Locally & Independently Published Children's Books

In a span of 100 hours, 11-year-old Justin Tyme's world has been shattered. Still reeling from his father's unexplained disappearance and unsatisfied with the non-answers his mother has given him, he learns of his father's involvement with an elite team of engineers on the brink of developing a revolutionary new material, code-named C-Metal. As Justin unravels the clues to his father's disappearance, he copes with his mother's depression and struggles to protect his sister from their emotionally abusive stepfather.Search a Darker Sky is a rapid-fire psychological journey that propels Justin from boyhood to adolescence.

NUTRITION is a family affair! “Little Sick Cell” didn’t get the food he needs to be whole and healthy! Two super-heroes, Lightron and Bryten, travel from the sun on beams of light! They enter the leaves of the plant kingdom to become nutrients that can help Little Sick Cell…

A light-hearted and warm-hearted family tale--and a quick, fun read for the busy Christmas season. (But be careful. It's quite frank about the truth about you know who.)

Is there anything better than spending a day together with your best friend? Jack’s favorite day is when Rugby comes to his house to play. Rugby bursts through the gate and the fun begins! Romping and racing, and sharing toys and gentle hugs, Jack and Rugby’s day together ends too quickly. Sad to part, the two friends even play a trick so Rugby won’t have to go home so soon.

This heartwarming illustrated children’s book describes how the loving relationship between a grandmother and her grandchild will continue to be strong despite the physical challenges caused by illness. A child often feels confused and scared as he witnesses the physical or mental decline of a grandparent. Although Your Ema Loves You deals specifically with ALS, a progressive physical ailment, it could apply to any disease or to old age in general. It teaches the young one that, though he or she may witness these changes, the basic personality of, and love generated by, a grandparent remains powerful and alive.

"This is a book inspired by and created for families I work with as a Teacher of the Visually Impaired. The leading cause of VI in developed nations is brain-related VI due to trauma, injury or illness. The colors, simplicity and images are intended to be more accessible to these sweet kids and their families. All proceeds are donated to Blind Babies Foundation. For more go to -- www.arthoughtaction.com" 

-Mariah Roberts

The story, a loose retelling of Rapunzel, appeals to both children and adults with a youthful, playful attitude. Readers follow the adventures of the lovable monkey Radish Toe as she is kidnapped from her family by a devious snake until being saved by a brave loyal giraffe. Talking animals, exotic settings, impossible situations, and beautifully descriptive language communicate the importance of friendships and how right-mindedness can prevail over misfortune.

Blooming Buddies is a magical world where vibrant watercolors are paired with charming, short verses that speak to the values of love, family and friendship. Like a hug for the heart, Blooming Buddies is sure to spark your child’s imagination and trigger conversations between generations. Perfect for reading aloud, early readers and the young at heart.

by Mariah Roberts

 

For 30 years, the community of Santa Cruz, CA has tried to create a public access Rail-Trail running the length of the county. The existing tracks are used only 1/day and languish as a deserted resource.

 

The people of Santa Cruz County have voted to make this project happen numerous times and in overwhelming numbers. BUT- In a small community, projects like these that have been done across our country, are harder to finance and move forward.

 

The full cost of each of these books will be donated to Santa Cruz Friends of the Rail Trail. www.santacruztrail.org

 

Let's get it built!

-Mariah Roberts

For ages 7 and up. An important new resource for sexual abuse survivors and healing professionals. Sarah is a sexual abuse survivor, and her story is told in the form of a journal. The focus is not on the abuse, but on the healing process, as Sarah overcomes her feelings of shame and anxiety.

With music and poetry, and scientific facts weaved into the story, Lacy's Journey celebrates the diversity of life in the ocean ecosystem. Young readers will learn about the growth and adventures of one decorator crab, named Lacy, but they will also learn lessons about friendship through the animals she meets.