The renowned author of A Natural History of the Senses takes readers in search of the "rarest of the rare, " species likely to disappear before most of us have ever seen them. From Brazil to the Pacific to Japan, Ackerman shares her concern at the animals' plight, rejoices at the chance to experience them, and cheers those who work to save these fantastic creatures.

A variety of rare blue species--from the blue lobster to the blue black bear--are rare and unique for a reason. Travel across Earth to discover eight species that are blue in color and are either naturally rare, threatened, or endangered. Panoramic illustrations and a playful main text prompt a search for the blue species at hand, while the page-turn and informative sidebars zoom in to reveal a closer look at the species. There's a lot to uncover about the Karner blue butterfly, blue black bear, blue whale, Quitobacquito pupfish, Cerulean warbler, blue lobster, Eastern Indigo snake, and big bluestem grass. A surprise ending celebrates that planet Earth is the rarest and bluest and must be protected for the sake of all.

For centuries, dyed fabrics ranked among the most expensive objects of the ancient Mediterranean world, fetching up to 20 times their weight in gold. Huge fortunes were made from and lost to them, and battles were fought over control of the industry. The few who knew the dyes’ complex secrets carefully guarded the valuable knowledge. The Rarest Blue tells the amazing story of tekhelet, or hyacinth blue, the elusive sky-blue dye mentioned 50 times in the Hebrew Bible. The Minoans discovered it; the Phoenicians stole the technique; Cleopatra adored it; and Jews—obeying a Biblical commandment to affix a single thread of the radiant color to the corner of their garments—risked their lives for it. But with the fall of the Roman Empire, the technique was lost to the ages. Then, in the nineteenth century, a marine biologist saw a fisherman smearing his shirt with snail guts, marveling as the yellow stains turned sky blue. But what was the secret? At the same time, a Hasidic master obsessed with reviving the ancient tradition posited that the source wasn’t a snail at all but a squid. Bitter fighting ensued until another rabbi discovered that one of them was wrong—but had an unscrupulous chemist deliberately deceived him? Baruch Sterman brilliantly recounts the complete, amazing story of this sacred dye that changed the color of history.

The Yeerks aren't playing around anymore. They're no longer hiding behind a silent invasion. And one of the first steps in their new plan is to take over the National Guard, to prepare for all-out war against humanity.Marco and the other Animorphs couldn't be less prepared for this news. The Yeerks know who they are, forcing them to hide to protect their families. Things are falling apart, and for once Jake may not be able to make the decision that will save them...

It's Christmastime in the pocket-sized village of Briarcliff Manor. With yuletide spirits flying high, life seems close to perfect in this quaint suburb of Manhattan. But not everyone feels the holiday cheer. While most go about their joyful holiday pursuits, young Charlie Riverton is restless. Compassionate by nature, he's especially mindful of the lonely and forlorn. At the same time, he's the unofficial leader of a close-knit group of sixth-grade buddies. Together they grapple with pre-teen hijinks, newfound freedoms and an emerging, nerve-wracking interest in girls. Meanwhile, there's a curiously gifted newcomer in town. Charlie develops a special friendship with the handsome stranger and together, they set out to craft a God-honoring Christmas gift for the whole community. Along the way, lives are changed and people begin to look at Christmas a little differently. Come spend the holidays in Briarcliff with this feel-good, coming of age story set in small-town America in the early 1970s. Congratulations to Tom for writing a heartwarming Christmas story that evokes the traditional Christmas spirit. A Gift Most Rare focuses on a God-honoring relationship between a young boy, a guardian angel and a whole village that rediscovers how best to celebrate Christmas. -Kevin Sorbo, Actor, Producer, and Director A Gift Most Rare is a gift to every reader. Bringing you back to a time when Christmas was filled with thanks to God, it is a great reminder to care for those around you, giving to those in need and coming together to celebrate God's gift of Jesus. -Rev Anthony Karlik, Sr. Pastor of Faith Lutheran Church, Briarcliff Manor, NY, and Eastern Region President of the Church of the Lutheran Brethren This novel is sweet and affectionate, with a strong spiritual uplift. A lovely debut. -Jamie Malanowski, author of The Coup and Commander Will Cushing, Daredevil Hero of the Civil War Every once in a while comes a magical story, an exquisite jewel of a book, a piece of fiction that more than makes up for all the ordinary books. Leihbacher is an amazing storyteller. He economically imbues his plot and characters with life's truths. -Karen Smith, Historian, Briarcliff Manor A Gift Most Rare is a thoroughly feel-good holiday tale, reminiscent of the things we love about It's a Wonderful Life, but for our times. -Martha Higgins Ferguson, Chappaqua, NY