Books published by publisher Family Communications, Inc.

Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul II offers more inspiring stories to help you master the game we call life. Today's teens have ever more issues and social pressures to juggle than young adults just 20 years ago. This book, like its predecessor, can be your guide - a beacon in the darkness, a safe haven in a storm, a warm hug in the cold and a respite from loneliness. There's no preaching as to what you should and shouldn't do. Instead, this book is full of teens sharing their experiences on learning to accept like, becoming the best person you can be, being happy with who you are, and loving yourself - no matter what.

In a small, rural village on Christmas Eve, 1881, a widow and her young children sit shivering in front of a small fire. With no more wood, little food, inadequate clothing, and no money to speak of, the desperate widow offers up a humble plea to heaven. Two miles away, young Matthew Miles is upset that he won't be receiving the gift he has wanted for Christmas. Even worse, his father has him doing extra chores, on Christmas Eve! What Matthew is about to learn is that the best gifts are those that are given, and that each act of service is a mission from God, an answer to a Christmas prayer.

The third volume in the Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul series promises more love, support and inspiration for the series' loyal teen readers. More and more, life is a struggle for teens. Not just dealing with the tragedies that seem to plague them so often, but also handling the daily pressures that pervade their lives. This book, like the first two volumes in the series, will help them, and will serve as their guide and constant companion. The original Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul, a New York Times bestseller, has sold over 4.5 million copies. Its successor, Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul II, a #1 New York Times bestseller, has already sold over 2.2 million copies. The third volume in this blockbuster series promises to be every bit as successful as the first two, as teen readers continue to cherish and be inspired by this series. Chapters focus on love, friendship, family, tough stuff, growing up, kindness, learning lessons and making a difference. In keeping with the themes and content of the Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul series, teens will also find support, encouragement and understanding from their peers, as well as from caring and compassionate adults. This book is a must-read for all teens-a book they will read and reread, sharing their favorite stories with one another over and over again. It is also the perfect gift for all adults to give to the teens in their lives.

Japanese Celebrations: Cherry Blossoms, Festivals and Flying Carp is a collection of favorite Japanese songs that bring to mind images of seasons, festivals, holidays, and the spirit of the people of Japan. The Japanese love Japanese Festivals, known as Matsuri, and songs are the perfect way to take part in the traditions and learn more about this fascinating culture. Through beautiful lyrics and illustrations, children and adults will learn more about Japanese language, customs, crafts, games, foods, and rituals. Each of 22 traditional and contemporary melodies and songs is written in Kana (Hiragana and Katakana), the romaji (romanization of Japanese), and the English translation. The book includes pronunciation guide, English-Japanese glossary, and instructional and cultural notes.

What is Christmas? Find the answer in twenty-six simple yet meaningful verses, one for each letter of the alphabet. From singing angels and jingling bells to quiet reflections on Nativity scenes, these vibrant pages celebrate all the festivities of the season while reminding us that the greatest Christmas gift can’t be found under the tree. Featuring stunning art by renowned artists Howard Lyon, Sandra Kuck, Joseph Brickey, Jean Monti, and Ben Sowards, and introducing beautiful art from newly discovered Mark Missman, this richly illustrated book renews favorite family memories and inspires new ones.

'Bonjour, Tee Belle,' is the first in what the author hopes to be a series of Creole children's books, featuring her mother as the heroine of the stories. Tee Belle is the childhood nickname of Annabelle Simien Amos, the author's mother. Amos grew up in rural Louisiana and spoke only Creole French until the age of six. She still prefers French to English when speaking, to this day. The author grew up listening to her mother, aunts, uncles and grandparents speaking the Creole language. In addition to highlighting Creole culture, young readers will learn words in French on each page of 'Bonjour, Tee Belle.'