U is an exploration of the idea that trusting your first instinct when writing can lead to very unexpected and interesting places. It was written using a form of poetry that most of us learned in grade school known as acrostic poetry. An acrostic poem is one in which the first, last, or other letters in a line spell out a particular word or phrase. There was - however - a twist with the author's use of the acrostic form. The first letters didn't spell out any particular words on purpose. Instead - he chose seven letters (bcimruy) - which by themselves are words (be, see, I, am, are, you, why)...

Our Earthly Rhythms is a volume of poetry that explores the four seasons of life and nature both physically and metaphorically. The story begins in the fall with "A Civilization of Fire," a shape poem which sounds like the fire it's describing when read aloud, and ends in the summer with "Our Earthly Rhythms" a short-but-sweet conclusion that may leave the reader with the impression that the story is ever and ongoing. Written over the course of an eleven year period, each poem has its own unique voice, style, and rhythm. Its main theme appears to be an acknowledgement of an infinite passage...

Little Man follows the adventures of Emmett Hofmeister in his first year of life as he explores the world around him with his Mom, Dad and two little pups, Maya and Jake. The story begins with the news that a baby is on the way, and then follows little Emmett from his first photograph inside the womb until his first birthday. Full of captured moments and advice for the new little man in his life, Michael Hofmeister highlights his son's big and little milestones using a form of journal poetry. Little Man is a perfect gift for any expecting parents or for parents that'd like to reminisce about...

The Island City is a short volume of poetry which highlights the simple joys of a summer weekend at a cabin on a lake in Western Wisconsin. Set in Cumberland (which is also known as The Island City) at Camp Brigadoon on Beaver Dam Lake, this book is perfect for anyone who has spent any amount of time on a lake in Minnesota or Wisconsin at any point in their lives. Written in a clear and simple language, the poems (although short in length) are full of the familiar kind of images only a weekend next to the water with family can create. The Loon The loon calls out On a starry night It hears its...

Then Now Later is a short volume of poetry which explores the idea that the past present and future are always present(s) in our lives. Using simple language and a free-flowing mixture of rhymed and unrhymed verse, the author visits each title theme (then now later) individually, but appears to emphasize the importance of living 'in the now' while still trying absorb the nutrients of the past so that the recipe for the future is created with care. The book opens with the famous lullaby 'Row Row Row Your Boat' which serves as a perfect opener for the piece because after a series of shorter...

According to the author, this project began with a simple idea - how long could he write without stopping? He didn't set a timeframe for how long he had to write - only - how long could he write without stopping - mistakes and all? So that's what he did - and although he edited it very briefly just after completion, he quickly decided to stop editing and leave the mistakes and imperfections because they ended up flavoring the piece in a way that fixing them would have diminished. So the finished product is a very raw expression, but it's the rawness that makes it so unique. And he referred to...

Come along and join the fun and adventure with Teddy the Tumbler and other fun characters like Positive Peggy, Sammy the Smiler, Henry the Helper, and Geraldine the Gardener as they explore timeless themes like kindness, patience, gratitude, outdoor play, and the joy and excitement that accompany the use of imagination. Additionally, your children will have fun playing games like The Mystery Tree, Connect-the-Stars and The Cloud Parade. So, if you're looking for fun and want something to do, there's a book on the shelf that was written for you. It's filled up with games and adventures galore,...