Books with author J. B. Shepherd

A bestselling classic of humorous and nostalgic Americana and the basis of the movie A Christmas Story.Before Garrison Keillor and Spalding Gray there was Jean Shepherd: a master monologist and writer who spun the materials of his all-American childhood into immensely resonant—and utterly hilarious—works of comic art. Wanda Hickey's Night of Golden Memories is a universal (and achingly funny) orchestration of Midwestern puberty rites, from the gut-wrenching playground antics of one Delbert Bumpus, to the supernal glow surrounding unapproachable high school beauty Daphne Bigelow, to the memorable disaster that was Shepherd's (and everyone else's) junior prom.A comic genius who bridges the gap between James Thurber and David Sedaris, Shepherd may have accomplished for Holden, Indiana, what Mark Twain did for Hannibal, Missouri.

Jean Shepherd was one of America’s favorite humorists, his most notable achievement being the creation of the indefatigable Ralphie Parker and his quest for a BB gun in the holiday classic A Christmas Story. But he was so much more, a comic Garrison Keillor–like figure whose unique voice transcended the airwaves and affected a whole generation of nostalgic Americans. The Ferrari in the Bedroom is Shepherd’s wry, affectionate look at the hang-ups and delusions of Americans in the 1970s. From his sardonic assessment of fads such as the nostalgia craze (“Thinking that the old days were good is a terrible sickness. Everything was just as bad then as it is now.”) to a modest proposal for the foundation of S.P.L.A.T. (The Society for the Prevention of the Leaving of Animal Turds), Jean Shepherd provides a generous measure of his special brand of wise and warm humor as an antidote for some of America’s more ridiculous obsessions.

A beloved, bestselling classic of humorous and nostalgic Americana—the book that inspired the equally classic Yuletide film and the live musical on Fox. The holiday film A Christmas Story, first released in 1983, has become a bona fide Christmas perennial, gaining in stature and fame with each succeeding year. Its affectionate, wacky, and wryly realistic portrayal of an American family’s typical Christmas joys and travails in small-town Depression-era Indiana has entered our imagination and our hearts with a force equal to It’s a Wonderful Life and Miracle on 34th Street. This edition of A Christmas Story gathers together in one hilarious volume the gems of autobiographical humor that Jean Shepherd drew upon to create this enduring film. Here is young Ralphie Parker’s shocking discovery that his decoder ring is really a device to promote Ovaltine; his mother and father’s pitched battle over the fate of a lascivious leg lamp; the unleashed and unnerving savagery of Ralphie’s duel in the show with the odious bullies Scut Farkas and Grover Dill; and, most crucially, Ralphie’s unstoppable campaign to get Santa—or anyone else—to give him a Red Ryder carbine action 200-shot range model air rifle. Who cares that the whole adult world is telling him, “You’ll shoot your eye out, kid”? The pieces that comprise A Christmas Story, previously published in the larger collections In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash and Wanda Hickey’s Night of Golden Memories, coalesce in a magical fashion to become an irresistible piece of Americana, quite the equal of the film in its ability to warm the heart and tickle the funny bone.

Meet Serena Williams!Fact-filled Rookie Read-About Biographies introduce the youngest readers to influential women and men, both past and present. Colorful photos and age appropriate text encourage children to read on their own-as they learn about people like Serena Williams, Neil Armstrong, Rosa Parks, Anne Frank and many more. From the time she was five years old, Serena played tennis. Thanks to years of hard work and incredible talent she is considered by many to be the best female player ever. Serena's accomplishments aren't limited to the tennis court, though. She is also a successful entrepreneur and a dedicated philanthropist.

In many ways, Allison Anderson is like most girls. In others, she's very different. The differences aren't immediately obvious but have caused misunderstandings and avoidance from others in the past. Starting high school in a new town, she expects the same experiences—until she meets the Calderas.David Caldera, charismatic son of a local rancher, adopts Allison into his social circle. He and other new friends introduce her to their world of horses and extreme sports. Along with a lost horse she befriends, they help her to trust, gain confidence, and venture beyond her previously isolated world. She also falls helplessly but hopefully in love.Navigating through confusing emotions, over-protective parents, and jealous classmates is difficult, but Allison's overriding fear is losing the people she's grown to love. To prove her determination to keep up, she enters a race—a dangerous decision that could cost her everything.

Spanning 1,238 square miles of southern California's sprawling desert landscape, Joshua . Tree National Park is home to some of the most uniquely beautiful scenery in the countryA True Book: National Parks series allows readers to experience spectacular vistas and natural landscapes, as well as interact with the rich tapestry of American History. This series includes an age appropriate (grades 3-5) introduction to curriculum-relevant subjects and a robust resource section that encourages independent study.Readers will hike through the entire park to get a glimpse of its fascinating rock formations and amazing plants and animals. They will also learn about the park's history, how people are working to preserve its natural beauty today, and more.

If you are lucky, adding a new dog to your home is only a small revolution. In order to suppress an all out uprising you must have the time, patience, and knowledge to choose and train the newest and cutest member of your family. Read this book to learn about:Finding the right pup for youAge appropriate adoptionEnvironment for successKiddies and puppiesOther pet relationship dynamicsUpbringing: first stepsDog KindergartenNutritionVaccinationsBasic hygienic procedures Download your copy today!Tags: Dog training, Puppy training, Dog training for beginners, Dog guide, Dog at home alone

Five adorable farm friends are waiting for kids to "Guess Who!" in this fun and engaging book. Hidden behind "peek-a-boo" flaps, a cow, pig, horse, sheep, and hen are just waiting to be discovered. Inviting rhymes offer simple clues to help readers guess who's hiding. A special, surprise under each flap and big pop-up at the end add to the charm of this delightful story.Young children love to play guessing games and love playing peek-a-boo and with the fun rhyming text they will learn animal sounds and animal identification as well.Rhymes on each spread prompt kids to guess who is hiding behind the big peek-a-boo flap. Special fuzzy surprise under each flap.

Meet Jane Goodall, one of the most respected primatologists in the world!Fact-filled Rookie Read-About Biographies introduce the youngest readers to influential women and men, both past and present. Colorful photos and age appropriate text encourage children to read on their own-as they learn about people like Serena Williams, Neil Armstrong, Rosa Parks, Anne Frank and many more. Jane Goodall loved animals from the time she was a young girl. She dreamed of going to Africa to see the wildlife that lived there. After getting her wish, Goodall went on to become one of the most respected primatologists in the world. Her many discoveries changed the way we look at-and treat-chimpanzees.