Paul Gets a Puppy

Are you thinking about adopting a puppy? Paul Gets a Puppy is a book to be used as a starting point for these discussions. There are numerous responsibilities one takes on with this process. Paul Gets a Puppy highlights some of the items required for children who are responsible enough to become engaged in the care of a new dog. In addition, it is a lighthearted look at how to decide which puppy comes home with you.

There are numerous puppies at shelters waiting for adoption. Therefore, selecting a puppy can be a difficult task. As Paul’s parents say, “Pick one you can love.” Paul, the main character, does select a puppy he can grow to love. Read how Paul and his puppy, Rocky, develop the special bond that only a dog and owner have.

Pass the Note, the Lizard's Loose

It all happened one day when Jonathan brought his lizard to show the class. Miss Weston noticed a note was being passed around the room. She also noticed that the children were looking around at each other and down at the floor. Miss Weston stopped teaching multiplication facts and said, “Ok, let me see the note.” The student had written the note in pencil, “Pass the note, the lizard’s loose.”

Ooops!

Excited to own a brand-new pair of white sneakers, Turtle wondered if he should be careful with them. Will he able to run fast? Will he be able to jump high? Will his friends like them? Turtle just wants to test out and show his friends how special his new sneakers are!

Squirrel is busy climbing a tree, Rabbit is hopping around the carrot patch, Bee is buzzing through the garden, and Firefly is glowing his twinkling light.

Will Turtle get a chance to use his new sneakers? Will they be as good as he imagines them to be?

Omar's Artichoke

What possible good can come from a 16-inch square of dry dirt in a big grey city? It’s just concrete dust and city dirt surrounded by sidewalk.

What happened next when Grampa gave a rumpled bag with a wilted spiky plant to Omar took the five year old’s life in a new direction, sparking a new interest, a daily conversation. That 16-inch square garden became the center of his and his grampa’s life.

That summer they spent watching over the grey-green spiked artichoke plant in its impossibly improbable garden surrounded by sidewalk.

Who knew that almost magical changes could happen to that scrap of dirt and stringy plant with just a bit of help from a little boy and an elderly man.

Olive Everything

Olive is a young girl who loves everything. She loves all her clothes and wears more than she needs. She loves all the things her mother makes for breakfast and asks for some of everything. Rather than making a choice, Olive says yes to this, yes to that, and nothing is left out. This becomes a problem when she starts school and is expected to wear one outfit, have one breakfast food, and there are so many other things she must choose. Choosing one thing over another feels like something is being lost, and Olive worries that she’ll never get a chance to have the things she didn’t choose. Her father helps her see that making choices is a privilege, not a loss.

My Two Ancestors

Pauline stands at the crossroads of two remarkable lineages, tracing her heritage back to the rich soils of Africa and the vast landscapes of North America. Her story is a vibrant tapestry woven from the histories of Native and African Americans, celebrating their unique confluence and shared legacy in America. We are the sum total of our ancestors, their experiences shaping our interests, beliefs, and identities.

With a deep appreciation for her cultural roots, both the joys and the struggles, Pauline embraces the full spectrum of her heritage. These dual lineages, with their distinct and interconnected histories, have taught her invaluable lessons about resilience, identity, and the complexity of the human spirit. In Pauline’s journey of self-discovery, she mirrors the multicultural essence of America itself: diverse, complex, and enriched by the convergence of different worlds.

My Janitor's Name is Ben

Have you ever noticed that no matter how much of a mess you make at school, there is always someone special that cleans it up?

From glue to glitter, from lunch tables to trash cans, every school has a special person that makes sure your school is as clean as possible.

Have you ever noticed what they look like? Have you ever noticed what they do for school every day? Have you ever wondered why those carefully placed crumbs disappear overnight?

My Hollydog Rides in the Car

My Hollydog loves to go for a ride in the car. Come along with her for an adventure on the road!

My Big Cousin Mike

Did you ever have an iconic big brother, big sister, older cousin, or neighbourhood hero that everyone admired and wanted to be around? Someone who shielded you from bullies, wild animals, or even your own self-doubt? Someone who bolstered your confidence and made you feel like you belonged? If so, then you had your very own Big Cousin Mike. This series is a tribute to those remarkable individuals. It’s a heartfelt thank you for including us in your adventures, sporting trials, and games. Thank you for believing in us when we doubted ourselves and our abilities. Thank you for standing up for us against bullies, animals, and adults who may not have understood the right way to discipline.

These unsung heroes have helped many of us navigate the turbulent waters of childhood and adolescence. My Big Cousin Mike offers a nostalgic chance to reminisce about those times in our lives when we either had our own Mike or were the Mike to someone else. If you know someone who was there for you in the ways described, either in your youth or even now, take a moment to remember, acknowledge, and appreciate them. And if you were, or still are, that unsung hero, this series honors you. You are personally thanked here, and know that this series is in honor of you.

My Best Friend

Discover the essence of true friendship in the heartwarming tale, My Best Friend. In a world where connections are invaluable, this poignant story reminds us that everyone longs for a companion.

Amidst the myriad forms friendship can take – a neighbor, a schoolmate, even a beloved pet – have you found that one special bond? Within these pages, immerse yourself in the journey of finding a friend, a confidant, someone who remains by your side through thick and thin.

Sometimes, a best friend is invisible to others, a cherished presence only you can perceive. In this tender exploration of companionship, unlock the magical realm where unseen friendships are forged and cherished, demonstrating the profound impact a single, steadfast friend can have on our lives.

Murphy, Wake Up!

Murphy the cat is at it again. He has gone into a deep sleep on something that is not his—a backpack! Murphy’s dream takes him to a day at school.
He finds himself in class and is asked to draw a picture. Angel, a friend he meets, wants to pitch in.
What will Murphy do?

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.