Books published by TRA Publishing

Have you ever heard a lemur sing? Did you know tha incorporates many true facts, award-winning writer and illustrator Andrea Antinori amusingly chronicles the history, habits, and quirks of one of the most unusual animals on the planet. The lemurs'' story begins fifty million years ago, when they left Africa on the back of a sperm whale and landed in Madagascar (maybe)... and the rest is an unnatural history. Comprehensive educational backmatter presents amazing (and true) facts about these incredible and seriously endangered animals.

The Rare, Tiny Flower illustrates a deeply touching and thoughtful poem by Kitty O''Meara that, in the form of a parable, celebrates difference, tolerance, and unity. Written by O''Meara in Fall 2020, The Rare, Tiny Flower is in many ways thematically similar to And the People Stayed Home in that it offers hope for resolution and growth. The poem features a mysterious flower that looks different to each viewer, which leads to strife as everyone insists that their vision is ''right.'' Remarkably, only a young girl points out that the flower is, in fact, multidimensional.

"Deepened and expanded by its illustrations, this is a stunning introduction to the true meaning of a global community."-School Library Journal They are all over the globe. Sweet people can be found from Canada to Congo to Cuba, from Afghanistan to Australia, from Ireland to Iraq…there are sweet people in the thirty-seven places listed in these pages and almost everywhere else on the planet. Take a trip through the lines of this large-hearted poem by Alice Walker and meet some of them! Sweet People Are Everywhere, an illustrated picture book featuring a poem by internationally renowned writer and activist Alice Walker, is a powerful celebration of humanity. The poem addresses a young boy getting his first passport, taking the boy--and the reader--on a journey through a series of countries around the globe where "sweet people" can be found. Walker's heartening message is celebrated through Quim Torres' deeply felt illustrations.

* 2021 FAPA President's Book Awards Silver Medalist "Kitty O'Meara... is challenging us to grow."-Deepak Chopra, MD, author, Metahuman "Kitty O'Meara is the poet laureate of the pandemic"-O, The Oprah Magazine "An eloquent, heartwarming reflection that will resonate with generations to come… encouragement for a brighter tomorrow."-Kate Winslet "And the People Stayed Home is an uplifting perspective on the resilience of the human spirit and the healing potential we have to change our world for the better." --Shelf Awareness "Images of nature healing show the author's vision of hope for the future…The accessible prose and beautiful images make this a natural selection for young readers, but older ones may appreciate the work's deeper meaning."- Kirkus Reviews "This is a perfectly illustrated version of a poem that continues to be relevant."-School Library Journal "A stunning and peaceful offering of introspection and hope."-The Children's Book Review Ten Best Children's Books of 2020: "A calming, optimistic read, and a salve for children trying their best to navigate this time." -Smithsonian Magazine "It captured the kind of optimism people need right now."-Esquire (UK) "A communal beacon of hope." --Washington Post "Thank you, Kitty O'Meara…for pointing out that at this very moment, this very day, we can seize the opportunity to restore wholeness to our world."-Sy Montgomery, bestselling author of The Good Good Pig and The Soul of an Octopus "A poem by American writer Kitty O'Meara has deservedly gone viral."-Edinburgh Evening News And the People Stayed Home is a beautifully produced picture book featuring Kitty O'Meara's popular, globally viral prose poem about the coronavirus pandemic, which has a hopeful and timeless message. Kitty O'Meara, author of And the People Stayed Home, has been called the "poet laureate of the pandemic." This illustrated children's book (ages 4-8) will also appeal to readers of all ages. O'Meara's thoughtful poem about the pandemic, quarantine, and the future suggests there is meaning to be found in our shared experience of the coronavirus and conveys an optimistic message about the possibility of profound healing for people and the planet. Her words encourage us to look within, listen deeply, and connect with ourselves and the earth in order to heal. O'Meara, a former teacher and chaplain and a spiritual director, clearly captures important aspects of the pandemic experience. Her words, written in March 2020 and shared on Facebook, immediately resonated nationally and internationally and were widely circulated on social media, covered in mainstream news media, and inspired an outpouring of creativity from musicians, dancers, artists, filmmakers, and more. The many highlights include an original composition by John Corigliano that was premiered by Renée Fleming.

The 20th Anniversary Retrospective from Miami’s Locust Projects comprehensively documents and celebrates 20 years of ground-breaking contemporary art from the Southeast’s leading alternative art space with a playful and sophisticated graphic design.Locust Projects, the Southeast’s leading alternative art space, documents its first 20 years in The 20th Anniversary Retrospective. The cutting-edge art space offers contemporary visual artists the freedom to experiment with new ideas. Locust’s ethos of encouraging exploration and breaking boundaries has, at times, extended to the very integrity of its physical space (think jackhammered floors). This volume includes a comprehensive visual record of over 150 exhibitions and projects, essays and commentary, a written timeline, and extensive quotes. Included are works by renowned artists such as Daniel Arsham, Hernan Bas, Nathan Carter, Francesa DiMattio, Jim Drain, Jon Pylypchuk, Retna, and Cristina Lei Rodriguez. The book includes text by director Lorie Mertes and board members Steve Lanster and Debra and Dennis Scholl. The innovative book design, like Locust Projects itself, experiments with convention. Visually referencing a calendar, the volume leads readers on a voyage of discovery through the organization’s history, with each year’s images visually bleeding into the next across French-fold pages. The cover’s thin strips of images are details from installation photos. This book will appeal to anyone interested in contemporary art, including artists, art lovers, collectors, students, curators, gallerists, and arts administrators.

Heroes: A Tribute celebrates the lives and contributions of 49 brilliant creative figures who were early victims of HIV/AIDS—unique portraits by artist Doug Meyer reflect the core of each individual and are paired with insightful obituaries.In Heroes: A Tribute, artist Doug Meyer celebrates the lives and accomplishments of creative pioneers who were victims of HIV/AIDS in the early years of the epidemic. Brilliant figures from the worlds of art, design, film, and dance are honored in this art book—people such as Robert Mapplethorpe, Keith Haring, Rudolph Nureyev, Freddie Mercury, Rock Hudson, John Duka, Tina Chow, Klaus Nomi, Halston, and Angelo Donghia. Heroes began as an installation at a DIFFA (Design Industry Foundation to Fight AIDS) event, and grew into a traveling exhibition. The portraits vary significantly in form, material, and style, and incorporate drawing, painting, sculpture, and photography. In his multi-dimensional artwork, Meyer often blends techniques and media, such as terracotta, églomisé, papier-mâché, and computer-generated collage. The text includes essays by Meyer and contributing writer Beth Dunlop as well as brief biographies of each hero that highlight the important contributions these figures made to the worlds of art, design, and culture. This beautifully designed book features sophisticated graphic design and includes pages from Doug Meyer’s sketchbooks showing his artistic process. A true celebration, Heroes: A Tribute both pays homage to these visionary creatives who died too soon, and it teaches younger generations about these important figures. This book will appeal to all who have an interest in art, design, fashion, creativity, gay and LGBTQ issues and history, and more.