope I can help you smile, at least for a while.

Ever wondered if other parents have the same thoughts? Remember the time your child painted the family dog? Ever wondered how other's feel about losing a loved one? Well so have I. It's a Buddy's World is based on real life events, both personal and the tales of others. Th e book actually started with articles I published in magazines and news papers. My readers commented on wanting more, and some actually thanked me for making them feel better. I have tried to include a broad selection of topics which I hope you will enjoy and, in some cases, take to heart. Curl up and relax, and let me warm your heart and stimulate the " Hmmm, I wonder...", side of you. I promise at least some will bring a knowing smile to your face, while others will bring forth feelings of empathy. As that old saying goes : "Keep smiling, it makes people wonder what you have been up to". I hope I can help you smile, at least for a while.

Provides factual information about the natural history of beavers through the fictional story of a young beaver named Ben on his character-building journey.

A hilarious new middle-grade from Justin A. Reynolds that asks: What happens when five unsupervised kids face the apocalypse under outrageously silly circumstances? Twelve-year-old Eddie Gordon Holloway has concocted his most genius plan ever to avoid chores... especially the dreaded L-A-U-N-D-R-Y. If he can wear all the clothes he owns, he'll only have to do the laundry once during his school break. On the day of the highly anticipated Beach Bash, Eddie's monstrous pile of dirty laundry is found by his mom. And Eddie's day has just taken a turn for the worst. Now he's stuck at home by himself, missing the bash, and doing his whole pile of laundry. But mid-cycle, the power goes out! With his first load of laundry wet and the rest of his stuff still filthy, he sets out to explore the seemingly empty neighborhood in his glow-in-the-dark swim trunks, flip-flops, and a beach towel. He soon meets up with other neighborhood kids: newcomer Xavier (who was mid-haircut and has half his head shaved), Eddie's former friend Sonia (who has spent her entire break trying to beat a video game and was mid-battle with the final boss), and siblings Trey and Sage (who are dealing with major sibling drama). As they group up to cover more ground and find out what happened, they realize that their families aren't coming back anytime soon. And as night falls, the crew realizes that they aren't just the only people left in the neighborhood, they might be the only people left... anywhere.

EXPLORE THE CULTURES OF THE WORLD! Meet buddies from different parts of our planet and go on adventures near and far with 30 stories bursting with intrigue, curiosity and wonder! Travel from Japan to Peru and South Africa to Denmark, and learn about diverse cultures, customs, traditions and more in one handy, charmingly illustrated volume. - A magical, educational experience for young readers to discover the differences that make our planet so special, but also to uncover the similarities we often overlook - Fictional plots of kids from different countries capture the imagination of little readers and allow them to experience the world beyond themselves, developing compassion and empathy - Every story is accompanied by a 2-page snapshot of that country's culture, filled with fun facts and engaging activities, such as puzzles, songs and recipes

The definitive biography on Buddy Holly. Ellis Amburn presents the most comprehensive biography ever written about the legendary figure Buddy Holly, a young man who transformed the course of American music with his shocking blend of country, western, and rhythm 'n' blues. Having devoted the last five years of his life to this work—crisscrossing the rural paths of the United States from Texas to Iowa to Minnesota—Amburn portrays Holly as a mythic antihero, whose rebellious, dramatic life was a reaction against the constricting values of America in the 1950s, when his music was regarded as the work of the devil. From his wild days as a juvenile delinquent, to his first romances, to his early associations with then virtually unknown singers like Elvis Presley and Waylon Jennings, Holly emerges as a deeply tortured, driven individual and a brilliantly talented young man in a hurry to make it as a star. And like many stars, Buddy Holly’s would ultimately be tragic and bittersweet.

Claude is the story of the California Academy of Sciences' beloved albino alligator, from his birth in Louisiana to his present day life in his swamp at the Academy. "Ultimately, Claude’s hopeful tale is a celebration of individuality and the joy in finding those who appreciate you for exactly who you are."--Booklist Claude is a celebrity alligator and the mascot for San Francisco's California Academy of Sciences. His story started almost 25 years ago in Louisiana, where he hatched out of his egg to discover he looked different from the other hatchlings. They were green and Claude was white. The other hatchings avoided him, and his color made him vulnerable to predators. So Claude went to a special zoo that cared for alligators where he lived in a pen by himself. Now he was safe--but alone. One day, scientists at the California Academy of Sciences heard about him and asked the zoo if he could come and live in the Academy's swamp. He made a 2,800 mile journey to his new home, where he had a surprise--he would share his swamp with Bonnie, an alligator who the scientists hoped would be a friend for Claude. Unfortunately, Bonnie didn't like Claude's differences either, so she was moved to another home. But then Claude was alone again--or was he? With Bonnie gone, Claude began to interact with the five enormous snapping turtles who shared his swamp. The turtles didn't mind at all that Claude was different! And neither do the millions of people who visit him every year. They know that Claude's differences are exactly what makes him special. Claude includes back matter with answers to frequently asked questions about the famous alligator, including information about albinism in animals.

Buddy, top trainer at a harness racing track, turns his job over to his younger brother Manx, whom he has been grooming for the position since he was quite young. It is just at the time the raceway is taken over by new owners, the LeRoy family. Its new name is Kingdom 4. The story is an intertwining of the personalities, strengths, ailments, and lineages of the horses and the people connected to the track. Throughout, horses and people are drawn together in an allegorical and metaphorical way to clarify conflicts, and comment on conditions, on and off the track.

"A well-thought-out presentation of an important environmental message." --Kirkus When the kids in Room 5 write to Earth asking what they can do to help save our planet, they are delighted to get a letter back. This beautiful picture book is a celebration of every child's ability to connect with the environment and make a positive impact. A monthly exchange of ideas between the kids and Earth becomes a lasting friendship in this affectionate story about how to be an Earth Hero, lyrically written by Erin Dealey and gorgeously illustrated by Dilys Evans Founder Award-winning illustrator Luisa Uribe. Young readers will learn about environmental conservation, along with simple things they can do to help care for the planet--like recycling and reducing energy consumption. Help protect our planet, not just in honor of Earth Day but year-round! Dear Room 5, Your letter arrived on the wind. A whisper of hope in the night. I'm thankful for helpers who care for their planet...