The recent translation of a Babylonian tablet launches a groundbreaking investigation into one of the most famous stories in the world, challenging the way we look at ancient history. Since the Victorian period, it has been understood that the story of Noah, iconic in the Book of Genesis, and a central motif in Judaism, Christianity and Islam, derives from a much older story that existed centuries before in ancient Babylon. But the relationship between the Babylonian and biblical traditions was shrouded in mystery. Then, in 2009, Irving Finkel, a curator at the British Museum and a world authority on ancient Mesopotamia, found himself playing detective when a member of the public arrived at the museum with an intriguing cuneiform tablet from a family collection. Not only did the tablet reveal a new version of the Babylonian Flood Story; the ancient poet described the size and completely unexpected shape of the ark, and gave detailed boat building specifications. Decoding this ancient message wedge by cuneiform wedge, Dr. Finkel discovered where the Babylonians believed the ark came to rest and developed a new explanation of how the old story ultimately found its way into the Bible. In The Ark Before Noah, Dr. Finkel takes us on an adventurous voyage of discovery, opening the door to an enthralling world of ancient voices and new meanings.

Raised in the High Sierras, Brenda Peterson was influenced daily by wildlife. Here, she explores her deep connection with animals--from watching grizzlies in Montana's Rockies to her work for the restoration of wild wolves in the West--and includes intimate stories of wild dolphins, whales, and orcas she has studied for 20 years. 17 photos.

“Reynolds gives us a much-needed reason for hope. The gardener, the conservationist, the city planner, and the nature lover will all be inspired for this wonderful book shows how thousands of even small wildlife friendly gardens can provide habitat for embattled wildlife around the world.” —Jane Goodall, Phd, DBE, Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute & UN Messenger of Peace Individuals can’t save the world alone. But if millions of us work together to save our own patch of earth—then we really have a shot. How do we do it? With Acts of Restorative Kindness (ARK). An ARK is a restored, native ecosystem. It’s a thriving patch of native plants and creatures that have been allowed and supported to re-establish in the earth's intelligent, successional process of natural restoration. Over time, this becomes a pantry and a habitat for our pollinators and wild creatures who are in desperate need of support. These ARKs will become the seeding grounds for our planet’s new story. They will be sanctuaries for our shared kin—the rooted and unrooted—and safe havens for the magic and abundance of the natural world. Most importantly, the ARK-building actions are within our control and laid out here in We Are the ARK. In these inspiring pages, discover how one person’s actions can effect big change in this world. Even the tiniest postage stamp patch of land matters! Together we are building a patchwork quilt of life that will wrap its way around this planet.

Teacher Pat Kozyra is now acting upon the many requests from family, friends, and colleagues that she write a book about her half century in the teaching profession. This seasoned professional has so many Tips and Tidbits to offer, so much to tell, and so much to share with colleagues! She has taught primary grades, vocal music, art resource, and gifted education, and has been a preschool coordinator, English as a Second Language teacher, and has presented courses in special education at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. The author felt the time was right to celebrate her milestone by sharing with parents and teachers alike the important Tips and Tidbits she has learned in her distinguished career.

Obsessing over status, grades, exercise or a boyfriend could never become an addiction...Could it? The third installment of the Status Updates series finds four college sophomore roommates finally getting comfy with the routines of dorm life. But Kat, Claire, Palmer, and Hannah soon begin to feel the nagging ache of innocent addictions pulling them away from their true selves. Hang out with these four roomies to see if they can--or even want to--ditch these sneaky little hang-ups before they take over their lives. I'm so glad to see Laura L. Smith writing about such serious and important issues. Kudos to her for being brave enough to write the truth. New York Times bestselling author, Tosca Lee It's Addicting tackles real-life issues with raw honesty. This book is something every high-school and college-aged girl should read. Nicole O'Dell, founder of Choose NOW Ministries Laura L. Smith writes with precision and honesty in the third book of her popular Status Updates series. In the end, the answers aren't easy or pretty, but Smith, with characteristic gentleness, pushes readers to see that clarity and hope come from one place--a God who seeks us as fiercely as we seek Him. Laura Kurk, author of Glass Girl and Perfect Glass

It's the year 2030. The oceans have risen rapidly, and soon the entire planet will be submerged. But the discovery of another life-sustaining planet light years away gives those who remain alive hope. Only a few will be able to make the journey-Holle Groundwater is one of the candidates. If she makes the cut, she will live. If not, she will be left to face a watery death...