“It’s not the magic that makes it work; it’s the way we work that makes it magic.” The secret for creating “magic” in our careers, our organizations, and our lives is simple: outstanding leadership—the kind that inspires employees, delights customers, and achieves extraordinary business results. No one knows more about this kind of leadership than Lee Cockerell, the man who ran Walt Disney World® Resort operations for over a decade. And in Creating Magic, he shares the leadership principles that not only guided his own journey from a poor farm boy in Oklahoma to the head of operations for a multibillion dollar enterprise, but that also soon came to form the cultural bedrock of the world’s number one vacation destination. But as Lee demonstrates, great leadership isn’t about mastering impossibly complex management theories. We can all become outstanding leaders by following the ten practical, common sense strategies outlined in this remarkable book. As straightforward as they are profound, these leadership lessons include: Everyone is important. Make your people your brand. Burn the free fuel: appreciation, recognition, and encouragement. Give people a purpose, not just a job. Combining surprising business wisdom with insightful and entertaining stories from Lee’s four decades on the front lines of some of the world’s best-run companies, Creating Magic shows all of us – from small business owners to managers at every level – how to become better leaders by infusing quality, character, courage, enthusiasm, and integrity into our workplace and into our lives.
Natalie's uplifting story of using the scientific process to "save" her mother from depression is what Booklist calls "a winning story full of heart and action." Eggs are breakable. Hope is not. When Natalie's science teacher suggests that she enter an egg drop competition, Natalie thinks that this might be the perfect solution to all of her problems. There's prize money, and if she and her friends wins, then she can fly her botanist mother to see the miraculous Cobalt Blue Orchids--flowers that survive against impossible odds. Natalie's mother has been suffering from depression, and Natalie is sure that the flowers' magic will inspire her mom to love life again. Which means it's time for Natalie's friends to step up and show her that talking about a problem is like taking a plant out of a dark cupboard and giving it light. With their help, Natalie begins an uplifting journey to discover the science of hope, love, and miracles. A vibrant, loving debut about the coming-of-age moment when kids realize that parents are people, too. Think THE FOURTEENTH GOLDFISH meets THE THING ABOUT JELLYFISH. NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY NPR * KIRKUS REVIEWS * THE CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY * "Natalie's Korean heritage is sensitively explored, as is the central issue of depression." --Publishers Weekly "A compassionate glimpse of mental illness accessible to a broad audience." --Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW "Holy moly!!! This book made me feel." --Colby Sharp, editor of The Creativity Project, teacher, and cofounder of Nerdy Book Club
In the vibrant sequel to the critically acclaimed The Magic Poof, we find the practical Ange-Marie facing a test when her mischievous Poof reveals himself to a perfect stranger! That stranger is Ling. A daredevil and fashionista as unique as the Poof and Ange-Marie herself. With Ling swinging from to and fro on the jungle gym at school the Poof decides to catch her when she falls. But now that a stranger knows Ange-Maries secret, how will Ling react? Find out in this enchanting sequel that teaches the importance of being yourself while making friends with others. The Magic Poof A New Friend is an vibrant story bundled with adventure and delight.
Spencer Dales was born into a world of magic. His father belongs to the Aegis, a secret society of black magicians ordered by their unseen masters to better the lives of others those with greater potential but never themselves. Now it's time for Spencer to follow in his father's footsteps, but all he sees is a broken system in need of someone with the wand and the will to change it. But in this fight for a better future, who will stand beside him? KHARY RANDOLPH (We Are Robin, Noble, Black, TECH JACKET) and BRANDON THOMAS (HORIZON, The Many Adventures of Miranda Mercury, Noble, Voltron) ignite a generational war in this action-fantasy series, made entirely by creators of color, and committed to one truth above all othersÑExcellence is Real.
Can you change your fate—and the fate of those you love—if you return to the past? Journey to 1939 Harlem in this time-travel adventure with an inspiring message about believing in yourself. Eleven-year-old Ailey Benjamin Lane can dance—so he’s certain that he'll land the role of the Scarecrow in his school’s production of The Wiz. Unfortunately, a talented classmate and a serious attack of nerves derail his audition: he just stands there, frozen. Deflated and defeated, Ailey confides in his Grampa that he’s ready to quit. But Grampa believes in Ailey, and, to encourage him, shares a childhood story. As a boy, Grampa dreamed of becoming a tap dancer; he was so good that the Hollywood star and unofficial Mayor of Harlem, Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, even gave him a special pair of tap shoes. Curious, Ailey finds the shoes, tries them on, taps his toes, and makes a wish. In the blink of an eye, he finds himself somewhere that if most definitely no place like home! Featuring an all-African-American cast of characters, and infused with references to black culture and history, this work of magical realism is sure to captivate and inspire readers.
A litte boy with a kind heart listened to the words of his wise grandmother. She taught him that if he trusted and listened to the forest, it would reveal great surprises. When he meets a beautiul little bird, he knows the forest has sent him a secret friend. But the little bird is clearly lost. Can the little boy and the animals of the forest help the little bird find his way home?
This book has earned the Family Choice Award & Mom's Choice Award for excellence in family-friendly media. POOF! Just Like Magic! Help a child you love discover their inner magic, develop authentic self-love, and build self esteem with this award winning book. In this first award winning Kathryn the Grape book, readers are introduced to Kathryn the Grape and Maggie the Magical Butterfly, and learn where her nickname came from! This story helps readers learn the impact of doing the right thing and being helpful to others, the joy in making new friends, and the importance of being fearless in trying new things. Readers are invited into the magical world of Kathryn the Grape in this dynamic story packed with vibrant illustrations. Everyone is magical! Through Kathryn the Grape Just Like Magic, readers learn about being fearless, courageous, and adventurous in trying new things; accountability in doing the right thing and helping others; discovering their own inner magic and using it for doing good things; and being friendly to someone who is lonely, and being open to making new friends.
A beautiful picture book that motivates young children to stay in bed using the power of magic (and rewards). This magical and whimsical picture book, the Bedtime Bunny solves a major problem: children everywhere won't stay in their beds! The unicorns, the leprechauns, and even baby dragons cannot fly free at night because the children might see them. This is the story of how the very first Bedtime Bunny came to be, on a real street called Red Fox Lane. To this day, the Bedtime Bunny makes sure the children are in bed each night, so the magical creatures are free to fly. Invite your very own Bedtime Bunny into your family, for a restful and magical night for all.