New Releases by Paul Harbridge

If God Were a Great Big Bear is a rhythmic meditation on the nature of God in the world. God is in all of creation, and God is in you and me.

An empowering and necessary picture book about a young girl with Down syndrome who gains confidence and independence through a visit to her grandparents. It''s Kate''s first time visiting her grandparents on her own at their lakeside home. She''s nervous but excited at the adventure ahead. She helps her grandfather with his grocery deliveries by boat, where she meets all the neighbors, including a very grumpy old man named Walter. And she makes best friends with her grandparents'' dog, Parbuckle. Her grandmother even teaches her to pilot the boat all by herself! When her grandfather takes ill suddenly, it''s up to Kate -- but can she really make all those deliveries, even to grumpy old Walter? She has to try! Based on the author''s sister, Kate is a lovable, brave, smart and feisty character who will capture your heart in this gorgeous and moving story about facing fears and gaining independence.

In this atmospheric story, a group of kids play hockey on a frozen lake by moonlight. At once nostalgic and timely, this is a gorgeous book that will speak to readers young and old. The beaver flood has finally frozen--perfect ice, without a bump or a ripple. For the kids in town, it''s Christmas in November. They wait, impatiently, for the right moment. Finally, it arrives: the full moon. They huff and puff through logging trails, farms, back roads and tamarack swamps, the powdery snow soaking pant legs and boots, till they see it--their perfect ice, waiting. And the game is on. When the moon Comes is steeped in tradition and nostalgia: for hockey, for childhood, for a simpler time. The beauty of the text is matched by the brilliant, rich illustrations that wonderfully capture the magic of a moonlit night in winter.

A sick girl named Helena is taken by an angel on an ancient sailing boat far over the waves. Their destination: three cities that glow as if blessed of God—one Jewish, one Christian, one Muslim. Helena comes to realize that all these people believe the same divine law—to love God and their fellow man.