Available and annotated for the first time in English, Aron Simanovitch's memoirs offer an intimate view of Rasputin through the eyes of his dear friend and secretary. Simanovitch reveals Rasputin's progressive ideas for social and economic reform that outraged the nobility. In the process, he depicts the underbelly of early twentieth-century Petersburg society, with its gossip, plots and intrigue. But more importantly, his revelations about Rasputin's humanitarianism lend a three-dimensional view to this controversial figure of Russian history.

Katy Rose Likes to Say No is about a child, like most, who is just learning to assert her independence and discovering her power over others, simply by saying "no." She learns, however, that defying her parents and being rude to her friend only make herself feel bad. Katy Rose eventually discovers that cooperation and kindness make others happy and that they, in turn are more nurturing toward her. This book is for every parent who, while realizing the importance of this developmental stage, suffers the exasperation of constantly hearing "no." The illustrations are cut-paper art, or collage,...