Disability & Me

“Never give up, raise your voice, so it’s heard and if you want something, go and get it. Define your own odds. And remember – “it’s not how long it takes you to get there – it’s about getting there in the end!””

Tyler’s Story is one of strength and resilience. Diagnosed at a young age with dyscalculia, dyslexia and hard of hearing, she faced bullies and unsupportive learning environments.

When she started work, despite all her achievements, people continued to try and bring her down. However, Tyler has come through the other side stronger than ever. Whatever life throws at her, she prevails, and her story will make you think twice about putting her in a box.

Do you remember the elephant?

From ants to elephants, life has a place. Every plant, raindrop, animal, insect or bird plays its part in making our world the beautiful life-sustaining rock we call home. Understanding how important these things are to our survival has never been more important. ‘Do you remember the elephants?’ is not a question anyone should ever ask. Together we can change how we think, how we behave and how we respond to keep our home working as it should – in harmony with all living things.

Our children are growing up in an increasingly digital world and disconnecting from nature. We need to give them back an appreciation for the world outside the screen. As individuals, this can improve mental health. Collectively, this can save our planet. Help our children to make better choices.

Dodgson’s Dodo

This is the story of six characters, all birds. What begins as a quirky woodland tale evolves into a challenge to the mismanagement of the environment by humans, and their abuse of power over all other species. There’s banter between the birds, information about the natural world, there’s serious debate and there’s satire. It’s fun and it’s thought-provoking.

The title refers to the fact that Charles Dodgson (Lewis Carroll) immortalised the otherwise extinct dodo in ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’. The dodo was yesterday’s bird, but what will be the fate of tomorrow’s birds, of tomorrow’s humans and of our fragile, suffering planet?

The hero of ‘Dodgson’s Dodo’ is a feisty rook, Rachel, who plays a smart role in this fascinating, imaginative and beautifully realised story. All the birds are real characters, and everyone reading it will be both entertained and better informed. It’s witty and memorable, but above all it’s topical and relevant. Its message is urgent.

“It should be prescribed reading for high school Biology students.”    Anne Kendall - retired high school science teacher.

Dog Days

An inspiring story about a young girl, Zahara, overcoming her fear of dogs.Zahara loves to visit her family on a beautiful island in the Pacific Northwest. But this year, she is met with a big surprise. Aunt JoJo got a new dog, Rugby! Zahara used to like dogs, until one chased her home from school.Over the summer, Aunt JoJo slowly introduces Zahara to Rugby, and a trusting relationship develops.Children and adults will love to join Zahara as she explores her curiosity of dogs and learns just how much our furry friends can teach us about ourselves.

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 & Drop

Drip and Drop are water gargoyles, and they are brothers. Like all brothers, they argue with each other, but no matter what, they look after each other. Although in Drop’s case, he finds he has to look after Drip more than often, since Drip can, well, be a bit of a drip at times. The two brothers live in an island that has an oak tree growing on it, which holds a secret – though why am I telling you this, I don’t know, as Drip and Drop prefer to be in a nest in a tree. As I tell you the story of Drip and Drop, you will learn about their lives and meet their friends, Plip and Plop, not to forget dear Daisy Deer, and you will decide on whether Daisy Deer’s little baby, Dusty, is a boy or a girl. So, are you ready to know more about the water gargoyles as well as meet Mr Robin and Mrs Owl? Because if you are, not only will you know what they look like, you will also know where to find them. And you just might end up meeting Drip and Drop.

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.