Why is it hard to make and keep friends as an adult? Even if you finally find time to see each other, can you connect more deeply than just catching up over coffee? How many do you count as ride-or-die pals who’ll always show up with effervescent banter and deep conversation — your “chosen family?”Widespread loneliness reflects a world of crappy jobs and unaffordable housing that makes it almost impossible to have close, interwoven friendships. A dwindling social safety net takes a...

Ocellus & Chitkin© are the stories about two ants who are trying to escape from a cacao plantation where they are slaves. The stories mirror real children, today. The ants' daring and unexpected attempts to get home and find freedom are exciting and suspenceful for children and readers. The stark reality that most chocolate is produced using child-slavery is softened for listeners between six and 10 years old; older readers will hear the message that Ocellus and Chitkin are telling. Humour...