Life is never boring back at the pond once Iggy, Radic, Cabby and Roc get together. Readers can join them for a humorous yet serious look at nature. "'Green Pieces: Green From the Pond Up' is a delightful read for any age group. Grown-ups will be reminded of what they were told by their parents — to respect nature — and young readers will learn, through the eyes of the four main characters, why it’s important to respect nature," Lisa Goldman, Five Star Publications office coordinator, told TDmonthly. 

THIS PRODUCT IS NO LONGER PUBLISHED BY FIVE STAR PUBLICATIONS as of 8/18/2010.

In addition to true, but gross, humorous, interesting and wacky stories and facts, Arizona Way Out West & Wacky and Arizona Way Out West & Witty: Library Edition make reading about Arizona’s history fun through word searches, crossword puzzles, coloring pages, recipes, crafts and many other amusing activities.

Cheery is a frog. He’s a Chiricahua Leopard Frog, to be more precise. Okay, he’s not a frog yet. At the beginning of the story, he’s still a tadpole. Young readers will learn how a tadpole turns into a frog and why some frogs—like Cheery—are dramatically declining in numbers around the world. Author Dr. Elizabeth W. Davidson is a research scientist at Arizona State University where she is working to save these amazing amphibians. Cheery: The true adventures of a Chiricahua Leopard Frog puts the problem in terms that young readers can grasp. The book contains valuable lesson guides for parents and teachers.

Life goes from Hollywood to Michigan to Mars when Lisa and her family take in her grandmother who has dementia. The Weavers quickly discover the “comicals” of Nora Jo bring a whole new realm of “crazy” to their copasetic abode. And the question becomes, how high a price can they pay for this traumatic change? "As Nora Jo Fades Away is a great read with an even grander cause: to create action and awareness," Lisa Goldman, Five Star Publications office coordinator, told TDmonthly.
Awards: 2010 Paris Book Festival Romance Award First Place

Annie, a sassy, self-deprecating, authentically raw 28-year-old, hazardously, yet humorously, freefalls from an all-time low to rock bottom. She's lost her job, feels legitimately trapped inside a bad relationship with arguably the most charming prick on the planet, is stifled by her past... and, oh, a perpetual buzz. Then she meets Billy, a soulful petty thief. Add barbed witticisms from Annie's cousin, an angry acupuncturist, and quips from two sadomasochistic elementary school teachers, and watch as reckless desperation leads to blind fearlessness in this modern-day tale where love is lost, found, "whined and dined," but mostly — redefined. This book was written by actress Lisa Cerasoli, a regular on TV's "General Hospital." Launch date: June 15, 2009.

High-end, custom-designed Five Star Copper Bookmarks are made with quality copper and Swarovski crystals and pearls, making them ideal for avid readers and gift giving. They come in three 3-1/2" high designs: a serene angel made with a divine crystal and opulent pearl; a paw print, which sports a teal or amethyst crystal; and a crystal-packing star. Launch date: October 15, 2009.

Five Star Finger Puppets are manufactured in the United States and made by hand of soft, durable, hand-washable yarn. They are child safe with no removable parts and come in packages of five that include owl, snake, child, dog and cat characters. "This novelty item can be used for so many things, from potty training to story characters," pointed out Lisa Goldman of Five Star Publications. Launch date: September 9, 2009.

The battle lines are drawn both at home and abroad, as bestselling author Dianne Ebertt Beeaff's gripping first novel unfolds. Framed in a rich historical backdrop, "Power's Garden" is the masterfully woven tale of two southeastern Arizona families — one Texan, one Mormon — whose cultures collide during trying economic times. As World War I rages in Europe, a crippling drought engulfs the Gila Valley desert, the hope of the area's ranchers wasting away with their livestock. With candor and courage, the Brennick and Beecham families develop an embattled but gripping relationship, navigating uncertainties, challenging traditions and learning to love. "It's a novel of two different cultures and the Morman religion," pointed out Five Star's Lisa Goldman. Launch date: June 15, 2009.

Rattlesnakes are much maligned primarily because they are much misunderstood. In Rattlesnake Rules, award-winning children’s author and science editor Conrad J. Storad, of Arizona, removes the veil of mystery from these fascinating creatures and imparts to young readers valuable information that will help them better understand rattlesnakes and keep both the children and the snakes safe. Delightfully illustrated by Conrad’s long-time collaborator, artist Nathaniel P. Jensen, The Rattlesnake Rules is yet another in their popular series that includes Desert Night Shift (A Pack Rat Story) and Don’t Ever Cross that Road! (An Armadillo Story), among others. Launch date: October 15, 2009.

As Luke and his sister Jenny resume their summer vacation, their mother plans a stop at the historic town of Lincoln, New Mexico. But when a thunderstorm begins to brew, Luke and Jenny realize things aren't what they seem. Suddenly they are swept back in time and find themselves face-to-face with the notorious Billy the Kid. The ghost of Paul, a young buffalo soldier who lived more than a century ago, guides them on their journey as they experience the life and times of this mysterious young outlaw. Will Billy the Kid live up to his legend? — This book received a 2007 Indie Book Awards of Excellence.

Meet Skiff, a playful Sheltie. In Little Skiff’s Moving Adventures, Skiff moves from Alaska to Arizona, and in Little Skiff Copes With Valley Fever, Skiff learns all about Valley Fever firsthand. Author Dany Pierard-Deviche hopes Skiff will teach children how to stay confident in the face of adversity and change. Launch date: January 15, 2010.