Books published by publisher ShiresPress

Christa Holder Ocker draws the inspiration for her stories from living a life filled with love, laughter, tears, and passion. Merry Christmas, My Friend, based on a true story, first appeared in the #1 New York Times Bestselling Book Chicken Soup for the Kid's Soul. Adapted for TV, Good Bye, My Friend starred the late Mickey Rooney. Throughout the years the story appeared in English and foreign language publications, inspiring youngsters to correspond from all over the world. For the first time Merry Christmas, My Friend is featured as a picture book, giving new life to this holiday classic. Anne Gregson, award winning artist, had a career of teaching art to children of all ages, from five to seventy-five, giving her a front row seat to seeing the world through the eyes of a child. She now spends her time in her art studio accompanied by her faithful dog Cooper, whose likeness found its way into these illustrations.

A favorite read-aloud for the very young. The versification adds musical undertones while imposing structure on the narrative. Reader, be warned, you may end up singing/yodeling this story. Christa Holder Ocker began to write short stories and poems after years of domestic doldrums.Her memoir Auf Wiedersehen: WORLD WAR II THROUGH THE EYES OF A GERMAN GIRL was an award finalist in the ForeWord Review - Book of the Year. It has been added to numerous libraries including the Holocaust Collection at Yeshiva University, the Leo Baeck Institute Library - Center for Jewish History, the New York Society Library, the History Collection at Brookdale Community College, the Goethe Institute in New York, and the US Holocaust Memorial Museum. Her passion, however, is writing rhyming picture book stories. The illustrations in this book are computer generated.

This story comes from a memory of the author's childhood – her very first toy – a teddy bear made in Germany. It was a constant companion until she emigrated to America and was given a baby doll. Marijke Westberg never lost her love of teddy bears and through the years has acquired quite a collection and now has TOO MANY BEARS! Enjoy reading Too Many Bears, illustrated and written by Marijke Westberg, about a little girl named Marika and her toy teddy bear, named Pooh Bear!

A few years ago I was asked by my niece, who teaches first grade, in Rogersville, Tennessee, to write a children’s story and read it to her class. I was delighted at the request and more enthusiastic about the story when I saw the eager reception of the students. That is when I decided I would have the story published so that others can enjoy the antics of these beloved cats. To illustrate the story I had my other niece, who is a natural artist illustrate the narrative. I hope the children to whom you give this book enjoy the story as much as I did writing it.