The letters of the alphabet are represented by words, set in short rhymes with additional information, relating to the state of Montana.

In this thrilling new adventure from the author of "Zach's Lie," 13-year-old twins Grace and Marty are sent to live with their anthropologist uncle and discover that he's obsessed with finding cryptids, mysterious creatures believed to be long extinct.

Illustrated by Linda Holt Ayriss

Readers young and old will be delighted to discover the wonders of Washington State, from its natural beauty (Mount Rainier and evergreen forests), to its famous residents (Jimi Hendrix and Big Foot) and familiar skyline (Seattle's Space Needle). Intriguing facts coupled with beautiful, original artwork make "E is for Evergreen" an exciting journey.

Marie and Roland Smith grew up in Oregon and live on a small farm south of Portland. Roland is the author of many award-winning books for children including "Thunder Cave, Sasquatch, Jaguar, Zach's Lie, and The Captain's Dog: My Journey with the Lewis and Clark Tribe," which won the Pacific Northwest Bookseller's Award. Marie and Roland also collaborated on "B is for Beaver: An Oregon Alphabet, "published in 2003.

A professional artist since she graduated from The Art Center College of Design in California, Linda Holt Ayriss also holds a BFA from Pacific Lutheran University, WA. She is the recipient of a silver medal from the Best in the West Society of Illustrators, and has been recognized in the "Communication Arts" Annual. Linda has taught at Cal State Northridge and is currently mentoring two students in her studio. She lives on Bainbridge Island, Washington, just across Puget Sound from Seattle.

The 5s Pocket Guide is designed to enhance awareness of the principles behind the 5s System and identify its impact on improving efficiency and promoting a safe working environment. Using a condensed format, it outlines a disciplined methodology for implementing 5s, organized around a six-step method. The six step method: Planning a course of action Educating the work group Evaluating the work area Initiating the 5S's Measuring the results Maintaining 5S activities The innumerable benefits of the 5s System include shorter cycle times, increased floor space, reduced lead times and training cycles, lowered accident rates, enhanced communication, and less inventory. By employing this handy resource, organizations can more easily build employee awareness of 5s throughout their plants, leading to dramatic improvements in productivity, safety, and profitability.

In this thrilling novel from the bestselling author of Peak, mountain-climbing prodigy Peak Marcello faces his toughest challenge yet as he descends into Tibet and goes head-to-head with an old enemy. Peak and his team need to descend into Tibet after surviving an avalanche on the remote and isolated mountain of Hkakabo Razi. The only catch is that Peak's famous mountaineering father, Josh, and climbing guide, Zopa, are both wanted by the Chinese government. As a high-stakes game of cat-and-mouse ensues, making it off the mountain won't be the end of this team's struggles, only the beginning... Heart-pounding action and political drama converge in this epic conclusion to the Peak Marcello's adventures by bestselling author Roland Smith. This thrilling teen climbing adventure is "the perfect antidote for kids who think books are boring" (Publishers Weekly starred review for Peak). Roland Smith's Peak Marcello's Adventures are: Peak The Edge Ascent Descent

Fresh off a "too close" encounter with the terrorist group, the Ghost Cell, in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, Q and Angela head to San Antonio, Texas. As their parents' band, Match, prepares for a concert at the Alamo, the two discover that the Ghost Cell has its tentacles everywhere, including the Lone Star State. With each passing hour, Q and Angela uncover more clues and discover more leads. And the mysterious Boone and his SOS group leave them with more questions than answers, for there is much more to Boone than meets the eye. With time running out to stop another Ghost Cell attack, Angela and Q and the others begin to wonder. Are they following the Ghost Cell or is the Ghost Cell following them?

After Q and Angela help foil a Ghost Cell plot in San Antonio, they head to Chicago, the next stop on the Match tour. Since they've been busy fighting international terrorism, they're behind on their school assignments. Their parents tell them if they don't get caught up, it's off to boarding school. But who can concentrate on homework when there is a mystery to solve and international terrorism to thwart? Angela is obsessed with finding out more about the mysterious Boone. Q is more interested in not going to boarding school. But when Boone and his SOS crew are ambushed on their way to Chicago, it becomes abundantly clear. Someone inside their inner circle is feeding the Ghost Cell information. As they dig ever deeper to learn the identity of the mole, Angela and Q uncover the Ghost Cell's next plot. And it's much, much worse than a car bomb. They plan to unleash a chemical weapon over the skies of Chicago. And it's up to Angela and Q, along with Boone and Croc, to stop them.

When Dylan’s father joins a Sasquatch-hunting team led by a top big-foot researcher, Dylan feels he has to try to keep him in line. So he joins aging field biologist Samuel Johnson on the slopes of Mount Saint Helens, shadowing the hunting party through their walkie-talkies. But Dylan may be in more trouble than he thought -- Mr. Johnson is not the man he seems to be. Even as they are following Dr. Flagg’s team, somebody is following Mr. Johnson, and on top of it all, Dylan is beginning to realize that his father may not be so crazy -- maybe the Sasquatch does exist, and it’s closer than Dylan ever guessed. Roland Smith has created another compelling action-adventure novel for young readers.

Roland Smith has worked in zoos in both Portland and Seattle where he has held the positions of zookeeper, senior zookeeper, curator of mammals and birds, and senior research biologist. He is also the author of Jaguar, Thunder Cave, and The Last Lobo. Mr. Smith lives in Wilsonville, Oregon.

After Peak Marcello is arrested for scaling a New York City skyscraper, he's left with two choices: wither away in juvenile detention or go live with his long-lost father, who runs a climbing company in Thailand. But Peak quickly learns that his father's renewed interest in him has strings attached. Big strings: He wants Peak to be the youngest person to reach the Everest summit - and his motives are selfish at best. Even so, for a climbing addict like Peak, tackling Everest is the challenge of a lifetime. It's also one that could cost him his life.Roland Smith has created an action-packed adventure about friendship, sacrifice, family, and the drive to take on Everest, despite the incredible risk. "PEAK" is a novel that will take readers to new heights.

"I had lain in my bed thinking of our visitor out in the bunk in the barn. It scarce seemed possible that he was the same man I had first seen, stern and chilling in his dark solitude, riding up our road. Something in father, something not of words or of actions but of the essential substance of the human spirit, had reached out and spoken to him and he had replied to it and had unlocked a part of himself to us. He was far off and unapproachable at times even when he was right there with you." The Starrett family's life forever changes when a man named Shane rides out of the great glowing West and up to their farm in 1889. Young Bob Starrett is entranced by this stoic stranger who brings a new energy to his family. Shane stays on as a farmhand, but his past remains a mystery. Many folks in their small Wyoming valley are suspicious of Shane, and make it known that he is not welcome. But dangerous as Shane may seem, he is a staunch friend to the Starretts--and when a powerful neighboring rancher tries to drive them out of their homestead, Shane becomes entangled in the deadly feud. This classic Western, originally published in 1949, is a profoundly moving story of the influence of a singular character on one boy's life.

After Peak Marcello is arrested for scaling a New York City skyscraper, he's left with two choices: wither away in juvenile detention or go live with his long-lost father, who runs a climbing company in Thailand. But Peak quickly learns that his father's renewed interest in him has strings attached. Big strings: He wants Peak to be the youngest person to reach the Everest summit - and his motives are selfish at best. Even so, for a climbing addict like Peak, tackling Everest is the challenge of a lifetime. It's also one that could cost him his life.Roland Smith has created an action-packed adventure about friendship, sacrifice, family, and the drive to take on Everest, despite the incredible risk. "Peak" is a novel that will take readers to new heights.

In this follow-up to "Book One: Independence Hall," Q and Angela continue their quest to uncover the truth behind the supposed death of Angela's real mother, a former Secret Service agent, while trying to differentiate the "good guys" from the "bad guys."

Illustrated by Barbara Gibson

Bursting with history like no other city in the world, Washington DC is a tribute to the United States, its people and even the world. Monuments spot the landscape, tourists spot the monuments and their legends are learned. The story of DC doesn't stop there. Look beyond the monuments. That's exactly the Washington DC readers will discover with "N is for our Nation's Capital: A Washington DC Alphabet. "

From Abigail Adams to the National Zoo and all the cherry blossoms, flags, houses and presidents in between, "N is for Our Nation's Capital" is like a field trip in a binding. Rhymes capture readers' interest and expository text expands on those points and others with little-known but fascinating facts. Did you know the cherry blossom trees that are an integral part of DC's scenery were gifts from Japan? Or that Mrs. Taft planted the first two? Readers will eagerly turn the pages to learn more true facts like these.

Wonderfully written in engaging rhymes for young readers backed with expository text that reveals even more for the more inquisitive reader make "N is for our Nation's Capital "the perfect keepsake and tribute to Washington DC. Authored by the husband and wife team of Roland and Marie Smith and backed by Barbara Gibson's stylish illustrations, "N is for our Nation's Capital "is a perfect fit on any bookshelf. This great exploration into our country's nerve center will have teachers and parents excited and help introduce one of the world's most important cities to children from sea to shining sea.

In 1941, bombs drop from the night skies of London, demolishing the apartment Nick Freestone lives in with his mother. Deciding the situation in England is too unstable, Nick's mother sends him to live with his father in Burma, hoping he will be safer living on the family's teak plantation. But as soon as Nick arrives, trouble erupts in the remote Burmese elephant village. Japanese soldiers invade, and Nick's father is taken prisoner. Nick is left stranded on the plantation, forced to work as a servant to the new rulers. As life in the village grows more dangerous for Nick and his young friend, Mya, they plan their daring escape. Setting off on elephant back, they will risk their lives to save Nick's father and Mya's brother from a Japanese POW camp. In this thrilling journey through the jungles of Burma, Roland Smith explores the far-reaching effects of World War II, while introducing readers to the fascinating world of wild timber elephants and their mahouts.

With the nation reeling from the recent terrorist attacks, Q and Angela leave Chicago and arrive in San Francisco. Their parents are determined to continue the Match tour but for safety's sake, they have decided to send Q and Angela to boarding school. Not happy at the thought of being taken off the trail of the ghost cell, Q and Angela race against time with Boone and the SOS team to find Number One, the leader of the world's most feared terrorist organization. It's the final showdown.

Each letter of the alphabet is illustrated by objects that are associated with the State of Oregon and accompanied by background information.

In this thrilling climbing adventure from bestselling author Roland Smith, summiting one of the most isolated mountains in the world may be the easiest thing Peak does. After conquering the mountains in Afghanistan, Peak Marcello goes to Myanmar, a country that has been in the grips of a brutal military regime for more than fifty years, to visit Alessia. When he's invited to climb the remote Hkakabo Razi, Peak can't pass up the opportunity. But getting to the mountain will involve a four-week trek through tropical rainforests rife with hazards--from venomous reptiles and leeches to corrupt police and military. This thrilling teen climbing adventure is "the perfect antidote for kids who think books are boring" (Publishers Weekly starred review for Peak). Roland Smith's Peak Marcello's Adventures are: Peak The Edge Ascent Descent

Ten thousand feet above a moonlit Arizona desert, a man, a parachute, and a bag tumble from a slow moving jetliner. This is the culmination of a series of seemingly unrelated events which have occurred over several months at TriCon Airlines. A routine flight turns tragic when a flight attendant is struck and paralyzed by a careening food cart. A massive bird strike rocks another flight and an engine explosion on yet another flight fatally injures a passenger. TriCon's arrogant management wrongly places the blame for much that happened on a long-time employee. His comfortable life is shattered and he sets in motion a deadly quest for revenge. Highly trained, armed with insider knowledge, and virtually unlimited access to TriCon's planes, he methodically and brilliantly sets the stage for his retribution. An ordinary man, pushed too far, decides to push back. It's story that no one could have predicted or thought possible in today's environment of intense airport security and passenger awareness.

S.O.A. (Starting Over, Again) is devoted to those who would like to read and apply simple principles on moving on to the next level from a broken relationship. "Our community has a support group that addresses everything when it comes to physical health issues, and staying safe. We can tell you where to get tested, where to apply for housing, how to apply for grants and loans, and most of all where the next major event will take place. While this is all good and needed, there are men walking around hurt and emotionally wounded because of broken relationships. Because of their sexual orientation they have been disowned and shunned by family members, loved ones and those they considered friends. Some of these men have not trusted the system and sometimes questioned their very thoughts, emotions and have needed someone to talk to who understood and would not judge them. They've been taught to get over it, move on and let it go. However, no one gave them a simple road map or directions on how to move on and get over it. This simple workbook will offer practical ways and basic solutions on how to move to the next level. Men will be affirmed and validated, and will learn that what they feel is real and to hurt is okay. However, to stay hurt in not. I have chosen based on my experiences direct and candid views, of everyday situations we encounter as human beings in failed relationships how to handle these situations . The basic principles of S.O.A. (Starting Over, Again) are not new. However, this upfront, relaxed and very real point of view mixed with everyday humor, and my experiences, gives a slightly different approach to reaching the ultimate goal of Starting Over, Again.

Individual leaders can have a significant amount of influence over the development of organizational talent. One of the simplest yet most effective ways to develop others is the talent conversation - a way of building on relationships that are based on rapport, collaboration, and mutual commitment in order to help the individuals you lead improve performance, focus development, and reach positive outcomes. Learn how to prepare for and facilitate effective talent conversations by using the Center for Creative Leadership's development framework of assessment, challenge, and support.

When his mother is killed in an accident and his stepfather wants to dump him with his least favorite relatives, fourteen-year-old Jacob Lansa decides to leave New York City to search for his father, a field biologist studying elephant behavior in Kenya. Once in Kenya, Jacob attempts to cross the bush on bicycle, but his journey nearly ends when he comes face-to-face with a lion, and again after he suffers from severe dehydration. But he is rescued by Supeet, a Masai with a quest of his own: to end the drought that is devastating his country. Together the pair embark on a perilous and unpredictable journey through the Kenyan bush.

Roland Smith is the author of many award-winning books for young readers. His novels include The Last Lobo, Zach’s Lie, which won the Nevada Young Reader’s Award and was an ALA Quick Pick; Jaguar, a Nebraska Golden Sower Award-winner, and Sasquatch. He lives with his wife on a farm near Portland, Oregon.

Book one in Roland Smith's middle-grade action-adventure series--now in paperback
Chase Masters and his father are "storm runners," racing across the country in pursuit of hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods. Anywhere bad weather strikes, they are not far behind. Chase is learning more on the road than he ever would just sitting in a classroom. But when the hurricane of the century hits, he will be tested in ways he never could have imagined.