Benny was an Aleut Indian boy living in an Alaskan mission home many years before Alaska became a state. One day his teacher told the class about a contest to make a flag for Alaska. That night the boys and girls of the mission house made many designs for the flag. Benny thought about what he loved most about Alaska. Benny knew what he wanted his flag to be like: the blue field for the Alaska sky and the forget-me-not flower; the North Star for the future State of Alaska, the most northerly state in the Union; and the dipper for the Great Bear symbolizing strength. A month later the teacher announced: "Children, the flag contest is over. From all over Alaska children sent in designs for the flag. And Benny's design has won the contest " Benny's Flag is a true story. Ages 5-8"

Just as ripples from a single raindrop in a pond spread into infinity, simple acts of kindness can turn into ripples of altruism and giving that last throughout eternity.

"A Journey of Ripples" is a series of stories as told by Matt, an eyewitness to the power of paying it forward as he chronicles the experiences of his friends in Oregon. The first story begins in 1986 when Paul reaches out to help Jo Ann on the darkest day of his life: the day he buries his wife of more than fifty years. In turn, Jo Ann promises him that she will do the same for someone else. The rest of the stories tell of the extraordinary responses to that promise.

This moving collection is about sacrifice and most importantly, about giving and receiving beyond our fear, pride, and circumstances.

At the age of thirty-three, Paul marries Martha and embarks on a lifelong adventure with the girl of his dreams. The couple lives the good life until the Great Depression and the affects of Prohibition bring them financial ruin. Leaving the family ranch, Paul begins working as a counterman at a local farm supply store to make ends meet. Unable to have children, Paul and Martha start volunteering at various youth activities. But Paul's greatest love is coaching youth baseball teams.

A small, timid man and a natural-born leader, Paul brings out the best in his young players by reminding them, 'Ya gotta try." Even after his players grow up and start families of their own, they continue to rely on Paul for advice and support.

When Martha suffers a series of strokes, Paul has to quit coaching after his team wins the state championship. But that doesn't stop him from continuing to be the mainstay in many of his players' lives, proving that a man doesn't have to be big to make a big difference.