Perspective: Ex Libris Florida

A MESSAGE OF LOVE AND PEACE: Upon his return from an inspiring excursion to the "Four Corners" region of the United States, St. Petersburg's Michael Sterns wrote his book, Kokopelli and the Butterfly. With stunning, colorful artwork by Gayle Deal and Joseph V. Cioffi and a clear message of environmentalism and love, it is a "family book," a story for children and adults alike. "I purposely created this book the size it is (11.5 inches by 9 inches) so that you can have your arm around your child when you read together," Sterns writes in his introduction. "My hope is that this book's message of environmentalism, appreciation of nature's beauty, tolerance of diversity and peaceful conflict resolution will be heard clearly by all." The release show for Kokopelli and the Butterfly is at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 at the Centro Asturiano Theater, 1913 Nebraska Ave., Ybor City. The show, hosted by Sterling Powell, will include a performance by Jaime Z and Sterns will read from his book. Admission is free and the book will be available for $20 at the end of the show; a portion of the proceeds will go to the Silver Lining Foundation for children in the Tampa Bay area affected by AIDS. Kokopelli and the Butterfly will also soon be available at www.kokopelli-butterfly.com and local book stores. For information, call (727) 468-0050.

DO WHAT THE PARISIANS DO: Dade City travel writer Cynthia Lynn knows: When in Paris, do as the Parisians do. It's cheaper and it's more fun. Her book's title says it all -- No More Hotels in Paris. Lynn tells us how and whom to call to rent an apartment instead of staying in a costly hotel, along with directions to the best open-air markets and the best places to hang out with locals. No More Hotels in Paris is chock full of names, addresses and phone numbers, and everything is easy to find. To order the book for $14.95 plus shipping costs, call Newjoy Press at (800) 876-1373.

A VOLUNTARY MANUAL: "Working with the elderly should stem from your humanistic commitment, including passion and will, to preserve the dignity of older people," writes Dr. George H. Weber in his book Eldercare: A Clinical Primer for Volunteers. Weber, professor emeritus at the Catholic University of America, is a former deputy director of the Division of Special Mental Health Programs for the National Institute of Mental Health. His book discusses in a compassionate way the aspects of volunteering with the elderly, including ways to deal with the stress that often accompanies the satisfaction of care-giving. To order Eldercare for $13.95, call (888) 232-4444 or visit www.trafford.com/robots/00-0014.html or (888) 232-4444.

A FLORIDA TREASURE: The State of Florida owns quite a collection of Spanish treasure coins -- nearly 23,000 pieces, in fact -- the largest of its kind. Alan K. Craig, professor emeritus of geography and geology at Florida Atlantic University, explains the manufacturing and transporting of these hand-made coins in Spanish Colonial Silver Coins in the Florida Collection (University Press of Florida, $49.95). The coins, salvaged from shipwrecks off Florida's coast, tell an intriguing story. Several enlarged photographs accompany the text to show unique elements of their engraving; a great resource for archaeologists, historians and collectors. To order the book, call (800) 226-3822.

CHRISTMAS IS COMING: Where else but Florida can you celebrate Christmas on the beach? Christmas in Florida (Pineapple Press, $10.95) by Kevin M. McCarthy, professor of English at the University of Florida in Gainesville, explores the way Floridians have celebrated the holiday for the last 400 years. Replete with hilarious anecdotes and Christmas recipes native to the Sunshine State (like Cuban-style Roast Pork and Rutabaga Casserole), Christmas in Florida celebrates the idiosyncratic ways we peninsula people ring in the yule.

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright