Books published by publisher Trafford

Perfect for boys and girls ages seven to twelve, Poogle the Discoverer by Christopher Ackerman is an illustrated novella that will captivate and delight its audience. Set in the pristine wilds of Australia, is Potato Bend, a sleepy little village inhabited by platypuses. Ever since Poogle’s grandfather discovered The Bend years before our story takes place, these docile creatures have lived safely within its boundaries, content to never leave. Except for Poogle. With his fun-loving friends, Pooky and Squeegee the snail by his side, Poogle spends his days exploring the unknown, much to his parent's dismay. With each trek, he is emboldened to wander further and further from The Bend, where he meets new characters, finds bigger and better ponds, and experiences the world outside his tiny little village. His journeys often involve a touch of danger, with plenty of close shaves and tight scrapes. But, when it all goes wrong, and they’re lives are in serious jeopardy, Poogle discovers his father’s true strength—along with all the family secrets that have kept him so close to home for so long. In the tradition of timeless favorites like Bambi and modern classics like the Lion King and Finding Nemo, Poogle is bursting with warmth and humor - and hair-raising adventure - all set against a vibrant background featuring rich, memorable characters. Romance, life lessons, heartbreak and intrigue all meld together, keeping the reader engaged throughout. It is a fun read for all ages sure to capture the hearts of both young and old.Complete with beautiful illustrations, and perfectly edited, we hope that you enjoy this delightful romp through Potato Bend as Poogle uncovers his family’s deep dark secrets and learns more about himself, and the exotic world around him, than he ever dreamed.

The book is based on a true story of Henrietta, a Bantam hen who just wondered into an auto shop one day and stayed almost 12 years. The author met her while in the auto shop, having car repairs done. She realized this was no ordinary chicken, she watched Herietta perform her unusual and intelligent antics and heard her television debut. Readers will be amazed with Henrietta's adventures and her courage. The book also portrays a very loving, kind considerate owner of the shop (Dan). The excellent, professional photographs and text portray the love between these two, as Dan trims her toenails, puts a splint on a broken toe, and wipes her beak when she has a cold. He even lets her "talk" on the telephone to shop customers who know her. Children of ALL ages will relate to the things that happen to Henrietta, including getting lost and found again. "Henrietta the Guard Chicken" presents an unusual, winning combination of an auto shop, a pet Bantam hen, and the man who loves and cares for her. A child who may not have had such a loving, caring role model as Dan is to Henrietta, will surely know what love is when they read this delightful book.

Leora Sipp grew up on a farm in Ohio. There she learned to take care of animals, drive tractors and work with her four older brothers. Leora worked in the maintenance department at the local college for twenty three years, taught kindergarten in Ohio and pre-school in California. The idea for writing books came from the desire to share farm experiences with grandchildren and children all over the world. Her first book is about maple syrup called, 'Logan Learns All About Maple Syrup'. Web site is . . . www.geocities.com/leorasipp

At one time in his life, author David K. Hudson was a college student who made the Dean's List twice. But one January night, he made an errant decision that sent him to prison for life. In this inspirational memoir, Hudson takes youths on a journey to the other side of crime and the criminal justice system-a story which often goes untold in the grandeur of rap music. His story travels through the daily life of incarceration, visitation, and the true rewards of street hustling. He shows what prison life is really about and the heartaches and the sufferings that result when one chooses to sell drugs, to commit crimes, to sell their body, or to take any of the other shortcuts street life offers in the pursuit of fast riches. In Gangsta Rap for the Youth, Hudson discusses the power of choice and the ability to reject crime. He makes a strong argument for regaining personal power and accepting the responsibility to be a productive member of society. This guide to self-empowerment communicates that youth have the ability to take control of their future and make the right choices in life.

Goose, Boo, Daddoo and Bear set off on a wild adventure. Their mission is to find a mysterious map in a bottle. If they fail, the wicked Foosnags will invade Goodlybuttonswell and they will all be doomed! As they traverse across the mystical and wild continent of Figmentica, they find themselves on a voyage of discovery. They meet all sorts of fascinating and unusual creatures along the way and learn much about their continent, which they have never dared to explore before. Will they come to understand more about their fellow Figmenticans or are they on a voyage of self discovery too? Most importantly; can they save Goodlybuttonswell from certain doom?

Writing is a release for me. It gives me the forum to transfer the feelings, thoughts and insight stored up over decades of living to others who may feel the same way or gain some new perspective from my experience. However, simply writing about being afraid, scared, lonely, triumphant, joyful, impressed, content or lost does little to convey to the reader the true emotion and understanding that come from those states of mind. Accordingly, I use familiar and comforting styles of text (e.g., poetry/rhyme) blended with soothing imagery to convey those feelings in a way that anyone can enjoy and benefit, both child and adult alike. My intent is always to provide two platforms of entertainment and healing. The first and the most obvious is the children’s story about the characters and how they interact with one another. Hopefully, it will hold the child’s attention and allow them to experience a number of emotions with the characters. More importantly, my hope is to enlighten the child, the parent, and any reader on the concepts of hope, dedication, sacrifice, parental joy, the circle of life and how unconditional love for a child will be fruitful, regardless of the circumstances.

Have you ever felt that what you want is just out of reach? Have those around you seemed only interested in themselves? Such are the problems faced by the unlikely hero of this book. The hero: a hungry horse. His problem: a magnificent carrot hanging from a stick -- but just out of his reach. He knows how to get it, but he will require help from a selfish lot of bystanders, each motivated by their own wants. How will he get that carrot? And what will be the reaction of those whose help he needs? Glen Moller and Marvin Paracuelles have created a funny and lyrical book, with beautiful illustrations. Enjoy!