Books with author Anthony DeStefano

Soon after his popular A Travel Guide to Heaven was published, bestselling author Anthony DeStefano recognized that children also have many questions about heaven. In celebration of the tenth anniversary of that book, Anthony wrote this fun-filled, action story about a little boy named Joey who gets to take a whirlwind tour of heaven with his guardian angel, Gabby. Artist Erwin Madrid’s stunning illustrations bring the story to life, showing heaven to be a place where everyone is happy, the animals all get along, and God’s glory is more amazing than anything Joey had ever seen in his whole life.This long-awaited children’s edition will quickly become a favorite for the reader and the child alike. Imagine the comfort and peace children will experience when they hear about this incredible place God has prepared for them.

This children's rhyming book tells the story of a seed who lives in fear of being removed from the drawer where he lives happily with other seeds. One fateful day his worst fears come true and he is buried in the ground outside. To his amazement he soon realizes that he is destined to grow into a magnificent tree overlooking a beautiful sunlit shore. This inspiring story is one that any child can relate to, since it deals with being afraid of new experiences and change. This book will help young readers to cultivate the courage to face all their fears and to understand that good can come of any frightening situation " as long as they have faith. Most importantly, these pages also contain a profoundly biblical message about the transformative power of God's grace. Christ told several famous parables involving seeds and grains that have to "fall to the ground and die" in order to "bear fruit."

This delightful rhyming book introduces Catholic children to the Blessed Virgin Mary in a fun and simple way—through her clothes!When Our Lady lived in Nazareth two thousand years ago, she was very poor and probably didn’t have many nice things to wear. But now that she’s in Heaven, she has an enormous mansion. And in that mansion she has an incredibly beautiful wardrobe filled with a great variety of dresses, veils, slippers, sashes, robes, rings and crowns.Over the centuries, Our Lady has visited the people of Earth many times. On each of these occasions she has dressed very differently. "Our Lady’s Wardrobe" tells the story of some of her most famous apparitions, highlighting the clothes she wore and the things she did.By reading this book, children will not only learn about the Mother of God, but will also learn the main purpose of her life—to love and serve her son, Jesus Christ, and to lead others to do the same.

The definitive book on the ultimate mob boss—featuring new FBI revelations, rare family photos, and never-before-published material . . . To authorities, Frank Costello was “The Prime Minister of the Underworld” and “one of the most powerful and influential Mafia leaders in the U.S.” To friends and associates, he was simply “Uncle Frank.” Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter Anthony M. DeStefano sets out to answer who Frank Costello really was in this definitive portrait of one of the most fascinating figures in the annals of American crime . . . Using newly released FBI files, eyewitness accounts, and family mementos, Top Hoodlum takes you inside the Mafia that Frank Costello helped build from the ground up. These are the riveting stories and stunning revelations that have inspired American crime classics like The Godfather, Casino, Goodfellas, and The Sopranos. This is the man who made the Mafia such a powerful force in our nation’s history. The man who refused to admit his crimes long after he retired. This is Top Hoodlum. Praise for ANTHONY M. DESTEFANO and His Books on the Mafia: “Thrilling American crime writing.” —Jimmy Breslin on King of the Godfatherss “Terrific. . . . A fitting end to the murderous story of the 1978 Lufthansa heist.” —Nicholas Pileggi, author of Wiseguy on The Big Heist “The best and last word on the subject . . . DeStefano brings the story to life.” —Jerry Capeci, creator of the website "GangLandNews"“DeStefano tells Costello’s story well.”—Kirkus Reviews

The definitive book on the ultimate mob boss—featuring new FBI revelations, rare family photos, and never-before-published material . . . The press nicknamed him “The Prime Minister of the Underworld.” The U.S. Treasury’s Bureau of Narcotics described him as “one of the most powerful and influential Mafia leaders in the U.S.” But to friends and associates, he was simply “Uncle Frank.” Who was Frank Costello really? That’s the question Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter Anthony M. DeStefano sets out to answer—in this definitive portrait of one of the most fascinating figures in the annals of American crime . . . Using newly released FBI files, eyewitness accounts, and family mementos, Top Hoodlum takes you inside the Mafia that Frank Costello helped build from the ground up, from small-time bootlegging and gambling to a nationwide racketeering empire. The book’s stunning revelations include: * Costello’s secret interviews with federal investigators—now released for the first time* His private meetings with FBI director J. Edgar Hoover* His partnership with Charlie “Lucky” Luciano and how they brutally displaced the old guard of the Mafia*Surviving an assassination attempt by Genovese Family hitman Vincent “Chin” Gigante*His crime family’s role in the now legendary suicide of Abe “Kid Twist” Reles, a Murder, Inc. member who was about to rat out the mob* His personal involvement in the notorious 1947 “mob summit” in Havana, Cuba* His secret interests, both real and suspected, in Las Vegas, New Orleans, and Manhattan night clubs like the Copacabana* His power over politicians, rapport with reporters, and amazing ability to evade the feds* His refusal to admit his crimes long after he retired—until his death in 1973 Sometimes shocking, sometimes amusing, and always riveting, these are the stories that have inspired American crime classics like The Godfather, Casino, Goodfellas, and The Sopranos. This is the man who made the Mafia such a powerful force in our nation’s history. This is Top Hoodlum.

Soon after his popular A Travel Guide to Heaven was published, bestselling author Anthony DeStefano recognized that children also have many questions about heaven. In celebration of the tenth anniversary of that book, Anthony wrote this fun-filled, action story about a little boy named Joey who gets to take a whirlwind tour of heaven with his guardian angel, Gabby. Artist Erwin Madrid’s stunning illustrations bring the story to life, showing heaven to be a place where everyone is happy, the animals all get along, and God’s glory is more amazing than anything Joey had ever seen in his whole life.This long-awaited children’s edition will quickly become a favorite for the reader and the child alike. Imagine the comfort and peace children will experience when they hear about this incredible place God has prepared for them.

The definitive book on the ultimate mob boss—featuring new FBI revelations, rare family photos, and never-before-published material . . . To authorities, Frank Costello was “The Prime Minister of the Underworld” and “one of the most powerful and influential Mafia leaders in the U.S.” To friends and associates, he was simply “Uncle Frank.” Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter Anthony M. DeStefano sets out to answer who Frank Costello really was in this definitive portrait of one of the most fascinating figures in the annals of American crime . . . Using newly released FBI files, eyewitness accounts, and family mementos, Top Hoodlum takes you inside the Mafia that Frank Costello helped build from the ground up. These are the riveting stories and stunning revelations that have inspired American crime classics like The Godfather, Casino, Goodfellas, and The Sopranos. This is the man who made the Mafia such a powerful force in our nation’s history. The man who refused to admit his crimes long after he retired. This is Top Hoodlum. Praise for ANTHONY M. DESTEFANO and His Books on the Mafia: “Thrilling American crime writing.” —Jimmy Breslin on King of the Godfatherss “Terrific. . . . A fitting end to the murderous story of the 1978 Lufthansa heist.” —Nicholas Pileggi, author of Wiseguy on The Big Heist “The best and last word on the subject . . . DeStefano brings the story to life.” —Jerry Capeci, creator of the website "GangLandNews"“DeStefano tells Costello’s story well.”—Kirkus Reviews

Bestselling author Anthony DeStefano weaves the heart of the parable of the lost sheep into an exciting adventure story for children ages three and older. When paired with Richard Cowdrey’s brightly colored illustrations, the tale of repentance and forgiveness is brought to life.Amidst a flock of a hundred sheep, one small lamb is convinced that the world beyond his Good Shepherd’s pastures is worth exploring. While on his big adventure, the little sheep unexpectedly meets a very hungry wolf, a huge angry lion, and a mean lying snake that tries to convince him that his Good Shepherd is cruel and unforgiving. But just when he feels trapped and frightened, lost and alone, he hears a most wonderful sound.He had left all his flockFor one sheep who was lost—To rescue and save himNo matter the cost.

I know you're up in heaven, God,and can hear my voice from there.I'm just a little child.Will you answer my short prayer?Bestselling author Anthony DeStefano believes that prayer is the greatest gift you can give a child. Using simple language and rhyme―written as a heartfelt prayer―this story expresses a child’s understanding of our loving, faithful God. It encourages little ones to go beyond asking God for things to trusting Him for courage when feeling afraid, joy when sad or lonely, and guidance when confused or unsure.Mark Elliott’s beautiful, photo-realistic illustrations of children in everyday situations keep young readers turning the pages to see what comes next. When the last page has been turned and the amen has been said, little ones will understand that prayer is a simple conversation with God―easy, natural, and everlasting.

Bestselling author Anthony DeStefano brings the vain and possession-loving Roxy the camel to life to demonstrate the familiar Bible verse: It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. Little ones ages three and older will learn that possessions are only things...and definitely NOT the most important things. Brightly illustrated by Richard Cowdrey and written in engaging, funny rhyme, this storybook follows Roxy's journey from her waterless home in the desert to a great city of beauty she's heard about but never seen. Along the way she learns that the only way to attain true happiness is to share—or even give away—what she possesses.

Tonight a king will be born, and all the stars in heaven are competing to see who can shine the brightest for him. But when the stars see the poor family huddling in the shabby stable, they begin to think that this baby couldn’t be a king after all!That is, all the stars except the smallest, loneliest star in the sky, Little Star. He recognizes the baby Jesus as the King of kings and understands His special message of love. Read on to discover the extraordinary way Little Star serves his King on that cold, dark night.Certain to become a Christmas classic, this delightful tale connects the star atop the Christmas tree to the true meaning of Christmas—the birth of Jesus.

This children's rhyming book tells the story of a seed who lives in fear of being removed from the drawer where he lives happily with other seeds. One fateful day his worst fears come true and he is buried in the ground outside. To his amazement he soon realizes that he is destined to grow into a magnificent tree overlooking a beautiful sunlit shore. This inspiring story is one that any child can relate to, since it deals with being afraid of new experiences and change. This book will help young readers to cultivate the courage to face all their fears and to understand that good can come of any frightening situation " as long as they have faith. Most importantly, these pages also contain a profoundly biblical message about the transformative power of God's grace. Christ told several famous parables involving seeds and grains that have to "fall to the ground and die" in order to "bear fruit."