Old Dock Road Sketches on Coming of Age in a Small New Jersey Village by DonBell Paperback, 112 Pages, Published 2008 by Xlibris ISBN-13: 978-1-4257-8927-5, ISBN: 1-4257-8927-7
Keys to Calling Square Dances (Classic Reprint) by DonBell Paperback, 146 Pages, Published 2017 by Forgotten Books ISBN-13: 978-0-282-50415-1, ISBN: 0-282-50415-X
"Excerpt from Keys to Calling Square DancesThis book has been written, first, because of the enthusiastic reception given to the new methods herein contained when they were originally presented at classes of the Square Dance Callers' Institutes held in many parts of the country. And, secondly, this book has been written in response to the requests of many that the material, originally presented in classes orally, might be made available ..."
"DESCRIPTION :The elements—earth, water, fire, air—can exist without plants,
animals, and humans. They need nothing besides themselves. Earth people
considered the elementals to be the first, the primary people, and thus gave them
great respect. ... COMMON MEANING : exploration of the strong, vital,
communicative part of your being; introduction to your playful nature; knowledge
of your ca- pacity ..."
The Man Who Killed Houdini(1st Edition) by DonBell Paperback, 260 Pages, Published 2005 by Véhicule Press ISBN-13: 978-1-55065-187-4, ISBN: 1-55065-187-0
"More than two decades of research provide the basis for this true-life detective story of the mysterious man who stepped into Harry Houdini's dressing room on an October night in 1926, delivered one fatal sucker punch, and then vanished from the public eye completely. Nine days after the incident, Houdini was dead, the victim of a ruptured appendix, and his killer, a Montreal student named J. Gordon Whitehead, was nowhere to be found. U ..."
Keys to Calling Square Dances by DonBell Hardcover, Published 2018 by Forgotten Books, United States ISBN-13: 978-0-484-57823-3, ISBN: 0-484-57823-5
Tales of Enchantment(Reprint) (Paperback) by Pleasant Despain, DonBell Paperback, 80 Pages, Published 2016 by August House Pub Inc ISBN-13: 978-1-941460-37-5, ISBN: 1-941460-37-2
"From the earliest times of storytelling, magic has been a part of the most thrilling of tales when miracles transport heroes and transform the outcome of the story itself. In fact, the power of magic is at work whenever a story is told: the magician is the teller of the tale, allowing story, teller, and listener to become one. Leprechauns, dwarfs, shape-shifters, and the power of dreams you'll meet them all, and more in these nine tales ..."
Tales of Insects(Reprint) (Paperback) by Pleasant Despain, DonBell Paperback, 80 Pages, Published 2016 by August House ISBN-13: 978-1-941460-40-5, ISBN: 1-941460-40-2
"Insects have always been a part of the human existence. Whether they've annoyed us with buzzing, bites, or stings, or fascinated us with their complexities, we have noticed them enough to give them personalities and histories. These tales make us aware that insects exist for a purpose. Because these stories humanize insects, they can also show us our own foibles and strengths. Tales of tricksters and heroes, teachers and fools, come fro ..."
Tales of Holidays(Reprint) (Paperback) by Pleasant Despain, DonBell Paperback, 80 Pages, Published 2016 by August House Pub Inc ISBN-13: 978-1-941460-39-9, ISBN: 1-941460-39-9
"Holy days, or holidays, are celebrated by cultures from around the globe. These are times when people experience the energy and spirit that comes when a day is lifted out of commonplace. Sometimes that spirit is one of love and goodwill; other times it's a sense of renewal or even giddy fear. Holidays are unique because we find unexpected occurrences in everyday routine. Here are nine holiday stories, with descriptions of the days they ..."
Old Dock Road Sketches on Coming of Age in a Small New Jersey Village by DonBell 112 Pages, Published 2008 by Xlibris Corporation ISBN-13: 978-1-4257-8932-9, ISBN: 1-4257-8932-3
"From the Books of Nine Lives series by award-winning author, Pleasant DeSpain. The people of every culture and country tell tales of wisdom and justice. Wisdom tales remind us of the value of human experience, and that where there is wisdom, there is usually justice. These tales remind us fairness is necessary if we are to continue to live together as human beings. These tales represent many cultures and countries from around the world. ..."
"NCSS/CBC Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social StudiesThis unique collection of American stories from the frozen tundra of Alaska to the lush green hills of Virginia; from the sweltering bayous of Louisiana to the windswept prairies of South Dakota is told in DeSpain's signature gentle style. Every reader will find something of interest - the stories range from practical tales of wisdom such as “Pulling the Rope” to silly ..."
"NCSS/CBC Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social StudiesThis unique collection of American stories from the frozen tundra of Alaska to the lush green hills of Virginia; from the sweltering bayous of Louisiana to the windswept prairies of South Dakota is told in DeSpain's signature gentle style. Every reader will find something of interest - the stories range from practical tales of wisdom such as “Pulling the Rope” to silly ..."
"A collection of nine traditional tales about leprechauns, dwarfs, shape shifters and other enchanted creatures from various countries.This is the seventh installation of Pleasant DeSpain's "Book of Nine Lives" series. From the earliest times of storytelling, magic has been a part of the most thrilling of tales―when miracles transport heroes and transform the outcome of the story itself. In fact, the power of magic is at work whenever a ..."
Tales of Holidays (The Books of Nine Lives, 5) by Pleasant Despain, DonBell Hardcover, 80 Pages, Published 2005 by August House ISBN-13: 978-0-87483-667-7, ISBN: 0-87483-667-0
"It works. I first heard this story in 1975 at a Seattle country club's Christmas
celebration. A Swedish grandmother sat me in a corner after my program and, in
a hushed voice, began to tell. A dozen children and several parents had
gathered round by the time she finished. A variant is found in Favorite Fairy Tales
Told in Denmark by Virginia Haviland (Boston: Little, Brown, 1971), pp. 77-90.
The Baker's Dozen* — United States Motif ..."
Tales of Cats (Books of Nine Lives) by Pleasant Despain, DonBell Hardcover, 80 Pages, Published 2005 by August House ISBN-13: 978-0-87483-713-1, ISBN: 0-87483-713-8
"Here are cat tales especially worth sharing. You will find stories that explain why cats choose women over men, how cats trick other (in cat's view, lesser) animals, how cats outwit humans, and how cats wait patiently for their time in the sun."
"For the past three decades, Pleasant DeSpain has explored Latin America, its countries, countrysides, customs, cultures, and especially, its stories. While his repertoire of traditional world folktales includes narratives from almost every culture around the globe, DeSpain's talent shines even brighter when relating the legends from Latin America. His exploration of the heart and soul of this enormous region demonstrates his passion for ..."
Tales of Insects (The Books of Nine Lives) by Pleasant Despain, DonBell Hardcover, 80 Pages, Published 2005 by August House ISBN-13: 978-0-87483-668-4, ISBN: 0-87483-668-9
"From the Books of Nine Lives series by award-winning author, Pleasant DeSpain.Insects have always been a part of the human existence. Whether they've annoyed us with buzzing, bites, or stings, or fascinated us with their complexities, we have noticed them enough to give them personalities and histories. These tales make us aware that insects exist for a purpose. Because these stories humanize insects, they can also show us our own foibl ..."
Tales of Tricksters (Despain, Pleasant. Books of Nine Lives, V. 1.) by Pleasant Despain, DonBell Paperback, 80 Pages, Published 2001 by August House ISBN-13: 978-0-87483-644-8, ISBN: 0-87483-644-1
"These folktales from around the world feature the character known as the trickster, usedto inspire the reader to outwit the bullies of the world while creating ..."
The Swan by DonBell Paperback, Published 2001 ISBN-13: 978-1-875495-34-4, ISBN: 1-875495-34-7