New Releases by Susan Wheeler

Kindergarten decodable book

Acclaimed poet Susan Wheeler, whose last individual collection predicted the spiritual losses of the economic collapse, turns her attention to the most intimate of subjects: the absence or loss of love. A meme is a unit of thought replicated by imitation; examples of memes, Richard Dawkins wrote, “are tunes, ideas, catch-phrases, clothes fashions, ways of making pots or of building arches.” Occupy Wall Street is a meme, as are internet ideas and images that go viral. What could be more potent memes than those passed down by parents to their children? Wheeler reconstructs her mother’s voice—down to its cynicism and its mid twentieth-century midwestern vernacular—in “The Maud Poems,” a voice that takes a more aggressive, vituperative turn in “The Devil—or—The Introjects.” In the book’s third long sequence, a generational inheritance feeds cultural transmission in “The Split.” A set of variations on losses and break-ups—wildly, darkly funny throughout and, in places, devastatingly sad—“The Split” brings Wheeler’s lauded inventiveness, wit, and insight to the profound loss of love. One read, and the meme “Should I stay or should I go?” will be altered in your head forever.

Set in Chicago during the late 1970s, Record Palace is an eccentric debut novel about jazz, art, race, and identity. In hazed heat, mid-September, walking north from Chicago''s Loop, telling myself I was exploring the new life, I dogged as much for tonic, gin. A sign swung beside a basement door, in, out, mirage: Record Palace: J ZZ. Inside I found Acie. Cindy, a lean, lonely white girl, has come to Chicago to study art history, to be anywhere but where she came from—tract housing in Thousand Oaks, California; mock-stucco buildings; "incessant sun and incessant sunniness of every blonde girl." Record Palace, littered with cans of malt liquor and remnants of past meals, also has boxes upon boxes of records—all jazz. And it has Acie, "big on all sides, top included. A hairnet, the hair below the net long and limp with oil. Green stretch pants, flip-flops, a thin black U-tank taut across Sumo folds." Cindy knows she doesn''t belong, and this is why she stays. Cindy''s determination leads to a tentative friendship with Acie, and she becomes a familiar, if not fully understood, presence in the store. But it is through her chance meeting with Acie''s son that she becomes embroiled in an unusual crime. With prose that resembles the syncopated rhythms of jazz, Susan Wheeler offers a stunning portrait of a woman searching for an identity.

The many meanings of “economy” are the ground for the mediation and lament of Ledger, Susan Wheeler’s fourth book. In its Greek origins, economy referred to the stewardship of a household and, as it developed, the word also came to include aspects of government and of religious faith. Ledger places an individual’s crisis of spirituality and personal stewardship, or management of her resources, against a backdrop of a culture that has focused its “economy” on financial gain and has misspent its own tangible and intangible resources.

Invite a dear mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, or special friend to Holly Pond Hill® where sweet bunnies live in the peace and beauty of a more genteel time. Brimming with fun facts, musical selections, and mouthwatering recipes, they’ll experience the pleasures of taking tea through all seasons, discover the latest in teatime do’s and don’ts, take time for quiet reflection, and find pointers for brewing the perfect pot of tea.

This newest offering from artist Susan Wheeler is a great way for mothers to chronicle the life of their child. Dear Child of Mine is intimately detailed with guided questions, has ample space for journaling special events, and is filled with inspirational quotes and Scriptures. There is plenty of room for mom to share her thoughts on matters of the heart, her reflections on motherhood, and the hopes and dreams she has for her child. This beautifully illustrated journal will become a treasured family heirloom to pass along to future generations.This wonderful keepsake makes a great gift for baby showers, expectant moms, or couples celebrating an adoption.

Susan Wheeler, creator of the fanciful world of Holly Pond Hill RM, presents a delightful cast of characters that portray the peace and beauty of a simpler time, as well as the joy and inspiration Susan finds in her Christian faith. These adorable books continue to celebrate the blessings and special moments of our lives with uplifting quotes, Scriptures, and poems.Sisters will delight in this celebration of sisterhood! This gift book is a great way for sisters to let each other know how much they love and value their friendship. Perfect for birthdays, special occasions, or just because.

Celebrating the gentle blessing of romantic love, We Belong Together is an ideal gift for a wedding or anniversary.

From their sweet giggles to their first toddling steps, little bundles of love have the amazing ability to capture hearts. Moms-to-be and all who delight in the wonder and innocence of a child will appreciate this adorable celebration of new life.

Today Is Your Day is the perfect way to wish a friend or relative a very happy birthday.

Step into the enchanting world of Holly Pond Hill, created by popular watercolor artist Susan Wheeler. Tea with Victoria Rose is the first in a new line of delightful gift books designed to accompany the successful greeting cards, gift collections, home decor, tins, candles, puzzles, fabric, throws, nursery ensembles, nightlights, ornaments, jewelry, and other creative products featuring the genteel world of Holly Pond Hill. Here the love of family and friends is cherished above all worldly possessions and Victoria Rose rejoices as she shares the quiet, reflective side of tea with friends. Brimming with secrets on the art of taking tea, mouthwatering teatime recipes, and stories of the imaginative life of Holly Pond Hill, Tea with Victoria Rose is certain to brighten anyone''s day.

Wheeler''s new series, "Sweet Wishes", celebrates the blessings and special moments of daily life. Victoria Rose, her rabbit family and other cheerful woodland creatures adorn these pages filled with quotations, Scripture verses, poems and other sweet sentiments. "Mom, I Love You" expresses affection and appreciation for Mom on Mother''s day, her birthday or just because.

My Dear Friend lets best friends, siblings, parents or grandparents know how much their presence has brightened and enriched readers'' lives.

We all have stories to tell about our lives and the lives of people we know. Rebecca Rule and Susan Wheeler help new and experienced writers commit those stories to paper. With a warm, wise, and encouraging voice, they describe the writing process, from the inkling of a subject, to drafts, to specific writing skills, to a final product. Each skill is practical, shown briefly, clearly, with outstanding examples from published as well as student writing to illustrate each point. The book covers critical topics such as: writing not to rehash, but to discover finding a subject and narrowing it writing scenes and dialogue developing conflict stressing important moments and points using outstanding details and facts, time summaries and stretches, flashbacks, endings, and more ways to find meaning and add depth revising and editing curing writer''s block giving and receiving constructive criticism. As practical as Strunk and White''s Elements of Style, but far more warm, detailed, and encouraging, True Stories gives writers everything they need to find their stories and craft them with insight and meaning.