Children's Books
The Old Apple Tree Talks “Happiness”
By Jack Parnell
Illustrated by Dan Seward
Fiction, 28 pages, large format, 8″ x 8.5″
Hardcover, full color
Published in association with Keokee Co. Publishing, Inc.
What Can We Learn From an Old Apple Tree?
As the season slowly moves from Winter to Spring, the old apple tree at the Parnell Ranch awakens from its sleep – or so its new leaves and bright blossoms testify. But why does the old sage tree remain silent after sharing its wondrous teachings last year? But at last, the apple tree begins to speak, and again it offers its wisdom, taken from God’s own original inspiration for all people to find love, kindness, and happiness.
In this continuation of his story of the Old Apple Tree, author Jack Parnell gives a contemporary perspective on ancient teachings about the things that really matter. This is a book written for adults to share with their children – with a message of hope and happiness for us all.
Author Jack Parnell is a former Secretary of Agriculture for the state of California, and served in the George H.W. Bush administration as Deputy Secretary of Agriculture for the USA. Jack was the owner and publisher of California Cattleman Magazine and the founder and chairman of the Auburn Bank of Commerce. He now owns Parnell Ranch in northern Idaho, where he and his wife Michelle raise championship Clydesdale horses.
*Not available for retailer discount
The Old Apple Tree Talks “Happiness”
By Jack Parnell
Illustrated by Dan Seward
Fiction, 28 pages, large format, 8″ x 8.5″
Softcover, full color
Published in association with Keokee Co. Publishing, Inc.
What Can We Learn From an Old Apple Tree?
As the season slowly moves from Winter to Spring, the old apple tree at the Parnell Ranch awakens from its sleep – or so its new leaves and bright blossoms testify. But why does the old sage tree remain silent after sharing its wondrous teachings last year? But at last, the apple tree begins to speak, and again it offers its wisdom, taken from God’s own original inspiration for all people to find love, kindness, and happiness.
In this continuation of his story of the Old Apple Tree, author Jack Parnell gives a contemporary perspective on ancient teachings about the things that really matter. This is a book written for adults to share with their children – with a message of hope and happiness for us all.
Author Jack Parnell is a former Secretary of Agriculture for the state of California, and served in the George H.W. Bush administration as Deputy Secretary of Agriculture for the USA. Jack was the owner and publisher of California Cattleman Magazine and the founder and chairman of the Auburn Bank of Commerce. He now owns Parnell Ranch in northern Idaho, where he and his wife Michelle raise championship Clydesdale horses.
*Not available for retailer discount
The Mermaid of Lake Cocolalla
Written and illustrated by Connie Scherr
Fiction, 54 pages, square format 8.5″ x 8.5″
Softcover, full color
Published in association with Keokee Co. Publishing, Inc.
Beautifully illustrated in watercolors by one of Sandpoint’s acclaimed artists, this is a sweet story about friendship, caring, and the bond and love of family.
When a young boy and his little sister spend part of the summer at their grandparents’ home on Lake Cocolalla in Idaho, the boy is introduced to his grandfather’s fishing skills – as well as the art of being patient.
The boy also meets Morella, a lonely mermaid who longs for her family back off the coast of Seattle. A friendship develops between the two, and they launch an unusual plan to reunite Morella with her family.
Author and illustrator Connie Scherr was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and grew up in southern California, where she began her study of art. With her husband and small son, she moved to northern Idaho in 1977. Connie studied watercolor under Al Knoke, Katherine Haynes and took workshops with Zolton Zabo, as well as at the University of Idaho Workshop on Wheels. She paints in both watercolor and oils.
About “The Mermaid of Lake Cocolalla,” Connie writes: “My little book is a story I have told our grandkids and parts of it I have told our kids, things were added over the years. Usually, the kids try to guess if the characters are our son and daughter or if it’s one of them. We did live at Cocolalla when we first moved to Idaho 45 years ago. We fished, swam and ice skated on Cocolalla Lake and always tried to catch old Mossy Back, one of the main characters in the book. We still chant ‘Come on Ole Mossy Back’ when we go fishing as we did then, trying to vibe a big fish in!”
*Not available for retailer discount
Sox Looks For Home
By Paul Graves
Illustrated by Julie Coyle
Fiction, 53 pages, large format, 11″ x 8.5″
Softcover, full color
Produced in association with Keokee Co. Publishing, Inc.
If you’ve ever been owned by a cat, you know how independent cats can appear. This story is based on the true-life adventures of Sox, who thought he knew what was best for him!
After his people move to a new home, 1.7 miles away from the only home Sox had lived in, he decides he wants to return to his old house. So he does … three times! Each time, his people find him and bring him back to the new home.
Now it’s Sox’s turn to tell the story, in his own words, to a new friend, Pepper. As he relates his adventures to Pepper, it turns out that Sox may not be as independent as he thinks he is – and ultimately, his search for home helps him realize how much he needs his people!
An excellent book for parents to read to their little ones, as well as a good choice for young readers, “Sox Looks For Home” tells an entertaining and beautifully illustrated story with a positive message.
*Not available for retailer discount
The Old Apple Tree and Friends
By Jack Parnell
Illustrated by Bonnie Shields and Lon Parnell
Fiction, 120 pages, large format, 11″ x 8.5″
Softcover, full color
Published in association with Keokee Co. Publishing, Inc.
Ever since he was a young boy growing up on the ranch, author Jack Parnell has imagined the conversation he would have with the wise old apple tree in the meadow. And one day, as he leans up against the tree’s trunk for a rest, as if by magic the tree begins to talk!
Join in the journey as this talking tree shares her humor and her wisdom … and a message about the importance of farmers, the interconnectedness of the natural world, and how we are all a special part of God’s creation.
An excellent book to read to young children, and for older children to enjoy themselves, it is colorfully illustrated by award-winning artist Bonnie Shields, with illustrations also by Lon Parnell.
Author Jack Parnell served as the acting Secretary of Agriculture for President George Bush and is now operator with wife Michelle of the Parnell Ranch in northern Idaho. His first book for children, “My Name Is Ramsey: I’m a Clydesdale Stallion,” drew upon his experiences raising championship draft horses and his relationship with one special stallion, Ramsey.
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The Old Apple Tree And Friends
By Jack Parnell
Illustrated by Bonnie Shields and Lon Parnell
Fiction, 120 pages, large format, 11″ x 8.5″
Hardcover, full color
Published in association with Keokee Co. Publishing, Inc.
Ever since he was a young boy growing up on the ranch, author Jack Parnell has imagined the conversation he would have with the wise old apple tree in the meadow. And one day, as he leans up against the tree’s trunk for a rest, as if by magic the tree begins to talk!
Join in the journey as this talking tree shares her humor and her wisdom … and a message about the importance of farmers, the interconnectedness of the natural world, and how we are all a special part of God’s creation.
An excellent book to read to young children, and for older children to enjoy themselves, it is colorfully illustrated by award-winning artist Bonnie Shields, with illustrations also by Lon Parnell.
Author Jack Parnell served as the acting Secretary of Agriculture for President George Bush and is now operator with wife Michelle of the Parnell Ranch in northern Idaho. His first book for children, “My Name Is Ramsey: I’m a Clydesdale Stallion,” drew upon his experiences raising championship draft horses and his relationship with one special stallion, Ramsey.
More »
My Name is Ramsey (Softcover)
I’m a Clydesdale Stallion
Written by Jack Parnell
Illustrated by Bonnie Shields
Nonfiction, 56 pages, 8.5″ x 8.5″
Softcover, full color
Produced in association with Keokee Co. Publishing, Inc.
ISBN 978-1-879628-81-6
This colorfully illustrated children’s book is the true story of a magnificent Clydesdale named Ramsey. It tells his journey, from a foal born in Scotland – where he won as a champion colt in the national horse show – to travels with his new owners to California and eventually to northern Idaho, where he lives today.
In relating the story of Ramsey, author Jack Parnell instills a lesson for young readers that each of us is very special, and the events of our lives – both those that good and those that may be scary – help shape our lives and character. In Ramsey’s story, he encourages us all to dream big dreams … and to chase them until we catch them.
My Name is Ramsey (Hardcover)
I’m a Clydesdale Stallion
Written by Jack Parnell
Illustrated by Bonnie Shields
Nonfiction, 56 pages, 8.5″ x 8.5″
Hardcover, full color
Produced in association with Keokee Co. Publishing, Inc.
ISBN 978-1-879628-80-9
This colorfully illustrated children’s book is the true story of a magnificent Clydesdale named Ramsey. It tells his journey, from a foal born in Scotland – where he won as a champion colt in the national horse show – to travels with his new owners to California and eventually to northern Idaho, where he lives today.
In relating the story of Ramsey, author Jack Parnell instills a lesson for young readers that each of us is very special, and the events of our lives – both those that good and those that may be scary – help shape our lives and character. In Ramsey’s story, he encourages us all to dream big dreams … and to chase them until we catch them.
Amazin’ Jason
Written by Kathy Joyce-Garrison
Nonfiction, 67 pages, 8.5″ x .02″ x 8.5″
Softcover
Produced in association with Keokee Co. Publishing, Inc
ISBN-10: 1089954905
ISBN-13: 978-1089954903
This is the true story of a Red Eared Slider turtle named Jason, told in Jason’s voice. From the day Jason was purchased as a one-inch baby by the author’s grandson, through a long — and at times amazing — life with the family in northern Idaho, the story is told with affection and a Christian message of unconditional love. It is colorfully illustrated with a collection of artwork by the children who knew and helped raise Jason.
Not available for a retailer discount
Winifred’s Way
Written by Babe Belzer
Illustrated by Gail Lyster
Fiction, 40 pages, 10.5″ x 10.5″
Hardcover, full color illustration
Produced in association with Keokee Co. Publishing, Inc.
ISBN 978-1-879628-53-3
What is Wanda Wren telling her “friend” Winifred Wren? Does Wanda approve of Winifred’s use of her time? What does Wanda think Winifred should be doing?
Find out if Winifred’s Way is a good way for creating a lovely new nest! You will meet Winifred Wren, her young friends, John Paul and two peppy Gordon Setters in this delightful story.
Hopper
Written by Babe Belzer;
Illustrated by Gail Lyster
Fiction, 36 pages, 8.5″ x 8.5″
Softcover, full color illustrations
Produced in association with Keokee Co. Publishing, Inc.
ISBN 978-1-879628-43-4
Hopper is the wonderful story of what happens when two brothers catch a frog. Does the frog become their pet, or does he have other plans? Find out as Bridger and Terry try to discover where Hopper is hiding. Even Old Bear, their dog, gets in on the action of finding Hopper!
GiGi’s Enchanted Forest
By Patti Clemons, Barbara Merritt and Marsha Ogilvie
Illustrated by Bonnie Shields
Fiction, 32 pages, 8.5″ x 8.5″ softcover, full color illustrations
Produced in association with Keokee Co. Publishing, Inc.
ISBN 978-1-492928-46-1
A delightful new children’s book inspired by the late Hazel Hall, GiGi’s Enchanted Forest follows a black bear family as it sets off through an enchanted forest to visit Gramma GiGi. The three mischievous cubs are in for a bigger adventure than they could have imagined.