You will laugh and cry as you read this 50+ year snapshot of time in Deb Sue’s life where she shares the joys and sorrows from her youth through adulthood of working with animals. Each experience, from the innocent and inexperienced costly mistakes of youth to the special joys and lessons of adulthood, yielded spiritual dividends that formed who she is today. Nana’s Animals is a collection of short stories of a rural American farm girl’s life-long experience with animals. Many of the stories were rescues and the rest, were animal experiences from farm life through adulthood, and the invaluable faith-building spiritual lessons these experiences afforded her.
“Hilarious. Barbara Park makes reading fun.” —Dav Pilkey, author of Dog Man Barbara Park’s #1 New York Times bestselling chapter book series, Junie B. Jones, has been keeping kids laughing—and reading—for more than twenty-five years. Over 65 million copies sold! Meet the World’s Funniest Kindergartner—Junie B. Jones! Lucille is having a sleepover party—at her richie nanna’s big giant house! Grace and Junie B. can’t wait to see all the rich stuff in that place. Sleeping over at the nanna’s is sure to be a dream come true! ’Cause what could possibly go wrong? USA Today: “Junie B. is the darling of the young-reader set.” Publishers Weekly: “Park convinces beginning readers that Junie B.—and reading—are lots of fun.” Kirkus Reviews: “Junie’s swarms of young fans will continue to delight in her unique take on the world. . . . A hilarious, first-rate read-aloud.” Time: “Junie B. Jones is a feisty six-year-old with an endearing penchant for honesty.”
This authoritative volume offers a comprehensive exploration of Umbanda, meticulously crafted for both academic researchers and religious practitioners. As the most detailed analysis of Umbanda ever written in English, it covers the religion’s history, deities, hierarchies of entities, essential tools, rituals, and temple practices. Each chapter methodically unpacks a critical aspect of Umbanda: from ancient mythology and its more recent syncretic roots to its modern-day practices and the role of Brazil’s socio-political background in shaping it. Altar setups, chants, the role and composition of offerings, and the occult details of mediumistic channelling are explored with the precision and insight of a seasoned practitioner. Tailored specifically for English-speaking readers, this work ensures precise translations of key terms and names, bridging cultural gaps while maintaining the integrity of Umbanda’s spiritual and ritualistic essence. The translations are crafted to facilitate a deep understanding of Umbanda, ensuring the content is accessible and resonates without sounding categorically foreign or rather exotic. Topics Covered Include ● The historical, sociological, and political contexts that shaped Umbanda ● The religion's theological evolution and doctrinal development ● Orishas, spiritual hierarchies, and mythological narratives ● Temple layout, ritual implements, and the significance of sacred offerings ● The traditions of spiritual channelling and their hidden rites ● Essential images ● A comprehensive glossary of key terms and concepts The Book of Umbanda is an essential reference for students, educators, scholars, and practitioners of the religion from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. It also holds significant value for professionals and academics across various disciplines, including sociology, anthropology, cultural studies, philosophy, theology, and history.
There are new children at Jolie’s school, which would normally be great, but Jolie is having a hard time making friends with them. Jolie is always so friendly and outgoing and loves to play with everyone, but these children make Jolie nervous, and she doesn’t know what to say or how to act around them. The children have different abilities, and that is new to Jolie. One is in a wheelchair, one on crutches, one just sings, and the other doesn’t talk to anyone. How can she make friends with children who are so unlike her other friends? She’s afraid of hurting their feelings or saying the wrong thing, so she just keeps to herself, which has caused her to become sad. Nana notices the change in Jolie’s behavior and decides it’s time to take Jolie on an adventure that ends up helping her deal with the situation at school. Join Jolie, Nana, and the gang as they head on a magical journey, and see how Hamilton plays a big part in showing Jolie that no matter what abilities someone has, everyone just wants to be treated the same.
Grandmother's Garden is tangled with weeds, "Wildflowers, says grandma, food for the bees." A little girl visits her grandmother in summer and winter, and together they explore the wonders of Grandmother's garden. One day, Grandmother isn't there anymore, but as winter gives way to spring, the girl learns that life goes on and so does the memory of those we love.
If you are, were, or might ever be a caregiver, the Nana Elaine Chronicles was written for you. In it, Jodi Walsh shares the highs and lows of being a caregiver for her grandmother, who suffered from Alzheimer’s, as her nana moves from living in her own home, to assisted living, and finally to long term care. Heartfelt, realistic, and also inspirational, this book shares nuggets of valuable information about how to interact with loved ones who have Alzheimer’s and how to survive and even thrive as a caregiver. Even more importantly, it reminds us that life can be messy, no one is perfect, and that there is power in just showing up with love. Although built around posts that the author originally shared on a Facebook group, Jodi also takes time to document and celebrate the woman her nana was before Alzheimer’s. This makes the story deeply personal, and allows us to see how Nana Elaine’s strength, humor, and grace remain even as the condition ravages her memory. These revelations remind us that despite the heartaches along the way, a caregiving journey can be joyful. The Nana Elaine Chronicles also covers what happens when it is time to say good-bye to a loved one and the caregiver’s role ends. Openly and honestly, Jodi shares the importance of self-care and dealing with pent-up emotions and the steps she took to move forward and embrace the next stage of her life post-caregiving.
