Books published by publisher Diamond Press

From a Bollywood film studio in India, Valkyrian Airways flight attendant Jocelyn Osgood finds herself flung into a subcontinent of intrigue, danger and curries, the likes of which she has never known. But this is only the beginning compared to what awaits her good friend, that well-known archaeologist and little-known poet, Cairo Jim, and his companions Doris the macaw and Brenda the Wonder Camel. Does the jungle really hold all the secrets of magic whispered of by those who believe in such things?The 12th bout of suspenseful, breakneck nonsense and inspired whimsy from the man who marches to a rhythm all his own, Geoffrey McSkimming!"If Mr. McSkimming's tongue were more firmly embedded in his cheek he'd risk permanent speech impediment." -- Australian Book Review"When you tire of stories about the places and people you know, try the witty word play and over-the-top adventure of Cairo Jim for an outrageous tonic." -- The Age

A beautiful story of strength, acceptance, and full of colorful illustrations!Ms. Freckle has a secret she's worried that her students will laugh at, but the students try to show her there's nothing to fear -- or is there?What could her secret be?We all have differences, but once you step into the class of Ms. Freckle -- the nicest teacher of them all, there's no need to worry! Just Because... is a feel-good story about accepting who we are and finding the courage to be who we are despite what others may think. Viewed from the teacher's perspective giving children the realization that adults have insecurities too.Just Because... embraces the acceptance of ourselves and others while identifying that our circumstances do not define us. Just Because you wear glasses does not mean you're a nerd and Just Because you may be short does not mean you can't play sports. We can do anything!Filled with positivity and beautiful illustrations. Brings attention to tough topics children can relate to.Great book for parents; bed-time readingGreat book for librarians and teachers; reading story-timeGreat book to discuss self-esteem, acceptance, empathy, bullying, and moreGreat multicultural representation of diversity and inclusionFun self-reflective activity inside

In this age of recession, it is vitally important to teach our children basic money management skills. The Bank of Allowance Givers (BAG) system will help you teach your children strong money management skills, with an emphasis on saving instead of spending. Through their own real life experience with their own allowance money, your children will learn the pitfalls of high interest credit, and the importance of not spending more money than they have in their BAG account. With the BAG system you will: • Discuss with your child what chores must be done each week to earn an allowance. • Choose an allowance day (payday) and amount. • Negotiate with your child good and bad interest rates. • On payday, your child will enter the amount of earned allowance into the included register. • After a while, your child can learn the downside of bad interest by making a credit purchase. • And much, much more. . . Tips are also offered to help you improve your own finances. Do you find yourself surprised by high credit card bills? With BAG you will learn how to stop spending beyond your means and get your finances under control. Working alongside your child, if you so choose, you can model good money management skills. At the end of this process, your child will understand the importance of saving money, and will ultimately be a good—if not great—money manager. These skills learned at an early age will serve your children well later on when they go to college or move out on their own. They will not blindly incur credit card debt or enter into high interest loans, because they will understand the true costs of accumulated interest. So come on, commit yourself to teaching your children to be savvy savers and wise spenders. Implement the BAG system in your home, and be proud of yourself for teaching these fundamental money management skills to your children. This is vital knowledge that will serve them well the rest of their lives.

The Astragals of Angkor, strange ancient carvings from Cambodia, are rediscovered in the Vaults of Abandonment, deep below the Old Relics Society in Cairo. Where did the Astragals come from? Who are the people depicted on them? And why are they shown in such outrageous positions?Cairo Jim, that well-known archaeologist and little-known poet, finds himself faced with the most astounding revelations of his career in this fifteenth tale in the Cairo Jim Chronicles. Little does he realise that such bizarre contortions may lead to monumental destruction of all that we know …Yet more unexpected uncoverings from the chronicler of these annals of audacity, Geoffrey McSkimming!“If Mr. McSkimming’s tongue were more firmly embedded in his cheek he'd risk permanent speech impediment.” — Australian Book Review“When you tire of stories about the places and people you know, try the witty word play and over-the-top adventure of Cairo Jim for an outrageous tonic.” — The Age

Winner of the 2015 Georgia Writers' Association's Georgia Author of the Year Award in the children's category, Little Pearl's Circus World takes readers into the world of a child circus performer. Little Pearl began her career as an acrobat and contortionist in her father's circus when she was only 4 years-old. Join her for a day in her circus world. Little Pearl's Circus World is based on the true story of Pearl Clark LaComa (1890-1927), the great-grandmother of the author. The book also contains real photos of Pearl and a brief history of the circus owned by M.L. Clark.

PRAISE FOR SAVING BLUESTONE BELLE: HORSE KID & BLUE!"This is a delightful book. I read it to a group of wildly enthusiastic 4th graders...we laughed a lot as we read. My own teenage daughter enjoyed the book too. I recommend it highly." (Linda Hunnicutt, fourth grade teacher)"This dramatic adventure story is an excellent choice for the classroom, for family night reading, and holds potential for an award winning family film. An excellent read for the whole family." (Richard Blake, Amazon reviewer)"What fun and excitement! I see 'Bluestone' as a novel that kids and parents can enjoy together. Also it will appeal to boys who normally are not interested in reading fiction." (Nancy Lester, M.A., Educational Psychologist)"This novel's unique combination of zany humor, clever dialogue, colorful characters, intense suspense and lightning-fast pace makes for an utterly delightful reading experience. Kids ages 9-12 will love this tale, and so will the whole family." (Emma Kaye, Amazon reviewer)"My twelve year old son, who teachers label a 'reluctant reader,' read the whole book in record time and I could hear him laughing in the next room. Combining heart, action and humor, Saving Bluestone Belle is destined to be a children's classic." (Diana Leeds, Amazon reviewer)SYNOPSISIn "Saving Bluestone Belle," author Strawberry Shakespeare spins a rollicking tale that strengthens family bonds and inspires kids to be true to themselves and their animal friends. It tells how ten year old Homer Easton and his wacky entourage hit the road to rescue his beloved white horse from thieves. Along the way, the boy discovers the horrific reason why Blue was taken and that he himself is in grave danger! Whether he's tracking Blue across desert and sea or infiltrating the horsenappers' fortress, Homer's very life depends on his ability to outfox his terrifying opponents. Can Homer marshal his unique strengths to save his own life and rescue Blue? Animal lovers of all ages will treasure this tale about an endangered horse. Kids will love the breathless pace and surprising twists and turns. They'll laugh out loud at the madcap predicaments Homer gets himself into, and cheer him on as he proves himself an unlikely hero. With ten full-page illustrations that capture the most dramatic moments, "Saving Bluestone Belle" is guaranteed to enthrall even the most reluctant reader and is the perfect choice for family readalouds.Scroll up ... and click on "Buy Now" to deliver this beloved ebook almost instantly to your Kindle or other reading device.ABOUT THE AUTHORStrawberry Shakespeare was born and educated in New York City where she received a master's degree and doctoral training in clinical psychology. While working in the mental health field she returned to her original love - writing - and is now a bestselling children's book author and optioned screenwriter who lives in Los Angeles. Written for ages 9-12, Saving Bluestone Belle is a popular children's novel that has been a book club selection, a featured attraction and an award winner at book groups, book fairs, book festivals and animal rights conferences across the country. To learn more about Strawberry Shakespeare and Saving Bluestone Belle visit www.StrawberryShakespeare.com.

"Just Because... A Story Book About Self-Acceptance is most highly recommended."A beautiful, positive, and wonderfully illustrated children's story that encourages children not to judge others. Embracing self-acceptance and self-love.Ms. Freckle has a secret she's worried that her students will laugh at, but the students try to show her there's nothing to fear -- or is there? What could her secret be?We all have differences, but once you step into the class of Ms. Freckle -- the nicest teacher of them all, there's no need to worry! Just Because... is a feel-good story about accepting who we are and finding the courage to be who we are despite what others may think. Viewed from the teacher's perspective giving children the realization that adults have insecurities too. Just Because... embraces the acceptance of ourselves and others while identifying that our circumstances do not define us. Just Because you wear glasses does not mean you're a nerd and Just Because you may be short does not mean you can't play sports. We can do anything! Great book for parents; an exciting and fun story Great book for librarians and teachers; reading story-time Great book to discuss self-esteem, acceptance, empathy, bullying, and more Great multicultural representation of diversity and inclusion Fun self-reflective activity inside

All's smell that ends smell!In the dusty ruins of the ancient House of the Perfumer at Pompeii, astonishing discoveries are taking place! Perfumes, long forgotten, are being reinvented and given new life. But when one of these whiffs of wonderment—believed to have legendary hypnotic powers—goes missing, it is up to that well-known archaeologist and little-known poet, Cairo Jim, and his friends to try to stop a rush of evil so gargantuan that the world could be plunged into a chasm of eternal terror!The 14th subtle onslaught of whimsy and historical strangeness from that inky, tireless scribbler, Geoffrey McSkimming!"If Mr. McSkimming's tongue were more firmly embedded in his cheek he'd risk permanent speech impediment." — Australian Book Review"When you tire of stories about the places and people you know, try the witty word play and over-the-top adventure of Cairo Jim for an outrageous tonic." — The Age

A hilarious two short story pack.Cathy Pembroke just can't seem to get a break. After having been assigned to a new task force in Oakland dealing with renegades from Fae, all she wants to do is enjoy a day shopping at Fisherman's Wharf. Unfortunately, trouble seems to follow wherever she goes. When fairies invade Pier 39, Cathy must figure a way to deal with the pesky things without getting in trouble with the Fairy Creature Protection Agency. Bonus story: "Captured" about a fairy captured by humans who must outwit them before they feed her to a hungry troll with treasure . . .

Little Pearl has been performing with her father's circus since she was 4 years-old. She's a contortionist, and the newspapers call her "the boneless wonder." Join Little Pearl for a day in her circus world. Little Pearl's Circus World is based on the true story of Pearl Clark LaComa (1890-1927) who performed with the M.L. Clark and Son's Combined Shows.

The Fae are at it again! All over the world, deforestation has caused the barriers between world to breakdown. Now monsters are invading the city. Cathy Pembroke, a member of the Bay Area's new Fae Enforcement Division, must deal with everything from trolls to fairies to goblins knocking up the local Circle K. Only this time, it's much worse. Ogres have taken over the popular tourist attraction at Alcatraz Isle, and worse, they've taken hostages. Cathy and her team must find a way to rescue the humans and the landmark. It's their greatest challenge yet.