Books with author Donald Bain

El Sobrante is a semirural community in Contra Costa County situated between the towns of Richmond, Pinole, and Orinda. In Spanish, el sobrante means “the surplus,” but is more commonly translated as “the leftovers.” The name is derived from the Rancho El Sobrante, which was carved from land surrounded by Mexican land grants. Unlike many of its neighbors, El Sobrante never attracted any large company or business interest that would have determined its pattern of growth. As a result, the town was free to develop in a way that reflects the wishes and hopes of its residents. Its people take pride that their community is a quiet place with small businesses, unpretentious homes, and open space where people can walk, ride horses, or simply enjoy nature.

El Sobrante is a semirural community in Contra Costa County situated between the towns of Richmond, Pinole, and Orinda. In Spanish, el sobrante means "the surplus," but is more commonly translated as "the leftovers." The name is derived from the Rancho El Sobrante, which was carved from land surrounded by Mexican land grants. Unlike many of its neighbors, El Sobrante never attracted any large company or business interest that would have determined its pattern of growth. As a result, the town was free to develop in a way that reflects the wishes and hopes of its residents. Its people take pride that their community is a quiet place with small businesses, unpretentious homes, and open space where people can walk, ride horses, or simply enjoy nature.

Outdoor Country Living is the first in a group of five books about, Ted, a 13 year old little boy. After he goes to work for Ed's Marine, Ted shows off his wood working hobby, in book one, by building a small sail boat. His boat building helped him understand how people were interested in helping him with his projects. A good friend, Mr. Kune, taught him how to sail after his boat was finished. Ted's father got him fired from Ed's Marine when he called Ed and complained that Ted couldn't work for him until his grades improved at school. Ted was very disappointed in losing the job he loved and decided to move in with his grandparents, who were very poor. Their poverty, helped Ted become self reliant. He had to walk into town for groceries and while there he met Woody a street entertainer. Woody started him playing guitar and singing on street corners to raise a little money. It's a story that shows how you can be happy even if not expecting much - don't give much-don't get much. You can still enjoy whatever comes up at the end of the day.

This is the fifth book in the five-book series about Ted, a thirteen-year-old boy. After he goes to work for Ed's Marine, Ted shows off his woodworking skill by building a small sailboat.Ted's father got him fired from Ed's Marine because his grades were low. He was so disappointed he decided to go live with his grandparents. He didn't realize how poor his grandpa and grandma were, but the poverty helped him become self-reliant.With hunger at the door, Ted learns all kinds of ways to make a little money, even going by the trash cans in the allies to search for anything he could use.Grandpa taught Ted to plow with his mules, Red and Kate. Now he can make a little money by plowing the spring gardens for the city folks.Woody, Ted's new friend, helped him get started working on his music with his guitar. He also practiced on the piano at church and school. With his harmonica, Ted was a talented musician. Woody and Ted played their music on street corners almost every Saturday; it gave him long hours of practice.Ted's music and plowing helped relieve the poverty. He eventually bought an old Model A roadster that came with a trailer full of lawn-mowing equipment.Mowing the family cemetery, plowing, and playing his music have helped Ted and his grandparents shake off poverty. In book 5, Ted and his grandparents are able to buy a new farm and become successfully independent.