In the nineteenth century, Rutland was the center of a booming marble industry. By the early twentieth century, the Vermont Marble Company was considered the largest U.S. corporation in the world. Today, the region of southwestern Vermont that runs from Middlebury in the north to Dorset in the south is still called "the Marble Valley," and visitors flock every year to tour the Vermont Marble Museum and the International Carving Studio and to picnic in the quarries. In this first comprehensive history, Mike Austin chronicles the hardships, religious lives, labor struggles and triumphs of the Marble Valley's workers and industrious settlers. Complete with excerpts from firsthand accounts and news clippings, this wide-scoping history gives an intimate portrayal of the men and women who shaped the Vermont Marble Valley and made it their home.

Have some monstrous fun going back to school! Celebrate the first day of school with hilarious, energetic monsters in Monsters Love School by author-illustrator Mike Austin. Summer is over, and now it's time for the biggest adventure of all...Monster School! Join these colorful monsters as they go to school for the first time. Reading and writing and learning your monster history has never been so much fun! Fans of Monsters Love Colors and others will love this exciting picture book.

Did you know that monsters love to

scribble,

scribble,

mix,

dance,

and

wiggle

Why?

Because monsters love to make new colors

Celebrate along with the hilarious monsters in this wild and energetic picture book from author-illustrator Mike Austin. Mixing and discovering color has never been so much fun

Celebrate first responders in this timely, action-packed picture book featuring firefighters, doctors, EMTs, and other brave helpers in action! First responders are on the way! Every day, brave helpers are on full alert, ready to rescue people and animal friends in need. They work on land, go underground, and even parachute down from the sky. Buckle up and cheer for these heroes as they go the distance to keep everyone safe. With bright, colorful art and labels of rescue vehicles and equipment in the style of Richard Scarry, this introduction to and celebration of first responders packs FUN and FACTS. Look inside for a Q&A with a real firefighter and an emergency supplies list! Ready for more action? Check out Fire Engine No. 9 and Rescue Squad No. 9!