CONTACT: Fuel Natural Endurance Bars, (888)476-5543, www.fuelbars.com.
Compassionate Cooks" new 69-minute DVD treats audiences to a variety of vegan dishes from egg-free "egg salad" to chocolate chip cookies, from vegetable stir-fry with peanut sauce to harvest-stuffed acorn squash. Compassionate Cooks is a California-based nonprofit organization aimed at providing information about vegetarianism through its cooking classes, humane education workshops and supermarket tours. Founder Coleen Patrick-Goudreau says she wants to give people the tools and resources required to prevent disease and optimize health. The video, hosted by Patrick-Goudreau and Alka Chandna, is full of tidbits of practical information that will enhance anyone's cooking career. The video's focus is not only on learning vegetarian recipes and cooking methods, but also providing basic nutritional information. Additional features include frequently asked questions about vegetarian dining and "Thinking Outside the Crate: Farm Sanctuary's First 15 Years," a short piece narrated by Six Feet Under actor James Cromwell. The DVD ($20) also provides an introduction to meat analogs, dairy substitutes and other vegan products available in grocery stores. —D.A.
CONTACT: Compassionate Cooks, (510)531-COOK, www.compassionatecooks.com.
CONTACT: Howard Naturals, (800)266-9545, www.howardnaturals.com.
CONTACT: Earthstone International, (888)994-6327, www.goearthstone.com.
"One of the most alluring things about nature, aside from its ability to constantly surprise, is that nobody who loves wildlife and the woods lives long enough to see everything," Bob Butz writes in his book Beast of Never, Cat of God: The Search for the Eastern Puma (The Lyons Press, $22.95). And so begins the search for an animal that was thought to be eradicated east of the Mississippi decades ago (except for the isolated Florida panther). When signs of the great cat appear in Butz's Michigan backyard, he sets off on a search for truth. Despite numerous eyewitness accounts and controversial evidence, many wildlife officials continue to deny the presence of the cat. However, the animal is known for an uncanny ability to hide in plain sight. Butz records the twists and turns of his hunt for answers on an animal that has sparked heated discussion among skeptics and believers throughout the East. —K.S.
der, and you've seen kids use them to catch fish in the summer. Aliens in the Backyard (University of South Carolina Press, $29.95) is an eye-opening book by John Leland about plant and animal imports in America. This book challenges common notions of what's really native. Leland explores the dangers that nonnative species pose to our environment today, and looks closely at their natural history to find out where things went wrong. Prepare to be surprised and intrigued as Leland investigates the evolution of America's landscape through the eyes of the alien species that have so readily invaded it.—K.S.
The Kids" Guide to Nature Adventures (Lark Books, $17.95) is a must-have not only for kids, but also for teachers and parents. Bursting with colorful photos and loads of exciting activities, author Joe Rhatigan offers 80 ways to have an adventure in the out-of-doors. Kids will enjoy the games and illustrated activities, teachers will appreciate the creative lesson plans, and parents will see their kids learn about the environment by actively investigating it. Start by following the instructions on how to make your own sleeping bag, then learn how to plan the perfect hike. Take a closer look at how a stream works after you study ants. Perfect your animal calls until it gets dark enough to decode the mystery of the constellations. With its colorful format and easy-to-follow instructions, this book is the perfect addition to any child's backpack. —K.S.
John Abrams" advice on building a small business is quite straightforward. It comes down to the belief that a company serving the needs of the people, the community and the environment is guaranteed long-lasting success. In The Company We Keep: Reinventing Small Business for People, Community and Place (Chelsea Green Publishing, $27.50), Abrams walks his readers through his experiences in forging South Mountain Company, a small residential building and design firm on Martha's Vineyard. The book is full of personal anecdotes, and it includes guides to the eight established cornerstone principles that helped nurture the company over the years. These include the need to cultivate workplace democracy, stress on "people conservation" and the practice of community entrepreneurism. This memoir can be useful to organizations everywhere that appreciate that bigger isn't always better, money isn't always the endgame and true success comes from the meaningful work of dedicated people. —D.A.
"Humane education" is an approach to teaching that aims to inspire in young people sensitivity for other people, the environment and all living creatures. Its goals include ending oppression, hate and destruction, and teaching children to be critical thinkers. It tries to inspire reverence and respect, and promotes creative responses to situations the media poses as either-or. Zoe Weil's book The Power and Promise of Humane Education (New Society Publishers, $15.95) is an inspiring volume that should be on every teacher's reading list. This book describes the key elements of humane education and offers inspiring stories, concrete examples and sample lesson plans. This thought-provoking book is aimed at changing the way young people look at the world. —K.S.