Amanda Driscoll

Celebrate books, friendship, and chocolate milk shakes with Duncan the Dragon in this sweet, funny story perfect for fans of Dog Loves Books and Dragons Love Tacos. Duncan the Dragon loves to read. When he reads a story, his imagination catches fire Unfortunately . . . so does his book. Fire breath is great for roasting marshmallows, but it's not so great for reading. Duncan just wants to get to those two wonderful words, like the last sip of a chocolate milk shake: The End. Will he ever find out how the story ends? This bright, warm tale champions determination, friendship, and a love for books. And milk shakes Praise for Duncan the Story Dragon An Indie Next selectionWinner of the Colorado Libraries for Early Literacy Bell Picture Book AwardWinner of the Evelyn Thurman Young Readers Book AwardAn Indiana Young Hoosier Book Award SelectionA Missouri State Teachers Association Reading List SelectionA Nebraska Golden Sower Award nomineeNominated for the Utah Beehive Picture Book Award "The vivid colors, expressive faces, and comic details make this one likely to be a storytime hit. Like the last sip of a chocolate milkshake, it's very satisfying."--Kirkus Reviews

Over the past century, countries around the globe have empowered constitutional courts to safeguard the rule of law. But when can courts effectively perform this vital task? Drawing upon a series of survey experiments fielded in the United States, Germany, Hungary, and Poland, this book demonstrates that judicial independence is critical for judicial efficacy. Independent courts can empower citizens to punish executives who flout the bounds of constitutional rule; weak courts are unable to generate public costs for transgressing the law. Although judicial efficacy is neither universal nor automatic, courts – so long as they are viewed by the public as independent – can provide an effective check on executives and promote the rule of law.

When a loved one dies, grief can isolate us as if we're hiding under an umbrella of sadness. This touching and wise story will comfort the readers who need it most. Anna never goes anywhere without her umbrella. Not since the stormy day of her father's funeral. Under her umbrella, she feels safe--safe to be angry and sad. She refuses to put away her umbrella no matter the weather, both outside and in. And then one rainy day she notices a boy getting drenched, and when she invites him under the umbrella with her, things begin to change. This heartfelt story explores how grief, like an umbrella, protects us, but also blocks light from our lives. However, with time and healing and help from a friend, we can lower our umbrella to see the sun. And maybe even a rainbow.

Go Go Go Stop meets Grumpy Monkey in this adorable story of a moody dump truck and her mindful tools for battling a bad mood. When Little Dump Truck is happy, the whole construction crew knows it. When she isn't happy, she becomes Little GRUMP Truck. She can't contain her mood--and soon it starts spreading to the rest of the trucks. When she closes her eyes to get away from her grumpies, she discovers that taking a quiet moment away from her troubles can shift her bad mood into reverse. For now... This fun, accessible story helps kids understand how to use meditation and mindfulness when they feel overwhelmed or angry, and is a useful tool for any parent hoping to try a new approach to treating tantrums. "Should appeal to all the little grump trucks hauling their feelings about."--Kirkus

Join a hungry seal as he attempts the impossible task of waiting until his sister's party to eat a delicious birthday cupcake in this hilarious picture book that's perfect for fans of The Bear Ate Your Sandwich. What's the one thing you could say to make birthday cupcakes even more delicious to Klondike? Tell Klondike not to eat them Klondike's sister is having a birthday party, and everything is ready--the only thing that's left to do is wait until it's time to eat the birthday cupcakes. But Klondike REALLY loves cupcakes. And waiting is SO hard. The narrator tries everything to keep him from eating the treats, from distracting him with a magician to visualizing tubeworm tacos instead of cupcakes (unfortunately, seals like Klondike are big fans of tubeworm tacos). Alas, these tactics are no match for Klondike's love of cupcakes. It isn't long before he caves to his cravings, and it looks like the party will be cupcakeless Will he be able to whip up a new batch in time?