Larry McCoy believes in non-stop fun and ice cream as every grandfather should. He writes amusingly about adventures with his four grandkids on bikes, skis, diving boards, and picnics-from both his perspective and theirs. McCoy won awards as a newsman, but nothing has been as rewarding as hanging out with Nicholas, Rachel, Daniella, and Cristiana. Despite injuries and a pouty face or two, the grandkids still speak to him. Having saved them early on from the perils of parsley and pickles, he wishes they would take his word that sweet potatoes are good for you.

Great-grandmother Nell eats fish for breakfast, she doesn't hug or kiss, and she does NOT want to be called grandma. Her great-granddaughter isn't sure what to think about her. As she slowly learns more about Nell's life and experiences, the girl finds ways to connect with her prickly great-grandmother.

It's not every kid who falls out of his grandmother's moving car, is labeled a "vandal" by his hometown newspaper, and covers his face with a handkerchief in World History class but gets a passing grade. Say hello to Larry McCoy, a proud son of Frankfort, Indiana. His high school years were raucous ones with his talent for misbehaving so admired he was voted Class Clown in 1955. His was a world of fun and adventure--playing ball, trying to pull down girls' swimming trunks, emceeing a talent show, lying about damage to dad's car--and a world of wonderful food--breaded tenderloins, strawberry pie, and home-made noodles piled on mashed potatoes. He writes lovingly of his grandmother, of a favorite uncle and of his brother Jim who turned an empty field into a baseball diamond where second base was a cow patty. After high school, McCoy hit some bumps at Indiana University where his social life at first was limited to stocking shelves at the A&P. Still, he probably learned more there than he did in college. A flirtation with Catholicism strained relations with his devout Protestant parents. But goofiness and good times won out after McCoy met Irene Kristoff at I.U. She was smart, pretty, and thought he was funny. Rather than having her head examined, Irene contacted a minister and married Larry. He picked the title, "I Should Have Married My World History Teacher," without consulting his bride of more than 60 years. A very wise move.

1707. Polish Lithuanian Commonwealth. A young orphan, deemed a simpleton and harder to tame than the wind, defies expectation and convention to follow an inner call. This rich reimagining of one of history's most revered and revolutionary mystics transports readers back in time to experience the true meaning of power and the timeless grace of love

The Greatest Christmas Tales & Poems is a treasure trove that captures the spirit of Christmas through an unparalleled amalgamation of literary mastery. This anthology knits together a remarkable array of stylesfrom the poetical enchantments of William Wordsworth and Alfred Lord Tennyson to the narrative depths explored by Charles Dickens and Leo Tolstoy, traversing the landscapes of folklore with the Brothers Grimm and Hans Christian Andersen. Emerging from within these pages is a panoramic view of the festive season, observed through myriad prisms of culture, emotion, and era, making it a seminal collection that highlights the universal appeal and diverse interpretations of Christmas. The contributing authors, an illustrious roster of literary giants spanning the 19th to early 20th centuries, bring to this anthology their unique backgrounds, thereby enriching it with a wide cultural and historical span. This collective work not only reflects the Victorian fascination with Christmas as a cornerstone of family and societal celebrationas seen in works by Dickens and Trollopebut also delves into the deeper psychological and ethical questions of the human condition, encapsulated in the tales by Dostoevsky and Tolstoy. Such diversity offers a comprehensive view of the eras literary movements, from Romanticism to Realism, and their relationship with Christmas traditions, spirituality, and moral contemplations. For the reader seeking to immerse themselves in the festive season, The Greatest Christmas Tales & Poems provides a unique lens through which the holiday is both celebrated and scrutinized. It invites an exploration into the rich tapestry of Christmas as seen by celebrated authors, whose works traverse the boundaries of time and culture to speak of universal themes of joy, hope, and reflection. This anthology stands as an educational journey and a testament to the power of literature to encapsulate the essence of human experiences and traditions, making it an indispensable addition to any collection.