Books published by publisher BalboaPress

A highlight of every summer for Emory and his little sister, Faye, was their special annual visit to their grandmother. At Baba’s house, the kids played by the streams, ate blackberries, watched deer, and ran through the woods to their heart’s desire. This summer, Emory was particularly intrigued by the rumor of a magical Oaf living near Baba after discovering his dad’s Ophir newspaper clippings. Emory was alert as he explored the streams and wandered through the woods. A flash of light up the hillside began the magical summer he hoped for. A voice floating through the air, the sound of wood twisting in the trees, and a glimpse of a ragged piece of cloth were the first hints of the Oaf. Baba was delighted by Emory’s adventures and urged him to offer a sandwich along with a note to the mysterious being who was revealing itself to Emory. The Oaf revealed his magic with nature after Emory was mysteriously protected from a mountain lion attack. Baba finally shared her encounters with the irresistible Oaf and his ways in the woods. Tantalizing encounters ensued when Faye arrived and the Oaf slowly befriended the children. The Oaf helped them discover their own personal relationship with nature and their own innate gifts of magic with the plants, trees, and wildlife. The elusive Oaf sparks the imagination, leaving the reader wishing for more! Captivating from beginning to end, Linsteadt weaves an enchanting lyrical tale of a family’s search for innocence and wisdom through their connection to nature. —Paula Peach, Teacher/Artist/Musician —Eric Peach, Author/Teacher

I Am a Feeling Body is an uplifting, empowering book exploring body awareness and mindfulness for children. Grounded in simplicity and guided by playfulness, this book centers on a boy and his two loving cats as they explore four essential steps toward instilling peace, harmony, happiness, and well-being into their daily lives. Their unique experiences and curiosity shape a greater mind and body awareness that leads to a profound sense of freedom and feeling of joy that grows inside them every day.

Adam went to the playground to have fun, but instead of coming home happy he arrived with a mad face and a head full of angry thoughts. Will he remember Auntie's calm-down tool before it's too late? When Adam stumbles upon Auntie meditating he's curious about what she's doing. Auntie immediately takes advantage of this teachable moment to guide him to follow his breath. Breathing techniques can build emotional resilience and calm the mind to help children to release the stresses of the day. Sitting with Auntie is a story that introduces a simple breathing meditation to children, so they can learn to manage and shift their negative thoughts and emotions. Jazmin Welch's beautiful illustrations bring to life characters who are inspired by gemstones from Michele Welch's extensive collection. Children, who often have their own rock collections, will love Auntie as a rose quartz and curious Adam as an orange calcite stone. The book also includes notes and additional breathing techniques for parents and teachers to try.

For the first time in their lives Mike and Ron thought about leaving the old run down foster home. With no future to stay here they both decided to leave and head out of the city that is almost completely cut off from the rest of the country. All that's left are some homeless men scavenging through garbage cans and gangs roaming the streets blocking most of the exits and using the city as a new drug empire. Or so they say, nobody really knows their real purpose. To make matters worse there are reports by several people that a monster is roaming the city looking for prey. Mike and Ron could be next. Will they strive? Or die trying as they suffer cold, hunger and fear. Watch out for twists and turns as all is not as it appears.

Amy’s transformational memoir explores the journey from despair to repair and serves an invitation to us all to understand the distinctions of an extraordinary life through the lens of resilience, compassion, and service.What was it like living in a culture devoid of rites of passage other than binge and puke and spread your legs? Naturally, my heart hurt, my soul ached, and my spirit floated lost. From this place of intensity, I developed incredible resilience.This is what happened: settling into sobriety, grounding into gratitude, and cultivating a compassionate heart, my mind cleared, my heart opened, my spirit reactivated, and my energy expanded.This is what it’s like now: breathing aloha into every moment, recognizing our interdependence, and claiming responsibility as a source for transformation, naturally, my grateful heart has more blessings than I can say grace over.“Equal parts lyrical, confessional, and practical, Amy Elizabeth vulnerably uses her own journey through addiction and trauma to inspire readers to move beyond limiting beliefs and heal from the past” (Alicia Munoz, author of No More Fighting: 20 Minutes a Week to a Stronger Relationship)“Moonshot is an elegant and visceral memoir that dares one to question one’s own resilience and courage. Indeed, Amy Elizabeth is as transparent as she appears in these pages. Love the interactive curriculum and its usefulness” (Kekuhi Keali’ikanaka’oleohaililani, trainer, Halau ‘Ohi’a).“This work is the bridge between despair and repair. It is an invitation for women to tenderize our own hearts and to craft a new heart-centric story, the true story of who we are at our core” (Kristen Noel, editor-in-chief, Best Self Magazine).“Nature did not design us to be alone. Evidence shows that people who enjoy close, fulfilling relationships with others are happier, healthier, and more creative. If this does not prompt you to the wonderful Moonshot, please reconsider. Highly recommended!” (Larry Dossey, MD, author of One Mind: How Our Individual Mind Is Part of a Greater Consciousness and Why It Matters).“What an enchanting, captivating, beautiful, practical book! Based in personal experience and penetrating prose, Moonshot is meant for anyone who needs more love, empathy, and compassion in their life—and who doesn’t? Let Amy be your guide to a richer, deeper commitment—not just to others but to the world” (Barbara Montgomery Dossey, RN, PhD, FAAN, author of Florence Nightingale: Mystic, Visionary, Healer and Holistic Nursing: A Handbook for Practice).

Gabbie Flowers never imagined that winning the school mural contest would turn into a nightmare. She knew her friend could be mean, but she never thought she had the power to make her favorite things-like flying through the night sky with her invisible friend Samuel, and visiting her mother in Heaven-come to a crashing halt. Samuel holds the key that can put the bullying to rest, but due to Gabbie's fear, she can no longer see him. Desperate, he must find a way to get her attention before he, and the key, disappear from her life forever.

A gentle and colorful world of rainbows, magical trees, and guardian animals invites readers to travel afar in order to go within. Inspired by yoga and meditation, this intuitive book speaks to the hearts of even the youngest of readers. "Danila Marii must have been covered in a cloud of magical dust or overcome by a wave of Shakti (yoga's creative energy) while writing My Tree and Me. "The words, shapes, and brilliant colors appear to pour onto the page deep from within, giving life to an enchanted tale of each individual's soulful journey of self-discovery. This book is not solely dedicated to children, but it also relates something precious to adults who allow themselves to be lead back to their true essence. "While reading the book, I imagine children leafing through the pages, playing, and jumping inside every colorful image. I see adults engaging with their child's emotions, joining them on a guided journey that envelopes their senses and expands their emotions. "I truly believe this book to be so very profound, yet so gentle as to interact on so many levels and dimensions. It tackles important issues without becoming overwhelming, instead playfully involving the reader in a mysterious and joyful game. Every child (and inner child) will approach life with more awareness, serenity, truth, and courage after having read My Tree and Me" - Ylenia Malti - yoga instructor, specialised in yoga therapy for children

Vana is a curious girl who loves her visits to her grandmother's farm because there is always so much to discover. One spring afternoon, she boldly ventures to a part of her granny's orchard she hasn't yet explored and discovers, to her joy, falling white fruit blossoms evoking images of freshly fallen snow. After lying down to feel the petals caress her face, she is surprisingly approached by Mother Earth who invites the young Vana to accompany her on a soon-to-be remarkable journey to meet some of her most cherished children. Thus, Vana joins Mother Earth on an incredible adventure that she could have never accomplished on her own. The adventure takes her to far-off places, and she meets those whom will become lifelong friends. This adventure can utterly change your view on the relationships you have with all other living species with whom you share home here on our Earth, as it did for Vana. Although this story was initially composed for children, upon reflection it should also be as enjoyable and valuable for those much older, for it ought to address the inner child within all of us.