Books for All Seasons

Small Flames: Enzo the Red Dragon Written by A.M. Luzzader Illustration by Joshua Bostwick People may come and go in your life. But, the ones who stay by your side when you’re at your lowest and most challenging times are your true friends. Even at a very young age, we are taught the value of friendship. Enzo proves that when his loyalty and commitment are being tested. Small Flames is a story of friendship and loyalty.   Enzo and Ajax are red dragons. They are both of the same age, hatched in the same nesting cave. They have been best friends since they were hatchlings. Apart from being close buddies, the two friends also share the same dream. They both desire to become Valor Dragons because they want to serve and guard their realm from danger.  For Enzo and Ajax to qualify for the Valor Dragon status, their fighting skills need to be tested. They must compete with other dragon types in a tournament. Whoever is the most able fighter can be admitted to the Valor Dragons....

Christmas Activity Book for Smart Kids by Ayoub Benali Ayoub ‘Ayoubb’ Benali asks, why do we celebrate Christmas with an evergreen tree? With this question, he invites young readers to an educational and fun experience in his book, Christmas Activity Book for Smart Kids. Christmas Activity Book for Smart Kids  is a whole lot more than a typical children’s book. It’s a unique experience. Written by Ayoub Benali, the book contains Christmas stories from different cultures, coloring pages, and other fun activities. Young readers get to draw, color, find words, and learn to solve some problems in this book. But, not a Math problem, though! In addition, the  Christmas Activity Book for Smart Kids  is designed to engage children in an educational yet fun experience. The book teaches history, folklore, and art. Some of the activities even helps the young readers to develop analytical thinking. While the coloring and drawing pages allow them to express their own perceptions ...

It's Not Easy Being a Lazy Bug by Pragya Tomar, Michela Fiori, and Ramona Maclean “It’s Not Easy Being a Lazy Bug” is a brainchild of Pragya Tomar, Michela Fiori, and Ramona MacLean. In this little book, they teach children the value of being industrious, responsible, and independent. To make their story captivating, the authors choose an insect for the central character. Do You Have a Lazy Bug at Home? It’s Not Easy Being a Lazy Bug  is a story of a very lazy insect named Lazy Bug. The adorable Lazy Bug was born surrounded with so much love. He’s so pampered that he does not have to make any effort to get what he wanted and needed. Everything is served to him by the other bugs around him. They fed him, bathed him, and brushed his teeth. He didn’t even make his bed, put away his toys, or tie his own shoes. Lazy Bug was so accustomed to such a treatment that he became idle. As he grows up he expects others to still serve him. He eventually loves doing nothing at all. For his meals, ...

Dead Reckoning by Michael Corbin Ray and Therese Vannier Dead Reckoning revisits the part of history where the US Navy experienced the largest peacetime loss. On the evening of September 8, 1923, seven destroyers ran aground off the coast of California. The authors, Michael Corbin Ray and Therese Vannier, reconstruct the story of the voyage itself and the mariners’ life. Dead Reckoning  is a historical fiction inspired by the US Navy tragedy that occurred on September 8, 1923, at the Honda Point. It’s a story of courage, determination, and friendship. It features the sailors’ bravery against the dangerous situations that lay ahead. Dead Reckoning  begins with Eugene H. Dooman, a Secretary at the American Embassy in Tokyo, Japan. He travels onboard the ship “Cleveland” from Japan to the US. As soon as he arrives at the port in San Francisco, a con man lures him to play cards. He lost not only his bet money but also his wallet and diplomatic credentials. Three accomplices of the...

White Lotus:  A Novel of Egypt’s Fall by Libbie Hawker Even at a very young age, Doricha is brave enough to make the ultimate sacrifice to save her family from starvation. Follow the 12-year-old girl’s journey in ‘White Lotus: A Novel of Egypt’s Fall’. White Lotus  is set during the reign of the Pharaohs in ancient Egypt. Written by Libbie Hawker, the book follows the life journey of Doricha, a 12-year-old girl from Thrace. She and her family moved to Egypt in search of work. But, something happened to a family member that pushed them into poverty. Then comes the man who changes their lives forever. A wealthy pornae trader named Iadmon ventures into the stinky back-district of Tanis. He looks for a possible new recruit. He ends up in a poor widow’s apartment and negotiates with her. The mother of four young children is reluctant to give up her eldest daughter. But, Doricha presents herself before Iadmon and agrees to be bought on one specific condition. On that same day, Doric...

American Indian Wars: A History from Beginning to End by Hourly History   The American Indian Wars were all about a sense of entitlement and greed. It started with the fur trade. Then the desire to establish themselves in a foreign territory followed. White Europeans wanted to settle on a land inhabited by Native Americans. Of course, their attempts were not without resistance. American Indian Wars  is a chronicle of important events during the Colonial Period in North America. Particularly, Hourly History makes a concise account of the several conflicts between the new settlers and the tribes. How Did It All Begin? Fur was an important commodity among the wealthy people in Europe. It was a status symbol, aside from being a material for clothing and hats. Originally, the continent’s main source of fur was Russia. Over time, however, supply became scarce. The animal sources of the skin dwindled in number. As was anticipated, the traders looked for new sources. They found that t...

Maximus the Platypus Finds His Family by Andi Cann Some animals have looked alike. For example, a tapir looks like a pig, and a crocodile looks like an alligator. It’s no wonder baby Maximus the Platypus mistakes other animals in the neighborhood as his family. We all want to belong to a family because people are social beings. We want someone to care for us and love us. The moment we lose a family or loved one, we become sad. That’s also the way with animals. Almost, it not all, animals want to belong to their own species. They, too, feel the need to be loved and cared for. And that’s exactly what Maximus longs for. Written by Andi Cann,  Maximus the Platypus Finds His Family  is a children’s book. Its story revolves around the baby Maximus the Platypus. He was born in a village. But, unlike other babies, Max is big. His body is massive his grandparents have to make a special bed for him on the riverbank. One night while Max sleeps, a storm comes. Heavy rains pour down. As th...

Jihadi Bride by Alastair Luft Jihadi Bride is the story of a naive student lured to a new religion that promises equality and respect for women. Little does she know she falls into a trap. It’s sad but true! Many young people, like Arielle, are radicalized to promote an ideology. And, to what extent can a parent save their children from misguided principles? Extremist groups espouse a common campaign to get people to their side. Promises of equality, respect for women, and freedom from “bondage” are their battle cry. Most often, they target students and millennials disgruntled at the system they are in. This is what Alastair Luft’s book is all about.  Jihadi Bride  is an in-depth story of Arielle’s and Erik Petersson’s struggles under the lawless elements. Set in the present age, the book begins with Erik looking forward to playing an online game with his daughter. Shortly before their appointed time to play, however, Arielle calls. She informs her dad that she cannot make it ...

The Fourth Tier by Penn Fawn Around 120 years prior, the early Kazites built the walls of their territory with bricks. They called their place the city of Kaz or the city under the stars. The Kazites are peaceful people and know no enemies. Until a group of strangers attacked them. Ill-equipped for combat, they are forced to flee into a cave that led to the Fourth Tier. After the  Necropolis  series, Penn Fawn released another dark fiction called  The Fourth Tier . This book is the first part of the author’s Underworld series. Again, in this volume the plot revolves around a world beyond what humans know. The Fourth Tier  story begins in the city of Kaz. Its inhabitants, called Kazites, are peaceful and self-sufficient people. Among the residents of the city are shamans, prophets, and witches. Although they possess some basic weapons, the people of Kaz know no enemies at all. Or, so they believe. Their only concern is that of being immortal. Journey Into The Fourth T...

Epic of Helinthia by M.J. Pankey Greek mythology was essentially a great part of people’s lives in ancient times. Humans consulted the inhabitants of Mount Olympus in important events - be it in war, economy, or politics. In M.J. Pankey’s Epic of Helinthia, people looked up to their favorite gods and goddesses for guidance Two goddesses bet over the traits of humans. One of them posits that, given the opportunity, man can be corrupt and tyrannical. She proves it by showing how a man could usurp a throne. The goddess specifically shows, as an example, the persona of an anax, or tribal chief, named Charixes. Charixes unleashes his demons to torture and kill the citizens of his domain in search of the heir to the throne. He even extends his wrath beyond his territory, sowing fear and chaos in the neighboring regions. His attacks happen at a time when the regions suffer from drought and the food supply is scant. As the leaders of the communities try to unite to oppose Charixes, doubt and ...

Second Son by Pamela Taylor The royals follow specific protocols in terms of succession and inheritance. As expected, the successor to the throne is the firstborn male of the monarch. The Second Son, meanwhile, takes on specific duties in support of the Crown. What, then, is Alfred’s role in Pamela Taylor’s novel? Written by Pamela Taylor,  Second Son  is historical fiction. The plot revolves around a particular kingdom in Europe at the dawn of the Renaissance. This book, however, does not directly refer to any of the actual realms that existed in the aforementioned era. Second Son  follows the story of Alfred, a grandson of the king. The major character introduces himself as, “…I am a second son and so my prospects are limited. Moreover, I am a second son of a second son, making me twice removed from the advantages of inheritance.” The Second Son’s Journey Alfred finds himself mounted on a horse, but he does not know who the rider is. Is he a savior or a captor? He just ...

Out of the Shadows: What does it take to be an entrepreneur? by Etta Joanne and Sonia Baeriswyl Truly, many beginners find it difficult to start a business. And, some others can’t even begin to think whether entrepreneurship is possible or not for them. Either thoughts of failure and lack of knowledge, or not having the right connection consume them. Thankfully, two experts in the field of business are ready to guide those who want to get out of the shadows. Out of the Shadows  is a non-fiction book about entrepreneurship. Written by experts in the field of business, it offers practical techniques to establish sustainable projects. Co-authors Etta Joanne and Sonia Baeriswyl provide extensive and step-by-step guides from the planning stage until a beginner’s business starts rolling. Right from the beginning of the book, the authors emphasize that entrepreneurship is possible for anyone regardless of one’s background. What is required, however, is the proper mindset towards business....