" I] read this book and hugged everyone in my life..."--San Francisco Chronicle" T]imely tome at a time when hugs are needed..."--New York Times" S]corchingly funny, simple advice, Tara tempts with good 'ole hugs..."--USA TodayCleverly designed to look like a colorful children's book, Hug Yourself Happy is an indispensable life-changing little snuggle book for adults seeking more joy in their lives. Borrowing from the wisdom of kids, Hug Yourself Happy honors the magical power of hugs that seems to soothe and connect children. After all, hugs are indeed magical, yummy and delicious So, why then, are adults not hugging more? As a people? As a society? As a world? And, more importantly...can we change this?Seven chapters show you how to do just this, and a free 31-day hugging journal makes it easy to get started right away.
OVER 2 MILLION COPIES SOLD--Double-gold medalist begins simply in baby sea turtle's voice: "I'm coming Mama, I'll see you soon, I know just how, I'll follow the moon."Celebrating the love between mother and child comes an achingly beautiful story that has captured hearts around the world. Written by a new mom, by accident, when she sang a little song to her fussing newborn, I'll Follow the Moon proudly donates proceeds to charity: every book saves a turtle. G]orgeous watercolors chronicle the journey of a baby sea turtle from its hatching to its first swim in the sea." --Kirkus Reviews" C]aptivates children with poetry..." --New York Times" A] tiny one-inch hatchling teaches the world about courage...utterly magnificent..." --San Francisco Chronicle" B]aby turtle wins hearts everywhere, expect your kids to hug you tight after the first read...expect to be asked to read again and again and again..." --USA Today" I]'m coming Mama, I'll see you soon, I know just how, I'll follow the moon...we can't get baby turtle's song out of our heads....achingly sweet little bedtime book for wee ones." --Huffington Post" N]o surprise at all that this book has a worldwide toddler-cult following...baby turtles serenades us all so sweetly with his song of home. Proceeds to turtle charities too " --National Geographic" H]ats off to this turtle hatchling who has garnered millions of fans across the planet...a tiny activist who is saving his own kind...bravo." --World Wildlife Fund" S]tephanie Lisa Tara and Canadian illustrator Lee Edward Fodi have teamed up to create a lyrical rendition of a green sea turtle's first glimpse of life. Hatched on a moon-washed beach, the baby turtle finds its way by instinct across the expanse of sand to the sea and a rendezvous with its mother. Written in simple verse in the first person, the rhythmic text is full of action and sensory detail and loaded with alliteration and onomatopoeia for an enjoyable read-aloud. The refrain, "I'm coming, Mama..." repeated on each double page spread, is soothing and reassuring of the joyful reunion to come. The atmosphere of a quiet but determined struggle to break free of the egg soon gives way to growing excitement as the turtle mingles with fellow hatchlings and catches his first tempting sensations: the smell of salt air, the sight of the moon's glow, the gentle touch and beckoning sounds of the waves rushing to shore. Once he's free of the land, new motions take over: gulp, spin, float, swim...The final happy refrain is new and satisfying: "I'm here, Mama - here with you. I know I'd find you, Moon did too. " F]ramed by endpapers of soft, limitless, under sea green, Fodi's delightful illustrations feature an animated and engaging baby emerging from an egg buried in golden sand. With other tiny turtles, he is shown plowing through the damp sand, sampling the salty sea air and marching unerringly toward the moonlight glimmer, his guide to the ocean. Once afloat, he soon comes face to face with "eyes like mine" in his new watery home. The gold of sand, blue of sky and green of the sea repeated throughout the book bring a sense of harmony. The turtle is the focal point of all the pictures. The illustrator has carefully integrated the turtle's actions with Tara's verse which relies heavily on verbs: roll, slide, tumble......crawl, scoop, shove. Young children will be propelled through the story in the illustrations as well as the text." *Highly Recommended. Gillian Richardson, who lives in BC, is a former teacher-librarian and freelance writer. --Canadian Materials Magazine, Gillian Richardson" I]n this tranquil bedtime story, a baby sea turtle hatches on the beach and wants to find his mother. And he knows just how -- he 'll follow the moon --Books of Wonder
" A]h--libraries Remember them? As kids, they were magical spaces...today, even in this hectic tech world, Ms. Tara lulls us inside once again..."--New York Times" I]s there anything more precious than a literary mouse?..." --NPR" This book about books is a coffee table book itself...breathtaking illustrations live on every page..." --People" A]lex Walton's illustrations recall Arthur Rackham perfection...Tara's verse is a lovely companion..." --San Francisco Chronicle" C]alling all kids Magic lives in the library On a sentence you will sail..." --Los Angeles Times" M]agical...literary...whiskered....we love Little Library Mouse " --Children's Library Discovery Center, Queens NY" E]ven when you are little, you can imagine big...yep, we are hooked...turn the page..." --Brentwood Library, Brentwood TN" I]'m alone, I pause, the clock goes tick-tock...my library darkens, is that the key in the lock?" --Vancouver Community Library, Vancouver, WA" W]e read Little Library Mouse every Saturday morning at story hour...it never fails to win smiles " --Laramie County Library, Cheyenne, WY" W]here do we begin? The verse has our kids on their feet clapping, the stunning illustrations have them enchanted. A celebrations of story genres, books, libraries. This librarian gives Little Library Mouse an A+ " --ImaginOn: The Joe and Joan Martin Center, Charlotte, NC" L]ittle Library Mouse is the most checked-out book in our children's department, and has been for many years..." --Cerritos Millennium Library, Cerritos, CA" S]lipping and sliding down the pages of books...may it ever be so.... " --Birmingham Public Library Birmingham, Alabama" T]here is nothing more precious, than mice in the library reading books..." --Brentwood Library Brentwood, CA
"Evoking the POWER of the FAIRY TALE--Stephanie Lisa Tara enchants and inspires young girls to believe in themselves no matter what: "Fair and Shining, was Gwynne, Now inside--and out Just believe in yourself...(That's what magic's about)"ALL ABOUT BELIEVING IN YOURSELF"Gwynne Fair & Shining by Stephanie Lisa Tara is a delightful story in rhyme...the message is powerful and encourages children to follow their hearts, their passions and to believe in themselves...the illustrator, Lee Edward Fodi has created a masterpiece in his twenty-four illustrations. The soft colors draw in the reader. The scenes are whimsical and inviting...Armchair Interviews says: Gwynne Fair & Shining is a winner. Children will want this read, over and over again."CHARMING BOOK"I love this book It is charming and endearing. Everyone at my house has read it and the youngest is 15 years old. My grandson asks me to read it to him. He is 3. The illustrations are precious. This book will be in our library for years to come."MARVELOUS..."...joys of old world story-poem verse, Stephanie Lisa Tara reinvents for us today, recalling a time now passed where tv and movies did not exist and parent and child spent long hours together in connective bonding before fairy tale books...a return to lyrical flow that takes its time with no need to rush, and words that spill off the tongue If you haven't read Stephanie Tara's other books, make a point of doing so. All ring at the same lovely pitch and all speak to the heart of connecting with children, speaking to them, inspiring them to dream, make new rules, think new ways A big bravo And, more, more, please "UPBEAT...GWYNNE, FAIR & SHINING..."Gwynne Fair & Shining is an upbeat children's picturebook with truly standout illustrations... the rhyming story tells of a young girl's magical journey and the importance of learning to believe in oneself. Author Stephanie Lisa Tara evokes the power of the fairy tale in this charming read-aloud story..."MAGICAL...GWYNNE, FAIR & SHINING FAIRYTALE"Who can resist a fairy tale with a happy ending? Let us welcome Gwynne, Fair & Shining by Stephanie Lisa Tara...the text is delightful verse and the artwork is magical. For someone who sees many such books, I can tell you this one stands out from the crowd."GWYNNE, FAIR & SHINING...GOOD ADVICE"In another pretty selection, Gwynne lives in a castle, toiling sadly every day and night. A magic flute rescues her from the drudgery as the book's rhymes create magic along with the glitter-encrusted illustrations. Good advice for young girls is found during Gwynne's transformation."JOYFUL VERSE...GWYNNE, FAIR & SHINING"Stephanie Lisa Tara's joyful verse will delight readers in her third book, Gwynne Fair & Shining...Lee Edward F di's illustrations propel readers through this magical, spinning, dancing adventure. Your young readers and listeners will be rooting for Gwynne as she battles belittling bullies and self-doubt to realize her dreams."
" M]ama Bear's struggle is the struggle of every mother...she just wants to keep her kids safe from an uncertain world..." --NPR" G]lobal warming is a controversial topic; regardless of the why's...that the Arctic is melting is a fact...Mother Polar needs help." --National Geographic" W]atercolors mesmerize this very necessary tale..." --New York Times" Y]ou will smile and you will cry...Alex Walton's illustrations are breathtaking...mother bear's story is heartbreaking..." --San Francisco Chronicle" G]lobal warming expressed in the most poignant of terms..." --Dallas Morning News" S]imple verse married to scorchingly gorgeous illustrations makes for a magnificent story...." --People
MOM'S CHOICE AWARDS(R) GOLD MEDALIST: A STORY AS AGELESS AS THE FOREVER TREES IT CELEBRATES." A]chingly beautiful..." --Kirkus Reviews" G]reat Mother Redwood enchants......" --New York Times" E]liza's Forever Trees is a compelling and powerful account, very highly recommended...it stands out as an exceptional tale of personal and world discoveries. Add Alex Walton's vivid drawings and you have beautiful creation of hope and color." --Diane Donovan, Children's Editor, Midwest Book Review, Children's Bookshelf" S]tephanie Lisa Tara's writing has such a perfect balance of lightness and depth;the reader sees all creatures, (even snakes) as part of a kind kingdom inhabited with their own native tongue. Her creativity gives the reader treats like French speaking squirrels and a fan favorite in her L-ladybug lingo. "Eet eez mine," the squirrel said in her French accent, which made her angry glare all the more assertive. "Oh mly," said the ladybug. "Ohhhhh mllllly," said several other ladybugs. --Mare Henderson, Teacher, Mom
MOM'S CHOICE AWARDS(R) GOLD MEDALIST CANADIAN CHOCOLATE LILY AWARDS(R) GOLD MEDALIST Double-gold medalist I'LL FOLLOW THE MOON (best selling turtle book of all time) begins simply in baby sea turtle's voice: "I'm coming Mama, I'll see you soon, I know just how, I'll follow the moon..." Celebrating the love between child and parent comes an achingly beautiful story that has captured hearts around the world. *Donates to charity: every book saves a turtle MY DAUGHTER LOVED IT : "My daughter loved the turtle. The illustrations are great She said, "Mom if I'm ever lost, I'll follow the moon and find you." MY PRESCHOOLER LOVES THIS BOOK: "My 3 1/2 year old daughter loves this book. She has learned the little saying that is on every page and loves to say it with me." GENTLE REPETITION: "The story is gentle and the repetition helps soothe my son. I like the message, and the art is beautiful." GREAT BOOK: "Great book for the grandkids. They love it. They like to read prior to bedtime. The girls really enjoy this book." I'LL FOLLOW THE MOON: "This children's book has beautiful illustrations that compliment the lyrical, gentle words that accompany the small sea turtle's journey from egg to sea." SO CUTE : It's impossible not to be enchanted by these little creatures I'm so in love with this book, perfect for everyone " CUTE BEDTIME STORY: "I enjoyed reading this book to my daughter, she loved the artwork. It was well written and will be enjoyable for children." BEAUTIFUL ILLUSTRATIONS: "What a lovely book A great story to introduce an environmental concept." FANTASTIC: "A perfect afternoon read. I enjoyed it, and my son will too I'm sure." I'LL FOLLOW THE MOON: "I really enjoyed this book. I read it to my 1 and 2 year old. They really enjoyed this book. Beautiful illustration " SWEET AND PERTINENT: "As a resident of northwest Florida, this book is one that should be shared with all residents, young and old alike. It is currently turtle season here and all residents enjoy keeping watch on these special creatures." SWEET CHILDREN'S BOOK: "A sweet children's book, lovely rhymes and beautiful pictures. Definitely a book worth having to enjoy over and over, great for kids of any age." GREAT TO READ ALOUD TO THE CLASS: "My second graders will love this simple book with wonderful words and a repetitive line which they will quickly join in to read." I'LL FOLLOW THE MOON: "I read this to my boys. They loved the graphics and how cute the turtles were. The story is super cute Very entertaining." SWEET SIMPLE STORY, SWEET ILLUSTRATIONS: "...comforting and relaxing. The story line is not at all complex, but is appealing in its simplicity and repetitiveness." MAKES A GREAT BEDTIME STORY : "...decided to download it for my kid's...Cute illustrations, educational, and delivers a positive message. Makes a great bedtime story. Recommend it "
MOM'S CHOICE AWARDS(R) GOLD MEDALIST 2016" H]onors one of the great ladies of our time with perfectly poetic aplomb Bravo." -- NEW YORK TIMESINTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER The achingly sweet rhyming story of beloved Nola, the last American Northern White Rhino, who died during the writing of this book (her species is now extinct)Mesmerizing watercolors cascade readers through a magnificent African savanna, dazzling in a palette of scorching reds, purples, pinks, and oranges as Nola is born and grows up under the loving gaze of her mother. Savanna friends watch Nola as she enjoys all the "firsts" of any child, and masters savanna life.Giggles abound as Nola munches grass and rolls in lovely mud, like all good rhinos do. The story bends soon after, and gently, delicately explains the Northern White Rhinos' plight: poaching, based on the fallacy that rhino horns are thought to possess magical medicinal powers.Extinction is an ugly word...yet Nola's soft rhymes expertly teach with commonsense defiance; a message that stays in little minds long after the story is over: You Ask Why? The truth is this: Some want, what's not theirs (And there it is)What To Do? Love what you've got (And not what you don't )Matters a lot World leaders paused to mark Nola's death on November 22, 2015, her name made headlines around the globe.Extinction is forever.*Book proceeds to San Diego Zoo Global.
" U]tterly captivating..." --New York Times" S]uperbly written....suspense that will keep you glued to your seat..." --USA Today" A] gripping story, deftly told takes us inside the world of seaturtle activism and its fight against the evils of poaching..." --National Geographic" F]ollow your passion...your heart...or the moon, if you can. Unforgettable characters show you the way home." --Huffington Post" A] marriage of two marvelous things: psychological suspenseand environmental philanthropy...you will gasp, cry, laugh and gasp again as chapters reveal characters so authentic that we cant help but fallin love." --Boston Globe" A] Moon toFollow...a celebration of unity between man and beast...a magnificentnovel that leaves readers breathless for more." --San Diego Tribune" F]inally--a sea turtle story that will make activists out of all the world " --Maui Ocean CenterOVER 100,000 COPIES SOLD: Hawaiian legend tells the story of a mystical Honu, or sea turtle, named Kauila. As aumakua, or guardian spirit, she watches over the peopleof Hawaii as any mother would of her children. Owing to aspecial relationship with Hina, the moon, Kauila is an expertnavigator--even leading the ancient Polynesians to her islands, in thebeginning. There is grea t comfort in knowing Kauila is always watching. Unless, of course, you don't want to be seen.
It's a headline we have all seen: Global warming is melting the Arctic. Once the Arctic sea ice has vanished, the majestic polar bear, a magnificent creature who needs the sea ice to survive-will vanish too. The ice is home to the bears, as well as well as to their primary food source, the ringed seal. Polar bears feed, mate, travel, den, and give birth on the ice. Some scientists say polar bears will be extinct within fifty years if something isn't done, and soon. -What fans are saying: GLOBAL WARMING'S EFFECTS AS SHOWN TO CHILDREN"...if you are a responsible parent interested in the environment, ecology and the future of the earth and if you are trying to instill that interest and responsibility in your children, this is a book that will help...there is a section in the book that gives children a list of the things they can do to help keep our planet healthy...what a wonderful and gentle way to introduce to our children their responsibility to the earth and its environment." TEACHING CHILDREN TO THINK AND ACT"As a parent, I am so grateful for an author such as Stephanie Lisa Tara...I am so grateful for someone who writes well researched work that is then written from a perspective that can touch children not only to a single cause or concern, but also to simply be aware, open-minded, and compassionate. If anything provides the end of our human world it will be the damage was cause to us and our world through gluttony and apathy. We are becoming increasingly separate from nature and for each other. How ironic it is that as we warm the earth through our actions and inactions, we create a human environment that is cold and distant. Stephanie Lisa Tara provides that warm, safe place for children to learn. She writes from the heart and with love for our earth and our children. How wonderful is that?" BEAUTIFULLY ILLUSTRATED, SIMPLY STATED INTRODUCTION TO YOUNG KIDS"Beautiful does not cover the illustrations in this book. They are pure artwork. The colors portray the tone on the pages and accent the story beautifully...I also loved the last page in the book offering simple ideas on how we can all save energy. They are good, easy ideas for young children to understand and look at how they, too, can help...I even took it to my daughter's school so her class could read it and they loved it. My daughter later told me how we "need to remember to shut of the light when we leave a room." Good endorsement right there." GREAT FOR EXPOSING YOUNG KIDS TO GLOBAL WARMING PROBLEMS "Doesn't frighten kids but really great at telling very young kids the story of the desperate Polar Bear mother and cubs to find food and their changing world. Also has a page that lets kids be pro-active by just doing small things they can control. The illustration is beautiful and it's a good size book. Great gift for kids and for teachers, Pre-k and Kindergardeners, to help spread the global warming awareness." -SHARON STONE, Actress, Activist: "Snowy White World to Save cleverly introduces young children to environmental awareness and global warming by making them aware of what is happening to our planet, and what they can do to help save it. Ms. Tara provides a wonderful resource guide at the back of the book that encourages young readers to further educate themselves on the subjects so they, too, with their parents, will become global citizens." -WENDY ABRAMS, Environmental Activist: "Stephanie Lisa Tara presents a wonderful way to teach our children about caring for the earth, and the implications for all living creatures. Global warming is an ever-growing threat to all of us, and Snowy White World to Save invites kids to learn more about what they can do to help by visiting web sites provided at the back of the book."
MOM'S CHOICE AWARDS(R) GOLD MEDALIST: A STORY AS AGELESS AS THE FOREVER TREES IT CELEBRATES."Suddenly Mother jumped to her feet and ran to one of the trees, a three-hundred-foot-tall redwood. ''Forever tree Forever tree '' she cried, smiling. She swept the skinny girl up into her arms. The child s pale skin shimmered in the golden forest light. ''Forever trees, forever trees, '' they sang, spinning in circles. The memory melted into the fog, and Eliza felt very tired. The question came again to her. It appeared out of the gray, out of the damp, out of the cold corners of this new house. The question whispered it always did the kind of whisper that sounded very loud indeed: Where had Mother gone? Shadows appeared and disappeared in Eliza's mind. Still, she couldn't remember. She simply could not remember anything after that last story in the forest. For some reason, she wasn't terribly worried. She was a little worried, for sure, but not terribly worried, because a strange calm held the shadows and the question. It held Eliza, too. Because love is forever."The clearest way into the universe is through a forest wilderness." --John Muir-What fans are saying: "Eliza's Forever Trees is a compelling and powerful account, very highly recommended...it stands out as an exceptional tale of personal and world discoveries. Add Alex Walton's vivid drawings and you have beautiful creation of hope and color."-- Diane Donovan, Children's Editor, Midwest Book Review, Children's Bookshelf"Stephanie Lisa Tara's writing has such a perfect balance of lightness and depth; the reader sees all creatures, (even snakes) as part of a kind kingdom inhabited with their own native tongue. Her creativity gives the reader treats like French speaking squirrels and a fan favorite in her L-ladybug lingo. "Eet eez mine," the squirrel said in her French accent, which made her angry glare all the more assertive. "Oh mly," said the ladybug. "Ohhhhh mllllly," said several other ladybugs. --Mare Henderson, Teacher, Mom"I have read many children's books during my career as an Elementary School Principal. This book is in every way a fine example of the type of literature we should be reading to and with our children. I highly endorse it and hope that you enjoy is as much as I." --Barbara Glazer, Retired Principal, Mom"Eliza's Forever Trees is a rich and meaningful story, flowing with beautiful language and vivid vocabulary...sure to please nature lovers--perhaps it will even make nature lovers of those who are not." --Lee Edward Fodi, Children's Author, Illustrator"This wonderful book is a timeless tale about children and loss, the healing power of nature, how a little girl found her voice again and came to understand that love can never die." --Nathalie Fraise, Nutrition Educator, Mom''Enchanting story . . . the writing lyrical: 'She had always been here, always watching and protecting, guarding her family, as all mothers do, for mothers always come back.' '' --Ricki Lewis, Geneticist, author, mom''Some books actually become the place where they are set . . . they describe a natural environment so completely, so deeply, so succinctly, so magically, and so sweetly that this place actually comes to enchanted life...did I mention the magical quality of the writing? The author's strings of words are so tasty you will not be hungry while you read . . . each delicious spaghetti sentence is a length of truth that you can twirl up on your fork and devour quickly.'' --Brian Heffron, Filmmaker, poet, dad
