Grafxpress Publishing

Ahlman Family Book Signing

On August 28, 2010 at the historic Provo Academy Library The Ahlmans held a charitable book signing event. This event featured the illustrated children’s book Being Different. All proceeds were donated to the Takeit2theMax foundation to help little Max Petty’s in his battle with Leukemia. (also visit: www.battleforbubby.com)

What started out as a labor of love within the Ahlman family, quickly spread to perfect strangers. At the drop of a hat Press Media donated the printing services, so that 100% of the sales of the book could go directly to the foundation.

In addition to Being Different, there was a limited quantity of their other books on hand for the authors and illustrators to sign. Joseph, Wendy, Amanda, Summer, Susanne, and Roxanna were all there. Max who was undergoing his last session of Chemotherapy was unable to attend the entire event, but showed up at the end as a delightful surprise for all. He remains in good spirits, and is an inspiration to everyone.

We'd like to thank all who attended the event and contributed to the cause. A special thanks goes out to Wendy Ahlman who organized the entire event, as well as Sue petty (Max's grandmother), Craig petty, (Max's father), and Tiffany (Max's mother) for all of their help.

Lost Marbles

Lost Marbles is a story about a boy named Bill, and a girl named Margo who bump into each other on the street. Their collision causes both of their sacks of marbles to spill out on the ground and they get mixed-up. They are then faced with the challenge (along with the reader) to figure out which marbles belong to whom. After sorting their marbles, the story ends with an additional conundrum.

Beneath the surface, Lost Marbles is an exercise in logic designed for children using classic inductive and deductive reasoning. It employs a matrix of rules and exceptions which build one upon the other. Herein early deductions provide a means for later deductions. Hence, the choices start off simple, and slowly progress to more difficult problems.

Aside from using basic color recognition schemes, this exercise also tests a child’s perceptive acuity by introducing reflective marbles and transparent marbles. It then switches from visual clues to numeric deduction. Finally, it requires thinking outside the box of rules and assumptions to sleuth the owner of the last orb.

The methodical nature of this exercise illuminates the process of logical inference and breeds confidence in a child’s abilities to ferret out sound conclusions. Of course, with little children this exercise works best when a parent or instructor reads to the children, while supplementing and assessing their understanding of the rules.

In my experience, this exercise unleashes the natural curiosity of children, and their exuberant desire to make sense out of the world around them. Indeed, their innate logic may surprise you.

Lost Marbles--Available NOW!

Hard Cover (full color) 11 x 8.5" for US$49.95

Soft Cover-Perfect Bind (full color) 8 x 6" for US$24.95

Soft Cover-Saddle Stitch (full color) 8 x 6" for US$9.95

All of these editions can be drop shipped directly to your home or sent as a gift to another. The print on demand process also allows the purchaser to include a special dedication and/or short message to the recipient at the bottom of the title page, (only available on hard cover edition.)

For example:

Special Commemoration:

Given as a gift to John Doe on his 1st day at school. Love, Mom and Dad.

Shipping cost US$9.95 virtually anywhere in the continental United States.

To Place an Order Email:

grafxpresspublishing@earthlink.net

Being Different

Being Different is an illustrated children's book. It was designed to address issues of identity, appreciating differences, and inspiring tolerance. While the language was crafted in simple terms so that any child can read it, the psychology behind it is fairly sophisticated. Moreover, the appendix, called Parental Proverbs, can even enhance a parent’s understanding of these issues, and how they might help their children deal with potential concerns. Obviously, young minds are very impressionable. Hence, maintaining a healthy self-image is crucial during early development. This book considers: body types, gender, age, ethnicity, personality, talents, interests, hobbies, handicaps, infirmity, etc. The path to self-love is paved with esteem for others. For it is by accepting the uniqueness of others that we lay the foundations for self-respect and our own individuality.

Written by Joseph Ahlman

Illustrated by: Amanda, Summer, Susanne, & Roxanna Ahlman

Books on Trees series

Being Different--Available NOW!

Hard Cover (full color) 11 x 8.5" for US$49.95
Soft Cover-Perfect Bind (full color) 8 x 6" for US$24.95
Soft Cover-Saddle Stitch (full color) 8 x 6" for US$9.95

NOTE: proceeds donated to charity--visit: www.battleforbubby.com

All of these editions can be drop shipped directly to your home or sent as a gift to another. The print on demand process also allows the purchaser to include a special dedication and/or short message to the recipient at the bottom of the title page, (only available on hard cover edition.)

For example:

Special Commemoration:
Given as a gift to John Doe on his 5th Birthday. Love, Grandma & Grandpa Doe.

Shipping cost US$9.95 virtually anywhere in the continental United States.

To Place an Order Email:
grafxpresspublishing@earthlink.net

My Friend the Butterfly

My Friend the Butterfly is an illustrated story about a little girl named Suzy, who befriends a butterfly she calls Willow. One day Willow disappears, leaving only an egg on a leaf. Suzy returns day after day to observe the transition from egg to caterpillar, caterpillar to chrysalis, chrysalis to butterfly. When the butterfly opens its wings Suzy immediately notices the resemblance to her old friend. She realizes that Willow was the young butterfly’s mother. They become fast and permanent friends. This simple children’s tale teaches several things on various levels. On the surface it engenders scientific curiosity about insects, change, and reproduction. On a social level, it reveals the beauty of friendship, and mother daughter relationships. On an emotional level it helps children learn to move beyond the pain that comes from separation, like when friends move away, or when loved ones depart this life. Philosophically it encapsulates one’s own growth, becoming, and purpose in the cycle of life.

Written by: Wendy & Suzy Ahlman

Illustrated by: Suzy Ahlman
Books on Trees series

My Friend the Butterfly--Available NOW!

Hard Cover (full color version) 11 x 8.5" for US$49.95
Soft Cover-Perfect Bind (full color) 8 x 6" for US$24.95
Soft Cover-Saddle Stitch (full color) 8 x 6" for US$9.95

All new editions can be drop shipped directly to your home or sent as a gift to another. The print on demand process also allows the purchaser to include a special dedication and/or short message to the recipient at the bottom of the title page, (only available on hard cover edition.)

For example:

Our Deepest Condolence:

Dear Jane, We love you, and grieve for your loss. May you find peace in the knowledge that your mother endures in the lives she touched, and especially in you.

Shipping cost US$9.95 virtually anywhere in the continental United States.

To Place an Order Email:

grafxpress@earthlink.net

You Don't Scare Me Dad

You Don’t Scare Me Dad is an illustrated children’s book set against a Halloween theme, wherein the precocious Princess frustrates all of her fathers attempts to scare her. From ghost to devil to wolfman to vampire his costumes have no affect. Their playful banter ultimately reveals a loving relationship. Yet the story ends with an unexpected twist which will surprise children and amuse adults. Beneath the surface it teaches that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, that love casts out fear, and that we need not hide from family behind masks. Above all it is a fun story.

Written & illustrated by: Joseph Ahlman
Page Door Books

You Don't Scare Me Dad--Available NOW!

Hard Cover (full color) 11 x 8.5" for US$49.95

Soft Cover-Perfect Bind (full color) 8 x 6" for US$24.95
Soft Cover-Saddle Stitch (full color) 8 x 6" for US$9.95

All of these editions can be drop shipped directly to your home or sent as a gift to another. The print on demand process also allows the purchaser to include a special dedication and/or short message to the recipient at the bottom of the title page, (only available on hard cover edition.)

For example:

Special Commemoration:

Given as a gift to Jane Doe on Halloween. Love, Dad.

Shipping cost US$9.95 virtually anywhere in the continental United States.

To Place an Order Email:

grafxpresspublishing@earthlink.net

Chameleon on the Glass

Chameleon on the Glass is as an allegory about the search for self. The surreal styling of its illustrations are crafted to appeal to all ages. The story begins with a small chameleon who desperately wants to find his true color. His quest begins by mimicking every color in the rainbow. Soon he realizes that blending in hides his uniqueness. Thus, he decides to clash. Yet this brings him no closer to his heart's desire. Finally he ventures to the water's edge to see his reflection. Howbeit, in the end, he finds his true self in the most unlikely of places. This story and the analogy that follows reveals key insights into society, sentience, and human identity. It serves as a philosophical primer to the Mirror Mirror series. It’s depth and creative flair will surely transport the reader into its pages.

Written & illustrated by: Namlha H. Pesoj
The Mirror Mirror Series

Chameleon on the Glass--Available NOW!

Hard Cover (full color condensed version) 11 x 8.5" for US$49.95

Soft Cover-Perfect Bind (full color condensed version) 8 x 6" for US$24.95

Soft Cover (black & white expanded version) 11 x 8.5" for US$12.95
Soft Cover-Saddle Stitch (full color) 8 x 6" for US$9.95

All of these editions can be drop shipped directly to your home or sent as a gift to another. The print on demand process also allows the purchaser to include a special dedication and/or short message to the recipient at the bottom of the title page, (only available on hard cover edition.)

For example:

Special Commemoration:

Given as a gift to Jonny Doe upon graduation. Go forth and find your true color. Love, Jane and John Doe, (two very proud parents.)

Shipping cost US$9.95 virtually anywhere in the continental United States.

To Place an Order Email:

grafxpresspublishing@earthlink.net

NOTE: Black and White Expanded Version also available at:

www.buybooksontheweb.com/product.aspx?ISBN=0-7414-4875-0

Soul Art

Soul Art is a compilation devoted to developing inner beauty. Using the analogy of creative expertise it reveals the supernal aesthetics of self-actualization. While it houses the philosophical nucleus of sentient enlightenment, it focuses more on purified volition, and the experiential bliss that ensues. This paradigm of self-creation reveals the incalculable potential of sentient beings. Herein, “Soul Art” represents the highest form of creation in the universe. Indeed, no other medium is more beautiful than the canvas of the heart--for love exists in no other stratum. Love is the masterpiece. Love is the wellspring. A soul that loves has discovered the divine tether that binds all life together. Such literally live inside a transcendent work of art.