Children’s Book

Super Cowboy Rides by Daris Howard

Daris Howard, an award-winning author and playwright, grew up on an Idaho farm. He has worked as a cowboy, a mechanic, in farming and in the timber industry. He is now a college math professor. In his wide range of experience, he has associated with many colorful characters who form a basis for his writing. Daris Howard has had plays translated into German and French, and his plays have been performed in many countries around the world. For many years, Howard has written a popular column called LIFE’S OUTTAKES, that consists of weekly short stories, and is published in various newspapers and magazines in the US and Canada. Daris and his wife Donna have ten children. He and his family have enjoyed running a summer community theater for many years.

Follow the author on their blog, Facebook, or Twitter account for the latest updates on book releases:

Beautiful, Magical, Amazing BALLET (A Mia Book)

Mia is a sweet little girl with a big imagination. Today is her first day of ballet class and she is very excited. This energetic story shows what it means to be part of a team and that some things can still be wonderful even when they are not yet perfected.

Humongous Hippopotamus – Indoor Explorer Picture Book (Certified Silly)

Did You Know . . .

• A hippopotamus can consume over one hundred pounds of grass EVERY night?

• That hippos can sleep underwater?

• A hippo makes an excellent sleepover guest?!

For Your Family

Written by a family for your family, Humongous Hippopotamus by Michael Wills (with a helping hand from his two young daughters) gives a fantastic insight into the minds, lives and imaginations of these fascinating creatures: from feeding to sleeping to swimming. And then back to feeding again. Available exclusively as a downloadable e-book, Humongous Hippopotamus is aimed at children of all ages – and their adults!

A great balance of fact and fiction, this e-book is packed with humor (which will appeal as much to grown-ups as kids) and interspersed with true, educational snippets about hippos. It’s also superbly illustrated with a selection of gorgeous, fun, colorful photos that children will love to look at. The text is simple enough for a preschooler to understand, easy enough for a second-grader to try to read alone, yet interesting enough to keep older children amused too.

When it comes to literary critics, children are the harshest of all, but Humungous Hippopotamus is one e-book that will keep them entertained from start to finish – just take a look at the Amazon reviews and reader feedback and see for yourself.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, First-Grader or a cool older kid, you NEED to download this book today. It’s fun, funny, easy-to-read and (sssshhhh!) educational too. Not to mention the benefits of using interactive, modern technology with your little ones. Humungous Hippopotamus offers the perfect opportunity to explore the wilds of Africa from the comfort of Mom or Dad’s knee: great for daytime, bedtime or anytime. And the children won’t even notice how much they’re learning!

Indoor Explorer Books

And if you love this book, you’ll be pleased to hear that it’s just one of a series of ‘Certified Silly’ titles by Michael Wills, available now for download to your Kindle, Kindle App or other e-reading device. Get yours today and begin your Humungous Hippopotamus adventure right away. Oh, and don’t forget that sleepover invitation! Remember to check out our books, and please visit IndoorExplorer.com for free printable coloring pages and to learn more about Indoor Explorer Books.

Available Now from Michael Wills

Editorial Standards

At Indoor Explorer Books we strive for technically perfect digital versions of all our titles. Each Indoor Explorer Picture Book is vetted for superior literary quality then subjected to comprehensive professional editing before a careful digital build process. In this way we expect you to find each Indoor Explorer Picture Book not only entertaining, but error free.

Closing Notes

We thank you for your interest in Humongous Hippopotamus, and invite you to explore these marvelous animals with us. We hope you enjoy them as much as we have enjoyed presenting them. Michael Wills

Kitters Finds a Friend: A Kitten Called Kitters

Kitters is an adorable orange tabby who learns important life lessons through her daily experiences. Her dreams and natural curiosity draw her into adventures that always end in a valuable truth for you and I. Children and cat lovers of all ages will love this series with it’s vibrant pictures and positive messages.

This volume is a sweet and simple story about Kitters finding a new friend. This new friend teaches Kitters about the diversity of life and the value of friendship.

A Class Apart (Class Heroes)

Teenage twins James and Samantha Blake are caught up in a seemingly random terrorist bombing while on a school trip. Many of their friends are killed. When the twins wake up in hospital, their lives have changed forever.

The doctors are amazed at the speed with which James and Sam recover from their injuries and, when the twins begin to exhibit extraordinary powers, it is obvious that something incredible has happened.

As James and Sam attempt to overcome their fears and embrace their new abilities, a series of murders and disappearances start plaguing the hospital. The twins aren’t the only ones with special abilities and it becomes apparent that someone is coming for them.

Will James and Sam be able to survive the nightmare into which they have been plunged? Who, or what, is behind the murders at the hospital? And was that terrorist incident quite so random after all?

If you want to know more about Class Heroes, there’s a lot to discover.

Get to know James and Samantha Blake, read sample chapters from A Class Apart, read background information on the series, and find out more about the author.

A Class Apart features a digital news channel called 24/7 Interactive News. You can actually go to the 24/7 website, read news articles and watch video reports, about the dramatic events that unfold in the story.

Class Heroes is the truly interactive reading experience.

GUMBO GOES DOWNTOWN Homeless and Runaway Children’s Picture Book (Fully Illustrated Version)

GUMBO GOES DOWNTOWN

Double Tap to ZOOM to enlarge type

Fully Illustrated Version

Picture Book for reading with the younger child – ages 3-6

This version of GUMBO GOES DOWNTOWN includes all the luminous illustrations just waiting to enchant children of any age, and especially the read-to set.

If the text-only version is better for your needs, then please click on GUMBO GOES DOWNTOWN in the Text-Only Version for the serious young reader – ages 6-9.

Happy reading in either Version.

SELF ESTEEM – DISCOVERING HAPPINESS WHERE YOU ARE

Running away from home! Who doesn’t sometimes dream of it? To go someplace else, to be somebody else!

Here is the story of a loveable mutt named Gumbo, who-longing to be SOMEBODY-abandons his watchdog duties and follows the streetcar tracks downtown to the historic French Quarter of New Orleans. There he discovers a world of new experiences and meets a colorful cast of canine characters, including a dancing poodle and self-appointed tour guide named Pompon, the blue-ribboned Champion Stella de Chateau Blanc, the fearsome Catahoula Hound and, finally, a nameless, homeless dog who visits Gumbo on the moonlit levee like a sad dream.

On his journey, Gumbo learns that the identity he seeks is not to be found in new places, however exciting, or in new acquaintances, however distinguished. For Gumbo, the road to self-esteem leads right back home, where he loves and is loved and where he is, after all, somebody very important.

Author Carol Talley, a former resident of New Orleans, returned to this picturesque city, tracing Gumbo’s journey down St. Charles Avenue and through the French Quarter to Jackson Square and the riverfront.

From Gumbo’s own shotgun house with its rose-bedecked chain-link fence to the sun-drenched Mississipi with its mighty ships and paddle wheelers, Illustrator Itoko Maeno has captured the kaleidoscopic magic of New Orleans for this classic tale of running away and returning.

Gumbo thinks he leads a pretty dull life. Maybe that’s why he decides one day to run away from home, to leave his watchdog duties and go Downtown. Children will delight in following Gumbo as he finds adventure aplenty in the historic French Quarter and meets a delightful cast of canine characters. And they will learn-as Gumbo does-that wherever he goes and whomever he meets, everyone seems to be looking for the very thing he has left behind-a place called home.

This is such a popular book in New Orleans, especially since the tragedy of Katrina. With its beautiful descriptions of the famous spots in the city, it has become especially dear to tourists and those with happy memories of fabulous New Orleans.

GUMBO GOES DOWNTOWN will help young readers examine the importance of their own homes, and help them explore sources of inner contentment.

A SURPRISE and added bonus is the “Enrichment Information” which includes lots of facts about Louisiana, the Mississippi River, New Orleans, a ShotGun House, the French Quarter, Jackson Square, The St. Charles Streetcar, and Gumbo (not the main character, but the spicy stew made with shrimp, crabs, oysters, chicken, ham, or even rabbit or squirrel! Seasoned with thyme, bayleaf, chilies, and cayenne pepper and thickened with okra or file, it is delicious!) This is fascinating detail that did not make it into the story itself, but is very rich in colorful descriptions of many famous places in and around New Orleans.

A second big plus is the “Letter to Parents and Educators” which includes many relevant questions and comments to facilitate conversation with the young reader about the message of the story…the importance of home…right where you are. So even though on the surface, this is just an engaging story for children, it is also truly helpful in a real way.GUMBO GOES DOWNTOWN

Double Tap to ZOOM to enlarge type

Fully Illustrated Version

Picture Book for reading with the younger child – ages 3-6

This version of GUMBO GOES DOWNTOWN includes all the luminous illustrations just waiting to enchant children of any age, and especially the read-to set.

If the text-only version is better for your needs, then please click on GUMBO GOES DOWNTOWN in the Text-Only Version for the serious young reader – ages 6-9.

Happy reading in either Version.

SELF ESTEEM – DISCOVERING HAPPINESS WHERE YOU ARE

Running away from home! Who doesn’t sometimes dream of it? To go someplace else, to be somebody else!

Here is the story of a loveable mutt named Gumbo, who-longing to be SOMEBODY-abandons his watchdog duties and follows the streetcar tracks downtown to the historic French Quarter of New Orleans. There he discovers a world of new experiences and meets a colorful cast of canine characters, including a dancing poodle and self-appointed tour guide named Pompon, the blue-ribboned Champion Stella de Chateau Blanc, the fearsome Catahoula Hound and, finally, a nameless, homeless dog who visits Gumbo on the moonlit levee like a sad dream.

On his journey, Gumbo learns that the identity he seeks is not to be found in new places, however exciting, or in new acquaintances, however distinguished. For Gumbo, the road to self-esteem leads right back home, where he loves and is loved and where he is, after all, somebody very important.

Author Carol Talley, a former resident of New Orleans, returned to this picturesque city, tracing Gumbo’s journey down St. Charles Avenue and through the French Quarter to Jackson Square and the riverfront.

From Gumbo’s own shotgun house with its rose-bedecked chain-link fence to the sun-drenched Mississipi with its mighty ships and paddle wheelers, Illustrator Itoko Maeno has captured the kaleidoscopic magic of New Orleans for this classic tale of running away and returning.

Gumbo thinks he leads a pretty dull life. Maybe that’s why he decides one day to run away from home, to leave his watchdog duties and go Downtown. Children will delight in following Gumbo as he finds adventure aplenty in the historic French Quarter and meets a delightful cast of canine characters. And they will learn-as Gumbo does-that wherever he goes and whomever he meets, everyone seems to be looking for the very thing he has left behind-a place called home.

This is such a popular book in New Orleans, especially since the tragedy of Katrina. With its beautiful descriptions of the famous spots in the city, it has become especially dear to tourists and those with happy memories of fabulous New Orleans.

GUMBO GOES DOWNTOWN will help young readers examine the importance of their own homes, and help them explore sources of inner contentment.

A SURPRISE and added bonus is the “Enrichment Information” which includes lots of facts about Louisiana, the Mississippi River, New Orleans, a ShotGun House, the French Quarter, Jackson Square, The St. Charles Streetcar, and Gumbo (not the main character, but the spicy stew made with shrimp, crabs, oysters, chicken, ham, or even rabbit or squirrel! Seasoned with thyme, bayleaf, chilies, and cayenne pepper and thickened with okra or file, it is delicious!) This is fascinating detail that did not make it into the story itself, but is very rich in colorful descriptions of many famous places in and around New Orleans.

A second big plus is the “Letter to Parents and Educators” which includes many relevant questions and comments to facilitate conversation with the young reader about the message of the story…the importance of home…right where you are. So even though on the surface, this is just an engaging story for children, it is also truly helpful in a real way.

Animals In The Shower (An Interactive Book About Rainforest Animals)

Can you imagine what it would be like to live in a shower?

Best selling author Mary Ann Rogers examines creatures that live in our tropical rainforests. This book is among the most beautiful and fact rich available on the Kindle. With captivating and vibrant pictures, amazing animal facts, and interactive features, this book will take children on an incredible learning journey that will help them discover rainforest animals while having fun!

This book highlights unique characteristics about each animal. Your child will learn:

* How vampire bats locate their prey

* What a group of gorillas is called

* How big a Tarsier’s brain is

* Why harpy eagles are compared to the grizzly bear

… and much, much more!

Animals In The Shower is part of a beautiful series that examines animals in different parts of the world, and is perfect for children ages 8 – 12. Enjoy your copy today!

Up, Up and Away: The Adventures of Mrs. Hiffen-Hopper

Join Mrs. Hiffen-Hopper as she takes to the sky on an adventure that helps show her children the power of dreaming big. This inspirational book for kids teaches them that they should never fear having big dreams, because they can lead to big rewards! It also shows them how sharing can enrich their lives and the lives of others.

Illustrated in bright, fun colors; Mrs. Hiffen-Hopper the frog, her children, and her forest friends Randa and Mrs. Deerfield, are warm companions that your children will come to love.

FEATHERS AT LAS FLORES Gossip Children’s Picture Book (Fully Illustrated Version)

FEATHERS AT LAS FLORES

Double Tap to ZOOM to enlarge type

Fully Illustrated Version

Picture Book for reading with the younger child – ages 3-6

This version of FEATHERS AT LAS FLORES includes all the luminous illustrations just waiting to enchant children of any age, and especially the read-to set.

If the text-only version is better for your needs, then please click on FEATHERS AT LAS FLORES in the Text-Only Version for the serious young reader – ages 6-9.

Happy reading in either Version.

REPEATING RUMOR AND GOSSIP

Fly into Miami Beach and meet a parrot who talks too much.

People never stop talking, do they? And from his perch at Las Flores cafe, Feathers hears every word-and repeats a good deal of what he hears.

The problem is that the words sometimes get a little jumbled up, turned around, stretched out of shape.

That’s what happens one morning when Julio finds a ten dollar bill on the sidewalk. By the end of the day-and with the help of the talkative Feathers-Julio’s bit of good luck has grown to immense proportions-at least in the minds of the regulars at Las Flores.

Feathers’ misadventures take place within sight of the palm trees and blue ocean waters of Miami Beach, Florida. Illustrator Andra Chase’s sunny watercolors depict a kaleidoscope of local color and characters, not least, the multihued, madcap Feathers .

Author Linda Talley’s comic story about a parrot determined to keep up his end of the conversation will remind readers of the children’s game of “gossip,” where what goes in the ear is not always what comes out the mouth. It will give readers young and old a moment’s pause to consider the hazards of hearsay and the unreliability of rumor.

A SURPRISE and added bonus is the “Enrichment Information” which includes lots of facts about Florida, the Sunshine State, Miami Beach, Parrots – A Favorite Pet, Parakeets, Amazon Parrots, Cockatoos, Macaws and African Gray Parrots. This is fascinating detail that did not make it into the story itself, but is very rich in interesting description.

A second big plus is the “Letter to Parents and Educators” which includes many relevant questions and comments to facilitate conversation with young readers about the message of the story…the perils and dangers of repeating gossip. So even though on the surface this is just an engaging story for children, it is also truly helpful in a real way.

MAKING THE CASE FOR CHARACTER EDUCATION

If you are tired of bullying, teasing, youth violence, gangs, vandalism, drug abuse, sexual misconduct…

If you are tired of the crisis with our older youth…

If you want to help make a difference one tiny step at a time…

Then this is the eBook for your children ages 3-9.

Read WITH your children and grandchildren, discuss the concept and message…

and know that you are part of the movement sweeping America to bring back our important values by restoring character education in our homes and schools.

(signed) The Thoughtful Parent
JOAN’S eBOOKS LLC

G1.1

This is a “point release” of G1.
This version changes two facts in the previous version.
The facts were changed after extensive discussions with two reviewers.

What remains unchanged is that Ginny was bullied as a child. Luckily she had swimming, biking, running, and computer programming to turn to when everyone was against her. Now that she has become a champion triathlete and a gifted hacker a crisis makes her face a choice. Will Ginny embrace her dark side, and continue down the criminal path of hacking? Or will Ginny decide to use her powers for good, and embrace the once-in-a-lifetime athletic gifts she has developed?