In the frigid waters, off a moonlit beach, a magical transformation is occurring. The GirlAylee is a shop-keeper's daughter in a nameless coastal town. Kind, thoughtful, and recovering from a broken heart, she yearns for a life she may never have. She would do just about anything to make her parents happy, including perhaps, living a life she doesn't want.The StrangerOn a brisk autumn morning, Aylee stumbles upon Cailean. He's an outsider-lost, confused, and very much out of place. Cailean has more than a few secrets, but for reasons Aylee can't quite explain, the two strike up a quick friendship.The PerilCailean has lost a very valuable item-one that may mean the difference between life and death. As Aylee and Cailean search for answers, they call on friends and enemies alike in the hope of avoiding tragedy. In the process, Aylee must confront danger in many forms-both human and fey-all while learning just as much about herself as the mysterious people and creatures surrounding her. What will she choose for herself in the end, and who will she lose as she fights for her new friend and her own future?Steeped in Celtic folklore, A Simple Tale of Water and Weeping is a timeless tale sure to bring a smile to your heart and possibly a tear to your eye. It is a magical story of love, friendship, and accepting not only ourselves, but also those around us.

Birddog Harlin is a willful and bitter woman whose husband leaves suddenly one morning. She is left with her sad and angry daughter. Birddog, feeling the detachment from her only child, recalls her own difficult past filled with the hurt of death, abandonment and loneliness. Painful memories flood her mind, forcing Birddog, who is teetering between self-destruction and redemption, to choose whether she will rise above her pain or whether she will fall.

This poetical study of water ranges from classical myth and literature to modern physics and microbiology. Because water exists in three forms or phases—liquid, solid, and gas—each needs its own constellation of ideas. Its subtle movement is the hidden source of question, questioner, and the phenomenon of life. Its power is transformation, the unspoken theme of the book.

Activities to expand children's favorite books. Primary grades.

Book 1: Dive into the intricate world of espionage and intrigue with “The Secret Agent: A Simple Tale” by Joseph Conrad. Conrad's masterful narrative unfolds in the shadowy realm of political conspiracy, exploring the complexities of human nature and the moral ambiguities that arise in the pursuit of secret agendas. Book 2: Experience the timeless beauty of courtly romance in “The Tale of Genji” by Murasaki Shikibu. Shikibu's classic work, often considered the world's first novel, follows the life and loves of Hikaru Genji, offering a mesmerizing glimpse into the cultural richness of Heian-era Japan and the intricate relationships that define the human experience. Book 3: Delight in the charming adventures of a mischievous rabbit in “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” by Beatrix Potter. Potter's beloved children's classic follows the escapades of Peter Rabbit as he ventures into Mr. McGregor's garden, captivating readers with its endearing characters and timeless lessons about curiosity and consequences.