Puck & Minnie: All That Is

It all begins a thousand years ago on the flats of Africa and follows a wolf-dog as he makes life-altering decisions not just for himself but for the human with whom he develops a bond. This union remains inviolable as Puck’s soul passes from one life to the next.

Puck’s story is as spiritual as it is terrestrial. His earthly visits are interwoven with returns to The Bridge and Azul, the latter a divinity who advises Puck but does not predetermine his actions - or his fate(s). Puck’s charge is to make good choices, something he fails to achieve when he kills a man who is attempting to harm “his” Minnie in one of her early manifestations. This death plagues Puck throughout his ensuing lives, and his heart cannot be made pure again until he atones for his misdeed.

Puck and Minnie offers a poignant view of fear’s role in fomenting hate, and my narrative shows love possible even under the most demanding of circumstances. It’s a story that may open your mind and soul to the possibilities of the question of what if the animals of this planet are indeed, divine beings here to teach and guide us into the heart of God, which we know as "All that Is"...and All That Is, is love.

Reviews:

• “The narrator, Scott Ellis gives a strong performance. Ellis moves the story at a steady pace offering up intense and emotional moments as reflected in the story. As the dog – Puck – he is able to sound innocent; as the others in the story, his voices reflect their personalities and the situations clearly.
  
  I do not like to cry. I usually go out of my way to avoid those sappy movies or books that pull at the audience’s heartstrings making the tears flow freely. However, this book is well worth the tears and heartache as the story and its ending are perfect!” - AudioBook Reviewer

Magda, Standing

Gold Medal - 2024 Ben Franklin Award, Independent Book Publishers Association, for Young Adult Audiobook

Silver Medal - 2023 Story Circle Sarton's Book Award, Young Adult category

Bronze Medal - 2023 MOONBEAM Children's Book Award, Young Adult Fiction: Historical/Cultural

Finalist for the 2023 International Eyelands Book Award for published Historical Fiction/Memoir

When her father pulls her out of high school to care for her invalid mother and little brother, sixteen-year-old Magda is devastated—but the greater challenge is saving her family in the face of a war and pandemic. In 1916, the world is at war, even if America has not yet joined the effort. But for Magda, the growing hostility her German immigrant family faces hits close to home. Despite her domestic obligations, Magda persists with her education, determined to find an independent role for herself.

Faced with the mounting crises of the war and the Spanish flu, Magda seeks the knowledge and strength to try to protect those she loves most.

Standing up to a war and pandemic, traditions and expectations, Magda embarks on a journey of self-discovery and resilience that leads her back to embracing her family and caring for a wider community.

Luna,

A Dog Named After The Moon

Luna, a talking puppy with a positive attitude, deals with being adopted, fears, boredom, and a bothersome cat. When trouble happens Luna uses her animal instincts to help. Have you ever thought a dog was talking to you? Luna is the lovable puppy who does just that. When adopted by a family in a hectic Hollywood household, she seeks to achieve her own fame and purpose. As Luna tells of her experiences, we see an appreciation for the important things in life. Luna's life lessons will be familiar to children and adults alike.