Books published by publisher Ambassador International

Strange oil, a secret box, mean girls, and an ugly toad occupy the minds and adventures of best friends Johanna and Kenyeh when they joyfully reunite at Mt. Sinai where Johanna’s Hebrew people are living. Together the best friends face mean girls, a bully, and a scary old man while also learning from Moses the way the Hebrews (or Israelites) are to live and worship now that they are freed from slavery. Kenyeh grows in faith in the God of Israel as Grandfather teaches her about Him, while Johanna’s faith grows stronger as she sees His power. Both girls look forward to packing up and moving into the land the LORD has given to the Hebrews. Together they dream of good things to come. But first, there is much to learn in the shadow of the great mountain.Follow Johanna and Kenyeh in delightful Johanna's Journey: In the Shadow of the Mountain, the sequel to Johanna's Journey: Call to Freedom.

Barely out of their teens and trained as assassins, Rigel members are taught that the Kalideyes are evil and must be destroyed.Makise—now named Maru—and her team fight against all odds during their training within the Rigel organization to rid her country of the dreaded and mysterious “people” called Kalideyes. Facing horrors, nightmares, depression, and injuries, how many will survive? As Maru prepares for her first mission, she realizes that relying on herself in times of crisis isn’t enough, but her teammates are as broken as she is. When she is forced to fight for her life, who will be there to save her?It won’t be long before Maru learns the truth behind the enemy and an even bigger truth, but are these enough to lead her to safety?

A Donkey's Little Tale by R. Mitchell Scott is a beautifully written story in poetic verse and told through the eyes of the little donkey that carried Mary to Bethlehem. We are transported to that long ago night when all creation celebrated the birth of Christ even the animals. A timeless Christmas story for all ages.Ruth Carmichael Ellinger, Award-Winning Author Preparing for the journey to Bethlehem in order to register for the census, Joseph groomed the gentle donkey colt chosen to accompany him and his with-child bride. Along the way, the charming little beast of burden committed to memory all he saw and heard along the way in hopes that his intuitive insights and attention to detail would be passed down for generations to come. Little did he realize he would be a witness to the birth of the Christ Child, never dreaming he would be pressed into the service of a King. Thus, the little chronicler fills in many gaps in the love story of Joseph and Mary, and the joyous birth of Jesus. This is his little tale.

Deep beneath the grass, snug in the earth’s soft soil, lay a little slab of clay, content to spend its whole life hidden. But the Potter has different plans. Using a strong, persistent touch, the Potter’s firm hands mold and stretch the frightened little piece of clay until it becomes a pot. At first the clay is troubled, but then it considers—could the Potter be making me into something beautiful? Something special? Something treasured? Submitting to the work of the Potter, the pot reaches the marketplace, only to discover it is not beautiful or special or treasured. It’s simply an ordinary pot. Based on the parable in Jeremiah 18, the little clay pot learns that sometimes, even ordinary pots can serve great purposes.

As one who has served adoptive families for a decade, I've had countless parents ask me, "How do I talk to my children about adoption?" Now, after all these years, I finally have a go-to answer: "Read Katie Cruice Smith's Why Did You Choose Me? to them, over and over."Dan Cruver, Co-founder of Together for Adoption, Author of Reclaiming AdoptionMost adoptive and foster children struggle at some point in their life with knowing who they are and where they belong. After searching for adoption storybooks to read to her own adopted children, Katie Cruice Smith decided that there was a need for more books that parents could read to connect with their adopted and fostered children and address these struggles.In Why Did You Choose Me?, Katie Cruice Smith answers that question in a way that young children can understand. Drawing from her own experience as an adoptive mom to three children, Katie uses the questions her own children have asked to help them see there never really was a choice—she knew right away that they were hers.Why Did You Choose Me? lovingly demonstrates the uniqueness that each child brings to a family, and is a valuable resource for adoptive and foster families to have in their home. EndorsementsWhy Did You Choose Me? explores a familiar adoption theme, but is pleasantly unpredictable. The illustrations are sure to put a smile on your child's face, and your own. Though the book is written in rhyme, the verse is not sing-songy and the book has just enough sophistication to be enjoyed by everyone.Dr. Daniel Nehrbass, President of Nightlight Christian AdoptionsWhy Did You Choose Me? is a perfectly simple way to make any adopted child feel like they are exactly where they need to be! When our daughter asks why we chose her to be a part of our family, even though she looks different than us, this book will be invaluable to communicate our love for her.Shannon Patterson, Adoptive mom and President of Bethany Christian Services Board in Greenville, SCAs a foster parent myself, I believe Why Did You Choose Me? is the perfect emotional journey to answering the very sensitive question all foster/adoptive children want to know and would recommend families add it to their library.Robert Whitney, Thornwell Foster Care RecruiterAs any adoptive parent will tell you, our adopted children do ask many times, "Why did you choose me?" Now my clients who adopt have a fun and colorful resource to touch on and answer this all-important question. Katie Cruice Smith and Sarah Strickling Jones have prepared a learning tool adaptable to a child's early years, which allows an adopted child and her parents to connect on different levels with the topic of adoption. Your child will laugh and smile while learning about adoption, love, and acceptance. I will be buying Why Did You Choose Me? for all my adoptive couples!Raymond W. Godwin, Father of two adopted daughters and adoption lawyer in Greenville, SC, Co-author of The Complete Adoption BookWhy Did You Choose Me? is tender, genuine, and refreshing, and it does this adoptive mom's heart and soul some good. Our daughter, from India, is now asking this very same question proposed in the book. This thoughtfully written and charmingly illustrated book is a great reminder to her of how special and unique she is, and it is a great reminder to her mom (me) of the beautiful gift of adoption. Any family, adopting or not, will be blessed by this sweet story.Kelly Parkison, Adoptive mom and author of He Knows Her Name

Prince Juna is next in line to become king of a powerful ancient land, but there’s one problem—Juna isn’t very wise and everyone knows it. Terrified of the weight of this position, Juna sets off to attain wisdom from an esteemed guru in a far off forest, but instead he falls into a peculiar course of events filled with exhilarating highs and devastating lows. Will his journey be worth the trouble? Only time will tell . . .Inspired by the wisdom of the Bible and imagery from the Far East, The Prince of Wisdom is a unique retelling of the classic story of the wise guru and the eager apprentice. With gorgeous imagery and practical wisdom, the tale of the prince touches the hearts and minds of readers young and old. Bound to leave a lasting impact in the mind, you’ll find yourself thinking of its precepts “day and night.”

What really happened the night Jesus was born?Matty's mother tells him he will take part in the most important thing ever to happen in history. Why him, a meek and lowly stable mouse? All Matty the manger mouse wants to do is snuggle into the warmth of his mother and fall asleep but the Creator of the world has another plan for him. Will the little stable mouse surrender to his own needs or bow to the will of the Savior?Children and adults will be touched by Matty's brave little heart. As the story of that first Christmas unfolds, come join Matty and all the other stable dwellers portrayed in lush and charming pastel illustrations.

Warning bells…high water…levees that are about to break: a flood is overtaking the city! Stranded in the top of a downtown hotel with dozens of strangers, Maggie and her family can do nothing but watch the flood waters rise. They must escape, but will there be enough time to? While waiting to be rescued, Maggie must find the courage to face the winter cold, hunger, and uncontrollable fires. In the midst of terror, she finds the perfect peace of surrender and she learns that while the people she trusts may not be able to help her, God will. Using the 1913 flood of Dayton, Ohio, as inspiration, debut author Crystal Hoblit has written a powerful and compelling historical middle grade fiction that will entertain young and older readers alike.

A New Home for Allie strikes a chord for constantly-relocating military families and is a must-have for any child's library!Kellie Artis, Director of Communications, MILLIE-Bringing Military Families HomeAllie loves her home in Kenya. But her dad works for the Animal Jungle Patrol, and he just got orders to move their family to Somalia. She has many questions, and the journey will be long. Will the new place be like what she knows? Will she find friends in her new home? And will she ever see her best friend again?What awaits her in A New Home for Allie?Additional Endorsements:This sweet and heart-touching lovely picture book has a bibliotherapy aspect, too, for children who face relocation. Highly recommend.Carrie Fancett Pagels, Ph.D., Award-winning and ECPA bestselling authorMoving is never easy for a child but it is so much harder for military kids. I live close to an air force base and every spring houses go up for sale and families move. A New Home for Allie is a sweet story that can help a child with the fear of leaving behind everything you know for a new adventure.Diana Lesire Brandmeyer, CBA best-selling author of Mind of Her OwnAs a 47-year military spouse, I'm so familiar with the angst of Dad receiving orders to move to another location and the effect this news has on the entire family - including pets! Carrie does a superb job of bringing the reader right into the story by sharing the many questions Allie has for her parents about their new home, and what it's like in comparison to the only home she's ever known up to this point. . . . this book is deep in meaningful life lessons for all of us - young and old alike - about change and the personal growth that occurs when we open our minds and hearts and move outside our comfort zone. Dr. Dorothy Guy Bonvillain, Founder and CEO, Warrior Wives Academy, LLCAuthor Carrie Daws has given us a gift with A New Home for Allie. The characters are engaging and the illustrations beautiful. Moving to a new place can be difficult for children, especially those with a parent in the military. This book presents the process in a positive and encouraging manner. Definitely a book I'm adding to resources I recommend.Edie Melson, award-winning authorWith lush illustrations and a heartfelt story, A New Home for Allie is sure to ease the transitioning child. A wonderful tool for parents and caregivers. Kids and adults alike will savor each beautiful page.Jocelyn Green, author of Faith Deployed: Daily Encouragement for Military WivesA New Home for Allie is a delightful picture book for children encountering a big life change. . . . A New Home for Allie is a lovely book and will make a very nice addition to the library of any family, but particularly well-suited to those in military families.Kate Kessler, Product Reviews Director, The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, LLCWhat a fun story! I wasn't ready for it to end. I hope to go on more adventures with Allie and the Animal Patrol in the future.Patricia Beal, author of A Season to Dance and mom of two Army Brats

Hambone is the true story of a scared stray hound dog. He is without a home to live in and a family to love him.Liz wants to help, but Hambone is too afraid of people to let her. Is there anything Liz can do?In this story, children learn compassion and determination can make a difference. Readers of all ages will pull for this abandoned hound dog to feel loved.

In a small southern town Tom Weston ran outside with tears streaming down his face in the middle of the night. He collapsed in a heap on the red earth. She couldn’t be gone. He wasn’t ready to say goodbye. He closed his eyes and saw again the stiff corpse laying in the bed upstairs. This was not a dream. A tale of grief, faith, and hope, Finding Tom follows the life of teenager Tom Weston as he strives to make sense of his shattered world. Given an opportunity to escape Podunk Greenwood and his past, he finds himself at the gates of the highly prestigious Locklear University. With the comical Dr. Emory as his friend and mentor, Tom struggles to survive in this strange new world ruled by the despicable Dean of students. Tom and wealthy roommate, Charles Montgomery, are fatefully paired to tackle the pressures of school, family, and their impending futures as they join a mysterious secret society together. When blonde bombshell Julia Stine walks into the picture things only get more confusing.Finding Tom is is a beautiful and endearing story that you won't want to put down.

Zack has no idea that he is trapped.For twelve years he has lived in a safe society that has cut itself off from the rest of the planet. A century before Zack was born his community secluded itself by building a thirty-foot wall of mortar and stone. No windows or doors led to the outside world. No one entered; no one exited.Young Zack is completely content in his community until he is enlightened by a soon-to-be-expelled criminal. The lawbreaker treats his day of punishment as if it is his ticket to independence. Zack had never thought about visiting the world outside Magnus Kir, but after a series of events including a run-in with the king, he finally gets his chance. Magnus Kir is the tale of his hesitant escape.This wonderful story is a true delight in the spirit of C.S. Lewis that is intended for middle grade readers but is enjoyable for readers of all ages.