This book is a MUST READ for anyone who has lost a loved one or is seeking an honest story about what it is like to traverse the journey of grief. Jean's powerfully candid story is rich, insightful, and illuminates a truth in all our lives that is sadly unnoticed and often silenced. Juli Fraga, Psy.D., Licensed Psychologist A mother grasps her dying sons hand, struggling how to let go and aghast at what life will become after his death. The Last Tear is the harrowing true story of my only child James, a dynamic 17 year old who was diagnosed in 2008 with an extremely rare form of cancer, dying eleven months later on the eve of Mothers Day. Rather than allowing cancer to define his days James became even more focused on school, college applications and his future, inspiring not only his peers but the larger community including President Obama. My crippling sorrow that paralyzed for years is shared with candor and will touch anyone who has struggled with excruciating grief. Poignant and at times difficult, The Last Tear eventually uplifts as it transcends a tale of cancer and death to embrace the larger canvas of how to live authentically with sorrow as a new companion.

Cherish the season even more with this wonderful collection of Christmas traditions from around the world. During the month of December, as families count down the days until Christmas Eve, we can travel the world through these pages to discover the fascinating ways that nations celebrate the holiday season. Children will learn the traditions of such countries as Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Peru, Puerto Rico, Iceland, Canada, the United States, Russia, Germany, Scotland, England, Hungry, Norway, and many more. Families will uncover the history of Christmas, the story of the candy cane, the legend of the poinsettia, the symbols of Christmas, the many different gift bearers of the season, and much more. In a fun and educational way, Christmas Around the World: An Advent Book incorporates the values of the holiday season that link us around the globe. From Hanukkah and Kwanzaa to Christmas and New Year's, the season is about family togetherness, love, and goodwill to all humankind. Merry Christmas! Feliz Navidad! Joyous Noël! Fröhliche Weihnachten! Happy Hanukkah! And season’s greetings to you and yours!

'Christmas carols are sung in church, therefore Christmas carols have always been sung in church. Christmas carols have these words and this tune, therefore Christmas carols have always had these words and this tune. Well, not really. Our carol tradition, like us, is a rich and dynamic mixture. An ecosystem, not a still life.' Written with effervescent charm and professional knowledge, composer and conductor Andrew Gant reveals the fascinating musical and social history behind our favourite Christmas carols. From the Annunciation to Epiphany, the episodes of the Christmas story link the tales and anecdotes behind twenty-seven carols from a variety of traditions and places of origin: those that come from folk song; those we owe to Victorian moralists, and those that are, in fact, French. As Andrew says, 'Some carols were born to Christmas, some have achieved Christmas, and some have had Christmas thrust upon them.' This wonderful, rich musical treat gives us a unique insight into our Yuletide traditions and customs. A delightful gift for anyone who loves to sing, or who just loves Christmas trivia, this is the ideal companion with which to while away those lazy days between Christmas and New Year. 'Ding dong! This is my kind of Christmas present. A musical Christmas cracker - fascinating and full of interesting surprises.' Gyles Brandreth 'Enlightening and entertaining. You'll never hear or sing these carols in the same way again' Anne-Marie Minhall 'And I thought I knew about Christmas carols.' John Rutter

This valuable resource features the colourful biographies of 72 illustrators and artists whose works are considered among the best in the world. Told in the artists' own words, these biographies offer fascinating insights into their lives, and feature a sample illustration from one of their favourite books. Discover how these fantastic artists work, what their favourite books are, who influenced them, and how they came to illustrate children's books.

Stuffed full of festive fun, this is an amusing and informative guide to surviving and making the most of the holiday season.

Woman's Own Book Club 2023 'A truly beautiful book. Rosie's writing makes me want to close my laptop, step outside, and appreciate the magic that each season brings' Jessica Elliot Dennison In her late-twenties, feeling utterly overwhelmed by the pace of modern city life, Rosie Steer found solace in the traditions she had been brought up with, influenced by her Scottish roots, that celebrated nature and observed the small steady shifts in the seasons. The Celtic Wheel of the year is an ancient seasonal cycle that aligns with solar events – the solstices, equinoxes and their midpoints. For each mini-season, Rosie shares nature notes for what we can look out for as the days get warmer or cooler, the nights longer or shorter, alongside activities, things to make, flowers or fruit to forage, seasonal recipes to enjoy and a modern take on the traditional celebrations. As the Wheel turns to Samhain on 31st October, we can enjoy foraging apples and berries to make Hedgerow jelly, watch the leaves turn golden, collect pine cones for a Pine cone garland and celebrate pumpkin season with Pumpkin and root veg chilli and Chocolate cake with pumpkin curd. By slowing down and paying attention to the ebbs and flows of nature, we can find moments of calm whenever we need them.

A festive cookbook from award-winning food writer Kate Young. The perfect Christmas gift for cooks and bibliophiles alike. The Little Library Christmas is a collection of 50 festive recipes from Kate Young, the Little Library cook, including 20 favourites and 30 brand new creations. From edible gifts and cocktail party catering, to the big day itself and ideas for your leftovers, this book will guide you through the Christmas period with meals, treats, tipples and – of course – plenty of reading recommendations. With beautiful photographs throughout and in a gorgeous, giftable format, this is the perfect book to put under your tree this Christmas.