The Sixty-Minute Shakespeare series offers an alternative for those who lack the time to tackle the unabridged versions of the world’s most widely read playwright. Foster has condensed the Bard’s language, but has left the integrity of Shakespeare’s writings intact so that students can experience the thrill of his stories as well as the beauty of his prose. In addition, the author has provided footnotes explaining some of the more arcane words and phrases so that the reader can better understand and, therefore, enjoy the plays. "Reading or performing Shakespeare doesn't need to take 'forever and a day.' Not if you raise the curtain on The Sixty-Minute Shakespeare ... Cass Foster has done a superb job of cutting the text while retaining the sense of the story and the poetic rhythm of the words," Sue Defabis, project manager for Five Star Publications, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2003.

The Sixty-Minute Shakespeare series is analternative for those who lack the time to tackle the unabridged versions of the world’s most widely read playwright. Foster has condensed the Bard’s language, but has left the integrity of Shakespeare’s writings intact so that students can experience the thrill of his stories as well as the beauty of his prose. In addition, the author has provided footnotes explaining some of the more arcane words and phrases so that the reader can better understand and, therefore, enjoy the plays. Launch date: 2003.

The Sixty-Minute Shakespeare series is an alternative for those who lack the time to tackle the unabridged versions of the world’s most widely read playwright. Foster has condensed the Bard’s language, but has left the integrity of Shakespeare’s writings intact so that students can experience the thrill of his stories as well as the beauty of his prose. In addition, the author has provided footnotes explaining some of the more arcane words and phrases so that the reader can better understand and, therefore, enjoy the plays. Launch date: 2003.

The Sixty-Minute Shakespeare series is an alternative for those who lack the time to tackle the unabridged versions of the world’s most widely read playwright. Foster has condensed the Bard’s language, but has left the integrity of Shakespeare’s writings intact so that students can experience the thrill of his stories as well as the beauty of his prose. In addition, the author has provided footnotes explaining some of the more arcane words and phrases so that the reader can better understand and, therefore, enjoy the plays. "Reading-or performing Shakespeare doesn't need to take 'forever and a day.' Not if you raise the curtain on The Sixty-Minute Shakespeare ... Cass Foster has done a superb job of cutting the text while retaining the sense of the story and the poetic rhythm of the words," Sue Defabis, project manager for Five Star Publications, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2003.

The Sixty-Minute Shakespeare series is an ideal alternative for those who lack the time to tackle the unabridged versions of the world’s most widely read playwright. Foster has condensed the Bard’s language, but has left the integrity of Shakespeare’s writings intact so students can experience the thrill of his stories as well as the beauty of his prose. In addition, the author has provided footnotes explaining some of the more arcane words and phrases so that the reader can better understand and, therefore, enjoy the plays. "Reading-or performing Shakespeare doesn't need to take 'forever and a day.' ... Cass Foster has done a superb job of cutting the text while retaining the sense of the story and the poetic rhythm of the words," Sue Defabis, project manager for Five Star Publications, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2003.

The "Sixty-Minute Shakespeare" series is created as an ideal alternative for those who lack the time to tackle the unabridged versions of the world’s most widely read playwright. Foster has condensed the Bard’s language, but has left the integrity of Shakespeare’s writings intact so that students can experience the thrill of his stories as well as the beauty of his prose. In addition, the author has provided footnotes explaining some of the more arcane words and phrases so that the reader can better understand and, therefore, enjoy the plays. It "allows teachers to introduce the language more easily to wary students, while each play retains its integrity and beauty," Sue Defabis, project manager at Five Star Publications, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 1990.

Miss Rosa, as Vincent Beach called his mother, was known for her sayings, including the title of his heartwarming autobiography. Vincent left his native Jamaica in 1944 with little more than his parents’ wisdom, and this book tells the story of his life’s journey as a military bandsman, educator and family man. It received the 2008 Carter G. Woodson Award (secondary level) for “the most distinguished social science book appropriate for young readers that increases understanding of ethnicity in the United States." "An ordinary man by his own description, Vincent says he wrote [the book] because he believes life stories provide an opportunity to better understand the complexities of human beings and the realities of every day living," Sue Defabis, project manager at Five Star Publications, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2007.

The DVD's images of peaceful, flowering gardens and multidimensional stones transitioning in an artistic display of creation, accompanied by tranquil nature sounds, are designed to shift the mind to right-brain thinking and free viewers from anxiety and stress. It comes with colorful 5” x 7” postcards to mail or frame. "'Healing Stones and Gardens' suspends time for an extraordinary moment and facilitates a journey to a sacred place where we can reconnect with inner divinity," Sue Defabis, project manager at Five Star Publications, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.

"Granted!" is written to simplify the application process for novice grant seekers and to reveal strategic advice to veteran grant writers. Educators are expertly guided through proven methods for writing and winning grants. Worksheets organize and record research, actions and data, saving time and giving grant seekers’ their best shot at securing grant money. "Invaluable worksheets organize and record grant seekers’ thoughts, research, actions and data to give them the best possible chances of securing grants for school projects, supplies and anything else a grant might help fund," Sue Defabis, project manager at Five Star Publications, told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 15, 2009.

The book is an anthology of recipes that have been extensively field-tested at school, church and sporting potlucks. In addition to recipes, the book has a wealth of information about planning group events, decorating inexpensively for large gatherings, and specific information for feeding young athletes along with menu suggestions for games and practices. "It should appeal to anyone who has to feed kids, or crowds, or crowds of kids at church, school, athletic, scouting, tailgating or other social events. Perfect for novice cooks, but interesting enough for experienced cooks, 'Potluck Survival Guide' is a user-friendly cookbook that takes the fear out of taking a dish to your next potluck," Sue Defabis, project manager at Five Star Publications, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2008.

A tribute to family, friendship and forty-five years at summer camp, "Campingly Yours" paints a poignant picture of character, charisma and courage, lovingly nestled in America’s heartland. Punctuated with vivid imagery and laugh-out-loud humor, Thomas C. Adler’s memoir is "a heartwarming journey of a lifetime at summer camp," Sue Defabis, project manager at Five Star Publications, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 15, 2009.

"Jack & Walter" traces the legendary careers of Lemmon and Matthau. From their first screen-pairing in 1966, The Fortune Cookie, to their last comical romp, 1998’s The Odd Couple II, they put the “fun” in dysfunctional, cementing their positions in Hollywood history as the 20th Century’s last great comedy team. "With complete biographies of both Lemmon and Matthau, full credits and storylines for all 11 films, more than 100 publicity and behind-the-scenes photographs, and memories from co-workers and co-stars including some of Hollywood's biggest stars, Jack & Walter is the ultimate recognition of the pair's remarkable cinematic achievements," Sue Defabis, project manager for Five Star Publications, told TDmonthly. Launch date: March 15, 2009.

In this second edition of "The Economical Guide to Self-Publishing," Linda Radke of Five Star Publications shares what writers need to know to self-publish successfully without breaking the bank. It's based upon the premise that by self-publishing, an author will get his work to readers faster, maintain control, and make more money. "While 'The Economical Guide to Self-Publishing' gives writers the nuts and bolts of publishing, such as copywriting, acquiring an ISBN, editing, typesetting, printing and distributing, etc., in an easy-to-digest manner, it doesn’t end there. Readers also receive an invaluable arsenal of conventional — and sometimes unconventional — methods for marketing, promoting and obtaining free publicity," Sue Defabis, project manager at Five Star Publications, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 15, 2009.

Mr. Twiddles the cranky cat is unexpectedly visited by a noisy stranger, Clara the housekeeper. But, there’s something amazing about Clara: her Very Special Powers (VSP) let her talk and listen to Mr. Twiddles. Should Mr. Twiddles try to be her friend, or get her out of his cozy, quiet home for good? "[Author] Murray-Gibson was born in Monrovia, Liberia, [and] has actively supported the cause of literacy and education for the people of her homeland. She also volunteers for a number of charities in and around her current hometown in Minnesota. Her book is also dedicated to the children of Liberia, and Murray-Gibson has planned to donate the proceeds from Clara and Mr. Twiddles to build schools and clinics around the rural areas of Liberia — an area that has been extremely impoverished by an 18-year war. With her support, children will be able to attend school free of charge," Sue Defabis, project manager at Five Star Publications, told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 15, 2009.

Self-taught cartoonist Tom Gill, known for his "Lone Ranger" cartoon series, relates his life and world travels with several colleagues as they visited and brought smiles to soldiers stationed overseas. The book also includes comments from the author's close friend Tim Lasuita  Launch date: May 2008.

In the book, Elizabeth tells what it was like, including her fears, the pain, and the triumphs of her battle with scoliosis. Once fearful about whether she would be able to walk without pain, Elizabeth emerged from her experience to become a nationally-ranked squash player and a varsity tennis player. Launch date: June 2008.

Written by Michael J. Moorehead as a thank-you gift to his teacher when he was in the second grade, this book tells the story of the rumors surrounding Bust ‘em Up Bill’s arrival as the new kid at school. It shows readers that rumors can easily get out of control and often do not represent the truth. The book is illustrated by Kathy Parks. This product received the 2008 Reader Views Annual Literary Award for Best Children's Book. Read Review

Seven-year-old Max Nania knows kids and food. Max’s new cookbook contains 45 truly inventive recipes he has created. With each recipe, Max’s mom provides “grown-up” tips.
— “There aren’t many cookbooks written by a child for children,” Sue DeFabis of Five Star Publications told TDmonthly of the book’s uniqueness. Launch date: April 2007.

Brimming with love, devotion and a desire to help others, Alfie is the epitome of all dogs and a great role model for kids. It seems he's been that way since he was a pup. But today, Alfie is passing from puppyhood to adulthood and gets to celebrate his Bark Mitzvah with all of his family and friends. This book by Shari Cohen is beautifully illustrated by Nadia Komorova and, as a bonus, includes a CD of children's songs created especially for the book by the internationally acclaimed Cantor Marcelo Gindlin. “We take pride in every step along the way in publishing a book; from editing to proofreading to interior design to cover design, and clearly thinking through the title of a book for marketability purposes,” president Linda Radke of Five Star Publications told TDmonthly. “With each book,” she added, “there comes a new day and a new level of excitement. People are looking for what we’re publishing.” Launch date: January 2007.

This book by Bryan and Tom Lambke offers an intimate portrait of a father and son’s determination to live a normal life in the face of son Bryan’s Down Syndrome. It provides glimpses of everyday life in a straightforward, honest way. The book is both a joyous celebration of diversity and a poignant reminder of the sameness that connects us all, and Bryan’s indomitable spirit and determination will be an inspiration to anyone facing the challenges of disability. Launch date: June 2006.

It began as a normal family vacation to historic Tombstone, Ariz. Suddenly that all changes when Luke and Jenny find themselves with the famous marshal and others who were present at the famous gunfight that took place at the O.K. Corral. This historical adventure is written by Gayle Martin. Launch date: November 2006.

This book is by Dylan Peters, who was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome at age 4. Through insight and humor, he helps readers understand Tourette Syndrome and the enormous pressures the afflication places on those who have it and those who love them. His friend Zachary Wendland illustrated the book. In the foreward, former Major League Baseball player Jim Eisenreich, who has suffered from Tourette Syndrome since he was a child, writes: “Dylan has done what most of us would not even think of doing, especially at such a young age.” Launch date: December 2006/January 2007.