A pre-Christmas blizzard alters the emotional and physical landscape of the idyllic village of Ryland Falls in this well-crafted holiday parable. Theroux (Serefina Under the Circumstances) introduces characters at a sprightly pace throughout the brief book, but there are three central figures: Giovanni, a mountain recluse who ventures into town once a year to sell Christmas trees; a frustrated part-time art teacher named Will Campbell; and plucky 11-year-old Miranda Bridgeman, who wants to be a writer. The event that unites them is the snowstorm, which begins by providing some Yuletide ambience before turning into an epic event that buries the town and leaves everyone without power. The residents must reform their rather blas‚ approach to the holidays as they unite to help one another through the tough weather. Theroux gets syrupy with some of the village background and character introductions, but she makes up for the treacle with a nice sense of pace as she weaves together different layers of the story. She also shows a light touch with the various uplifting messages encapsulated in the subplots. Too many writers have to resort to miracles and angels to create their holiday magic, but Theroux wisely relies on the basics of human interaction to deliver her message in this nostalgic, illuminating fable.

Ryland Falls wasn't paradise, but there was a certain storybook quality about the town that made visitors catch their breath. As in a book, the order of the stories never changed. On December first, the Chamber of Commerce always hung out the "Yuletide Greetings" banners, the plastic Santa Claus went back on the top of the firehouse roof, and grumpy Diane at Elwood's Market started wearing her set of imitation reindeer antlers.

Yet on this particular Christmas, there were signs that the order of things would change. And when it did, the people in Ryland Falls never celebrated Christmas the same way again.

If you've ever found yourself looking at a photograph in a museum or gallery and thinking, "I can do that," this is the book for you. 101 QUICK AND EASY IDEAS TAKEN FROM THE MASTER PHOTOGRAPHERS OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY shows you how to recognize and use the techniques of some of the great photographers of the last century. Each chapter of the book focuses on one photographer, and includes a brief biography that highlights what life experiences influenced his or her work, as well as descriptions of one or several iconic images they photographed that include the key photographic elements that apply to that work ? light, shadow, narrative, and symbolism. Along with the descriptions are recreations of the images that use similar subject matter and settings, as well as the steps to help you compose and manipulate your own version of the image. As you work through the book you'll find that the same concepts and themes were used by many of the photographers, but the meanings change as their work is shaped as the events, technology, and environment changed throughout the twentieth century. Arranged alphabetically, 101 QUICK AND EASY IDEAS TAKEN FROM THE MASTER PHOTOGRAPHERS OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY, features photographers you'll easily recognize and some that are new to you, such as Ansel Adams, Dorothea Lang, Robert Mapplethorpe, Berenice Abbott, Heri Cartier-Bresson, and many more. By learning about and trying the common photography concepts and techniques used by famous photographers you'll enhance your photographic skill set and hopefully find inspiration and ideas for your own work.

There has recently been an explosion of interest in positive psychology and the teaching of well-being and 'happiness' in the PSHE world in schools and many teachers are looking for clear information on how to implement these potentially life-changing ideas in the classroom. This book provides an introduction to the theory of positive psychology and a practical guide on how to implement the theory in (primarily secondary) schools. The American psychologist and writer Martin Seligman, well known for his work on the idea of 'learned helplessness', has more recently been working in the field of positive psychology. He has led training in resilience in a number of UK local authorities. Wellington College, where Ian Morris is head of philosophy, religion and PSHE, is among the first UK schools to introduce a formal well-being and happiness curriculum developed by the author.

This invaluable guide for parents is divided into two parts. Childhood is about havng fun, but it's also the time when children need to learn how to grow confidently, and how to interact with others in a considerate manner.

Part One will help you to:

* Encourage your child's social and self-help skills

* Manage your child's behaviour successfully

* Promote your child's emotional wellbeing

Too much fast food and a 'couch potato' lifestyle can present major health concerns for today's children but, as many parents are aware, encouraging healthy eating and exercise in children is often difficult.

Part Two starts with the stages of development from birth through to adolescence and shows you how to:

* Produce healthy balanced meals

* Minimise the risks of allergies and intolerances

* Avoid unhealthy foods