A green lion. A red light. And one very unusual day. As a green lion waits for a green traffic light, some surprises appear, such as lightning, a lilac, library books and lima beans. Or rather, Òli-ghtning,Ó Òli-lac,Ó Òli-brary books,Ó and Òli-ma beansÓ because each spread ends with ÒRed light, green li-,Ó and the reader must turn the page to see the whole word Ñ and whatÕs happened. Through it all, the lion calmly and helpfully deals with whatever shows up, and philosophically muses about the way life can be. ÒSome days are not like most days,Ó the lion explains. But as all children know: those days are usually the most fun!

A green lion. A red light. And one very unusual day. As a green lion waits for a green traffic light, some surprises appear, such as lightning, a lilac, library books and lima beans. Or rather, “li-ghtning,” “li-lac,” “li-brary books,” and “li-ma beans” because each spread ends with “Red light, green li-,” and the reader must turn the page to see the whole word — and what’s happened. Through it all, the lion calmly and helpfully deals with whatever shows up, and philosophically muses about the way life can be. “Some days are not like most days,” the lion explains. But as all children know: those days are usually the most fun!

An inkeeper's son takes a dead man's armor and weapons, only to find himself enmeshed in a magical conspiracy. After his life is saved by a mysterious noblewoman named Sera, she promises him answers and more -- but Falorn soon finds himself betrayed and on the run instead, chased by Sera's father and fiance and other, unknown attackers. Among the dead man's possessions is a mysterious, otherworldly piece of ivory with an almost-living green lion on it. The card give Falorn strength, but also brings him enemies, and it makes him part of a mysterious fellowship that he doesn't understand. The key to understanding -- and survival -- lies with Sera. But Sera vacillates between loving and secretive, between caring and betrayal...either because of her own cards, or because of her abused childhood. And in a world where Falorn's life is threatened ever day, and in which the card he carries is drawing him into politics and war, he may not live long enough for her to tell him the truth!

The unforgettable Margaret of Ashbury returns in the second book of the trilogy that began with A Vision of Light. Margaret, a resourceful midwife, is living with the insufferable relatives of her third husband, Gilbert de Vilers, known as Gregory. She is carving out a life for herself and her daughters despite the hostility and greed of her in-laws. But when Gregory is captured in France and held for ransom, Margaret knows she must take action—her in-laws are too tight with money to be of any use—so she teams up with her old friends Mother Hilde, the herbalist, and Brother Malachi, an alchemist on a quest for the secret of changing base metals into gold. Together, the trio plan to rescue Gregory and bring him back to London, where he and Margaret can start a new life away from his meddling family. And thus begins a wild romp across fourteenth-century Europe. Murderous noblemen, scheming ladies, truculent ghosts, and a steady stream of challenges plague the journey. Margaret will need not only her special gift of healing, her quick mind, and her independent spirit but the loyalty of her friends and the love of her new husband to carry them all safely home.

Early humans recognized a profound and spiritual kinship with other species. Hunters gave thanks and even apologies to their prey. And when shamans made their inner journeys between human and spirit realms to bring back healing wisdom they applied on behalf of the tribe, animals often served as their guides and their companions. In more recent times the idea of the animal daemon has been popularized by Philip Pullman in his internationally bestselling trilogy of novels, His Dark Materials. This illuminating book explains how to connect with and channel the unique powers of 50 different spirit animals - a menagerie of creatures, from the wise owl and crafty fox to the tranquil turtle and bold lion. Each entry provides a detailed description of the animal's personality, mythology and innate powers. Helpful text provides readers with clues and meditations for discovering their own spirit animal, as well as information on how other animals can be called on to help with specific aims - from overcoming fear to finding your true destiny. This book is the perfect primer for those seeking access to the wisdom of the animal kingdom

From an author whose work is said to “burgeon with joy,” here is a gentle mystery about a silent, gallant lion and a sweetly cheerful bird—two friends who are attracted to each other through the universal language of art. Elisa uses watercolor, gouache, ink, colored pencils, pastels, markers, and crayons to collage this charming and colorful tale. “Illustrated with mixed-media collages so richly colored and textured that readers will want to feel the pages.”—Kirkus Reviews (pointered review) “A sweet and captivating book with gorgeous illustrations. Its story line and artwork both have unusual and unexpected qualities that work together to generate a magical, light mood.”—School Library Journal (starred review) ABA-CBC Children’s Books Mean Business and Kansas State Reading Circle

The Tantric Alchemist is a work on alchemy as decoded by Tantra and a work on Tantra as understood by alchemists. It uncovers works by Thomas Vaughan and suggests how he and his wife--a 17th-century Welsh couple unique in the history of western alchemy--met their fate when dealing with forces they knew only too well, but which were stronger than their ability to control them. Using the works of Vaughan as his text, Levenda applies the "twilight language" of Tantra to the surreal prose of the alchemist and in the process lays bare the lineaments of the arcane tradition that gave rise to the legend of Christian Rosenkreutz, the reputed founder of Rosicrucianism who learned his art in the East; and to the 19th- and 20th-century occult movements lead by such luminaries as P.B. Randolph, Theodore Reuss, Helena Blavatsky, and Aleister Crowley who also sought (and discovered) this technology in the religions and cultures of Asia. Readers will find that the many disparate threads of an authentic spiritual tradition are woven together here in a startling tapestry that reveals--without pretense or euphemism--the psycho-sexual technique that is at the root of both Tantra and alchemy: that is to say, of both Asian and European forms of esoteric praxis.

With over 800 unique photographs, this Chinese art book is a feast for the eyes. Produced exclusively for wealthy Chinese communities along the Strait of Malacca in the 19th and early 20th centuries, Peranakan Chinese porcelain is enjoying a resurgence of interest among collectors. Straits-born Chinese, or Peranakans, in Penang, Malacca and Singapore, used this ornate and colorful enamelware on festive occasions such as weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and Chinese New Year. Peranakan Chinese Porcelain is richly illustrated and includes key information on reign marks and factory marks. In-depth discussion of the motifs, colors, forms and functions of Peranakan Chinese ceramics makes this an invaluable reference. Supporting photographs and text introduce related aspects of Peranakan culture including architecture, dress, cuisine and customs, making Peranakan Chinese Porcelain a wonderful contribution to the history of the Straits Chinese.