Books published by publisher Live Oak Media (NY)

Audie Award Nominee, Children's Titles for Ages Up to 8, 2013 What is it to be an American? In lyrical, soul-searching free verse, the father-son team who presented Jazz, delivers a heartfelt and thought-provoking homage to this country. Reflective and non-judgmental, stretching across a tumultuous history and following dreams of and struggles for freedom, this masterful and stunning presentation of patriotism through poetry, quotations, and depictions of myriad Americans - from Tecumseh to Abraham Lincoln to Jimi Hendrix - celebrates the heart and soul of this land.

Winner of a 2005 Audie Award, this innovative portrait of a musical maverick is narrated by the author. Charles Ives, a great 20th-century composer, expressed through songs what he heard in the world. This biography of the daring genius plays like a soundtrack of his life and applauds his unique contributions that live on, despite the criticism and public scorn he endured.

Renowned collaborators Jean Craighead George and Wendell Minor turn their astounding talents to the exploration of two fascinating creatures. Luck follows the long migration north to Siberia of a young sandhill crane rescued from a six-pack holder in the Texas marsh by the girl who names him. Though the birds depend on natural landmarks to find their way, Luck also memorizes human evidence, including the girl's blue sunglasses, that will ultimately bring him back to his home, along with his new mate. The story unfolds with humor and awe at the miraculous journey these creatures undertake, while providing an instructive exploration of migration patterns, animal conservation and the human-wildlife connection. The Wolves Are Back covers the topic of the persecution, near-extinction, and ultimately, the restoration of wolves in the United States. In this celebration of the return of the wolves to Yellowstone National Park, lyrical text tells how the wolves were aggressively hunted over nearly a century, and then gradually reintroduced into their natural environment, where they are once again thriving and benefiting the ecosystem.

Every-child experiences are refreshingly depicted with reassurance, humor, and sensitivity in these satisfying stories. Award-winning narrator Laura Hamilton gives a delightful voice to the delicious character of Vera, a winning little girl whose stories of typical childhood experiences make every child feel special! Being sick is no fun, and the thoughtful story When Vera Was Sick perfectly captures the tedium and discomfort of Vera's illness, as well as her family's loving attempts to console her. Listeners will share Vera's joy at the end when she finally feels well enough to go outside and play! In Vera Runs Away, first-grader Vera feels under-appreciated when she comes home with straight A's and her family is too busy to notice. When she returns home, it is to a warm welcome and an apology, but also to a gentle lesson that "When you do well, you are doing well for yourself."

The tiny town of Chewandswallow was very much like any other tiny town except for its weather which came three times a day, at breakfast lunch and dinner. But it never rained rain and it never snowed snow and it never blew just wind. It rained things like soup and juice. It snowed things like mashed potatoes. And sometimes the wind blew in storms of hamburgers. Life for the townspeople was delicious until the weather took a turn for the worse. The food got larger and larger and so did the portions. Chewandswallow was plagued by damaging floods and storms of huge food. the town was a mess and the people feared for their lives. Something had to be done, and in a hurry.