Dog's Conundrum

Dog has a problem. His beautiful world is in crisis – again! Should he let events take their course, or should he interfere?

This book is an invitation to see planet Earth through the eyes of Dog and Mother Nature, from the era of the dinosaurs, though times of plenty, to our current and future crises. Who’s to blame? Is it us? Is it them?

This magical read takes us on an insightful journey where individual stories from around the world blend and unfold as Dog’s intimate understanding of the big picture grows. Despite the gremlins, can humans recognise what it is really that matters? Will the warmth and humour of the sprites be strong enough to help people rediscover the wisdom in their souls when faced with fear of losing everything they hold dear… or will Mother Nature not be prepared to wait any longer?

The best and worst of human nature is exposed here. Our assumptions are challenged as this book digs deep into ideas which will resonate with many.

Dogs on the Go

Angus and his family have moved. The dogs seem different in his new neighborhood. Where are they all going? A sweet adventure tale that will delight young children.

Dragon Times

Have you ever wondered if dragons are real?

Well, of course they are real. Just because you haven’t ever seen one, it doesn’t mean that dragons don’t exist. The sad truth is that there are not many left nowadays. In times gone by, we humans lived very happily with dragons by our sides. But times change; nothing stays the same for ever.

In extraordinary times, extraordinary things can happen. And these are most definitely extraordinary times. A dreadful virus is sweeping through the country – around the whole world, in fact – with consequences for us all.

But in these troubled times, siblings Alexander and Lily discover many positives as they embark on an adventure into the unknown. Along the way they find that lots of important lessons are not learned in school!

Dragon Times is a heart-warming, inspirational tale of generosity, resilience and hope. Definitely hope!

Dragons Out!

Learn about software testing in a fun way, by reading stories about dragons and knights. The book is a great read for children on their own, with their parents, or as an additional reading in schools. It is also for anyone who wants to know what software testing is, they will enjoy this book tremendously.

The book talks about adventures of two children, Laura and Tom, who tumble into dragons annoying villages and castles. They learn about different dragons and how to defeat them with the help of knights. The children grow into exceptional dragon experts.

Stories are explained in information technology and software testing terms and concepts, e.g. a dragon represents a software defect, and knights represent testers and developers. Reading parallels is an easy-to-understand way of learning.

In this book, Kari Kakkonen combines his passion into fantasy and software testing in a new and fascinating way, creating an enjoyable experience for the readers.

The book is suitable for ages of 9-99, although it is written for children.

“I love the idea of bringing testing and dragons together. Explaining testing ideas in this way is great for new testers to give them a broad idea of the depth of testing. The stories can sit on their own for children as well, and may encourage them to think about how they could test some of the apps they use.”

Janet Gregory, DragonFire Inc, co-author of three books on agile testing.

Drip And Drop Go On Holiday

In the second book of the water gargoyles series, Drip and Drop have decided that they needed a holiday by the seaside, where their cousins Splish and Splash live. Drip and Drop are water gargoyles, as well as brothers, and like most brothers, they tend to look after each other. But in Drip’s case, Drop finds that he has to look after more because Drip can be a bit of a drip at times.

Drip and Drop have decided to go on holiday as they want to visit their cousins, Splish and Splash, as they haven’t seen them for a while now. Along the way, Drip and Drop meet different gargoyles, such as the hedge gargoyle and the giant sea gargoyle, with its big booming voice, and not forgetting dear Sandy the sand gargoyle, who is rude too. They also meet Mrs Damselfly and her husband, Mr Dragonfly, along the way, as well as visit a pub with Chris and David, who own the Hastings that Drip and Drop travel on part of the way. Whilst on holiday, Drip and Drop explore the seabed, coming across a Hurricane and a Spitfire that have coral growing over them as well as hearing about the haunted forest from Mrs Owl, and learning the names of the three ghosts that live there and of course, of Uncle Dippy Wippy. Children of all ages will enjoy this book, especially when reading it with their parents, or grandparents, as I’m sure it will fill you with delight and laughter, as I tell you more about Drip and Drop the water gargoyles.

DwarrowDelve: Paths of Rock and Shadow

In a world where Light threatens to corrupt and conquer, Taithe, a prisoner, possesses something invaluable: a formidable sword. This relic lures enemies from every corner – human, Effelin, and Dwarf alike – all desperate to claim its power and conceal their betrayals. But amidst this chaos, dark magic rises, vying to curb Light’s dominance.

Rescued from the clutches of the malevolent Spite and on the brink of death, Taithe is transported to Dwarrowdelve, the fabled lost mine of Dwarvern legends. Here, alongside the fierce Effelin Caliphe and the legendary Tunnel-Hunters, The Styx, he confronts a multitude of foes, from vicious black wolves to lurking Orcs and other treacherous beings.

But the most insidious threat of all is the Imp who shadows Taithe, hungry for the stolen treasure. In the depths of Dwarrowdelve, alliances will be tested, loyalties forged, and a choice must be made: to stand with the Light or embrace the Rock and Shadows. The balance of the world teeters on this decision, with Spite’s freedom – and the potential downfall of all – in the balance. The true enemy isn’t always as it seems; will they discern it in time?

East Girl West Girl

This is a beautiful and touching short story about two young, highly impressionable females who are close friends in and out of school. The plot highlights their very different backgrounds, within two diverse cultures – one east, one west.

The story conveys tolerance, respect and love which the two girls have for each other, through obtaining the impetus to learn, understand and appreciate one another’s faith, customs and way of life.

Ebrangle

Growing up without knowing about her true identity, Julianna DeGel came to a sudden discovery of who she actually is and who raised her. The innocent, sporty and clever girl got pushed into an unknown world by an unfortunate scenario; however, Julianna is determined to search for herself and her true power. Quick on her feet and highly intelligent, Julianna picked up the skills she needed to survive in her new environment in just weeks.

Not only did she reunite with her long-lost childhood friend, but Julianna also met a group of individuals along the way to resolve a murder mystery. The higher she climbed up the ladder of truth, the more overwhelming and complicated the situation got. Who can she really trust out of all the new people she met? Problems after problems, will she be able to fight her way through with her new power? Will she resolve the murder mystery?

Eke the Echidna

What is an echidna? Is it a hedgehog? An anteater? Some kind of walking potato? Follow your field guide Eke as he traipses through the Australian bush and demonstrates some of the wonderful characteristics of these unusual Australian animals. Just please avoid being distracted by platypuses… they love the attention.

El Capitano Karen in the Covid Crusade

This story features El Capitano Karen, the big mumma chicken, and her chicken friends Gertrude, Donavan and Rodrigo in a fun and colourful illustration of chicken life.

It is a story about the importance of spreading love and kindness in our community in the face of adversity.

This book is dedicated to the many children across the world that have experienced hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Elephant on Main Street

This is this story of Eamon, a little boy growing up in Northern Ireland in the sixties, before he succumbed to Leukaemia, a few months short of his seventh birthday. The book describes specific aspects of his short but remarkable life, all written from his perspective. Each chapter has a footnote which charts the history of the conquest of childhood leukaemia which commenced during his lifetime. The book is based around actual events and things which Eamon said and did which have been passed down. Eamon has the benefit of perspective, so he can describe events that have yet to happen which have a bearing on the life of his family.

Escape to Dorland

Have you ever doubted yourself? You are not alone…

Daisy and Margot return in a new adventure that will test their confidence and strength.

When tragedy befalls the fairy kingdom, Daisy is wracked with guilt as she tries to help her fairy friends. Margot, meanwhile, finds herself in a position she never could have imagined, with a responsibility she is unsure she can handle. With the help of the young girl and those around her, she must conquer her insecurities to protect her kind.

Events unfold, bringing an even greater challenge, which the pair must tackle to avoid a dreaded consequence.

Will they have the time and ability to be triumphant?