"The first time I met Bill Cook, I knew he was real, not a 'make-a-story-up guy.' His adventures with the Ghost Walks at historic Calico Ghost Town are not only interesting and fun, but true! I have personally experienced some of the ghosts and spirits that he writes about in his long-awaited Ghostly Guide to Calico Ghost Town. I know you'll enjoy reading these hair-curling ghostly accounts as Bill guides you through the haunted streets of Calico. I'll be first in line for his next book." Dr. William R. Jimenez, PhD Psychologist Paranormal Investigator "As a novelist and journalist specializing in ghost stories, I've uncovered so many hoaxes during my years of research, that I'm a permanent skeptic. I've had only a handful of experiences I can't explain away, and I'm happy to say Bill Cook introduced me to several of these wonderfully spooky anomalies. Calico is a ghost hunter's delight any time of day and with The Ghostly Guide to Calico Ghost Town in hand, you'll be able to read about both the history of this old west mining town and the ghosts that remain, as you mozy around the town and ruins." Tamara Thorne Author of many novels, including Thunder Road and Haunted Paranormal Investigator
In this series of children's books, many of the toys who live together in a big toy store recount their fun adventures. In The Story of Calico Clown, a silly clown decides to put on a show of tricks, stunts and capers for his friends after the toy store closes down for the night.
"The Story of a Calico Clown" by Laura Lee Hope is a charming children's tale that revolves around the adventures of a lively and colorful calico clown. The story begins in a bustling toy store where the calico clown is displayed alongside other toys, eagerly waiting for a child to take him home. One day, a kind-hearted little girl named Polly visits the toy store with her parents. Polly's eyes immediately catch the whimsical calico clown, and she falls in love with him at first sight. Begging her parents to buy him, Polly becomes the proud owner of the jolly calico clown. The calico clown quickly becomes Polly's most cherished toy. With his bright colors and wide grin, he brings joy and laughter to Polly's life. They share countless adventures together, from playing in the park to attending tea parties with Polly's other toys. One day, Polly's family decides to embark on a journey to the countryside for a summer vacation. Polly brings her beloved calico clown along to keep her company during the trip. As they explore the beautiful landscapes and encounter new friends, the calico clown's adventurous spirit shines through. Throughout their journey, the calico clown proves to be more than just a toy. He becomes a loyal companion to Polly, always by her side to lend a helping hand or bring a smile to her face. He teaches Polly valuable life lessons about friendship, kindness, and the importance of cherishing joyful moments. As the summer comes to an end, Polly and her family return home, bringing back wonderful memories of their vacation. The calico clown finds his place among Polly's other toys, knowing he will forever hold a special spot in Polly's heart. "The Story of a Calico Clown" is a heartwarming tale that celebrates the magic of childhood and the enduring bond between a child and their favorite toy. Through the adventures of the jolly calico clown, Laura Lee Hope weaves a delightful narrative that captures the innocence, wonder, and joy of childhood."
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A thoroughly modern guide to becoming a better, faster, more creative cook, featuring fun, flavorful recipes anyone can make. ONE OF THE BEST COOKBOOKS OF THE YEAR: NPR, Food52, Taste of Home “Surprising no one, Molly has written a book as smart, stylish, and entertaining as she is.”—Carla Lalli Music, author of Where Cooking Begins If you seek out, celebrate, and obsess over good food but lack the skills and confidence necessary to make it at home, you’ve just won a ticket to a life filled with supreme deliciousness. Cook This Book is a new kind of foundational cookbook from Molly Baz, who’s here to teach you absolutely everything she knows and equip you with the tools to become a better, more efficient cook. Molly breaks the essentials of cooking down to clear and uncomplicated recipes that deliver big flavor with little effort and a side of education, including dishes like Pastrami Roast Chicken with Schmaltzy Onions and Dill, Chorizo and Chickpea Carbonara, and of course, her signature Cae Sal. But this is not your average cookbook. More than a collection of recipes, Cook This Book teaches you the invaluable superpower of improvisation though visually compelling lessons on such topics as the importance of salt and how to balance flavor, giving you all the tools necessary to make food taste great every time. Throughout, you’ll encounter dozens of QR codes, accessed through the camera app on your smartphone, that link to short technique-driven videos hosted by Molly to help illuminate some of the trickier skills. As Molly says, “Cooking is really fun, I swear. You simply need to set yourself up for success to truly enjoy it.” Cook This Book will help you do just that, inspiring a new generation to find joy in the kitchen and take pride in putting a home-cooked meal on the table, all with the unbridled fun and spirit that only Molly could inspire.
The New York Times bestseller that brings to life the passionate, adventurous men and women who transformed San Francisco during the California Gold Rush. Kendra comes to San Francisco, a sleepy town of nine hundred people, because her stepfather, an army colonel, is charged with overseeing its defenses during the Mexican War. Marny arrives from Honolulu to set up a gambling hall. Neither expects to be swept up in one of history’s greatest adventures, which begins when tiny flakes of gold are discovered in the California hills. As both young women follow their dreams into the mining camps and back to a rapidly growing San Francisco, they encounter ambitious settlers, sailors, miners, ranchers, and mysterious drifters, men who will offer them love or friendship or will break their hearts. Yet Kendra and Marny’s lives stay centered on the Calico Palace, the little gambling operation in a tent in Shiny Gulch that becomes the most opulent gambling house in California. Thrilling and rich in authentic historical detail, Calico Palace is first-rate historical fiction that informs and entertains.