In this beautifully illustrated book, a boy learns the virtue of patience when he finds a butterfly warming in the sun.
Though waiting is hard, its reward can produce the most wonderful results.
Help! Help! The Floppies are frozen flopcicles! Fellow Floppies must flex their Floppy brains to rescue
their frozen friends. But how can they with Floppyland borders separating them?
Find out how quarreling groups of Floppies band together to fight the frost and free the
frozen Floppies, in this Florida Writers Association award-winning story of friendship.
Also Available from Amazon
Free Downloads! Floppy Coloring Page Draw Your Own Floppy The Band Aid
Illustrated by:
Bob Stuhmer
A 5-year-old girl discovers her daddy crying. Confused, she gives him a band aid,
a cure for all ills. After he explains some pains run too deep, the girl spends
time with her daddy, laughing and playing, helping to be his band aid.
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Nook eBook
Paperback in Spanish
Kindle in Spanish
Middle Grade Books Scott-Free NEW RELEASE
While grocery shopping at Food Tiger Superstore, Mom gives Scott a simple task: pick up some bologna from the deli.
But with a little convincing from a fellow 11-year-old boy named Cool, the two boys set out on a whirlwind adventure
of getting free cookies and juice throughout the store while trying not to get caught by Mom. But their fun ends with
a massive store fire that requires the boys to perform heroic acts to save others and themselves.
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Audobook Coming in 2025
Chocolate Andy
"Its vivid characters, witty escapades, and unexpected twists make it an instant classic."(More)
"Imaginative, creative, and a great story."(More)
"Any kid would be glued to this book. It's that much fun with more twists and turns than a roller coaster."(More)
"With characters named Ronald Plump the greedy politician, you are sure to have a blast reading this book."(More)
For his 11th birthday, Pickles’s quirky great uncle, Professor Noodlemind, gives the boy the best gift in the world:
a new cloned brother named Andy. Unfortunately, something goes wrong in the cloning process, and Andy now has an unusual
affliction––his skin produces chocolate. With the help of Pickles and Andy’s friends, Millie and Everett, and their pet
tortoise Yuri, all five head out on a wild trek to locate Professor Noodlemind’s brother who may have a machine that
would reverse Andy’s affliction. But things get worse when ex-mayor, Ronald Plump, kidnaps Andy and tries to use his
chocolate to win back the mayorship and power over the town.
"John Hope crafted a brilliant story...
a fresh, clever take on feeling like an outsider and learning to accept oneself."(More)
"...perfect for any young adult and older who enjoys playful adventure mixed with a twist of heroism..."(More)
"This is a great young adult fiction!"(More)
Peter lives in a silent world. Thirteen, deaf, and tormented by neighborhood bullies, Peter seeks solace in summertime snorkeling outings with his eccentric Viking-horn-helmeted
Uncle Sverrir. But after a dangerous encounter with a giant hammerhead predator, Peter discovers he has a unique gift: He can talk to sharks.
Peter quickly learns that the sharks near his Florida home are being mysteriously killed off. They need his help. Thrust into a scary but exciting adventure, both
above- and below-water, Peter is distressed to learn that his dad, a chef, is connected to the crime-being blackmailed by his boss to cook up illegal shark-fin soup.
Peter sets himself to the daunting task of saving both the sharks and his father, but to do so, he must rely on the very bullies who have tormented him.
Silencing Sharks Audiobook Preview
read by
Steve CarlsonThe Discombobulated Shenanigans of Oscar and Timothy
"A++! Ten out of five stars; both for the imaginative narrative and the effort put into it!"(More)
"Well written from start to finish, highly reccomend this funny and original story."(More)
"Great work to the author, I look forward to reading more books from this author. Highly recommended!"(More)
"It's been a long time since one of my grandchildren laughed and giggled like that reading a book."(More)
Wouldn’t you love to have a superpower? What if your goal is NOT to use it?
Too-smart-for-his-own-good Oscar meets fellow fifth grader Timothy who he discovers has a secret
superpower—the gift to change people’s minds, making them do whatever he wants. Oscar uses his new
friendship with Timothy to get out of detention and ace a history presentation. But when they have a
sleepover and Timothy empowers Oscar with a limited ability to time travel to a couple minutes in the past,
the two figure out how NOT to use their powers even in the most desperate moments.
This hilarious fast-paced adventure of preteen hijinks is rollercoaster change of events of an unlikely duo trying to overcome things about themselves that they aren’t proud of.
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Laser Hamsters
"Irreverent Humor at It's Finest."(More)
"...this book is amazing. It is a witty, creative and entertaining book."(More)
"Read the whole thing in a day because I couldn’t put it down. Definitely recommend!"(More)
By empowering hamsters with laser firepower, a pair of Zammarians attempt to provoke chaos among humans in an effort to conquer
the earth so their leader can bring ALF back to prime-time TV. Overconfident redneck Dusty leans on his nine-year-old stepson
Colt to reverse the hamsters' reign of destruction and save mankind.
"...twists and turns that will hold the reader to the story and plenty of action, right from the first page."(More)
"Super Fun For Families To Read Together"(More)
"It's a great fun story with lots of heartwarming lessons of life."(More)
"...endearing scenes between Panky and his brother that make you smile... definitely recommend this sequel."(More)
"The story and characters are imaginative and thoughtful."(More)
Very fun adventure stories. Easy to read, easy to understand, and lots of funny scenes. Perfect
books for 9 to 12-year-olds, especially boys who are difficult to encourage to read.
Book 1
When a pair of neighboring, rival families visit a Florida theme park on Panky's eleventh birthday,
he is forced to team up with his nemesis Benji to find younger brother Craig before their parents
find out they lost him. This high-adventure page-turner takes surprising twists when these boys
chase down a group of bullies while getting chased themselves by park security. All the while,
the main question on Panky's mind: will they get out of this park alive?
Book 2
Eleven-year-old Panky and his nine-year-old brother Craig are picked to star in Pankyland the movie. Amongst some sibling rivalry,
Panky and Craig get kidnapped by a jealous parent whose kid didn't win the starring role in the movie. The two go on an adventure
fleeing their captors while struggling to return to the movie set before the wacky movie director decides to move forward with filming
without them.
Book 3
Tragedy strikes Pankyland when the owner, Mr. Panky, suffers a heart attack. Making things worse,
a new state-of-the-art theme park, Be Little World, opens across the street and steals away all of Pankyland
guests, threatening to shut down the Florida theme park for good. But when preteen Panky and his pals investigate,
they learn Mr. Panky’s heart attack was no accident. Amongst several stomach-churning rides, friendship spats,
and a rap battle of the century, the kids attempt to save Pankyland from extinction and bring the culprits
to justice.
Young Adult Books Father's Violin
Illustrated by:
David R. Martinez and Jaina Hope
"John Hope has produced a masterpiece in Father's Violin."(More)
"It’s not just a story of incredible tragedy, but one that’s truly uplifting in the end."(More)
"Unlike most novels with music at their center, this author actually knows how music works..."(More)
"This ranks up there as one of the best stories ever told."(More)
"This is masterful storytelling with vivid characters..."(More)
After 13-year-old Hertz endures World War II, he must now survive Berlin’s devastation. With only Father’s violin as comfort, Hertz scrounges for
food with his older sister Elsa, best friend Jakub from Poland, and fellow Berliners. Meanwhile, Soviet soldiers police the streets and blockade
people from traveling to the American-controlled areas of Berlin. To cope, Hertz plays Father’s violin at night. The music spurs an unexpected
hope among some of the German people, Soviets, and Americans alike, while others who wish to maintain order are infuriated. Is this hope enough
to save Hertz and his desolated home?
Beautifully illustrated to fully embrace the vivid post-war environment, Father’s Violin captures the hearts of a boy and his
friends who yearn for the peace of their lost childhoods. Following the compelling story, a historical background with rarely-scene
World War II photographs are included to provide real-life relevance for readers.
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Father's Violin - Music Soundtrack
Listen to this beautiful collection of classical music, all appearing within Father's Violin. The songs are presented in this playlist in the order
in which they appear in the book.
Drink Boys Chicos de la Bebida
"...beautifully captures the universal themes of adolescence, friendship, and self-discovery, while also offering a refreshing perspective
on cultural differences and the power of acceptance."(More)
"...heart-wrenching, but it's also filled with moments of hope and inspiration."(More)
"...a riveting page-turner because I couldn't wait to see what adventure or misadventure happened next!"(More)
At the start of his summer vacation following 6th grade, Ryan arrives at his mom’s Colorado Springs home to learn that she has been
transferred to in a small fishing town resort in Campeche, Mexico, and they’re moving—now. Within hours, Ryan and his mom are on a
plane to Mexico. There, Ryan is put to work as a Chico de la Bebida, a bar waiter on a private beach with boys his age.
Battling a bully twice his size, a boss who resembles Darth Vader, and the embarrassment of exposing parts that never sees the
light of day back at home, Ryan makes new friends with a Jamaican bartender, a boy named Pablo, and Pablo’s grandfather. Together,
they find ways to help Ryan survive the summer and to care for a heart beyond his own.
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No Good
"...fast-paced and reminiscent of a gritty Waltons story... excellently written with emotion and empathy...
will stay with this reviewer for some time."(More)
"...gripping and immersive story. Highly recommended."(More)
"...this book can say so much so succinctly and never overstay its welcome..."(More)
Twelve-year-old Johnny "No Good" and his newly adopted brother find themselves in the middle of a manhunt for
a small-town murderer when No Good learns the other is connected to the prime suspect.
Recipient of the Florida Writers Association's Royal Palm Literary Award, this heart-felt story brings
to life a lost segment of American life when boys could be boys as they struggle to understand
racial prejudice and how to see people for who they really are.
Secret Adventures of Foxfire
Illustrated by:
David R Martinez and Chorka
1st Place 2019 Royal Palm Literary Awards
"Moving and exciting novel that is guaranteed to entertain and thrill...
by far the best children’s book I have ever read."(More)
"...filled with action, heartwarming moments, and a bonus adventure."(More)
Sebastian needs a superhero in his life, so he draws one. Deep within Sebastian’s vivid imagination, international spy Foxfire is tasked with her most difficult mission
yet: to find and capture the Devil himself. Outside Sebastian’s solitary comic book–drawing bouts, the mystery-loving twelve-year-old helps his friends construct
a secret tree fort using building supplies from an abandoned neighborhood shed while at home, he struggles to find common ground with his stepdad after his mom has
left them following a car accident.
Winner of the Royal Palm Literary Award for Middle Grade Novels, Secret Adventures of Foxfire has captured the hearts and minds of kids and adults with its humor,
imaginary, and real-to-life characters.
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Audiobook
Colby in the Crosshairs
"...an amazing read...awesome job of getting you inside Colby's head.
The little boy is charming and we can easily empathize with him."(More)
"...well plotted work that keeps you moving along at a quick pace...a terrific read. Five Stars!"(More)
"Great story telling and an unexpected ending. I was pulled along by the author’s conversational prose and vivid descriptions."(More)
After Colby's estranged father returns home, the nine-year-old struggles to survive a promiscuous neighborhood mother,
money sharks, and an uncontrollable autistic older brother while discovering the true cost of living and brotherhood.
Based on the sensitive subject matter, not recommended for young kids. Excellent book for high school and college students
to discuss social taboos and difficult family issues, including child abuse and gun control.
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Colby in the Crosshairs Audiobook Preview
read by
Steve Carlson
General Adult Books John's Shorts Volumes 1-3
This collection of 57 short stories in three volumes spans various genres—coming-of-age, science fiction, fantasy, horror, creative nonfiction—and provides humor,
introspection, surprise, and warmth. John Hope, winner of more Royal Palm Literary Awards for short stories than any other author, has composed
a tapestry of work in books that tugs at the hearts of all readers.
Volume 1
Volume 2
Volume 3
All Volumes
Fairy Tales, the Sequel
"...an absolutely amazing compilation of stories...Tweens, Teens, and adults of all ages will find this book quite magical."(More)
Whatever happened after happily ever after? This thrilling collection of classic fairy tales answers the question, each
story going deeper into the fanciful creations the world has loved and shared over the centuries. Composed by award-winning authors,
this collection includes sequels to the following fairy tales:
Aladdin and The Magic Lamp sequel by Chuck R. Stieren The Black Bull of the Castle of Blood sequel by Frances Hight Briar Rose (Sleeping Beauty) sequel by Kristin Durfee Cinderella sequel by Bettie Nebergall Goldie Locks and the Three Bears sequel by Mark McWaters Hansel and Gretel sequel by John Hope Pinocchio sequel by Nicola Trwst The Princess and the Pea sequel by Arielle Haughee Rumpelstiltskin sequel by Sarah Hendess
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Audiobook
Daddy Was Santa and Other Christmas Stories
REVIEWS
"Sweet, but with dark twists, the kind real life is made of."
"Satisfying and optimistic, but with realistic undertones...Would definitely recommend as a Christmas gift."
A heart-felt collection of seven award-winning Christmas tales sure to warm your heart during the chill of the holiday season. So curl up on a couch,
sip at steaming mug of cocoa and spice, and enjoy.
Paperback
Kindle eBook
Prometheus Saga 2
Eight award-winning and accomplished authors invite you to explore the depths of human experience alongside an ever-watching presence
sent to Earth by an advanced alien intelligence. The Prometheus Probe lives among us, witnessing the progress of our civilization and
the development of our weaknesses, follies, wisdom, and strengths. It watches, morphing from one human form to another—a friend, a
coworker, a lover, a comrade in arms. Its life spans tens of thousands of years. As history unfolds before its eyes, its alien creators
analyze in real time. And sometimes advise. The groundbreaking Volume One of The Prometheus Saga garnered critical praise and numerous
literary awards. In Volume Two, the authors of the Alvarium Experiment invite you on eight new journeys through history that reveal
the alien observer among us.
Paperback from Amazon
Alvarium Experiment: Masters Reimagined
From characters that disappear to odd occurrences to open endings, the masters who penned today’s literary classics left a lot of room
for speculation. Have you ever wondered what inspired Kipling to pen The Jungle Book? Who else Macbeth’s witches influenced? Why Mr.
Rochester’s first wife went mad in Jane Eyre? How the events of Treasure Island would unfold if the pirates flew spaceships instead?
If Eveline were escaping Earth instead of Ireland? What an American free spirit like Holly Golightly from Breakfast At Tiffany’s might
encounter in her new life as a Brazilian wife? How Anna Karenina might have escaped her death? What the Count of Monto Cristo and Alice
In Wonderland might be like together? If Jonah’s whale had been a submarine? Why Ishmael never mentioned Mr. Bulkington again after the
Pequod left Nantucket on the hunt for Moby Dick? Escape into the speculative worlds of ten award-winning science-fiction and fantasy
authors for answers that will fire up your imagination as you discover the essence of these timeless tales in stories that invite you
to re-think everything you know about the classics, whether you've ever read them or not.
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Alvarium Experiment: Return to Earth
A diverse team of authors unite to envision the impact on Earth when it is revisited by its own species. Ten different narratives tackle the same premise,
yet the resulting stories couldn't be more different.
Earth’s story is littered with fantastic tales of alien contact, both past and future. Some of these tales bring light and hope, while others make us shiver
with horror. But what happens when the foreign visitors look remarkably like us? How will the world react when instead of extraterrestrials,
it’s humans who return to earth?
The possibilities are endless. And they are told in these stories.
From the start, Lake Mary, Florida was quiet and friendly, with a quality of life that attracted
people of various backgrounds and origin wanting a break from hectic city life. The founding
families described their initial experience as heaven, with men on horseback clomping over
dirt roads, dogs running free, osprey perched in silence, and the echoes of children playing
nearby. In 2007 Money magazine named Lake Mary the 4th best
place to live and work in the United States.
Images of America celebrates the history of neighborhoods, towns, and cities across the country. Using
archival photographs, Images of America - Lake Mary presents the distinctive stories from the
past that shape the character of the community today.
