Books published by publisher Portal Publishing Services

Stories about transgender transformation are increasingly in the news. Children find themselves dealing with a subject they probably don't know too much about. It can be difficult to find a source that provides the answers they need in a way they can understand. Author Jenson Hillenbrand's Parts and Hearts: A Kid's (and Grown-Up's) Guide to Transgender Transition helps readers understand transgender transformation, both male to female and female to male. Aimed at children between the ages of nine and twelve, Hillenbrand's work, with the accompanying illustration by Quinlan Omahne, helps readers understand what transgender transformation means and what it involves. Parents can use it as a resource to explain the subject to their children in an age-appropriate manner as well as prepare themselves to answer the many questions children will likely have. Transgender transformation can be difficult for children and some adults to understand. This book shows it's natural and not a scary thing as some may think.

Lek, the eldest child in a typical rice-farming family, did not hope for anything more than the other girls in her village: work in the fields for a few years; have a few babies; let mum take care of them and go back to work until they had their own children and it was her turn to take care of them.Suddenly, her father died with debts that the family knew nothing about. Lek was twenty and the only one who could prevent foreclosure. However, the only way she knew was to work in a bar in Pattaya.She went as a waitress, but when she became pregnant, things had to change. She had the baby, gave it to her mother and went back to work. However, needing more money now, she drifted into the sex industry.The book relates her ‘adventures’, her dreams and nightmares. It shows, from Lek’s position, what it’s like to be a bar girl – the hopes and frustrations, the hopes and the let-downs, the hopes and the deceit that are part of her every-day life.One day, she meets a man she likes and he likes her too. Nothing new there, but she feels that it is different this time. They have a wonderful holiday and then he goes home – as they all had, leaving more promises and more hopes.This one returns, but real life with a real boyfriend is not as easy as she had dreamed it would be.After all she has been through, can she be a normal girlfriend or wife again? Could she ever trust a man enough? Or would she be better off giving up her dreams and just working in the bar?Lek begins to learn that getting what you want is not always all you hoped for.This second book in the trilogy called ‘Behind The Smile – the story of Lek a Bar Girl in Pattaya’ explores the characteristics needed by returning Thais and foreigners if they want to live in an isolated Thai village, where there are none of the trappings of city life.They move back to the village to be with Lek’s daughter, other family and old friends, but the villagers are not all as excited about Lek moving back as she is, although the only two who really matter, Soom and her mother are delighted.Craig is also happy to live in the village, although it is not at all easy for him as no-one there speaks English and the Internet does not work as well as he was led to believe. Will he be able to make ends meet? Will he be deported? And would Britain allow Lek in if he had no money?Will Lek and Craig manage to live in the village of Baan Suay or will the loneliness, the tedium and the lack of stimulation drive them away or even apart?'Behind the Smile' refers to the fact that Thailand is known the world over as 'The Land of Smiles'.

A Bear With Pants is the story of a young bear with a loving family but not much confidence. One of his legs is shorter than the other, so he walks with a limp, which gets him picked on at school - especially by the mean Snake with a Scarf. A Bear with Pants finds a friend in Rhino with a Sweater Vest. Soon, word of bullying spreads around the school, and the teachers announce that all students must look out for each other, regardless of what they wear, how they walk, or even how they comb their hair. Despite his challenges, A Bear with Pants makes plenty of friends, but what will he do about the bullies?

Over the last 20 years, Robb Holman has successfully led countless business owners, executives, and leaders through his exclusive and proprietary method of Inside Out Leadership™ Coaching. In helping his clients learn how to connect with their unique life’s purpose, they are finding success in a way they never expected - from the inside out! For the first time, Robb presents his proven and purposeful Inside Out Leadership™ principles as a practical guide to transform your leadership and help you lead the way!

A little mountain spends the days and nights looking up to a bigger mountain. One night, the earth begins to shake. When the sun rises the next day, the bigger mountain is gone. From its shadow, a tiny mountain now looks up to the little mountain. If a mountain could see, where would it look? If a mountain could talk, what would it say? If a mountain could learn, how would it teach? Now that the little mountain has become the big mountain, what will it do? A picture book for children, Mountains tells the story about the desert days and nights and the mountains that live there.

Ten-year-old Josefina wants to make fresh tortillas just like her mother, who also learned to make tortillas from her mother. Creating homemade tortillas is an expression of love for family and friends. From kitchen safety to measuring ingredients, Josefina absorbs all the information her mother teaches her about cooking. As excited as she is about learning something new, Josefina never imagined making this family favorite would be so difficult, especially molding them into their classic round shape. Hers come out in funny shapes, and her twin brothers tease her about the odd-looking tortillas. Josefina’s parents try to keep the peace between the bickering children, but the teasing and arguing leads to a major confrontation within in the family. A book for young readers, Josefina Cannot Make Round Tortillas tells a story of determination, encouragement, forgiveness, and a family’s love for each other.

In her book Grandma's Wishes of Love from Heaven, author Mary Zotz tells the story of a grandma who sent her grandchildren a note from heaven. She wants them to know she is well and happy. Her favorite pastime in her new home is telling her friends about her wonderful grandchildren and all the memories they made together. She tells them how they laughed, played, and loved together. Grandma's Wishes of Love from Heaven encourages children, especially young ones, to remember positive experiences about their grandparents, in this case, a grandmother. Although sadness and grief are necessary after the death of a loved one, children should also be reminded of the good times they had with him or her. These memories can then be passed along to their children, keeping family history alive. And, of course, it's a reminder of being truly loved.

Ginger is a Christmas adventure about three crazy kids: Charlie, Henry and Vivian who drive their parents mad on Christmas Eve. The kids get themselves into a big mess when they destroy their Christmas tree. They pray for help from Saint Nick and much to their surprise, Ginger, a Cookie Angel comes to the rescue and helps them save Christmas Day. Not only does Ginger save Christmas Day but she also brings them the secret recipe for Santa's favorite cookies -- and now you can make them, too!

Ali celebrates Ramadan, Adam celebrates Christmas and Ari celebrates Hanukkah. They are three best friends who share their holiday traditions and experiences with each other over a plate of cookies one afternoon. Through their eyes, Today I Celebrate! shares the boys' excitement of each morning when they wake up to celebrate their special holidays with their families. As they learn about each other's religions and traditions, they understand there are more similarities than differences. About the Author: Rose Gulferi Apak came to the United States at a young age as an immigrant from Turkey. She's always aspired to be a writer who incorporates her upbringing and cultural background to her work. She's inspired by love, hope, and the American promise that anyone can follow their dreams. Rose currently lives in Brooklyn, New York. Illustrated by Orcun Apak