More than Just Caregivers

More than Just Caregivers shows how the interplay of early childhood champions and stakeholders makes the field stronger to secure the infinite future for the youngest members of Guyanese society. As a memoir-documentary, it captures the how and why of specialised training needed to raise the professional status of the Guyanese early childhood workforce. Key takeaways include illustrations about how successful outcomes hinge on dedication, collaboration, and willpower, and why sustainability becomes possible with public buy-in, funding, and support.

Mother Nature & Her Human Friends

Mother Nature and Her Human Friends is a narrative poem. The characters include Will, a twenty-year-old, who works for Miller, the landscaper of the Bonvern Valley Park. Will discovers a cave of vines and a hidden pool, and, tired of his studio apartment, spends the night in the cave with his dog Hilda. He has a dream vision of Mother Nature, who speaks to him and creates a new direction for his life. A day later, Will meets Linda in the cave, and together they gather a new group called Mother Nature's Friends. They build a network to save the forest and the wetland in their valley, and risk their lives to protect the living beauty around them.

“I’ve worked all my life trying to re-envision who we are and what nature is and can be. The idea that nature has no soul is a travesty, a monstrous loss of our identity. But now I see a different goal, a new role for us to play.”
– Lisa Nieves, Parks Commissioner for Bonvern Valley

Mourning Bands On

Mourning Bands On is an accessible journey into the hypersensitive world of today’s American law enforcement. The reader is brought into the law enforcement world through an introduction to the history, function, and development of the American police model. With an understanding of policing’s role in American society, the reader is then immersed into the raucous and contentious cultural upheaval which American policing is currently experiencing.

Using well-known examples, the reader is challenged to consider how American culture is affected by critical incidents and the portrayal of those events in our media intensive world. The reader will review the cases in the deaths of Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd, as well as others. The cases are presented as a narrative of events supported by the findings and legal conclusions of the U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation. Each incident is reviewed with a view of how the incident effected American society and brought change to American culture and thus policing.

The reader will experience how American policing has changed through legislative, societal, and cultural pressure resulting from the reviewed critical incidents. With an appetite for more, the reader is encouraged to further explore the relationship between societal norms and American policing.

The work concludes with a final challenge to the reader. How do we, as a society, reform American policing to move forward after this unprecedented period of cultural change? The author offers several possible reforms to enact, what can you add to the conversation?

Moving Stills

‘How did I go from a bold, sassy teenager to a woman afraid to get out of bed?’ laments Paula, 30 and desolate. These 38 strikingly diverse stories reveal the origins of her pain, then lead us through her sometimes difficult, often exhilarating journey toward health. Although inspired by events in her own life, Ms. Slatkin has created in Paula a vibrant fictional narrator. The writing is fast-paced, forthright, and laced with sometimes startling situations. Humour abounds. Paula is an honest spirit, and some stories deal openly with raw emotional experiences. The narrative texture, though rich in dialogue, is poetic in its use of imagery. Despite some difficult subject matter, there is an uplifting zest and vigour throughout the collection.

Mr. Higgins Takes a Stand

A loving family finally adopts Mr. Higgins. However, he still doubts his self-worth and lacks confidence in himself. But then, one day, Mr. Higgins has had enough and boldly rescues a friend from a pack of canine bullies. Mr. Higgins Takes a Stand deals with bullying, caring for others, and gaining self-confidence.

Also available:

A Home for Mr. Higgins

Mr. Higgins to the Rescue

About Mr. Higgins:

In 2014, the authors David Preece and Jim Webber adopted a black Scottish terrier who was a shy, nervous, and somewhat suspicious mid-life rescue dog. “Mr. Higgins” (the fitting name he came to us with) gradually emerged from his shell and enjoyed his new life in his forever home. Still, on guard with most strangers, Mr. Higgins learned to return love while protecting his home and keeping his dads to their daily routines. Not a fan of pats on the head, “Higgins” prefers a light touch on his sides and burrowing into a safe space. He loves walks, other dogs, treats, and – as a born outfielder – plays fetch.

Mr. Higgins to the Rescue

In this delightful and insightful book, Mr. Higgins overhears that he is a ‘rescue dog,’ and he doesn’t know why he is. He discovers that nobody is perfect and that everyone has unique needs. But more importantly, Mr. Higgins realizes his purpose is to rescue and help others.

Also available:

A Home for Mr. Higgins
Mr. Higgins Takes a Stand

About Mr. Higgins:

In 2014, the authors David Preece and Jim Webber adopted a black Scottish terrier who was a shy, nervous, and somewhat suspicious mid-life rescue dog. “Mr. Higgins” (the fitting name he came to us with) gradually emerged from his shell and enjoyed his new life in his forever home. Still, on guard with most strangers, Mr. Higgins learned to return love while protecting his home and keeping his dads to their daily routines. Not a fan of pats on the head, “Higgins” prefers a light touch on his sides and burrowing into a safe space. He loves walks, other dogs, treats, and – as a born outfielder – plays fetch.

Mr. Mo's Magnificent Muffin Mystery

In the picturesque town of Merryville, where the aroma of freshly baked treats dances through the air, Mr. Mo is renowned for his delectable muffins. But there more to his muffins than meets the eye and that is where the thrilling mystery begins.

Join the jolly baker Mr. Mo and two curious kids on a flavorful quest to uncover his secret ingredient! Luck smiles upon them as Mr. Mo seeks their help to bake for the town’s fall festival, but the mystery ingredient they discover is far from ordinary.

A deliciously surprising adventure filled with magic and joy and a delectable tale of friendship and discovery awaits!

Murder and the Fairchild Legacy

When billionaire Houston socialite Richard Fairchild is found dead under suspicious circumstances, his wife Mariah refuses to accept the police verdict of suicide. Desperate for answers, she recruits small-town radio owners Delilah Morgan and Norma Davis to investigate. She offers the struggling entrepreneurs compensation they can’t refuse – $20,000 each, a bailout for their failing station, and an all-expenses paid trip to Mariah’s Hill Country resort.

At first reluctant, Delilah and Norma soon find themselves embroiled in the glitzy Houston elite circles the Fairchilds inhabited. With a list of suspects who had motive to kill Richard, the duo follow a trail of lies, affairs, and shady business deals. The stakes grow ever higher as it becomes clear the Fairchild legacy – and their own lives – are in danger. From Texas hill country horse ranches to slick Houston high-rises, Delilah and Norma uncover adultery, blackmail, rivalry… and murder. But will the radio sleuths solve the mystery before the killer silences them too?

Murder on Wolf Owl Bank

In the small Newfoundland fishing village of Slate Harbour, a profound disturbance erupts between two families. The murky waters of jealousy, stirred by suspicion, transform their normally calm seas into tumultuous waves of hatred. Under brooding skies and against swelling seas, the inevitable storm begins to rage, while villagers watch as two boats head out towards a ferocious tempest of vengeance.

At sea, amidst sharks circling the blood of revenge, two feuding fishermen refuse to ease their animosity. One man’s course is swayed by a priest, whose words fade swiftly in the roaring wind. The other remains driven by an unyielding hatred. Their precarious worlds are upended by an unexpected storm that emerges from the darkest point on the compass. In this furious ocean, both captains struggle against the sea’s mercy.

Back at the home port, families keep vigil for the two vessels. In the relentless rain, prayers are answered for one family, whose boat returns with a skipper bearing a shattered spirit. Meanwhile, another family waits in vain, never to see their skipper or the boat with the broken jib again.

Left in the aftermath of retaliation, the feud brews yet more dark clouds of revenge. Shaken by grief and desperation, a secret is inadvertently revealed. But it’s too late to stem the tide of vengeance, and too late to prevent… Murder on Wolf Owl Bank.

My Friend John

Meet John, a remarkable new student at The Huckleberry School. John’s life takes a heartwarming turn when he befriends a sweet little girl named Bella. Everything seems to be going smoothly for John, until a challenging situation resurfaces, shaking the foundations of his world.

In My Friend John, we are invited to witness a touching journey that explores not only the essence of friendship but also the profound qualities of kindness and leadership. This poignant tale serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience within us all and the transformative power of genuine connection.

“This is a book about acceptance, curiosity about others, and understanding. In this story of a boy named John, we see his classmate Bella tune into the humanity in his eyes, his sparkle, and then in his sadness. By telling the story through the burgeoning friendship between these two, the reader can feel what it is like to be vulnerable and shamed, to be cared about by another, and to be seen for all of who you are. My Friend John is a story of kindness, human connection, and overcoming one’s hurdles in the safe care of others, all parts of developing empathy.”

—Tovah P. Klein, Ph.D.; Bestselling author of Raising Resilience & How Toddlers Thrive

My Friend, Thomas Carl

Thomas Carl was a cat waiting in an animal shelter for a new friend.

I had moved to a new city and was lonely and afraid. I was looking for a new friend as well.

This charming and entertaining tail tells how Thomas Carl and I became best friends, and how Thomas Carl helped me say goodbye to that loneliness and fear. It proves that friendship and acceptance can come from anywhere…

…even a cat!

This story will inspire young readers to think more about the importance of friendship and giving everyone a chance. It also reminds us that, no matter our size, we can all have a positive impact on others.  

My Home Is Me

A whimsical journey of self-discovery as the reader learns that home is not just a place, but a feeling that comes from deep within. The notion of home transcends physical boundaries and is about a sense of wholeness and sanctuary within oneself. Join our main character as she shares the many homes she experiences with family and friends, ultimately unfolding into the real meaning of home.

Awaken your sense of wonder and creativity with the turn of each page in this simple but brilliant truth. With enchanting illustrations, this charming tale will inspire readers of all ages. A heartwarming story that reminds us that no matter where we are, our true home is within.