Big Valley Press is pleased to announce the publication of Books In a Box: Lutie Stearns and the Traveling Libraries of Wisconsin. Lutie Stearns established hundreds of traveling libraries in Wisconsin between 1895 and 1914. A founder, and later employee, of the Wisconsin Free Library Commission, Lutie’s mission of sharing books and opportunity brought her to North Woods lumber camps, to farming communities, and to industrial centers throughout the state. Despite a devastating stutter, she gave thousands of book talks and, later in her life, became a famous public speaker. Along the way, she met and worked with such historical luminaries as State Senator Joseph Stout, Zona Gale, Jane Addams, and Robert LaFollete. Books in a Box is a fictionalized biography for children aged 8-14. It is drawn from Lutie’s correspondence, magazine articles, and other historical accounts. Turn of the century Wisconsin is the backdrop for her story, and period photographs illustrate both the character of the state at the time and the particulars of traveling libraries. Lutie emerges as a passionate advocate for literacy, as a Progressive political activist, as a women’s rights advocate, and as an astute community organizer. People of that time said that Lutie Stearns proclaimed the Gospel of the Village Library with the same conviction as a revival preacher. Books in a Box brings Lutie Stearns to life in an accessible story that students and adults will savor and remember.

Books in a Box: Lutie Stearns and the Traveling Libraries of Wisconsin

Children's Books

Stuart Stotts

Biographies

Big Valley Press

Kindness matters. How can we teach and nurture kindness in young children to prepare them for a lifetime of compassion and inner strength? In this practical and accessible book, author Stuart Stotts offers 149 ideas to encourage kindness. Each chapter focuses on a theme like generosity, mindfulness, food, or movement. A resource for teachers, parents, family educators, and students of early childhood, Beyond Nice will provide inspiration and approaches to build kindness, character, and joy in young children.

Beyond Nice: Nurturing Kindness with Young Children

Education & Teaching

Stotts, Stuart L.

Schools & Teaching

Telling and listening to stories is a cornerstone of culture. Stories are also a source of relationship, entertainment, and delight. Early childhood teachers and parents will find plenty of age-appropriate stories to tell or read in this collection of 14 folktales. In addition, a section on skills and techniques will help novice tellers learn and animate the stories they share with the children in their lives.

Telling Tales: 14 Stories to Share with Young Children

Stanley, Faye

Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths

A biography exploring the life of lyricist Yip Harburg. Yip was a master craftsman, a poet, a Broadway luminary, and a social activist. He was also responsible for not only the songs of the Wizard of Oz, but also for shaping the arc and details of the final script and story. Yip was funny, clever, and deeply committed to social justice. His political views and associations led to his blacklisting in the 1950s. But he never recanted his views or named names, maintaining a strong sense of freedom and love for his country.

Over the Rainbow: The Life and Rhymes of Yip Harburg

Product Description A thrilling exploration of color infused with story and story infused with light. The majestic windows of Chartres Cathedral bring this ancient yet essential parable to life on the page, provoking reflection on our own relationships to others and inspiring us with beauty. Nancy Enderle and Stuart Stotts surround the photos with simple text that provides background to deepen understanding of the cathedral and the story as well as a straightforward retelling of the Biblical parable. About the Author Stuart Stotts is an author, musician, and storyteller who travels widely performing and presenting educational workshops. Nancy Enderle is an ordained Presbyterian minister who has worked in a variety of congregational and service settings.

Who Is My Neighbor?: The Story of the Good Samaritan Through the Windows of Chartres Cathedral

Arts & Photography

Stuart Stotts and Nancy Enderle

Photography & Video

Saroyan's Bookie

Larry Hill

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Books by Big Valley Press