To keep the honeycomb strong, to make the very best honey, and to keep all the little honeybees safe and sound, bees must do things just so- according to bee rules. During her first days in the hive, young Beatrice is as busy as the proverbial bee learning all the rules her sisters can teach her. 
But sometimes a young bee gets tired of following rules- especially if they interfere with her plans to visit a beautiful garden- perhaps the most beautiful garden in the world. 
"No more bee rules," declares Beatrice. "I can make my own rules!"
Linda Talley's story takes us along with Bea to the Chateau of Villandry in the Loire Valley of France, where a change in the weather turns her reckless adventure into a near calamity. 
Artist Andra Chase has drawn upon her own travel in France to capture Bea's world in sparkling watercolors- her hive, inside and out, the meadow beyond the bee-master's wall, full of buttercups, anemones ans sweet violets, a colorful village market, and the famed terraced gardens of Villandry. 
When Bea sets out on her adventure, she has much to learn about the world and about how rules can help keep her safe and happy. She is like children everywhere- eager to explore and discover and break free of rules. Bea learns that luck and kindness may sometimes save the day, but that breaking the rules can be risky business. She learns, as will children who read her story, just what rules are for.

France-Bea's Own Good (Following Rules Children's Book) (Marsh Media Character Education)

Children's Books

Linda Talley

Animals

Self-Esteem and Self Respect Publications - MarshMedia

The Okefenokee Swamp is home to water lilies and alligators, cinnamon ferns and coachwhip snakes, swamp iris and purple gallinules. It is also home to a green treefrog named Jackson, who has learned that a new brochure is being prepared to draw tourists to the famed wildlife refuge and all its beautiful and beastly inhabitants. Jackson is determined that the diminutive treefrogs will not be left out, and he has a plan. Author Linda Talley's story tells a comic tale of perseverance in the face of obstacles. It takes Jackson on a madcap photo shoot that is also a tour of the three habitats of Okefenokee- the swampy woods, the piney woods, and the sun-drenched marshlands- all captured by artist Andra Chase in glowing watercolor illustrations. Not all problems have easy or speedy solutions. The persistent Jackson demonstrates for young people the rewards of making a plan and sticking with it.

Jackson's Plan (Perseverance Children's Book) (Marsh Media Character Education)

On the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month, the Song household will celebrate the Chinese Moon Festival. In preparation for this event, the boy Song Hai sets off on a shopping expedition, accompanied by an ill-mannered duck named Meiling. So begins this story of far-away customs and everyday courtesy. 
Song Hai and Meiling visit the bustling town market where eager shoppers buy paper lanterns, fat mooncakes, and baskets of melons, crab apples, grapes, and other fruits that are as round as the big harvest moon. 
Meiling learns all about the coming Moon Festival as she follows Song Hai on his special errands. but more important, she learns a thing or two about common courtesy- waiting her turn, saying "please" and "thank you," helping others and sharing. 
Linda Talley's whimsical story is illustrated by award-winning artist Itoko Maeno, whose vivid watercolors capture the sights of a small town in southeast China- the narrow residential lanes, the marketplace with its colorful stalls, and the tidy courtyard where Song Hai and his family celebrate the Moon Festival. 
As the Luminous full moon rises high into the sky on this special night, Meiling enjoys her own festival treat, but not before demonstrating that she has learned her lesson in courtesy. She has learned to "stop and think of others."

China-Thank You, Meiling (Manners Children's Book) (Marsh Media Character Education)

Why would a nice dog like Emily join forces with a big bully like Spike? Even Emily is confused about the answer to that question. It's true that Spike makes Emily laugh, in spite of herself, and he is fun- in a way. Emily is flattered that Spike invites her to tag along with him. 
But when Spike begins teasing a fluffy outsider named Cotton, Emily is sorry to see the hurt look on the little dog's face. And the dog biscuit Spike takes from Cotton does not taste as good as Emily had thought it would. Emily really regrets being lumped together with Spike as among "the meanest ol' dogs" Cotton has ever encountered. 
Just when Emily is wondering how to make things right, a bewhiskered terrier named Emerson saunters onto the scene. A dog of principle, Emerson shows Emily that it is possible to break free of Spike. 
Emily's story unfolds along the Freedom Trail, Boston's famous walking tour of historic sites from the Revolutionary era- the Old South Meeting House, Faneuil Hall, the Paul Revere House, the Old North Church, and more. These scenes of the American struggle for independence from Britain are a fitting backdrop for Emily's struggle to free herself from Spike and his tyrannical ways!

Bullying-Emily Breaks Free(Children's Book) (Marsh Media Character Education)

Self Esteem and Self Respect Publications - Marsh Media

Among the cats that live in the streets of Cairo are two friends, Bastet and Sabah. Their lives are not easy, but they have their small pleasures, their dreams, and each other. Their fondest dream is to visit the Egyptian Museum and there see the mask of the Pharaoh Tutankhamen. 
Bastet and Sabah know it is unlikely that two homeless cats will ever be allowed inside the museum, but the possibility is a treasure they share. 
Then, unexpectedly, Bastet is offered the chance to visit the musem- courtesy of her new "friend,"Khufu. There's only one problem: Khufu insists that Sabah not be included in the adventure. 
Linda Talley's narrative unfolds with the richness of a Persian rug, like those sold in the Khan el-Khalili, the world's oldest marketplace and home to Bastet and Sabah. Illustrator Itoko Maeno takes us on a stunning visual tour of Cairo- through the crowded bazaars, along the banks of the Nile River, and, finally, to the Egyptian Museum and the treasures of the boy pharaoh, Tutankhamen. 
The moving story of Bastet, Sabah, and Khufu will dramatize for readers young and old the importance of allegiance between friends.

Egypt-Bastet (Friendship and Loyalty Children's Book) (Marsh Media Character Education)

Loyalty Publications - Marsh Media

Everyone has heard of Isabella, the Spanish queen who boldly sent Columbus on his voyages to the Americas. Our story is not about that Isabella. No, our story is about another Isabella, who is not a queen nor leader kind. She is a sheep, and as everyone knows, sheep are followers. They are perfectly content to trail along behind whoever happens to be a few steps ahead. One day Isabella begins to wonder if there isn't a better way. "Must we always be wandering about willy-nilly, nobody knowing where we are going?" But, as Isabella learns, recognizing the need for a leader and accepting the responsibility of being one are two different things. The story of how Isabella is transformed from a follower into a leader takes place in the heart of Spain, on the dry, rugged grazing land below the old city of Segovia. There in the shadow of Alcazar, the castle where Queen Isabella was crowned, Isabella the sheep finally steps forward to guide her little flock. Following Isabella presents children with a different view of leadership- not as the wielding of power, but as a service performed for the benefit of others. It is a thought-provoking story for reluctant leaders young and old.

Spain-Following Isabella (Responsibility Children's Book) (Marsh Media Character Education)

Everyone has heard of Isabella, the Spanish queen who boldly sent Columbus on his voyages to the Americas. Our story is not about that Isabella. No, our story is about another Isabella, who is not a queen nor leader kind. She is a sheep, and as everyone knows, sheep are followers. They are perfectly content to trail along behind whoever happens to be a few steps ahead. One day Isabella begins to wonder if there isn't a better way. "Must we always be wandering about willy-nilly, nobody knowing where we are going?" But, as Isabella learns, recognizing the need for a leader and accepting the responsibility of being one are two different things.

Following Isabella [With Hardcover Storybook and 15 Min. Video and Teaching Guide]

MarshMedia

"A new friend has come to share our barn. Let us welcome him."
And so the homeless dog Vladimir- with his stock of proverbial Russian wisdom- joins the growing community of rustic characters who inhabit Ludmila's barn- Ludmila herself, of course, three hens, two cows, one contrary goose, and we mustn't forget the scurrying Malyshy- tiny, but very hungry- and then the migrating swallows!
Ludmila knows the best way to maintain harmony in these tight quarters. Share and share alike. But Ludmila's way is not embraced by all the barnyard residents, least of all by Pavel the goose- who is beginning to worry about his corn ration.
The ancient Russian village of Suzdal, with its onion-shaped domes, bell towers, wooden windmills and chalk-white monasteries, provides the backdrop for this simple story of generosity. And a traditional Russian family, who tend the animals and grow fruit and vegetables on a small plot of land, echo this theme in human terms.
As Vladimir knows, Where the needle goes, the thread follows. Generous Ludmila is the needle leading her animal friends- as well as young readers- toward a happier way of living together. With her guidance, everyone discovers the tangible and intangible rewards of sharing.

Ludmila's Way (Marsh Media Character Education)

Self Esteem & Self Respect Publications - MarshMedia

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Linda Talley. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Linda Talley