Mitchell Morrison and Josie Sedgwick have spent their whole lives at the Indian Paintbrush Community Village, a commune full of colorful characters tucked in the mountains of North Carolina, and they aren't particularly close--at least, not anymore. Josie wishes she could spend all of her time at Paintbrush planting tomatoes, hiking the trails, or throwing giant communal birthday parties, while Mitchell can't wait to escape the bizarre spiritual sharing and noisy community dinners. Luckily for both of them, high school graduation is just around the corner. But when Mitchell's mother makes a scandalous announcement that rocks the close-knit Paintbrush community, and Josie's younger sister starts to make some dangerously bad decisions, the two find themselves leaning on each other for support--and looking at each other in a whole new light. Their childhood friendship blossoms in to something more as they deal with their insane families, but as graduation approaches, so does life in the real world, forcing Josie and Mitchell to figure out what, exactly, their relationship is--and if it can survive their very different plans for the future.

The little paintbrush is often teased by all the other brushes in the cabinet, who have thick bristles and are chosen by their artist to create many paintings. They boast all day about the pieces they've helped create, and the little paintbrush yearns to be like them. One day, the little paintbrush is thrown out of the cabinet as he tries to inch out to be noticed. Alone and disheveled, he befriends an old broom who consoles him. Then, one night, a thief breaks into the artist's house and it's up to the little paintbrush to warn the artist—who is none other than Edvard Munch! After driving the thief away, Munch is inspired by the little paintbrush and his valiant efforts. Together they create a new masterpiece, The Scream. And from then on, the little paintbrush becomes Munch's favorite. This magical tale teaches kids about one of history's most famous paintings through the story of one little paintbrush who becomes a big talent.

Children speak about God in ways that are different from adults. They ask many questions about God, questions that can be startlingly direct. Oftentimes adults-parents, grandparents, and teachers-feel uncomfortable answering them. Through fantasy, involvement, and the imagination, Sandy Sasso and Annette Compton invite children of all faiths and backgrounds to encounter God openly through moments in their own lives-and help the adults who love them to be a part of that encounter. This book provides a gift of images that nurtures and encourages children in making meaning of their world. With over 100,000 copies in print, God's Paintbrush remains one of the most popular spiritual books for children of all faiths, all backgrounds. This special anniversary edition includes new ideas for interaction between adults and children, and an important new message from the author.

Meet a little boy named Paco who loves to draw but can't seem to concentrate during school in this picture book that's sprinkled with Spanish words! Paco gazed out at the late-morning sun. He wondered why recess had not yet begun. He wanted to go to el campo and play, and act like a matador shouting "¡Olé!" Paco loves daydreaming and drawing, but he struggles to concentrate during class. When his profesor takes him to the art room, Paco is amazed by the colorful paints: pink, rosado; purple, morado; fiery orange, anaranjado; and more! Could art be just what Paco needs? Complete with an author's note and glossary of Spanish words, this story is a great introduction to Spanish with a strong message about the power of art!

Shen's magic paintbrush can paint food for the hungry and clothes for the needy, but all the greedy emperor wants is greater riches for himself. But Shen has made a promise to paint only for the poor and it is a promise that she'll never break. Presented in the style of a traditional Chinese tale. Suggested level: junior, primary.

A poor boy who longs to paint is given a magic brush that brings to life whatever he pictures.

The wave of the future has been around since the beginning of times: it's called Nature. Let inventor and entrepreneur Jay Harman introduce you to stunning solutions to some of the world's thorniest problems. Why does the bumblebee have better aerodynamics than a 747? How can copying a butterfly wing reduce the world's lighting energy bill by 80%? How will fleas' knees and bees' shoulders help scientists formulate a near-perfect rubber? Today an interdisciplinary and international group of scientists, inventors and engineers is turning to nature to innovate and find elegant solutions to human problems. The principle driving this transformation is called biomimicry, and Harman shares a wide range of examples of how we're borrowing from natural models to invent profitable, green solutions to pressing industrial challenges. Aimed at a business audience, aspiring entrepreneurs, environmentalists and general science readers, The Shark's Paintbrush reflects a force of change in the new global economy that does more than simply gratify human industrial ambition; it teaches us how to live in harmony with nature and opens bright opportunities for a better future.