Heather Lonczak

A Young Woman's Descent into Madness and Fight for RecoverySunny Zielinski is an eccentric twenty-two-year-old woman who experiences her first psychotic break. Having just graduated from college and soon to be married, Sunny's life is on course. She lands her dream job as a book editor and is close to her family, particularly her fiercely loving grandparents-Holocaust survivors who raised her following the death of her mentally ill mother. But as the stress of the wedding intensifies, Sunny's anxiety and odd manner become more evident, exposing a fragile constitution. Ultimately, she succumbs to her predisposition toward mental illness, spiraling into the depths of psychosis. As her delusions, hallucinations and mood symptoms take over, Sunny traverses a devastating journey in which she believes herself to be a current victim of the Nazis. Sunny's mind fluctuates from being mercilessly hunted and abused to more lucid moments when her shame and disillusionment about being mentally ill, fierce determination to get better, and unique wit are revealed. Interwoven into the story are Sunny's relationships with her devoted family, her mental health team, and the colorful and often tragic patients she meets as she struggles to find her way out of the darkness.

There once lived a monkey named 'Mookey' who was born without a single hair on his body. No fur, no fleece, not even a hint of fuzz. Mookey's family thought his silky skin was beautiful and made him colorful clothes to keep him warm. But when Mookey started school, he quickly learned how it feels to be teased. His classmates had never seen a monkey without hair. They pointed, stared, and called him 'Baldy.' Mookey began to feel bad about himself and set out to change his hairless skin. After trying all sorts of things, Mookey decides to listen to the wise animals throughout the jungle. They teach him all sorts of terrific tools to use when teased. As Mookey applies his new skills, the teasers lose interest and Mookey gains a sense of empowerment. Ultimately, Mookey learns to love himself just the way he is.

There once lived a monkey named 'Mookey' who was born without a single hair on his body. No fur, no fleece, not even a hint of fuzz. Mookey's family thought his silky skin was beautiful and made him colorful clothes to keep him warm. But when Mookey started school, he quickly learned how it feels to be teased. His classmates had never seen a monkey without hair. They pointed, stared, and called him 'Baldy.' Mookey began to feel bad about himself and set out to change his hairless skin. After trying all sorts of things, Mookey decides to listen to the wise animals throughout the jungle. They teach him all sorts of terrific tools to use when teased. As Mookey applies his new skills, the teasers lose interest and Mookey gains a sense of empowerment. Ultimately, Mookey learns to love himself just the way he is.

'Paddy Poopenhopper's Magic Turds' is an inspiring tale that illuminates the endless ripple effects of kindness. In the quiet town of Goobersvile, legend has it that Paddy Poopenhopper has magic turds that turn to gold. One year, when misfortune hits the town, Paddy's most loyal believer-little 'Gracie Boone'-decides to help her neighbors by finding the magic turds herself. Gracie is overjoyed to discover a giant WOOSH of white fluff and a pile of the biggest turds she's ever seen After she carefully plants and tends to the turds, they miraculously sprout stunning purple flowers with golden nuggets-which Gracie gives to a family in need. Gracie's kindness sets off a flurry of activity in the town-including a mix of generosity and greed. Oddly, sometimes Paddy's turds don't grow into anything at all. But only Paddy Poopenhopper knows the real secret, which is that his turds will only flourish when cared for with love and given away with a pure heart. And without gratitude, the gold will simply crumble into dust. With its colorful and hilarious illustrations, 'Paddy Poopenhopper' will have children laughing out loud while believing in the magical power of love.

'The Fig Tree' is a story about a little girl, Lydia, and her grandfather-who elegantly imparts a message of gratitude using the example of the backyard fig tree: 'Ms. Figgy.' As she returns home from a hard day at school, Lydia seeks the solace of her grandpa who is resting beneath the tree. Once she recounts the events of her day, Lydia's grandfather describes how he cares for the tree-likening its need for TLC to that provided to Lydia by her parents. As she listens, Lydia begins to forget about her own worries and instead takes notice of how Ms. Figgy has nurtured all sorts of critters with food and shelter throughout each season. And, with Grandpa's help, Lydia also reflects upon the many ways in which the tree has enhanced her own life since she was a baby. By illuminating the strength and majesty of the tree, Lydia begins to see it as so much more than just a tree. With its stunning illustrations, 'The Fig Tree' gives a young girl a new perspective on an old tree she had taken for granted; instead, seeing it through a lens of gratitude and wonder. Children will enjoy the artist's attention to detail while gaining an appreciation for nature, as well as the touching relationship between Lydia and her grandpa.

This is the story of a family's adoption experience from the perspective of the older sibling: Gus. With the guidance of his parents, Gus is able to navigate his way through many difficult emotions; and ultimately, to develop a deep and loving connection with his new brother. Many valuable insights are included for adoptive families of all types.

'Gus Becomes a Big Brother' is a heartwarming adoption story, with special emphasis on how an older sibling, Gus, deals with the anticipation, preparation, and experience of becoming a big brother. As the Barker family embarks on their adoption journey, Gus navigates his way through many difficult emotions; such as anxiety, frustration and jealousy. But with the support and guidance of his parents; Gus ultimately develops patience, empathy, compassion, and a ton of brotherly love. Authored by an adoptive mother and psychologist, this book contains many valuable insights for parents involved in domestic or international adoption. It is also applicable to diverse families, such as the Barkers-- who successfully worked together to overcome challenges, while celebrating each other's differences. Overall, the story reveals a deeply connected adoptive family that is bound by love, acceptance and understanding.

Becky is a little girl who dreams of having a pet of her very own. After spotting a lively little frog, she decides to adopt him- naming him Gideon. In this poetic and brilliantly illustrated story, Becky learns many valuable lessons about empathy and respect for wildlife. Join Becky as she discovers the true meaning of friendship.

This colorfully illustrated boardbook for toddlers and babies captivates little ones by framing the story from their point of view. As Henry rides along in a Baby Jogger(TM), he takes-in the exciting buzz of activity all around him. With catchy rythmic text that coincides with his experience, Henry is lulled by the steady ride and comforted by the constant "Pitterpat" of his mother's footsteps. Join Henry on his lovely little journey and experience the world from a young child's perspective

This colorfully illustrated boardbook for toddlers and babies captivates little ones by framing the story from their point of view. As Henry rides along in a Baby Jogger(TM), he takes-in the exciting buzz of activity all around him. With catchy rythmic text that coincides with his experience, Henry is lulled by the steady ride and comforted by the constant "Pitterpat" of his mother's footsteps. Join Henry on his lovely little journey and experience the world from a young child's perspective