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Welcome to the Afterlife: A No-Nonsense Tour for Those in Mourning or the Merely Curious with Denise, Heaven's Receptionist
From beloved content creator Taryn Delanie Smith, comes a luminous and comforting vision of the afterlife--told through her beloved character, Denise, Heaven's sharp-witted and big-hearted receptionist. For millions of followers, Denise has become a guide to the great beyond: welcoming new arrivals at Heaven's front desk, answering their most pressing questions, and offering reassurance with humor, grace, and a knowing wink. What is there to do in Heaven? Can our loved ones still sense us? What about our pets? Do we get to choose our eternal outfit? Denise has heard it all--and she's ready with answers that are as thoughtful as they are disarming. In Welcome to the Afterlife, Smith expands the world that has captivated those who know her from social media, inviting readers on a richly imagined tour of the "Upstairs." From horseback riding and bingo nights to flying lessons and long-awaited reunions, Heaven is revealed as a place of joy, restoration, and deep connection. But Denise doesn't shy away from the harder questions: What happens to unfinished business? How are babies cared for? How do we forgive ourselves--and each other--once we've crossed over? Along the way, we meet unforgettable souls, and with each encounter, Denise gently reminds us that love endures, and that those we've lost are never truly far away. Behind the humor and sparkle lies Smith's own grounding in philosophy and religion, lending depth and nuance to Denise's voice. The result is a work that is at once playful and profound--a comforting meditation on grief, grace, and the invisible threads that bind us to one another. Warm, funny, and unexpectedly wise, Welcome to the Afterlife offers solace to anyone who has loved and lost--and a hopeful reminder that what awaits us may be far less frightening, and far more beautiful, than we imagine. -
Casa BRUTUS EXTRA ISSUE SUPER MARIO BROS. AND DESIGN (English Version): MAGAZINE HOUSE MOOK
SUPER MARIO BROS. AND DESIGN
Celebrating 40 Years of Super Mario Bros.! The Design Secrets of a 40KB Masterpiece
Released on September 13, 1985, Super Mario Bros. marks its 40th anniversary this year. Selling around 40 million copies worldwide, it became the best-selling game of its time and sparked an unprecedented global phenomenon. As new hardware emerged, Mario continued to evolve, with the series surpassing 450 million copies sold to date -- ushering in a golden age of gaming and turning Mario into one of the world's most iconic characters.
What is the story behind his creation? We sit down for an in-depth interview with Shigeru Miyamoto, Nintendo's Representative Director and Executive Fellow, and the creator of Mario. From the secrets of pixel-art design born from a mere 40KB of ROM capacity, to rare development materials and the evolution of the series, this feature dissects the world of Mario through the lens of design.
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Play Again
When life knocks you down, how do you stand up again?
In a quiet suburban town, young Jesse lives for the thrill of soccer-the feel of the ball at his feet, the cheers from his family on the sidelines, and the dream of playing forever. But one summer day, a terrible accident shatters that dream, leaving Jesse with a broken leg and an even bigger challenge: learning how to walk again before he can ever hope to play again.
As the days turn into months of surgeries, braces, and setbacks, Jesse discovers that true strength isn't just in your muscles-it's in your heart, your courage, and the people who never stop believing in you.
With unwavering love from his mom, dad, brothers, and even his loyal pets, Jesse's journey becomes more than just recovery; it's a powerful story of family, hope, and the unstoppable spirit of a boy who refuses to give up.
Perfect for readers of all ages, Play Again reminds us that no dream is ever truly lost-and sometimes, the hardest battles make the sweetest victory.
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Way of the Wag: Press Paws and Find Your Way
Some days can feel like life is all about getting somewhere. Growing up. Achieving more. Waiting for the moment when everything finally feels complete. The Way of the Wag is a gentle story that invites children to slow down and notice the moment they are already living in.
Through the friendship of Max, a thoughtful young beaver, and Ollie, a joyful little dog, children explore patience, curiosity, and the small everyday experiences that bring happiness. As they wander streams, forests, and firefly-lit evenings, Max begins to learn that peace was never waiting at the end of his work - it was beside him all along.
This beautifully illustrated picture book is designed for meaningful read-aloud moments and bedtime routines. Ideal for children ages 3-8, parents, grandparents, and teachers who appreciate stories about friendship, mindfulness, curiosity, and the joy of being present.
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Spy School Goes East
In the fourteenth book in Stuart Gibbs's New York Times bestselling Spy School series, superspy middle schooler Ben Ripley journeys to China to save the Hale family! When the seasoned adult spies of the Hale family mysteriously disappear on a mission to China, Ben Ripley and his fellow spies-in-training head east to discover what happened to them--and find themselves up against a villainous plot that will take them from the skyscrapers of Shanghai to the ancient ruins of the Great Wall to the remote regions of the Gobi desert. -
Trust Fall
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Better Than the Movies, Lynn Painter, comes a rags-to-riches rom-com about a small-town girl whose family inherits a fortune and moves to New York City, where she meets a big-city boy hiding an explosive secret. Julia is just a small-town girl from Nebraska who loves her peaceful life. But when her elderly next-door neighbor--who just happens to be a secret multi-millionaire--leaves everything to Julia and her family after his passing, Julia is swept away to live in a historic brownstone in New York City and attend an elite private school for the super-rich. It should be a dream come true. Wrong. Julia doesn't fit in at her new school; worse, she's failing. Enter Damion, the mysterious and handsome tutor who will get Julia back on track. Except Damion has a secret. He is the great-nephew of the man who left everything to Julia's family. Damion doesn't buy for a second that the person who was like a father to him would leave his home to strangers. And he's determined to prove it. To uncover the truth, Damion schemes to earn Julia's trust. Not an easy task with Julia unsure about this rich boy with a rebellious personality. But the more time Damion spends with Julia, the more his plan begins to backfire. Because he is falling for the enemy--and the enemy is falling for him. As Damion and Julia figure out where they belong, can they see past their differences and act on their feelings, or will the trust Damion has worked so hard to gain fall apart? -
Falling for Peachtree Bluff
Welcome to Peachtree Bluff: a sweet, cozy small town where family is everything. The "go-to for elevated beach reads," (People), Kristy Woodson Harvey, returns just in time for pumpkin spice season. The air is crisper, the water is calmer, but, when it comes to the Murphy family, nothing is ever quite as simple as it seems. Youngest sister Emerson is busy planning her dream wedding to Kyle. But her difficulty expanding her family is overshadowing her joy. Pregnant middle sister Sloane and her husband Adam's dream house has turned into a nightmare. Everything is over time, over budget, and Sloane is over it. Eldest sister Caroline, as always, is there to swoop in and get her sisters' lives under control. Until her focus is more than a little shifted by Emerson's hunky costar who manages to sweep her right off her feet--just as her not-quite-ex-husband decides it's high time he begged Caroline for a second chance. Matriarch Ansley and her new husband Jack have finally hit their stride. But when a scandal that would affect every single Peachtree Bluff citizen comes to light--and it seems like Jack just might be at the center of it--Ansley questions whether he is actually the man she thought he was. Through it all, these women must rely on their powerful family bonds, and the quirky characters and small-town charm of the place that, no matter what, always calls them home. -
Preppy Kitchen Everyday Baking: Because It's Always Time for Dessert (a Cookbook)
These recipes are designed for everyday baking--easy to start, hard to resist, and always worth it. You can make these recipes on a weeknight or on a whim: one-bowl cakes, muffins and quick breads, cookies and bars, and cakes that look impressive but demand little time or technique. New York Times bestselling author John Kanell has developed them just the way he does for his online baking destination Preppy Kitchen. You won't need special tools beyond a stand mixer or hand mixer, and for ingredients--just basic pantry staples. Think butter, flour, sugar, and other supermarket items. Nothing fancy. Designed to fit into busy days, these recipes make it easy to bake just because. Or, if you need something for any occasion they fit the bill, whether a breakfast or bake sale, a party or potluck, or simply because you really need a snack from scratch. - Breakfast Bakes: Rum Raisin Cinnamon Rolls, Biscuits Three Ways, Berry-Orange Turnovers
- Muffins, Quick Breads, and Yeasted Breads: Grapefruit Poppy Seed Muffins, English Muffins, Buttermilk Dinner Rolls
- Cookies, Brownies, and Bars: Cherry Pie Bars, German Chocolate Brownies, Pumpkin Spice Snickerdoodles
- Cakes: Angel Food Loaf Cake, Classic Swiss Roll, Coconut Sheet Cake
- Air-Fryer Sweets: Apple Crumb Cake, Triple Chocolate Lava Cakes
- Pies, Tarts, and Make-Ahead Desserts: Limoncello Meringue Pie, Pear and Buttered Rum Crisp, Vanilla Bean Semifreddo A former math and science teacher, John brings his superpowers of clarity and consistency to every page so that bakers both new and experienced can bake with confidence and delight. -
Lover Enthroned
In #1 New York Times bestseller J.R. Ward's newest Black Dagger Brotherhood installment, star-crossed lovers face the battles of their lives...in the midst of war with the Lessening Society. A Hidden Past Allhan, a computer genius who works for the Brotherhood, has a deadly secret. Torn between what he must do, and his increasing attachment to Vishous, he's not looking for any more complications in his life. He's not going to survive the one he has. A Royal Future Princess Dennesha, heir to the throne of the Shadows, is a live and let die kind of female. At least until she finds herself tangling in the destiny of a human--even though it goes against every instinct of hers and all common sense. A Terrible Choice When Allhan and Denne meet by chance, their passion is undeniable. But a rare astrological event triggers a crossroads for the Princess. Either mate a male she doesn't love and assume the throne, or stay true to her heart and condemn the Territory to destruction. With Allhan fighting his conscience--and a lesser who's after Wrath and the Brothers--can the two find a way out of their fates? Or are they doomed to grieve a love that could never be for eternity... -
I Think I Saw Santa Claus
Is that . . . ? Could it be . . . ? I think I saw Santa Claus! Young readers will love following along as four friends spot Santa Claus around town in this rhyming picture book with hilarious illustrations from New York Times bestselling author Adam Wallace. It's two days before Christmas and the decorations are out, presents are under the tree, and everyone is waiting for Santa! But who is that walking by? Is that . . . could it be? It's Santa Claus! When four friends spot Santa Claus strolling through their neighborhood just two days before Christmas, they know something's not right. Why isn't he at the North Pole preparing for the big night? Determined to solve the mystery, the kids set off on a mission to find out what Santa's up to--and discover the heartwarming truth about how he gets ready for Christmas. From New York Times bestselling author Adam Wallace comes a hilarious and heartfelt rhyming picture book that captures the magic, wonder, and excitement of Christmas Eve. Perfect for read-alouds and soon to be a holiday favorite! -
Little Mushroom (Deluxe Hardcover Novel) Vol. 2
In a near-future world, humans and non-humans alike must endure in a world that wants them dead. The fan-favorite danmei (Boys' Love) novels return with an all-new translation and illustrations! In a future Earth ravaged by radiation, the Northern Base is one of humanity's last bastions of survival--and that survival depends on keeping nonhuman life forms out at all costs. Anzhe, a mushroom disguised as a human, knows that stepping foot in the Northern Base is risking instant extermination. But he has no choice: The humans have taken his spore, and he is instinctually driven by the need to reclaim it. His mission depends on passing flawlessly as a human. While Anzhe is able to fool the Base's advanced technology, he's unlucky enough to have caught the keen eye of the handsome but merciless Judge--a man licensed to kill to keep the Northern Base safe from parasites and invaders. Can Anzhe survive under the watch of those beautiful eyes? Each deluxe hardcover release of the award-winning novel features special embellishments: a dust jacket featuring all-new art, a new illustration against the hardcover itself, and beautiful printed edges. -
Sick Day: Three-And-A-Half Stories
Cat and Rat help Bat recover from a cold in this sixth book in the Bat, Cat & Rat series--that includes the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award-winning Vacation--from New York Times bestsellers Ame Dyckman and Mark Teague. Cleaning is on the agenda for today in Bat, Cat, and Rat's cozy home! But where could Bat be? In "Sneezing," Cat and Rat find Bat in his room and he's audibly under the weather! In "Resting," Cat and Rat make sure Bat is all cozied up and then join their sniffly roommate in resting...even if it means going off schedule. In "Feeling Better," the trio wakes up from their nap, and Cat makes everyone's favorite sandwiches, which doesn't go according to plan but ends in smiles! Bat, Cat, and Rat's irresistible friendship and amusing antics are sure to have kids laughing along. -
Truth about Ruby Cooper
"I couldn't stop reading! Absolutely a triumph!" --Freida McFadden, New York Times bestselling author of The Housemaid From the internationally bestselling author of Strange Sally Diamond comes a twisted suspense novel about two sisters and the scandal that changes their lives forever. If my sister hadn't been beautiful, none of it would have happened. Sixteen-year-old Ruby and her older sister Erin live comfortably in their Boston home with their pastor father and Irish mother, until one day Ruby is involved in an incident with Erin's boyfriend, Milo, that causes her family to implode. Ruby and her mother leave in a hurry for Ireland, while Erin and her father stay behind. As the story alternates between Erin and Ruby's perspectives over decades, two very different women emerge. Erin struggles with trust issues. Ruby is set on a course of self-destruction. When the truth threatens to emerge from this "brilliantly dark and tangled web" (Graham Norton), the sisters' lives may be upended all over again. Can either of them ever truly recover from the events of that day in 1999? -
Flashpoint
THE MASTER OF ADVENTURE, WILBUR SMITH, RETURNS WITH A BRAND-NEW SAFFRON COURTNEY WWII THRILLER AN IMPOSSIBLE MISSION. A QUEST FOR THE TRUTH. ONLY SHE HAS WHAT IT TAKES . . . 1943, America SOE's Saffron Courtney is back in New York, but even as she recovers from her mission to Washington, events on the other side of the Atlantic are making her return to England inevitable. The War Office need someone to extract an asset - a Jewish scientist, George Ezra, a man vital to the war effort - from his hideaway on the besieged island of Leros. But first there is a debt to settle, and the mob do not wait - even for a decorated war hero . . . 1946, Kenya Back in her beloved homeland, and reunited with her lover-now-husband Gerhard Meerbach, Saffron thinks that she might finally have found the peace that she craves. The war is over. But when she's paid a visit by an English operative who blackmails her with accusations of Gerhard's involvement in Nazi atrocities, Saffron has no choice but to return to the US at his bidding. With not only her life, but her family at stake, Saffron must track down Ezra once more - before it's too late . . . A BRAND-NEW BOOK IN THE LONG-RUNNING EPIC HISTORICAL SAGA OF THE COURTNEY FAMILY AND THE FOLLOW ON FROM WORLDWIDE BESTSELLERS COURTNEY'S WAR, LEGACY OF WAR AND CROSSFIRE. -
Small Pets
Say hello to many cute, cuddly, very small pets in this adorable picture book from Newbery Medal winner and author of the Henry and Mudge series, Cynthia Rylant. In one happy neighborhood, there live many cute and cuddly pets of diminutive size. There are the parakeets, Zelda and Marty; rabbit parents Fluff and Puff with all their baby bunnies; two little mice named Tomato and Potato; and, last but not least, corgis Cookie, Biscuit, and Muffin! Though each animal friend may be small, they're sure to get a big aww out of readers of all ages with their infectious charm. -
Redefining Freedom
"A republic, if you can keep it."
When Benjamin Franklin spoke those words at the birth of our nation, it wasn't a boast. It was a warning. A reminder that freedom isn't automatic. It isn't permanent. And it isn't someone else's job to protect it.
It's ours.
Nearly 250 years later, many Americans feel the ground shifting beneath their feet. Trust is low. Politics feels broken. Institutions we once believed in don't feel steady anymore. Step outside, turn on the news, scroll your phone-it can feel like the world has grown louder, angrier, less certain.
And more and more of us are asking the same plain, uneasy question:
What is happening to America?
In Redefining Freedom, award-winning author, journalist, and legal analyst Sophia A. Nelson invites readers to step back from the noise and remember what freedom really asks of us-not as partisans, but as citizens. Drawing on history, lived experience, and decades covering American public life, she offers a hopeful, practical roadmap for restoring trust, renewing our civic spirit, repairing what division has broken, and rebuilding the foundations of democracy.
At the heart of the book are four pillars-Personal Freedom, Shared Freedom, Lived Freedom, and Protected Freedom-showing how everyday people, not politicians alone, sustain a republic.
In this timely and empowering book, you'll discover how to:
- Replace cynicism with citizenship
- Rebuild trust and opportunity in your community
- Defend truth and dignity in an age of disinformation
- Protect your rights while safeguarding the rights of others
- Help restore, renew, repair, and rebuild the American promise
Part history, part civic guide, and part love letter to America, Redefining Freedom reminds us that democracy will not save itself. We must. And together, we still can.