Books by Katherine Orr

This volume of the six book "Discover Hawaii's" nature series introduces young readers to the interesting lives of Hawaii's seabirds. Readers learn about the unusual habits of birds such as the Newell's Shearwater, or 'A'o, that dig their underground nesting burrows on the slopes of Hawai'i's high mountains; their eerie call, sounding very similar to a braying donkey, can be heard at night as the birds commute back and forth along "flyways" (like highways for birds) between mountains and sea. Readers are introduced to special features that enable some seabirds to live well in a salty ocean environment (such as excreting salt out the nose and being able to sleep while in flight). Local residents will recognize many familiar seabirds, from the albatross or M¿l¿ that nest on Kauai and the White Terns or Manu-o-k¿ that are seen in the parks around Waikiki in spring, to the frigate birds or'Iwa that soar high on warm air currents and the fish diving antics of boobies, or '¿. Text and colorful illustrations are equally balanced throughout the book, which concludes with an environmental message and some recommended "Do"s and "Don't"s that suggest what each of us can do to help protect these wonderful birds.

Master Dao (cartoon character) is a wise and playful qigong master from China, here to teach us how to work with qi, the "energy of life." After setting the stage, Master Dao explains that we can learn to feel qi and use it in different to benefit our lives. He leads us through two simple qigong exercises to get us started.

The conch is a symbol of the Caribbean. Conch meat is an important food and income source, and conch shells are sold as items of beauty throughout the world. Shelley the Conch presents the life story of a conch in word and picture. It is written with young children in mind, but the colorful artwork and interesting story will appeal to all ages. The story traces Shelley's life from her first days as a drifting baby the size of a pinpoint through to the hatching of her own offspring. In this work of creative nonfiction readers will learn some fascinating facts about the life of the conch as well as the habits of other marine animals with whom it has contact. Readers will also appreciate the importance of conserving this lovely marine resource.Author and illustrator Katherine Orr is a marine biologist who has spent hundreds of hours underwater studying conchs in their native habitats. Orr's paintings reflect her intimate knowledge of the conch and its world.

The spiny lobster is recognized around the world as a popular seafood item and an important fisheries resource, but few people know about the secret life and habits of this sought-after animal. In Leroy the Lobster, Leroy tells his own life story from the time of being hatched to maturity. Readers learn about the life of the spiny lobster and other marine animals with which it comes in contact. The author has created a narrative that is simple and interestingly told, with all the actions, settings and time sequences scientifically accurate. Readers also learn about the impact of man, and will appreciate the importance of conserving this special marine resource. Author-illustrator Katherine Orr is a marine biologist and environmental educator who spent more than two decades working in the Caribbean region. Her beautiful and accurate paintings showing Leroy's surroundings reflect the hundreds of hours she spent underwater observing and studying marine life.

For millennia, the Chinese have practiced qigong to enhance body, mind and spirit. They understood that the key to good health and well-being resides within heart and mind. By using heart and mind to direct energy - qi - we can learn to balance our body and our life. Master Qing Chuan Wang is a qigong grandmaster, a gifted healer and 18th patriarch of the Wudang Qigong lineage. He brings you Shing-ling-mei Wudang qigong, an effective and uplifting practice that promotes health, healing and happiness."Beautiful Heart, Beautiful Spirit" is written by Master Wang's wife, Katherine, who is also one of his most advanced students. Through anecdotes, personal history and clearly articulated philosophical principles, this book holds your interest. It presents an overview of the qigong tradition and thorough explanation of the form of qigong taught by Master Wang. You learn what qigong is and how it works, as well as its benefits and applications. A well-illustrated, detailed practice section provides everything needed to develop an effective practice at home. Shing-ling-mei Wudang qigong is a safe, gentle and effective practice for all ages. A companion DVD, purchased separately, features the six moving exercises illustrated in the book.