At twenty-one, Deen is dismayed by the poverty around him and trapped in negativity. Alienated from family and society, heroin is his drug of choice. Deen and his partner in crime, AJ, ride high on acid and amphetamines, philosophize in the university canteen, party in a politician’s posh pad and contemplate God at a roadside tea stall. From Maria, a chemically imbalanced diva, to a rickshaw-walla who reflects on the importance of positive energy, to a group of fakirs who sing about love, and a detective who has his own take on addiction, the characters in Shazia Omar’s debut novel crackle with life. They represent the despair, hopes and aspirations of a generation struggling to survive in the harsh realities of life in modern Dhaka. Hard-hitting and intensely moving, this is an extraordinary novel, and one that is destined to launch Omar as a major contemporary voice from South Asia. Published by Zubaan.

The story behind the classic and universally recognized rhyme! This luminous picture book biography shines a light on the little-known poet and author of the beloved lullaby. Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how I wonder what you are. Did you ever wonder who wrote that famous verse? In the days when most girls were brought up to run a home, Jane Taylor had a different kind of education in the English countryside, where she was inspired by nature and the stars, and dreamed of becoming a writer. But in the late 1700s, it was not considered proper for women to be writers. Jane and other female poets were shunned, unable to use their own names when published.But Jane did write, and she never forgot her love for the beauty of nature and the glow of stars, or her desire to write for children. Her published poetry became universally known for generations to come: Twinkle, twinkle little star. This lyrical and luminous biography shines a light on the unsung poet who wrote the words of our most enduring lullaby, and features stunning artwork reflecting the world, the stars, and the story behind the poem that we all know so well.

Enter the magical world of mermaids! This colourful fairy tale is poetically written with a heartwarming message for children -- you will always shine brightest as yourself. A light fills the ocean each night on their swim. A tale of enchantment is told from within. Kya is a young mermaid, fascinated by a night star. A long time ago, near the very same sea, there was a young girl who longed to be a part of the ocean. She admired its beauty and the magical creatures who graced the seashore. She wished to be something she was not, but she had a lesson to learn. The ones we admire often admire us. Come beneath the sea to find out how Kya and her friends explore the ocean at night . . .

The isolated beauty of the Australian East Kimberley desert can be a haven for those who can stand the heat, but its isolated beauty can also be deadly. The remote Matsu diamond mine in the Kimberley is the perfect place for engineer Dru Porter to hide. The vast and rugged landscape helps her feel invisible . . . and safe. Security specialist Connor Kirk is investigating stolen diamonds onsite and he knows from experience that beautiful women are capable of deceit. He immediately suspects the reclusive, but obviously clever Dru Porter; he knows she is hiding something. As Dru’s past catches up with her, their instant, mutual dislike threatens to blind them to the true danger lurking in the mine, one which could leave them both at the mercy of the desert...

Familiar stories and rhymes immerse children in written and spoken language while building content area skills. Complete lesson plans are provided for centers, journals, games, art and drama activities, literature, and more!

"Beth Shannon's husband dies of a heart attack in the Caribbean. The man he worked for is murdered in California. Bad men from the Russian Mafia are following her. Beth's husband and his boss had stolen millions of dollars worth of diamonds from the Russians. The Russians think Beth knows where the diamonds are and she does, only she doesn't know it. But she better find out before she is next on their list"--Back cover

Diamond Sky is an accessible and practical account of the Buddhist path for anyone wishing to understand the essential points of Buddhism and gain a deeper understanding of the path to enlightenment. Lama Jampa's account traces Buddhism from its origins to the present day, and explains in a clear and direct way the essential teachings of Buddhism, starting with &‘taking refuge' in the Three Jewels of Buddha, dharma and sangha, and the four contemplations that create a grounding for the Buddhist path to freedom from our current state of suffering.Lama Jampa then provides a profound step-by-step introduction to the meditations of the Mahayana, by which one can develop loving kindness and compassion, motivated by Bodhicitta - the altruistic resolve to obtain the state of a Buddha for the benefit of beings. This lucid account concludes with an insightful explanation of the purpose and method of entry to the Vajrayana -the tantric teachings of the Buddha- by which it is possible to attain the state of a Buddha in this very lifetime. This precise and accessible introduction succinctly illuminates the essence of the Buddhist path, an invaluable reference for those wishing to obtain an overview of the Buddhist path or to deepen their understanding of it.