Randall Baines, a divorced white man in his early seventies was forced into retirement from his career as a detective in Wichita, Kansas. Randall becomes a grumpy, hot tempered lost soul. He often takes his anger out on his neighbor, Keisha, a young African American recent high school graduate. Randall is agitated most by his next-door nemesis, due to her insistence on taking an oversized ping-pong paddle and banging a rock-hard wiffle ball against her garage during his early morning reading time. Randall struggles to find his purpose in life until a psychotic murderer, known as the Peanut Butter Killer, takes the life of a treasured elderly lady in his neighborhood. Randall is not the type of guy to stay passive under such circumstances and decides to investigate the case himself. Randall soon develops the theory that peanut butter may not be the key to the murders, but rather, the key may be a game involving the very same equipment used by his neighbor to disturb his peaceful reading time. Randall must swallow his pride to team up with neighbor foe Keisha, to try to catch a crazed madman that Randall suspects is a professional athlete in the fastest growing sport in America - PICKLEBALL!

Jack Ross is lonely. It feels like he's lost everything that gave his life meaning. His wife Sherry died nineteen months ago. He retired from practicing law nine months ago. Sports injuries forced him to give up playing basketball and tennis. He is lost without the love of his life, meaningful work, and the outlet of playing sports to distract him from the pain of his loss. When his former law partner invites him to try out a new game with the silly name of pickleball, Jack is skeptical, but he agrees to give it a try. He was on the varsity tennis team at Butler University, so he quickly picks up the new game and loves it. No longer depressed, Jack feels so rambunctious a romance blossoms with a delightfully attractive member of the pickleball group. But there is a surprising twist in the story when Jack's life and the lives of his new friends and love interest become embroiled in an international conspiracy. A mysterious man in black begins to stalk them with murderous intent. It's a pickleball soap opera! The FBI, CIA, Al-Qaeda, Taliban, US Marines and Air Force, British Special Forces, spies, and terrorists all play a part in the drama that entangles the pickleball players and spans the globe from Ohio to Afghanistan and Chicago to Pakistan. It has romance, murder, and pickleball!

A Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2019 A Today Show Best Book of the Year A Booklist Book for Youth Editors’ Choice 2019 A Boston Globe–Horn Picture Book Honor Book 2020 An NPR Favorite Book of 2019 A Quill & Quire 2019 Book for Young People of the Year “Extraordinary.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review) “Inspirational.” —Booklist (starred review) “Laugh-out-loud funny.” —Shelf Awareness (starred review) “Will tickle kids and adults alike.” —Kirkus Reviews “An instant classic.” —Quill & Quire (starred review) From E.B. White Read Aloud honor artist Matthew Forsythe comes a picture book about a magical drum, an emerald forest, and the little frog who dares to make her own music. The biggest mistake Pokko’s parents ever made was giving her the drum. When Pokko takes the drum deep into the forest it is so quiet, so very quiet that Pokko decides to play. And before she knows it she is joined by a band of animals —first the raccoon, then the rabbit, then the wolf—and soon the entire forest is following her. Will Pokko hear her father’s voice when he calls her home? Pokko and the Drum is a story about art, persistence, and a family of frogs living in a mushroom.

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • Considering a trip to a quaint English village? You’ll think twice after learning about the countless murderous possibilities lurking behind the bucolic façades, thanks to this illustrated guide from #1 bestselling author Maureen Johnson and illustrator Jay Cooper—perfect for fans of cozy mysteries. A weekend roaming narrow old lanes, touring the faded glories of a country manor, and quaffing pints in the pub. How charming. That is, unless you have the misfortune of finding yourself in an English Murder Village, where danger lurks around each picturesque cobblestone corner and every sip of tea may be your last. If you insist on your travels, do yourself a favor and bring a copy of this little book. It may just keep you alive. Brought to life with dozens of Gorey-esque drawings by illustrator Jay Cooper and peppered with allusions to classic crime series and unmistakably British murder lore, Your Guide to Not Getting Murdered in a Quaint English Village gives you the tools you need to avoid the same fate, should you find yourself in a suspiciously cozy English village (or simply dream of going). Good luck! And whatever you do, avoid the vicar.

Examines "the gruesome, morbid details of some of the worst plagues in human history, as well as stories of the heroic figures who fought to ease their suffering. With her signature mix of ... research and ... storytelling, and not a little dark humor, Jennifer Wright explores history's most gripping and deadly outbreaks"--

106 killer recipes, 16 creative party themes, and 250 gorgeous photos--plus playlists and easy planning tips--make LIFE IS A PARTY the indispensable cookbook and guide for home cooks. Chef, actor, and entertaining authority David Burtka knows that every day can be a party. Over a lifetime of throwing epic gatherings, the Cordon Bleu-trained Burtka has perfected the formula for creating easy and perfect get-togethers at home. Now, in the pages of his debut cookbook, he's sharing all of his secrets and an intimate look into the lives of one of Hollywood's favorite families. Everything you need to throw a memorable party, or to make a delicious weeknight meal, can be found right here. Whether your event and budget are modest or you're going all-out, and whether the guest list is an intimate crew or it's a blowout bash, David's sixteen party themes-from cozy game nights at home to elegant New Year's fêtes-are built around doable, show-stopping menus that take the guesswork out of high-impact hosting. Complete with endless and fun ways to mix-and-match dishes, create stunning decor, prep ahead, and get guests involved, David helps you put all the elements in place to make every party a success without ever losing your cool. At the heart of the book are David's amazing recipes, including delicious twists on comfort classics like Corn Cakes with Bacon Jam, Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas, and Neapolitan Ice Cream Sandwich Cake. And you don't need to wait for a party to try recipes like Ham, Egg, and Cheese Calzones; Mint Pesto Pasta; and Thyme and Gruyère Popovers. Never one to miss the opportunity to toast friends and family, David also shows you how to make delicious cocktails for a crowd: think Mojito Slushies, Charred Peach and Plum Sangria, and Cucumber-Lime Spritzers. So raise a glass and get cooking! Because there's no better time than now to make your life a party.

Nurture your mind, body, and spirit with this unique twist on Truth or Dare! Be inspired to create a more joyful, thoughtful lifestyle with this fun, interactive tool offering 100 ways to practice self-care on a daily and weekly basis. Featuring 50 sticks, each with a thought-provoking question on one side and a challenging but achievable dare on the other, Self-Care Truth or Dare invites you to reflect, recharge, and connect with yourself. In a compact, foil-stamped cylinder that can be used at home or on the go, these prompts will inspire anyone seeking ways to nourish their health and everyday well-being. Players: 1+ SAMPLE PROMPTS TRUTH: Who or what are you grateful for today? TRUTH: What are your core values? Do you feel aligned with them? TRUTH: How do you connect with your body? Do you have an exercise routine? Are you getting enough movement in your life? DARE: This week, keep a daily food diary. Pay attention to how what you eat makes you feel. DARE: Give yourself 3 compliments or encouraging affirmations. Repeat them to yourself every day for the next week. DARE: Take a meditative walk in nature. Pay attention to your surroundings, and engage your senses of sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch. Focus on being present. SELF-CARE MADE EASY, FUN, AND ACCESSIBLE: The simple-to-use sticks are a great tool for individuals looking for ways to start, cultivate, and enhance their self-care practice and build healthy habits. Just pull a stick and choose truth or dare. You can do this on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. And if a prompt doesn't resonate with you at that moment, just pick another! SELF-CARE IS IMPORTANT: Making time to take care of yourself is essential for living a happy, healthy, and balanced life. These sticks offer a range of insightful questions and achievable practices, encouraging you to nurture what is most important--you! To take care of others, start taking care of yourself. GREAT GIFT AND STOCKING STUFFER: Delivered in an eye-catching, portable package, this set of engaging prompts is a great gift or stocking stuffer for wellness enthusiasts and anyone interested in self-care, personal growth, and mindful living. Perfect for: - Self-care enthusiasts - People interested in physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health - People interested in mindful living and healthy habits - Anyone seeking ways to reflect, recharge, and grow