The Magical Stranger is a moving story of love and sacrifice, fathers and sons, heroism and duty, soldiers and the families they leave behind. On November 28, 1979, squadron commander and Navy pilot Peter Rodrick died when his plane crashed in the Indian Ocean, leaving behind a devastated wife, two daughters, and a 13-year-old son. In this powerful, beautifully written book, journalist Stephen Rodrick explores the life and death of the man who indelibly shaped his life, even as he remained a mystery. Through adolescence and into adulthood, Stephen Rodrick struggled to fully grasp the reality of his father’s death and its permanence. To better understand his father, Rodrick turned to members of his father’s former squadron, the "World-Famous Black Ravens." As he learns about his father, he uncovers the layers of these sailors’ lives: their loves, friendships, dreams, disappointments—and the consequences of their choices on those they leave behind. The journey doesn’t end until November 28, 2013, when Rodrick’s first son is born 34 years to the day after his father’s mishap. A penetrating, thoughtful blend of memoir and reportage, The Magical Stranger is a moving reflection on the meaning of military service and the power of a father’s legacy.

Dal, a thief, has come to Romallia, the seat of power for the kingdom of the same name, looking to steal a fortune. Before he gets the chance, he’s ordered to investigate the often-absent Royal Wizard. This “innocent” mission sends Dal across the sea to a desert land. He has to deal with a magical ship, lizard folk, plotting courtiers, and a pesky Princess. Will Dal get to steal anything? Will he get paid anything? Will he survive his adventure with his wits and life intact?

After Reavaer had to leave the world of Rialar to be trained as a real world guardian of the Exi, a dimension-jumping people, he returns after several years. However, he appears in a place unknown to him. Reavaer has to find his way around, find loyal allies with whom he has to assert himself against many an inhabitant, defeat rulers and investigate mysterious anomalies. To do so, he must use all the knowledge and experience he has gained on his travels. The world of Rialar is still as harsh and ruthless to its inhabitants as he had come to know it. But Reavaer knows that not all of his allies are what they seem. Nor will everyone agree with his vision as a Guardian.

This collection of stories and fables includes time-honored folks tales, such as how a poor farmer became the Kitchen God and how the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac were chosen. It also includes original stories, which draw from the rich tradition of Chinese folklore. Learn how the onion went from stinky outcast to coveted kitchen staple. Read about the Jade Rabbit's devotion to his master, and the Rat's betrayal of his former best friend, the Cat. These stories are built on the timeless themes of friendship and loyalty-as well as the benefits of having a quick wit.

Written by Johnny Gruelle, best known as the creator of Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy dolls, is the following book about the adventures of two siblings—Johnny and Janey—who went to space to discover what lies on the other side of the moon. What starts as mere pretend-play with a cardboard box ended up with an extraordinary journey filled with newfound friends and an entire planet filled with lemonade springs and cake-like giant mushrooms!

'The Magical Land of Noom' is written and illustrated by Johnny Gruelle. Gruelle (1880 - 1930), was an American artist and political cartoonist, as well as a children's book illustrator and author. Gruelle is best known for his 'Raggedy Ann Series', which chart the adventures of a little doll with red yarn for hair and a triangle nose. This particular story does not feature Raggedy Ann, but it tells the tale of Johnny and Janey, two children who escape from their backyard and fly away to the moon - having many strange encounters, and even more great adventures in the process. With a flying machine built of wooden spoons and old boards, they discover an enchanted kingdom on the 'dark side of the moon', which at first appears as paradise. With the arrival of a wicked magician, the plot thickens, and the two children's lives are never the same again. Sought after by collectors, this re-printed edition showcases Gruelle's original text, further enhanced by his wonderful colour drawings, in order that the two may be fully appreciated by young and old alike.

We live in a world where our livelihood depends on our ability to relate to strangers. The central quality that defines strangers is that they are unknown. Because strangers are unknown, they represent, in the world outside, the unknown self within. The unknown self is the core of the personality considered as a potential to become something yet to be determined. To be already known is to be determined prior to and independently of our presence in our lives. At the outset of the process of taking form, the individual is, in a sense, a stranger to self and to others. The more this is the case, the greater the openness of the process of self-formation and the more marked the role of freedom from predetermination in that process. Freedom from predetermination exists along three dimensions: the free movement of thoughts and ideas or "inner freedom"; the freedom to relate, which is also the freedom not to relate; and freedom in relating, which is the possibility of maintaining secure self-boundaries in relations with others. In exploring freedom understood in this way, Professor Levine considers such topics as: the nature of inner freedom and its relationship to deliberation and choice; stranger anxiety and its connection to group dynamics and social connection; the internal factors that enable us to make the decisions that shape our lives and through our actions realize the ends embedded in our decisions; how our memories shape our thought processes and therefore the choices we make and the lives we lead that result from them; what makes it possible for us to live comfortably with and depend on people we do not know; concern for the welfare of strangers and how our welfare can be secure in a world where we do not care about others and they do not care about us.

The Magical Land of Noom is a Book of Wonder and enchantment. When Johnny and Janey build their Flying Machine out of some old boards and wooden spools, the last thing they expect is for it to actually take off! But that's just what happens, and before they know it, they're soaring high above the clouds on their way to the Magical Land of Noom. So, join us on a high-flying adventure with Johnny and Janey as they travel from their own backyard to the mysterious enchanted kingdom they discover on the other side of the moon. Did you know the far side of the moon is filled with such wonders as mushrooms that taste of ginger cake and flowing springs of lemonade, Noom seems like a paradise to the children. But the lemonade springs belong to the wicked magician Old jingles, who has kidnapped the beautiful Princess of Nite. They set out to rescue the princess and return her to her throne. On the way Johnny and Janey are aided by the many friends they find in Noom, including the kind and gentle Soft-Voiced Cow, the spirited Fun Boys, and the exuberant Mr. Tiptoe and his miraculous umbrella. But can this intrepid band defeat the wily Old Jingles and all his tricks? You’ll have to download this book to find out if they did succeed in the quest; and if they did, would they make back home as their flying boat has been destroyed?!?!?!? ============ ABOUT THE AUTHOR Author Johnny Gruelle (December 24, 1880 – January 9, 1938) also introduced the world to Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy, everyone's favorite rag dolls -- is the creator of this stirring, heartwarming tale. Filled with gentle wisdom and delightful whimsy, it is a wonderful introduction to the boundless imagination and loving spirit of Johnny Gruelle. Gruelle was an American artist, political cartoonist, children's book and comics author, illustrator, and storyteller. He is best known as the creator of Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy dolls and as the author/illustrator of dozens of books. He also created the Beloved Belindy doll. Gruelle also contributed cartoons and illustrations to at least ten newspapers, four major new syndicates, and more than a dozen national magazines. He was the son of Hoosier Group painter Richard Gruelle. ============ KEYWORDS/TAGS: Magical Land of Noom, magic, Johnny Gruelle, Johnny, Janey, Flying Machine, flying boat, wooden spools, clouds, enchanted kingdom, high flying, adventure, mysterious land, far side of the moon, discover, magic mushrooms, ginger cake, springs of lemonade, paradise, wicked magician, Old Jingles, beautiful, princess Nite, rescue, quest, friends, journey, soft-voiced, magical cow, fun boys, spirited, exuberant, Mr. Tiptoe, miraculous, umbrella, intrepid band, Fly Away, the Strange Man, Gran’ma and Gran’pa, Children, children’s book, children’s story, folklore, fairy tale, fantasy tale, fantasy adventure, Magic Boxing Gloves, Wolves, Rubber River, Beautiful Girl, Strange Story, Little Old Lady, Magic Whistle, Witch, Dancing Master, Grow, Tall, Strange Adventures, Tiptoe Brothers, Raft Slide, Nose Tweak, Go Home,