New Releases by Phyllis Alsdurf

A young girl visits her aunt and uncle''s farm and helps prepare for her family''s annual Easter celebration.

A heartfelt story about enjoying Halloween and autumn at the local apple orchard.

Warm and heartfelt, this story invites readers to imagine an inclusive, generous Christmas, focusing on the simple pleasures of family, community, and making things by hand.

A boy relates the preparations for, and enjoyment of, his family''s annual Thanksgiving in the Woods celebration on his grandparents'' farm. Includes words to the Shaker hymn Tis a Gift to be Simple and notes about the real gathering on which the story is based.

A lyrical and visual treasure—perfect for reading aloud to any child who''s ever asked: Where does milk come from? As the sun sets over the fields, a little girl and her father begin the evening milking. They work side by side, fanning out beds of straw, bringing in the cows, and hooking up the milkers. Soon they''ve filled milk can after milk can for the creamery truck that will arrive in the morning. The fresh dairy product isn''t just for them—other families will buy their milk, butter, and cheese at stores and farmers'' markets near and far, connecting the little girl''s farm to the world beyond. Phyllis Alsdurf has created a poetic story that lovingly depicts the special bond between a child and her father, as well as the relationship between a young farmer and her animals. With Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher''s exquisite illustrations, It''s Milking Time is a must-have for any picture book collection. A natural read-aloud selection for fans of Jane Yolen''s Owl Moon.

Each year three to four million women are severely assaulted by their husbands, ex-husbands or boyfriends. Battery is the single major cause of injury to women. And Christians are not exempt. Women are being choked, spat upon, hit, pushed, bitten, dragged by the hair and kicked -- by Christian husbands. Unfortunately, the church has all too often ignored this uncomfortable subject. Citing their finding from extensive research and summarizing eight years of interviews with victims, abusers, and pastors, James and Phyllis Alsdurf provide a comprehensive treatment of this troubling topic. They show the psychological, spiritual and personal impact of wife abuse and call the church to reexamine its role in addressing the issue.