Rewriting the story of a little tree destined for stardom, Raschka presents a flowing tale of true holiday spirit. A little tree, in the green forest, finds comfort in his home. But he often dreams if he'll find his own family, and his own house to brighten as a Christmas tree. When a truck arrives to take him away, the tree knows he is on his way. Standing on a streetcorner in a busy little city, a lively family look for that perfect tree. And when they see little tree their search is over. They take him home and adorn him with ribbons and lights. "The little tree lifted up his little branches, like little arms, to show off all the little ornaments..." He had finally found his place in the world.

This touching story is brilliantly matched with stunning watercolor illustrations in geometric shapes. While in some hands the use of geometric shapes would be harsh, Raschka's illustrations shine. Warm emotion and jubilant cheer bounce off the pages. Simple shapes allows readers to pick up the cozy sensibilities of a wash of color, and the play of forms. Enriched by the added beauty of the color and design. e. e. cummings's little poem never sounded or looked so stunning. (Amy Barkat)

None trust the doctor, while the bodyguard trusts no one, but what is the hidden commonality linking their disparate histories? Spiraling around a central core of mystery, deceit, love, and betrayal, Inversions is a dazzling work of science fiction from a versatile and imaginative author writing at the height of his remarkable powers.

About the Author:

Iain M. Banks, one of the United Kingdom's bestselling authors of science fiction, has written such highly-regarded novels as Excession, Feersum Endjinn, Use of Weapons, The State of the Art, and Against a Dark Background. As "Iain Banks," he also writes mainstream novels, including The Wasp Factory and A Song of Stone. He lives in Scotland.

The further volumes of this tale are Damiano's Lute and Raphael.

In this swift, colorful narrative, R. A. Scotti brings to life the artists and the popes, the politics and the passions behind this audacious enterprise. Gothic cathedrals reach up to heaven, but the basilica brings heaven to earth, and the new St. Peter’s was the defining event of the high Renaissance.

In the tradition of Brunelleschi’s Dome, Scotti turns sacred architecture into a spellbinding human epic of enormous daring, petty jealousy, and staggering genius.