Most Popular Books by Sarah Davis

Help your toddler learn all about colors in My First Colors. With colorful, bright photographs alongside clear word-labels your little one will begin to recognize red from yellow and even multi-colored objects too. Each page introduces one color using objects or animals to fully engage your toddler and keep early learning simple. Perfect for encouraging children to build vocabulary and language skills My First Colors helps toddlers grasp early concepts. Read it together and help them turn the pages and learn all about color.

A companion to the successful "Guerilla Film Maker''s Handbook", this book deals with every aspect of professional music making in today''s popular music industry on both sides of the Atlantic. In creating music and developing a career, almost everyone starts out "independently", that is without the support of a large company. However, independent music making can be defined in a broad sense as a particular attitude towards creating and distribution of music held by professional people. The attitude involves a commitment to retaining control over your work as far as it is practically comaptible with getting it to the larget possible relevant audience. This does not necessarily mean that the independent musician does everything him or herself. One of the most important dimensions of the book will be the checklists of questions musicians need to ask themselves in order to decide whether they need outside help from a manager, lawyer, accountant, record company, music publisher, agent, press officer, plugger etc. The book is divided into six sections, each of which includes brief interviews with key experts. The first two deal with the main areas of musical activity - live performance and recording. Section three explains other aspects of musical activity while section four gets down to the nitty-gritty of the business aspects of making music. Section five summarizes the whole area through some well-chosen real life examples of independent musical activity. Finally, a toolkit section will provide examples of key documents (recording contracts, PRS membership agreements, etc) and other relevant data.

A humorous etiquette guide for parents of young kids full of real-world advice on how to handle everyday embarrassing moments. When you’re raising kids, you’re thrown into dilemmas you could never have dreamed up. A diaper disaster in the middle seat during take-off. Naked baby bath photos your mother-in-law posts online without permission. An unexpected gift that leads to a tantrum in front of the gift-giver. How can you turn these into opportunities to be an A+ parent and friend, role model, and member of your community? Authors Sarah Davis, Ed.D., and Evie Granville, M.Ed., are educators, manners mavens, and creators of a blog and podcast dedicated to parenting etiquette. Their two families total six young kids. Modern Manners unpacks the complicated social code for parents of kids ages zero to five. Discover a public parenting style within a unique framework, analyze your gut reactions to sticky situations, and choose a course of action that balances the needs of parent, child and others. Written by and for busy parents, this guide includes parenting tips, lists, charts, pop quizzes, personal anecdotes, and practical advice. Get child rearing guidance from real experts on: Leading your family with kindness and awareness Setting a good example (and realistic expectations) for little ones Maintaining friendships and good communication Praise for Modern Manners for Moms & Dads “This book is a perfect new-parent gift. A must-read . . . . Evie and Sarah do an amazing job of giving you the framework needed to feel confident in your personal parenting situation.” —Heather Chauvin, TEDx speaker, podcaster, coach, and author of Dying to be a Good Mother Evie and Sarah bring such a bright, new take on “parenting books,” which usually focus on the child. This book takes EVERYONE into account. A must-read based on research, studies, and years of experience.” —Eli Weinstein, licensed master social worker, podcaster, and creator of ELIvation The publisher issues a notice regarding a design error occurring in the chart “Is Your Kid Too Sick to Leave the House?” on page 77 of the print book (chapter 2 in the eBook). The chart should advise against leaving the house with a child with a temperature of 100.4 and above. As stated by the authors, this book is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice of physicians. The reader should regularly consult a physician in matters relating to their health (and their children''s) and particularly with respect to any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention. The authors and publisher advise readers to take full responsibility for their safety.

"Combines the spare poetry of The Road with the dizzying pace of 28 Days Later." —Jennie Melamed, author Gather the Daughters "A riveting novel." —Eowyn Ivey, bestselling author of The Snow Child Remember your just-in-cases. Beware tall buildings. Always have your knives. Raised in isolation by her mother and Maeve on a small island off the coast of a post-apocalyptic Ireland, Orpen''s life has revolved around training to fight a threat she''s never seen. More and more she feels the call of the mainland, and the prospect of finding other survivors. But that is where danger lies, too, in the form of the flesh-eating menace known as the skrake. Then disaster strikes. Alone, pushing an unconscious Maeve in a wheelbarrow, Orpen decides her last hope is abandoning the safety of the island and journeying across the country to reach the legendary banshees, the rumored all-female fighting force that battles the skrake. But the skrake are not the only threat... Sarah Davis-Goff''s Last Ones Left Alive is a brilliantly original imagining of a young woman''s journey to discover her true identity.

God Name Origins explores the fascinating world of deity names, revealing how these names are not mere labels, but rather reflections of ancient civilizations'' core values and beliefs. By delving into religious etymology, the book uncovers the linguistic roots of deity names like Ra, Ishtar, and Zeus, demonstrating their evolution and connection to specific myths and rituals. Understanding these origins provides insight into cultural identity and the development of religious thought. The book embarks on a historical and religious journey, tracing deity names back to their earliest known forms. For example, the names often encapsulate essential attributes, powers, and relationships within the divine pantheon. Through case studies from Ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Greece, the book synthesizes findings to highlight patterns and variations in deity naming practices across cultures. Structured in three parts, God Name Origins progresses from introducing core concepts to examining specific case studies and synthesizing findings. By drawing from ancient texts, archaeological inscriptions, and comparative linguistic analyses, the book presents a comprehensive look at deity names and their broader implications for understanding religious syncretism and the evolution of religious history.

South of a forbidding range of mountain peaks lies a land of boundless resources and untold opportunity. The Mwangi Expanse has been home to an untold diversity of cultures and peoples since time immemorial, hosting powerful, isolated city states that have often paid little attention to their neighbors. Yet the turning tides of fortune have begun to usher in changes that are rippling across the world. As a band of scholars from an ancient university venture north to aid a disaster-torn Avistan. A revolution-forged nation seeks powerful allies against foreign aggression. An undead god, once a symbol of hope to his declining nation, now grows jealous enough to turn on his self-proclaimed kin. Whether you are a diplomat seeking leverage from the most difficult of positions, a spy seeking the subtlest hint of danger from your surroundings, a guardian hoping to protect your home and people, or a warrior striking back at tyrants both native and foreign, this guide to the Mwangi Expanse offers you the ultimate resource to explore a realm of magic, monsters, and intrigue! Written by: Laura-Shay Adams, Mariam Ahmad, Jahmal Brown, Misha Bushyager, Alexandria Bustion, Duan Byrd, John Compton, Sarah Davis, Naomi Fritts, Sasha Laranoa Harving, Gabriel Hicks, TK Johnson, Michelle Jones, Joshua Kim, Travis Lionel, Ron Lundeen, Stephanie Lundeen, Hillary Moon Murphy, Lu Pellazar, Mikhail Rekun, Nate Wright, and Jabari Weathers

This textbook explores vital networks and relationships among geographies and cultures that shaped medieval societies. Designed for students new to the subject, this second edition has been fully updated to include expanded coverage of Africa, the Americas, Australasia, Korea, and Jewish cultures. The expert author team advances a global view of the period, introducing the reader to histories and narratives beyond a European context. A new chapter called “Perspectives” has been added that defines theoretical approaches to the material and considers changes in how we interpret history. Key Features: Divided into chronological sections, chapters are organized by four key themes: religion, economics, politics, and society. This framework enables students to connect wider ideas and debates across 500 to 1500. Individual chapters address current theoretical discussions, including issues around gender, migration, sustainable environments, race, and intercultural religious spaces. The authors’ combined teaching experience and subject specialties ensure an engaging and accessible overview for students of history, literature, and those undertaking general studies courses. Full-color maps and images illustrate chapter content and support understanding. As a result, this text is essential reading for all those interested in learning more about the histories and cultures of the period, as well as their relevance to our own contemporary experiences and perspectives. This textbook is supported by a companion website providing core resources for students and lecturers.

Celestial Kings explores the concept of divine kingship in ancient civilizations, examining how rulers were perceived as gods or descendants of celestial beings. It delves into the intersection of religion, political authority, and mythology, revealing how these beliefs shaped social hierarchies and legitimizing power. The book highlights that divine rule served as a powerful tool for unifying diverse populations under a shared belief system, challenging conventional understandings of power based solely on military might or economic control. The book examines specific historical examples, such as Egyptian pharaohs, Mesopotamian priest-kings, and Inca emperors, illustrating how mythology reinforced their claims to divine authority. One intriguing fact is how deeply ingrained the belief in divine rule was, influencing not only political structures but also artistic representations and daily life. Another insight is how these ancient beliefs echo in contemporary political dynamics, offering a lens to understand modern leadership and societal organization. Structured to provide a comprehensive understanding, Celestial Kings begins by defining divine kingship, then analyzes historical examples, and concludes by synthesizing these case studies to draw broader conclusions. By presenting a cross-cultural perspective and drawing from diverse sources, this book provides a unique and valuable contribution to the study of history and religion.

Thunder Beasts explores the fascinating role of storm and sky deities across diverse cultures, revealing how these powerful figures shaped ancient societies and continue to resonate today. By examining mythology, religion, and natural phenomena, the book uncovers universal human attempts to understand and control nature''s unpredictable forces. Intriguing is the book''s comparative approach, illustrating parallels between figures like Zeus with his thunderbolt and Thor wielding his mighty hammer, revealing shared motifs of power and retribution. The book investigates how thunder beasts manifested as physical representations of natural forces, acted as agents of divine justice, and psychologically impacted believers. Starting with comparative religion and folklore, it builds a foundation for understanding these figures. Progressing across chapters, the book first explores archetypal characteristics, then examines specific cultural examples, and finally analyzes the social and psychological functions of these beliefs, demonstrating how they explained natural disasters and enforced social order. The study of these myths provides insights into the psychology of fear, the construction of social norms, and the roots of modern environmental awareness. By blending historical analysis with psychological insights, Thunder Beasts offers a holistic understanding of these figures and their impact on culture.

""Pyramids of the Dead"" explores why ancient cultures worldwide invested vast resources in pyramid construction, linking them to death, the afterlife, and spiritual beliefs. These structures weren''t just tombs; they were powerful symbols reflecting complex cosmological views and societal frameworks. Intriguingly, the book highlights that while pyramid construction varied across cultures like Egypt and Mesoamerica, common threads reveal universal human concerns about mortality and the divine. This book uniquely examines pyramids as a global phenomenon shaped by shared human preoccupations, approached through a multidisciplinary lens including archaeology and comparative religious studies. It emphasizes the historical and social contexts of pyramid construction, delving into early civilizations, religious systems, and monumental architecture''s role in asserting power. The book progresses by first introducing pyramids as symbolic structures, then exploring associated funerary rituals, and finally synthesizing the evidence through comparative analysis.

Mysterious Lost Books explores the compelling topic of vanished texts and their profound influence on history, religion, and science. By examining what has been lost, the book sheds light on how gaps in our knowledge shape our understanding of the past and future. The destruction of the Library of Alexandria, for example, led to the obliteration of ancient scientific knowledge. The book emphasizes the concept of ""cultural amnesia,"" exploring how the loss of significant works distorts our comprehension of events and impedes progress. The book delves into the disappearance of religious scriptures, scientific discoveries, and literary creations, illustrating the impact on faith, knowledge, and culture. It uses historical records, archaeological findings, and literary analysis to investigate these losses. A key focus is on lost gospels, which offered alternative perspectives on early Christianity. By adopting a narrative non-fiction approach, Mysterious Lost Books presents information in an engaging manner. The book progresses by introducing cultural amnesia, examining specific cases of lost texts, and analyzing their broader implications for contemporary scholarship. It also offers practical considerations for preserving existing texts. This exploration of vanished texts serves as a reminder of the fragility of knowledge and the importance of safeguarding our cultural heritage.

Relic Significance explores the captivating intersection of history and religion through the lens of ancient relics. These objects, far from being mere artifacts, served as potent symbols that shaped the socio-cultural and spiritual lives of early civilizations. The book argues that relics acted as tangible links between the human and divine realms, embodying mythological narratives and reinforcing societal structures. For instance, sacred stones were not just rocks, but conduits of power and divine presence, influencing community practices and belief systems. The book examines the symbolic power of relics, the socio-cultural contexts of their use, and how their significance evolved over time. By drawing upon historical records, archaeological findings, and anthropological studies, it presents a multifaceted view of how material culture reflected and reinforced early belief systems. Beginning with an introduction to relics and their symbolic power, the book progresses through case studies and analyzes the transformations in relic meanings as societies changed, offering new insights into the origins of religious practices and the construction of societal identities.

Peaceful Authority Style explores Jesus'' revolutionary approach to leadership, contrasting it with traditional power structures built on dominance. This book examines how Jesus, as a peace leader, challenged the socio-political norms of first-century Palestine, advocating for non-violence, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Instead of wielding power through force, Jesus demonstrated authority through compassion and service, exemplified by his healing of the sick and his teachings on love. The book begins by introducing key concepts like servant leadership and transformative peace, systematically unveiling Jesus'' alternative leadership paradigm across chapters. It analyzes gospel accounts where Jesus rejects violence, highlights instances of compassion, and delves into his teachings on forgiveness. The crucifixion is presented as the ultimate demonstration of non-violence and sacrificial love. This study offers a fresh perspective on leadership, suggesting that true authority stems from moral strength rather than coercion. By analyzing scriptural passages within their historical context, Peaceful Authority Style provides valuable insights for those interested in Biblical studies, Christian theology, and anyone seeking to integrate faith-based principles of peace leadership into their lives.

The Spanish Inquisition explores the history of the Spanish Inquisition, a powerful institution that shaped religious beliefs and European politics for centuries. The book examines the Inquisition''s origins in the historical context of the Reconquista and Spanish nationalism, its methods of persecution and religious control, and its lasting impact on European power dynamics. One intriguing aspect is how the Inquisition served as both a tool for religious purification and political consolidation for the Spanish monarchy. Another is that it was led by key figures like Tomás de Torquemada, the first Grand Inquisitor. This book is unique in its comprehensive analysis of the Inquisitionâu0080u0099s dual role as a religious and political instrument, avoiding sensationalism by focusing on evidence-based accounts. Structured in three parts, the book first introduces the Inquisitionâu0080u0099s origins, then examines its inner workings, and finally analyzes its impact on Spanish society and politics. It draws upon archival documents and scholarly analyses to provide a balanced perspective on this controversial period in European history, offering insights into religious persecution and the need for religious freedom.

Hebrew Calendar explores the fascinating world of the Jewish calendar, a system deeply intertwined with Jewish religious life, history, and agricultural practices. This lunisolar calendar uniquely balances lunar months and solar years, impacting the timing of Jewish holidays and shaping religious observances. From its ancient roots in observational astronomy, where the Sanhedrin declared new months, to its later codification, the book traces the evolution of this vital timekeeping system. The book explains how the Hebrew calendar transitioned into a mathematically calculated format attributed to Hillel II, ensuring its stability across generations. Readers will discover the intricate roles of leap years, molads (new moon conjunctions), and postponement rules in determining holiday dates. The book begins with basic calendar concepts and progresses through biblical, Second Temple, and Talmudic periods, culminating in practical applications for modern Jewish life. By examining biblical texts, Talmudic literature, and astronomical research, Hebrew Calendar reveals how this calendar serves as a dynamic intersection of astronomy, religion, and agriculture. This makes it invaluable for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Jewish tradition, religious studies, or the history of timekeeping.

""Lost Scrolls"" explores the profound impact of destroyed, hidden, and rediscovered ancient texts on shaping our understanding of history, religion, and philosophy. It argues that gaps in our knowledge, caused by the loss or suppression of key documents, have significantly influenced historical narratives and religious teachings. The book emphasizes the importance of examining these ""lost texts"" to gain a more complete and nuanced view of human history and belief systems, challenging accepted truths by uncovering alternative perspectives. For example, the burning of the Library of Alexandria represents a monumental loss of knowledge, while the concealment of the Dead Sea Scrolls highlights the deliberate attempt to hide information. The book uniquely focuses on the impact of these lost texts, rather than simply describing them. It investigates how these absences have shaped historical developments, religious interpretations, and philosophical thought. Structured around themes like the destruction of knowledge, deliberate concealment, and rediscovery of wisdom, the book progresses from examining events like the eradication of pre-Columbian codices to exploring the rediscovery and impact of texts such as the Gospel of Mary Magdalene. By drawing upon archaeological findings, textual analysis, and historical accounts, ""Lost Scrolls"" bridges history, religion, and philosophy in an accessible manner, encouraging critical evaluation of information and dominant narratives.