Books published by publisher Outskirts Press

Deep in the forest grows a magnificent tree--the tallest and most beautiful for miles around. It's not just a tree, though. It is a happy home for a large family of birds and animals. One day, two little mouse brothers, Sammy and Benny, walk past the tree and notice all the different birds and animals living together in perfect harmony. They ask Papa Bird if the tree has room for two small mice. "Of course!" says Papa Bird. Delighted by this welcome, Sammy and Benny move in. But Sammy is an adventurous mouse, and one afternoon he decides to go exploring. He wanders too far and can no longer see the tall tree. The mission to rescue Sammy takes his friends and family on a heartwarming, exciting adventure. Charming and thrilling, with a strong message about the value and importance of diversity, The Tall Tree is sure to become a favorite with readers of all ages.

The Fire Rises. And it is time for the voices of teachers to be heard. "I find it fascinating, and a bit insulting," confides Frank Stepnowski, the iconoclastic author of Why Are All the Good Teachers Crazy and S.C.R.E.W.E.D., An Educational Fairytale, "that so many people feel so enabled to criticize teachers. Folks get their homes repaired multiple times, but they don't automatically think they could be construction workers, plumbers, etc. People and their family members undergo surgeries and visit hospitals, but they don't instantly assume they could be doctors. I could go on and on and yet, because they went to school, or have children in school, legions of people feel like they know what it is to be a teacher. They're wrong; and the evidence is in both the children they send us, and the fact that they stand idle, ignorant to so many "educational" decisions being made about our children that could irreversibly damage future generations." Teaching Sucks - But We Love It is an unapologetic retaliation to those that would blame teachers exclusively for the ills that plague modern education, a wake-up call to the uninformed masses, and a love letter to those good teachers that continue to fight the good fight in the face of nearly insurmountable odds, in a nation that seems to increasingly devalue their importance.

The knowledge of Merlin and the powers he had were lost to most of the world, specifically the existence of his sword. Forged by Merlin himself and infused with power, it could magnify the abilities of whoever wielded it. A single line of his descendants had passed down the sword from generation to generation. With the sword came the knowledge of how to use it, via the ancient family book. The book contained the family's cumulative knowledge of wizardry. Stories of courage and valor, along with others of darkness and evil were recorded within the book, all meant to prepare those that would wield the sword for the conflicts that they would face. Nothing could prepare his descendants for the arrival of the most powerful wizard since the days of Camelot. He had moved across the land quickly and efficiently to enslave all he did not destroy. Whether their knowledge and training will be enough to keep themselves, and their people, free will depend on the reluctantly selected wielder of the sword of Merlin.

With a doctorate in five woodwind instruments and decades as both a performer and a teacher, Dr. Mark Watkins has long been interested in the production of sound. What differentiates his book From the Inside Out: An In-depth Resource for the Development of Saxophone Sound from other music reference texts is its focus on fluoroscopy and endoscopy to supersede supposition and speculation. No other book provides both video and hard-copy illustrations of the inner workings of the saxophonist’s vocal tract. Since 1995, Watkins has conducted X-ray and probe camera experiments and consulted with music acoustics physicists from around the world. Now, Watkins shares what he has learned in From the Inside Out, which is filled with explanations and exercises for saxophone performers and teachers in areas including range, relations to vocal mechanisms, articulation, jazz, anatomy, the science of the vocal tract, and extended techniques.

Garwood Groundhog is restless and curious. He yearns to see the world outside while he and his family normally hibernate. Garwood has heard from his mother that stars fall from the sky and form snow. He knew that rather than sleeping this winter, he needed to see these earth-bound stars. Garwood sneaks away from his home while Mom and Dad are asleep. He meets up with his mouse friend, Dickory Dock, who promises to guide Garwood through the winter wonderland and introduce him to his frosty friends. It does not take very long for Garwood to realize that perhaps he should have remained true to his groundhog heritage and hibernated with his family. Will Garwood continue his adventure in the snow? Or will he sleep the winter away? Garwood Groundhog's Winter Adventure holds the key to this adventurous creature's ultimate decision.

“Charles Jett has written an entertaining and factual memoir of an important time and series of events in the history of the cold war. He has succeeded in telling the unclassified story of the journey taken by an extraordinary group of men who built the first operational “Super Nuke” and effectively shared what they developed with others in the entire US nuclear submarine force. He created the SSN Pre Deployment training program, consolidated developments made on the Ray to create the highly useful Geographic Plot (Geo Plot) and wrote the tactical doctrine for the SSN based electronic intelligence collection system, AN/WLR-6. Well done, Charlie. I am proud to have had you as a shipmate.”Albert L. Kelln Rear Admiral, United States Navy (Ret.) Former Commanding Officer and Plank Owner USS RAY (SSN 653) - The original “Super Nuke” “Charlie Jett succeeds in providing an unclassified account of what it was like to be a nuclear qualified submariner who had the unique experience of building and serving aboard the first operational “Super Nuke” - the most modern fast attack nuclear submarine designed specifically to face the Soviet Navy during the Cold War. He describes the contributions of the commissioning crew in developing sonar techniques and operational tactics and how these lessons were ultimately and effectively communicated to later “Super Nukes.” Charlie provided the initial idea and was instrumental in establishing and implementing a new concept of training which significantly improved the operational readiness of the nuclear attack submarine force. He created the “Geographic Plot” to improve operational safety and wrote the tactical doctrine for a new and sophisticated nuclear attack submarine electronic intelligence gathering system. “Super Nuke” is a good read for those who have an interest in life as a submarine officer and how these marvelous machines and their crews contributed to winning the Cold War.”The Honorable John H. DaltonFormer Nuclear Submarine Officer and 70th Secretary of the Navy“This is a most interesting work on the U.S. Navy’s program to combat the Soviet submarine threat during the long Cold War. Charlie was in at the beginning and accurately describes the significant efforts, both in individual sacrifice and technical development that led to U.S. undersea superiority. As a junior officer his individual accomplishments were most significant. The submarine efforts were probably the most important U.S. competitive strategy that drove the Soviets to the poor house and led to the demise of the Soviet Union.”Bruce DeMars Admiral, United States Navy (Ret.) Former Commanding Officer, USS CAVALLA (SSN 684) - a subsequent “Super Nuke” Former Director of Naval Reactors

Surviving 5th Grade . . . is about the humorous and challenging escapades of seven youngsters and their often stormy relationship which usually spells TROUBLE! Tank and his buddies, Spencer, Zach, and Alex look for ways to sabotage any plans made by Ellie, Mia, and Becca who in turn, find creative ways to get even! Their get-back competitiveness is interrupted when one of the seven nearly loses his life, an experience that redefines their friendship. The super seven survive school activities, a talent show, and Outdoor Camp to make their last year at Lemon Grove School one to remember!

"Super Nuke!" describes what once was a carefully guarded secret -- one of the most highly sophisticated, powerful and effective war machines ever designed by man--the first operational nuclear fast attack submarine specifically designed to "go up close and personal" against the Soviet Union in the Cold War -- the "Super Nuke." The book takes you on entertaining journey about what it takes to become a nuclear qualified submarine officer, the meticulous detail in building the Super Nuke, the first three super secret "special operations," and the successful efforts to communicate and share the lessons learned by this "Super Nuke" with the entire US Naval submarine force toward the collective effort of winning the Cold War. This is a first hand and eyewitness account of the highly classified and spooky world of the nuclear fast attack submarine--largely invisible to the general public throughout the Cold War. It should serve to motivate young people to consider the nuclear navy as a career, to share some of the lighter and darker moments in the history of nuclear submarines, and to properly credit the significant contributions of an amazing commanding officer as well as the highly competent officers and crew who quietly and effectively served their country with honor and dignity. Super Nuke is not a "tell all." In fact, it has been cleared for publication by the United States Navy to share a story about service and contributions of a combination of money well spent and individual competence of the highest caliber. Put simply and not so modestly, the US Naval nuclear submarine force--both ballistic missile and fast attack submarines--quietly won the Cold War!

MAYANS, CRYSTAL SKULLS AND THE JAGUAR THRONE BRILLIANTLY COME TO LIFE IN THE THIRD BOOK OF THE MYSTERY AROUND HISTORY SERIES When Miki and her friends offer to run Aunt Sonia's pizza parlor while on Christmas vacation, they elatedly find themselves right in the middle of the Mexican jungle, in time for a galactic alignment that only takes place every 25,000 years. They soon discover something eerie about this pizza parlor and its odd guests that are brimming full of weird yet interesting information. While on a late night pizza delivery, amidst the massive Mayan maze, the four friends accidentally find themselves interrupting a ceremony of sacrificial nature. All havoc breaks loose at the main pyramid as the four switch to rescue mode, someone accidentally drinks poison, and Miki becomes obsessed in discovering who the person is behind the wooden mask. www.mystery-around-history.com

This is a story about the magic of being a child, in a loving family, and the power of imagination, determination, and always believing that good and wonderful things can happen. It draws on favorite memories of some of the wondrous times I have spent with my extended family.According to Grandma, it's always a white Christmas at the cabin. And that has been Michael's experience for the last eight years. This year, there's no snow and the forecast does not look promising. Grandma is sure it will snow. And Michael wants to believe it will, but just in case Michael has a plan- a backup plan. Grandpa knows all about it. They've been working in the garage. Together the two of them plan to make some magic. Some years it takes a lot of imagination, a little bit of ingenuity, and some hard work. With help from Grandpa - it can happen. Be a believer like Grandma, Grandpa and Michael.

Have you ever met a Pineapple Parrot who likes to paint? Or a Birthday Snake eating birthday cake? When Silly Goose and the Avocado Moose hop on their bikes and set out to have some fun, they meet all sorts of delightful characters! There’s Nervous Turtle and Watermelon Toad, and Banana Billy Goat captains a boat so Apple Pie Cat can waterski! Join Silly Goose and the Avocado Moose in this entertaining, vividly illustrated tale of friendship and the spirit of adventure. And when the butterscotch moon replaces the tangerine sun, They know their wonderful day is done.