Tales of the Sonoran Desert These fourteen tales give voice to the plants and animals of the unique desert that lies in the southwestern United States and in Mexico. Regularly shared in storytelling venues by the author, the tales have proven to intrigue audiences with their vibrant characters, spellbinding narratives, and unexpected twists. A sense of both wonder and humor accompanies listeners and readers as they journey through a land of such marvels as an ocotillo whose flowers of flame are a tribute to its compassion, a guilt-stricken coyote who pleads for forgiveness with the moon, and an ironwood tree whose acceptance of the whole of life brings with it with the gift of tears. The subtle lessons to be learned and the factual information to be enjoyed are an added plus in these imaginative stories that enhance understanding and respect for the Sonoran Desert and its inhabitants. (Ages 10 to adult; younger children will enjoy having the stories read to them).

Inspired by childhood memories shared with the author by three generations of North Florida family and friends, the imaginative recreations in this collection offer something for young and old alike. Readers of all ages respond to the subtle rhyme and pleasing rhythm of the stories. The dual perspective of the child's understanding and the adult's awareness ensures that there is a voice that speaks to each of them. Readers are invited to undertake such adventures as escaping the jaws of a wild animal, unexpectedly finding one's inner voice, overcoming paralyzing fears, cleverly putting wits to use, puzzling over a mystery, or delighting in a day that ultimately turns out just right. The experiences that underlie these stories are meaningful for everyone. (Ages 10 to adult; younger children will enjoy having the stories read to them).

In this new edition of Joyce Storey's autobiography, the previous three editions are amalgamated and the complete story of her life is told. Born near Bristol in 1917, Joyce began her autobiography at age 66. THE HOUSE IN SOUTH ROAD follows her pre-war life in Bristol, an era of corset and chocolate factories, of 'service' and glamorous silent movies. With a brilliant eye for the comic in the tragic Joyce unfolds her experiences at school, her first job, her first love and a mismatched marriage. During the war Joyce is a mother of two and her RAF husband is rarely on leave. She fights on the home front; air raids, in-laws, machine work and poverty. After the war Joyce begins to enjoy the luxury of a prefab house, first holidays, the growing independence of her four children, but suffers a breakdown in her marriage and her husband's final illness. With humour and intelligence Joyce Storey charts a good deal of the 20th Century.