Chuck's first book, Short, Shorter and Shorter Stories was a finalist for book of the year, 2005. His second book, Osmis, the Cursed Egyptian Maiden, ."is a trip through history that makes history fun to read." wrote one reader. Now, he has collected a second volume of short stories to rival the first book. Again we have writing contest winners among the many stories as well as Benjamin, the hard luck juvenile. Human-interest tales, crime, war and fairy tales are set into a variety of numerical groups and time frames. There are stories for some of the commandments, for each season, for each month, the days of the week, even a few for a minute of time. As in the first book the stories are intended for the reader with a little time to kill in the doctor's waiting room, the airport, in the car waiting for the kids to finish practice or get out of school or just to spend some leisure time. Not to give plots away, but just imagine a complete story in four sentences, with a reversed ending you didn't expect. Or being so familiar with the characters in a story that you never thought it could end differently, but it does. Be prepared to enjoy the unexpected, convoluted endings to some stories, then, when you think you know what's coming...No. I'm not going to spoil it for you.

Ranging in scope from lengthy novellas to fables and folktales only a few pages long, Leo Tolstoy’s short fiction provides a marvelous opportunity to become closely acquainted with Russia’s great novelist. Volume 2 of the Collected Shorter Fiction reveals how Tolstoy’s growing spiritual preoccupations flowered into a series of extraordinary late masterpieces that equal anything in the earlier novels for intensity and power. Readers of The Death of Iván Ilých, The Kreutzer Sonata, Father Sergius, Master and Man, and Hadji Murád will recognize the brilliant novelist now transfigured by his passionate quest for salvation and forgiveness. Aylmer and Louise Maude’s classic translations are supplemented by new translations by Nigel J. Cooper of six stories, including two that have never before appeared in English.

Very short, creative stories pair with bold illustrations in this picture book that will inspire young readers to stretch their imaginations and write stories of their own. "One day. . . I went to school. I came home. The end," says our storyteller—a girl with a busy imagination and a thirst for adventure. The art tells a fuller tale of calamity on the way to school and an unpredictably happy ending. Each illustration in this inventive picture book captures multiple, unexpected, and funny storylines as the narrator shares her shorter-than-ever stories, ending with "One day. . . I wanted to write a book." This book demonstrates a unique approach to writing and telling stories and is a delightful gift for children as well as for teachers seeking a mentor text for their classrooms.

Face to Face was a winner in a writing contest at the College of Lake County. In the style of O. Henry the unexpected happens. The stark reality of The Firing Squad will bring you to the unbelievable edge of wars horror. Heavenly Sex can create an argument or give you cause to think, while How It All Started should have you laughing out loud. The stories are for everyone, especially for the person forced to wait for the plane to load, the Novocain to numb the nerves, the babys arrival or while waiting for the Governor to call and pardon the condemned. Some stories you can began to read and finish as your elevator goes from ground level to the third floor, others while your loved one shops for shoes. Benjamins antics will have you wondering what could possibly happen to him now then it does. The crime is perfect but the criminal isnt, somehow, somewhere in the criminal endeavor theres a human error. You wont expect it, so be ready. From ancient Rome to Salems witch hunting and today under the Marshall Fields clock you will find short and shorter vignettes of life. Read all about them.

Introduces differences in short lengths and heights by comparing dog breeds and their features, such as legs, ears, and noses.

A cute board book for little children that's all about big and little, explaining the concept of height through a story about animals each taller than the last.

Once again, I bring the reader my favorite character, Benjamin, doing the usual and getting himself into trouble. Not only does he create his own problems but with other folks help, he manages to involve them in tithe situations. In his unique way he lets us see some of our own problems. There are stories from the past and stories of the future. There are stories of a devious nature and those that happen because of the opportunity of the moment.Some stories can only have the ending created by the perpetrator. Yet, can't an unexpected outcome occur to save the victim or stymie the rascal during or after the incident? Think about this, haven't you thought about doing something that is illegal, or shady like getting even or outfoxing your spouse, or your boss or even God? Hasn't each of us experienced the bone chilling fear of the unknown deliberately such as a bungee jump or accidentally skidding on an icy road into oncoming traffic? You may find such stories in this edition of Short, Shorter and Shorter Stories. I believe you'll enjoy finding out for yourself.