Books published by publisher Happy River Press

An expanded edition of the original classic, long out-of-print, The Mystic Symbol describes thousands of Christian, inscribed tablets, unearthed across Michigan. The Michigan Mound Builders left behind 10,000 to 30,000 artifacts as a testament to their presence in North America. Mound burials have yielded evidence of a culture with Eastern Hemisphere influence in their spiritual and everyday life. Controversy has engulfed this find of artifacts mainly because they were here before Columbus of 1492 which is unacceptable to our academics today. Nevertheless, the Michigan artifacts continue to surface even today in the state of Michigan. This is fascinating look into North America’s diverse history. Henriette Mertz has championed the cause for authenticity of these numerous and unusual tablets, tools and weapons of this mysterious people. Who they are and when they came is theorized by Mertz with a companion addendum of the current supporters to her original work.

1177 BC: During the reign of Pharaoh Ramses the Third, Seshta, a 13-year-old dancer in the Temple of Hathor, dreams of becoming a famous entertainer. Horus, the brother of her heart, is content as a toymaker’s apprentice. Reya, at 16, has joined Egypt’s army with hopes of becoming a hero. When Reya hints that Egypt is in danger from foreign nomads, Seshta and Horus don’t take him seriously. How could anyone challenge Egypt? Then Reya disappears. Seshta and Horus set out to find him—and discover a darker plot than they ever imagined. To save their friend, Seshta and Horus spy on merchants, soldiers, and royalty, and start to suspect even The Eyes of Pharaoh, the powerful head of the secret police. Will Seshta and Horus escape the traps set for them, rescue Reya, and stop the plot against Egypt in time? Set in ancient Egypt, the ideas in this book resonate today, while the power of friendship will touch hearts both young and old. Suitable for ages 9 and up.Praise for the Eyes of Pharaoh:Likable characters and some surprising plot twists keep you wanting to know what will happen next....fast paced mystery that has so much history and culture hidden in plain sight…. You won't be able to put the book down until you learn what happens to the three friends.I teach a gifted class of fourth and fifth graders. Using this historical fiction has been a window into Ancient Egypt—its people, culture, and beliefs. My class enjoyed doing research on Egyptian gods and goddesses, and hieroglyphs. Projects extended their knowledge of this fascinating time and place. I also highly recommend it for its fast paced plot, interesting and "real" characters, and excellent writing. ...exciting action with interesting characters, a brisk plot line and historically-accurate details of the book's setting. ... An intriguing mystery embedded within a book full of beautiful writing.... Evocative descriptions which make you feel like you're right there, running through the markets with Seshta or sitting by the river watching the fishermen....fast paced plot, interesting and "real" characters, and excellent writing.Chris Eboch is the author of over 60 books for children, including nonfiction and fiction, early reader through teen. Her novels for ages nine and up include The Eyes of Pharaoh, a mystery in ancient Egypt; The Well of Sacrifice, a Mayan adventure; The Genie’s Gift, a middle eastern fantasy; and the Haunted series, about kids who travel with a ghost hunter TV show, which starts with The Ghost on the Stairs. Her writing craft books include You Can Write for Children: How to Write Great Stories, Articles, and Books for Kids and Teenagers, and Advanced Plotting. Chris also writes novels of suspense and romance for adults under the name Kris Bock; read excerpts at www.krisbock.com.

Miles and miles from here, whole continents away, there’s a special place and in The Most Special Place on Earth, author and illustrator Sean Michael Thomas helps young readers learn and dream about what the world has to offer. With bold, vividly crafted illustrations, Thomas offers readers another big world adventure in his follow-up to Sedikit-Sedikit Menjadi Bukit: Little by Little We Climb the Mountain, his 2008 debut. Meet Tutti. She’s wild about learning and she loves to ask questions. She’s what adults call the inquisitive type. She wants to know all there is to know about, well, everything. On one particular evening, right before bedtime, she asks her father what he thinks is the very most special place on earth. His answer is the Taj Mahal, but on the second night Tutti poses the familiar refrain, and he thinks it might be Machu Picchu. From one iconic destination to the next—from Russia and Antarctica to the continent of Africa—Tutti and her father keep on trying to figure it out. Oh, the places your child will dream of exploring with The Most Special Place on Earth as their bedtime story…

When little Olivia is dared to throw a rock at a nearby house by her friends, a broken window will lead to a series of important life lessons and a burgeoning friendship that will change her forever. After breaking the house’s window, Olivia is confronted by the older woman who lives there, and instead of getting in trouble, she is set forth on a year-long series of dares. With a variety of dares designed to keep Olivia out of trouble, the two form a unique friendship while creating a lasting impact on each other’s lives. I Dare You is a touching new children’s book about friendship, doing the right thing, and following your dreams. Warm and upbeat, this endearing book by Sean Michael Thomas utilizes fun, creativity, and colorful pictures to teach valuable life lessons to young readers everywhere. With heart and love guiding every sentence, this wonderful little book is perfect for children as they begin their exploration of life. Suitable for a wide range of children, I Dare You is easy enough for those just learning to read, but it will also be an enjoyable story to read to even younger audiences. With vivid pictures, a touching plot, and a distinctive approach to convey important life lessons, I Dare You is a charming children’s book that will teach as it entertains. Thomas studied both voice and theatre at the prestigious Interlochen Arts Academy in Northern Michigan. His first book, Sedikit-Sedikit Menjadi Bukit: Little by Little we Climb the Mountain, was published in 2008, and his second book, The Most Special Place on Earth, was released in 2011. Thomas currently lives and works in Moscow as a correspondent and presenter for the English-speaking television network, RT-Russia Today.

Remember the magic of bedtime stories? When you write for children, you have the most appreciative audience in the world. But to reach that audience, you need to write fresh, dynamic stories, whether you’re writing rhymed picture books, middle grade mysteries, edgy teen novels, nonfiction, or something else. In this book, you will learn:How to explore the wide variety of age ranges, genres, and styles in writing stories, articles and books for young people.How to find ideas.How to develop an idea into a story, article, or book.The basics of character development, plot, setting, and theme.How to use point of view, dialogue, and thoughts.How to edit your work and get critiques.Where to learn more on various subjects.This book focuses on the craft of writing for children. It will help you get started, through straightforward information and exercises you can do on your own or with critique partners. If you’ve been writing for awhile but feel your writing education has gaps, this guide can help you work through those weak points. The author shares examples from her own work and teaching experience, as well as interviews and advice with published writers and industry professionals. Whether you're just starting out or have some experience, this book will make you a better writer – and encourage you to have fun! The fascinating world of Kid Lit awaits!

Remember the magic of bedtime stories? When you write for children, you have the most appreciative audience in the world. But to reach that audience, you need to write fresh, dynamic stories, whether you’re writing rhymed picture books, middle grade mysteries, edgy teen novels, nonfiction, or something else. In this book, you will learn:How to explore the wide variety of age ranges, genres, and styles in writing stories, articles and books for young people.How to find ideas.How to develop an idea into a story, article, or book.The basics of character development, plot, setting, and theme.How to use point of view, dialogue, and thoughts.How to edit your work and get critiques.Where to learn more on various subjects.This book focuses on the craft of writing for children. It will help you get started, through straightforward information and exercises you can do on your own or with critique partners. If you’ve been writing for awhile but feel your writing education has gaps, this guide can help you work through those weak points. The author shares examples from her own work and teaching experience, as well as interviews and advice with published writers and industry professionals. Whether you're just starting out or have some experience, this book will make you a better writer – and encourage you to have fun! The fascinating world of Kid Lit awaits!

A pair of great horned owls start nesting. They raise two babies. The chicks grow, "branch," and learn to fly. Learn about the owl life cycle and other fascinating facts in this 1000-word narrative nonfiction story.In this picture book, 26 full-color photos are paired with a short text. Younger children can enjoy the photographs and hearing the text read aloud. Children reading at a third-grade or higher level can enjoy the text on their own. Learn about nature and the love that animals have for their children, told from a first-person experience by someone watching the young great horned owls grow up.

Ten-year-old Billie Neville wants to be a daredevil, just like her hero Evel Knievel. She also wants a best friend. Riding "the best bike in the whole world" Billie's desperate to enter a bike jumping contest with three boys named The Meanies and show them her cool bike skills. When Evel comes to town to jump the Snake River Canyon, Billie learns she has to be a friend to make friends and that not all heroes have to soar over canyons.