If you'd rather place an order by talking to one of our cheerful order desk clerks, please call 1-888-232-4444 (USA and Canada only) or 250-383-6864. From Europe, ring our UK order desk clerk at local rate number 0845 230 9601 (UK only) or 44 (0)1865 722 113.

Angel Bear

by BJ Barratt; Illustrated by Diane Lucas

154 pages; quality trade paperback (softcover); black and white illustrations; catalogue #05-2515; ISBN 1-4120-7620-x; US$19.95, C$22.94, EUR16.39, £11.47

Tasha's father moves out, her grandmother moves in. Eldest brother, Lee, becomes troublesome. Middle brother, Jamaal, is quiet and withdrawn, but Tasha blossoms under the creative care of her Granny-Lou.

About the Book

When Tasha Dumont's father moved out, she was too young to know what kind of effect that would have on her family. She didn't understand why her Momma was never home. She didn't understand why her brother Lee always got into so much trouble, or why her other brother, Jamaal, stuttered and read books all the time.

Tasha did know two things for sure: The Yankees were the best baseball team in the world; everybody who lived in The Bronx knew that. The second thing Tasha knew was that her Grandmother was the best person in the world. Tasha knew that because Granny-Lou had an extraordinary knack for making every day special, even the really bad ones.

When the Grandmother she adores dies, Tasha clings to a toy bear whom she believes holds some heavenly powers from her Grandmother. In the end, what Tasha discovers is that the love and unique comfort Granny-Lou gave her is still very much alive within her, and ready to be shared with a new part of the family.

About the Author

Born and raised on the North Shore of Long Island, NY, B.J. (Burtis) Barratt was a writer from the moment she could hold a pen. It wasn't until the birth of her own children, that she was able to leave the working world long enough to devote time to both her children and her passion for writing.

Along the way B.J. has worked as a professional photographer and darkroom technician, recording studio manager, an independant music showcase producer and senior assistant at some of the most prestigious stock brokerage firms in the world. B.J. is also the creator of a dramatic TV series, "Inside Trading" currently being marketed through Tilt entertainment.

B.J.'s passions include photographing and promoting brilliant, but little known musicians, her work in this area can be found at www.myspace.com/thebjspace. B.J continues to live on Long Island with her husband David, sons Andrew and James, and her Cavalier Spaniel, Eevee.

Excerpts