Books published by Pensive Oasis Press

Books by Joseph Mileck

Pensive Pauses: Epigrams and Poems
by Joseph Mileck 2016

A compilation of epigrams and poems to cause pause for thought. Joseph says, "Literature of whatever ilk serves its writer's purposes when seriously written, and it's reader's purposes when thoughtfully read. this booklet's poems and epigrams have already rewarded me amply, and if when read, they move head and/or heart in
approval of disappointment, they will have served their second purpose equally amply. "


Essayistic Ventures and Topical Asides
by Joseph Mileck 2017

A collection of short and longer essays on many topics, ranging from art and literature to the condition humaine, along with a foreword that delineates the history of the essayistic form. 
​"What is an essay but a brief formal expression of private opinion intent upon informing and instructing." -JM


More Food for Thought
by Joseph Mileck 2019

More epigrams 
 

Catchy Thoughts
​by Joseph Mileck 2019

Joseph's final book of epigrams, published for his 100th birthday. Probably the finest ones yet, honed by years of experience and reflection. 

Joseph published many other books: poetry, essays, a linguistic study of his hometown, a history of the emigration from his home town, and a popular biography  of the German author Hermann Hesse.
His biography of  Hermann Hesse, along with a two volume bio-bibliography were published by University of California Press. 
HIs books can be found on his author page on Amazon books. 

Joseph Mileck died on Dec. 23, 2022, six months after his 100th birthday. He was alert and still writing/dictating epigrams up to the end. His ashes were interred at Sunset View Cemetery in El Cerrito, California. 

A short look at his life, mostly in his own words, was published to memorialize him and his fascinating life.Titled A Life in Nuce​, it is available on Amazon books. 

Books by Mary
all books available on Amazon

Winter Tales by Mary Wolf

A collection of stories and poems for and about the Christmas and Winter Solstice season, written by Mary over a forty year period. 
Published by Beatitude Press 2013
​Available on Amazon

Books by Mary Spidell published by Pensive Oasis Press. 
My books are illustrated by young people of high school or college age. 

The Sidewalk Chalk Artists
a chapter book series for ages 6-10
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Book 1; Una and Trixie
illustrated by Kiska C.H.
​
This is the first in the series of two sisters who use their sidewalk chalk pictures to enter Fairy Land. There they help the magical creatures, who in turn give the advice to help solve their own problem at home. In this first book, Una and Trixie need to learn to get along in order to rescue a wayward fairy.
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Book 2: The Lost Fairy
illustrated by Mia Blatt

In this second book, Trixie has to rescue a fairy from a little girl. She gives up her own doll to do this. Then she rescues the fairy from a boy who is trying to trap her. Trixie also has to deal with feelings of jealousy because of her Una's artistic talents. 


​Book 3: The Osprey Nest
illlustrated by Julia Marsh

 In Book 3, the two sisters  must help rescue both a young fairy and an osprey chick, with the help of Draco, their dragon friend. Set in Richmond California. 


​Book 4: Discord and Harmony
illustrated by Kiska C.H.
​
In book 4, Trixie and Una try to help restore harmony at home as well as in Fairy Land. They learn to appreciate each other as well and to get along better.

Book 5: The Sea World 
illustrated by Neva Calhoun

In Book 5, the family spends vacation in Hawaii. Una deals with problems of adolescence and helps Marlin with a fairy who wants to try human life. Trixie rescues a little dragon and finds a way to console the little boy who had the dragon as a toy. The sisters learn about Hawaiian culture as well. 
 

PIcture Books:

​I am Seaweed
illustrated by Molly Sifling
​Ages 3-8

A picture book, written in lyrical prose, depicting life in the kelp forest of Monterey Bay. Fun and easy for an adult to read, it captures the child's interest with full size color illustrations, while  teaching  them about life in the Bay. 
It is enjoyable both as a bedtime story and as a read aloud at home or in the classroom.
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​Mighty Virus
illustrated by Kiska C.H.

This picture book for ages 4 to 9 introduces readers in a fun way to viruses, especially the Coronavirus, how they are spread, and what defenses we can take against them. It is an engaging story that will teach children and give them a sense of power over the viruses while teaching readers what measures they should take for their health. 
Back pages explain the facts in child-friendly language.
Written in Spanish and English
 

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Teachers or schools wanting books may request them here and will receive a discount. 

To contact the poets or publisher, send an email to:        [email protected]

The Poets

Joseph

Píccola

Mary