Books published by publisher Five Star

Rattlesnakes are much maligned primarily because they are much misunderstood, In Rattlesnake Rules, award-winning children's author and science editor Conrad J. Storad removes the veil of mystery from these fascinating creatures and imparts to young readers valuable information that will help them better understand rattlesnakes and to keep both the children and the snakes safe. Now available in paperback for the first time!

ABOUT THE BOOK It's time for spring planting, but where is Farmer Green? And how will the garden grow? When Farmer Green is injured during spring planting season and cannot sow his seeds, Burton the Scarecrow and his nearby bird and animal friends find a heartwarming solution to the farmer's impending problem. Banding together to get the job done, the hardworking little crew plants and tends a beautiful garden to benefit Farmer Green and his family at harvest time.

When a child is diagnosed with cancer, his or her siblings may struggle with complex emotions such as confusion, guilt, and fear. Part story, part journal, Jamie’s Journey: Cancer from the Voice of a Siblinghelps siblings of pediatric cancer patients cope with those intense feelings. The first half of the book is about 13-year-old Jamie who describes the roller coaster of emotions she experiences when her 10-year-old sister, Jordan, is diagnosed with cancer. Jamie laments the loss of her “normal” teenage life and describes feeling forgotten as her family focuses on Jordan’s medical needs. Jamie finds solace through journaling about her experience, and encourages the reader to write about his or her own journey on the pages provided in the book. Jamie’s Journey is unique in that it’s designed especially for the siblings of pediatric cancer patients. Author Sharon Wozny draws from her experience volunteering with Children’s Cancer Network for the past three years. During the time she’s spent with young cancer patients and their families, Wozny has discovered that the patients’ siblings face unique challenges. “They endure so much,” she said. “They feel so much pain on so many levels and need to know that they are heroes also…” Wozny has made the second half of the book an interactive journal, offering siblings of pediatric cancer patients a safe place to share their thoughts and feelings.

WHAT MAKES BURTON THE KIND SCARECROW UNIQUE? Building on the legacy of Burton the Kind Scarecrow, the third picture book in V.A. Boeholt's charming Friendship Tales from the Farm series, Burton's Harvest Party teaches a universal lesson of friendship that embodies the spirit of service by reinforcing important character-building principles like empathy, teamwork, and commitment to reaching a worthy goal. Coupled with Nathaniel P. Jensen's vibrant illustrations, Boeholt's engaging narrative brings Burton the Scarecrow, Farmer Green and their farmyard friends to life, celebrating friendship, gardening, and the joy of service to others. The story's heartfelt message is reinforced by an innovative Resource Guide and Glossary, outlining story concepts, suggesting reader/listener connecting points, and recommending supplementary activities. Like each book in the Friendship Tales from the Farm series, Burton's Harvest Party creates a picture-perfect learning opportunity for parents, teachers, and children to share at planting time, harvest time, and anytime! Earned First Runner-Up in the Farm Category at the 2013 Animals Animals Animals Book Festival!

Ever wonder what animals do after dark? They dance the night away at a critter ball thrown for one and all! Children revel in a dreamy moonlit world where bobcats sing soulful songs, javelina click hooves on tortoise shell roofs and coatimundis drum right along at a critter ball thrown for one and all in Nancy L. Young's picture book, The Moon Saw It All. I wanted to create a magical world that stimulates children's senses and imaginations, says Young. And even though it is pure fantasy, it fills their heads with positive messages of friendship and an appreciation for nature. Even very young children can experience stress these days or become overstimulated by the days' activities, adds Linda F. Radke of Five Star Publications, Inc., who was a special education instructor before going into the publishing business. Reading The Moon Saw It All before bedtime or naps can have a calming effect, helping children relax and drift off into a safe slumber, filled with music, dance and a celebration of nature. Having relocated to Arizona from New Mexico as a child in 1950 and living most of her life in the Grand Canyon State, Young is what locals affectionately refer to as a semi-native Arizonan. She has called several Arizona cities and towns home including Tucson, Phoenix, the copper mining town of Hayden and Payson. She currently resides in Aravaipa Canyon next to Aravaipa Creek with her husband of 43 years. Although The Moon Saw It All is her first children's book, it's not the first time Young's work has been published. Her childhood poems, The Arizona Desert, It's Springtime in this Country and A lonely Shepherd's Tale were all printed in the Durango newspaper.

Brimming with unconditional love, devotion, and a never-ending desire to help others, Alfie is the epitome of all dogs and is a great role model for kids. It seems he s been that way since he was a pup. But today, Alfie is passing from puppyhood to adulthood and, in honor of this most important occasion, Alfie gets to celebrate his Bark Mitzvah with all of his family and friends. Alfie s Bark Mitzvah is beautifully illustrated by Nadia Komorova and, as a bonus, includes a CD of children s songs created especially for the book by the internationally acclaimed Cantor Marcelo Gindlin.

Written by Michael J. Moorehead when he was only seven and delightfully illustrated by Kathy Parks, The Student from Zombie Island conveys to young readers a subtle yet important message about the dangers of spreading rumors. With a writing style reminiscent of Shel Silverstein, Michael's story is conveyed in a way that will captivate his young readers.

Written by lifelong educators Bonnie Apperson Jacobs and Terri Mainwaring, in cooperation with The University of Arizona College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Cooperative Extension and Maricopa County Farm Bureau, Arizona Agriculture: Bee's Amazing Adventure brings farming and ranching in the Grand Canyon State to life, exploring the state's rich agricultural diversity through the eyes of Pee Wee Bee. Delighting elementary-aged students as she flits from field to field, Pee Wee shares fascinating facts about agriculture that stimulate young minds, helping schoolchildren understand the integral role that agriculture plays in Arizona's economy. Filled with carefully researched information and eye-catching photography, Bee's Amazing Adventure is a trusted classroom and library resource that interactively captures the essence of Arizona Agriculture. Let's BUZZZ!

Luke and his sister Jenny aren't overly excited when they first learn of their mother's plan to take them to Tombstone, Arizona, as part of their vacation. That changes in a hurry when they are suddenly swept back to the 1880s and the famous gunfight at the O.K. Corral. The ghost of the Grand Hotel's handyman, a kindly gentleman by the name of Swamper, guides them through the events of that fateful time. Young readers are right there with Luke and Jenny as they learn firsthand the story of the Earp brothers and what led to the historic shootout.

As Luke and his sister Jenny resume their summer vacation their mother plans a stop at the historic town of Lincoln, New Mexico. But when a thunderstorm begins to brew, Luke and Jenny realize things aren't what they seem. Suddenly they are swept back in time and find themselves face-to-face with the notorious Billy the Kid. The ghost of Paul, a young buffalo soldier who lived over a century ago, guides them on their journey as they experience the life and times of this mysterious young outlaw. Will Billy the Kid live up to his legend? Finalist, 2007 Indie Book Awards of Excellence

There’s a problem on board The Queen of the Sea. How will the ship’s captain solve it? In signature fashion, award-winning author V.A. Boeholt’s clever poetry and engaging prose take young readers on an exciting adventure, helping them understand the passage of time, recognize/sequence numbers and appreciate cause and effect. With charming illustrations by Jeff Yesh, The Ship Captain’s Tale draws children, parents and teachers into a vibrant voyage, complete with an interactive curriculum guide. “Ahoy, Mateys!” Let Boeholt’s delightful counting adventure begin!