But what's the story about? Read on...
Oliver can’t stay out of trouble. And he’s gotten into a heap of it this time.
In the waning days of October, strange magical events happen around Orchard Hollow, the little town where Oliver lives. He soon finds himself and his friends cursed to die on Halloween by the town witch.
But other mysterious forces are at work around Oliver, too. If he and his friends play their cards right, they might be able to remove the witch’s curse. If not, this Halloween will be their last.
In this story, follow Oliver and his friends as they take their first steps into the Mysterious World, a place where name brand wizardry and quirky and humorous magic is commonplace. Need a magical feather duster, or maybe a sword, or maybe even the wand of a long-dead wizard? The Mysterious World has all of that. But there are also other surprises lurking there as well--forgotten tombs, peculiar places, and sometimes even a nasty witch or two.
REQUIRED LEGAL DISCLAIMER:
In compliance with The Secrecy Compliance Department, and as authorized by The 1227 International Agreement for No Blabbing Allowed, this notice serves to inform the reader of this book that it is entirely a work of fiction. The names mentioned are made-up, and the events described herein definitely did not occur within the confines of Orchard Hollow, Massachusetts. As related, The General Wizardry Company and The World Wand Company and their subsidiaries are, of course, not real either. But most importantly, this notice serves to remind the reader that magic definitely, without a doubt, and in no way possible, exists at all.
However, complaints about this notice are required by law to be collected. Address all correspondence in this regard to "No One In Particular, Care Of: The Department of Natural World Diplomacy" and drop said letter in the nearest "normal" mailbox. Note that the use of "normal" here in no way implies that magical mailboxes exist, because that would be silly.
Clara doesn’t think she’s special, until she starts having terrifying nightmares and hearing voices in the night. Then her great aunt Selina tells Clara something incredible. Clara is a shape-shifter. But with this extraordinary, inherited gift comes a dangerous curse.
Clara thinks Selina is crazy and dismisses her great aunt’s warnings. But no matter how hard she tries, the curse cannot be escaped.
Will Clara accept her fate and learn to control her new powers? Will she overcome the threat caused by the curse, to her friendships, her sanity, and ultimately her life?
‘Under the Light of a Full Moon’ is D.A. McGrath’s first book in the ‘Full Moon’ series. Introducing a captivating new hero in a thrilling fantasy adventure.
A small but brave squirrel. An annual tournament. And threats from a dark challenger.
Squire Puff faces many pressures, but searching for a missing knight isn’t supposed to be one of them. When things take a turn for the worse, can he face his fears and help avert disaster? If Puff can’t find the champion, he’s the only one left who can fight.
If you like talking animals, epic sword fights and exciting adventures, then you’ll love The Squirrel Squire. This chapter book is perfect for fans of Narnia by C.S. Lewis, Redwall by Brian Jacques and The Green Ember by S.D. Smith, along with other fantasy series including The Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander.
When long-dead magical creatures are discovered all around the world, each buried with a book of magic, only children can unlock the dangerous power of the books in this start to a thrilling new series from the author of the New York Times bestselling Story Thieves!
Thirteen years ago, books of magic were discovered in various sites around the world alongside the bones of dragons. Only those born after “Discovery Day” have the power to use the magic.
Now, on a vacation to Washington, DC, Fort Fitzgerald’s father is lost when a giant creature bursts through the earth, attacking the city. Fort is devastated, until an opportunity for justice arrives six months later, when a man named Dr. Opps invites Fort to a government run school, the Oppenheimer School, to learn magic from those same books.
But life’s no easier at the school, where secrets abound. What does Jia, Fort’s tutor, know about the attacks? Why does Rachel, master of destructive magic, think Fort is out to destroy the school? And why is Fort seeing memories of an expelled girl every time he goes to sleep? If Fort doesn’t find out what’s hiding within the Oppenheimer School, more attacks will come, and this time, nothing will stop them!
I wish I were narrating almost any other fairy story, but alas, this is my lot. Whatever expectations you have of delightful and whimsical fairies are sure to be disappointed. There are certainly fairies, but most are not proper fairies. Some who are supposed to be nasty are disappointingly nice, while some who should be kind and helpful are disconcertingly surly, dishonest, and generally unpleasant company.
Our heroine is, perhaps, the worst offender―a sprite more interested in books than carefree games, who insists on being called Shade. She is on a quest, albeit with rather questionable companions, to find a place to call home. A place of companionship, comfort, and, most importantly, positively filled with books.
★ An Amazon Best Children's Book of the Year selection
The dragon's out of the bag in this diverse, young urban fantasy from an award-winning author!
When Jaxon is sent to spend the day with a mean old lady his mother calls Ma, he finds out she's not his grandmother--but she is a witch! She needs his help delivering baby dragons to a magical world where they'll be safe. There are two rules when it comes to the dragons: don't let them out of the bag, and don't feed them anything sweet. Before he knows it, Jax and his friends Vikram and Kavita have broken both rules! Will Jax get the baby dragons delivered safe and sound? Or will they be lost in Brooklyn forever?
AN NPR BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR
A CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR
A KIRKUS REVIEWS BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR
After more moves than they can count, Isa's family finally puts down roots. People in town are afraid of the abandoned orchard behind their home, but Isa and her sister Junie are happy to have acres of land to explore.
But when Junie gets sick, Isa's mom falls into a depression, and medical bills force Isa's dad to work more. No one notices that Isa's clothes are falling apart and her stomach is empty.
Out of frustration, Isa buries her out-grown sneakers in the orchard. The next day a sapling sprouts buds that bloom to reveal new shoes. Can Isa use this magical tree to save her family?
Nanoo is Ollie’s beloved grandmother and an astronomer who discovered the planet Terenza, in a gentle galaxy east of the moon. When Nanoo disappears on a trip to the Outback, Ollie cannot accept that she is gone. He is worried, sad and refuses to believe that Nanoo would leave him. He feels helpless sitting around on his farm with only his faithful Labrador, Chloe, to listen to his feelings. However, his luck changes when the Starchaser and his Star-fordshire Terrier, Buddy, plot a way to get to Earth from Terenza. The boys and their dogs begin an epic adventure to find Nanoo. Their journey takes them across the Outback, up the Steps to the Moon and into space. But will Ollie find her, and will he bring her home?
Alberto lives alone in the town of Allora, where fish fly out of the sea and the houses shine like jewels. He is a coffin maker and widower, spending his quiet days creating the final resting places of Allora's people.
Then one afternoon a magical bird flutters into his garden, and Alberto, lonely inside, welcomes it into his home. And when a kindhearted boy named Tito follows the bird into Alberto's kitchen, a door in the old man's heart cracks open. Tito is lonely too--but he's also scared and searching for a place to hide. Fleeing from danger, he just wants to feel safe for once in his life. Can the boy and the old man learn the power of friendship and escape the shadows of their pasts?
With a tender bond that calls to mind The Girl Who Drank the Moon, charming characters reminiscent of The Penderwicks, and the whimsy of A Snicker of Magic, this is a novel to curl up with, an extraordinary work of magical realism that makes the world feel like a warmer and happier place. Complete with dazzling interior illustrations, a gem from start to finish.
Praise for The Boy, the Bird & the Coffin Maker:
"A beautifully written debut about recovering from grief and finding hope through an unlikely friendship. The writing itself is a gorgeous lyrical prose laced with magical realism, like a Gabriel García Márquez story for young readers." --BookTrust
★ "Woods has penned a gentle fable, one rich in hope that promotes the strength of kindness. Her magical realism nods to the like of Isabel Allende and Gabriel García Márquez, perfectly tailoring the genre for a middle-grade audience. Anuska Allepuz's whimsical illustrations add to the magical feel. Sweet, earnest and not to be missed." --Shelf Awareness, STARRED REVIEW
★ "Elegantly told from start to finish and enhanced by Allepuz's evocative images and decorations, debut author Woods has created a fairy tale that will linger with readers." --Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW
★ "This uplifting book will enthrallreaders, enveloping them in its gentle charm." --Booklist, STARRED REVIEW
"Awash in magical realism, this is a gentle tale of two hearts, broken by a sometimes harsh world, who find solace, comfort, healing and safety in a new family. . . . A warm-hearted, beautifully told tale." --School Library Connection
"A lyrical and melancholy tale [filled with] atmospheric writing." --School Library Journal
"A quietly triumphant tale." --Kirkus Reviews
"A gently compelling hybrid of intrigue and enchantment . . . filled with the redeeming magic of love and life." --VOYA
Magic is real. History is about to be squashed.
Now that Hyacinth Hayward knows about the enchanted rivers under London, she's determined to find out more. Unfortunately, London isn't cooperating. Instead, Hyacinth stumbles on a new adversary--a girl who is trying to steal all the ancient stones that keep the city in balance. A girl with glowing, magical fingers, whose entire body is tattooed with spells. A girl called Minnie Tickle. (What? Were you expecting something more . . . fearsome?)
To stop her, Hyacinth will need help from stone itself--specifically, a giant talking lion statue and his talking statue friends. Can this enthusiastic but scattered company defeat Minnie before London sinks like a stone?
Reader! Your attention is greatly needed. We have left things unresolved! What began as your average story of a boy stumbling upon a pig in a teeny hat and a secret international explorers society has turned into an adventure of epic proportions.
* The bad news: The boy (Sebastian) has been kidnapped by a trio of troublesome thugs.
* The good news: His new friend Evie has promised to rescue him!
* The bad news: Sebastian has been taken halfway around the world.
* The good news: Evie has famous explorer and former Filipendulous Five member Catherine Lind at her side!
* The bad news: There's still the whole matter of Evie's grandfather (and the leader of the Filipendulous Five) somewhere out there in grave danger.
* The good news: Pursuing Sebastian will lead Evie and Catherine to another member of the Filipendulous Five, who might be able to help!
This missive is a call to action and an invitation to join in mystery, bravery, and danger. There will be new people to meet, new places to see, and some dancing along the way. And one amazingly reckless rescue.
PRAISE FOR THE FIRST BOOK IN THE SERIES: THE EXPLORERS: THE DOOR IN THE ALLEY:
"[A] wildly funny adventure. . . . Animals in teeny hats, Wonderland-style logic, and loads of wordplay and sarcasm will keep readers giggling all the way through."-Kirkus Reviews
"Exhilarating. . . . Fans of a Series of Unfortunate Events will be drawn to this."-Booklist
"A rollicking read, full of derring-do and old-fashioned villainy."-School Library Journal
"Funny, offbeat, and subversive . . . occasional footnotes and other humorous asides from the omniscient narrator break the fourth wall and ramp up the playfulness."-The Horn Book
"Narrated with a smart, brisk tone and plenty of snark. . . . The Explorers: The Door in the Alleypacks plenty of twists, turns and danger."-Shelf Awareness
Iris Wildling and Cael Wildling are Princess and Prince of the kingdom of Weirderland. This is a kingdom filled with magic and adventure, where danger and new friends wait around every corner. These young royals spend their time questing. Going on unexpected adventures helping and finding new friends, saving the kingdom, or simply rescuing a horse. These are the first three adventures of young Prince Cael and Princess Iris. Their first adventure is to recover a flying horse named Ruben that their parents have misplaced in their too-large castle, but the magical castle has more than one surprise behind its many doors. The Prince and Princess' second quest comes while they are on holiday at the beach and a mermaid named Undine asks them for help saving her kingdom, but in the sea, there are more dangers than they can imagine. For their third adventure, they are veterans now, but when Terrance, a foxlike Fairy asks them to help recover the missing Fairy Fire, the source of all their magic, the Prince and Princess find themselves in more danger than ever before. Through these quests, the royal siblings are forced to contend with many things they did not believe they were capable of facing. Turning an enemy to a friend, seeing a friend fall, failing, and taking wrong turns. They run toward danger because they never once thought of saying no when someone asks for help.
Discovered in a swamp and raised by hillbillies, Jellybean 'Gator Bait' Skratcher leads a pretty sheltered life, until one fateful day he accidentally tears a hole in the fabric of the universe, whilst attempting to remove fluff from his bellybutton.
He's whisked away on an epic adventure across hostile worlds teeming with ravenous demons, mischievous beard pixies, and deadly hunchback cooking, all the while led by a scatterbrained stork who's made it his mission in life to deliver Jellybean to the right parents, or die trying.
But when your best friend's a goat, and your greatest hope for survival relies solely upon a talentless magician who can't even do proper card tricks, nothing is likely to go as planned!
The Last Of The Navel Navigators is a children's comedy fantasy that should appeal to fans of The Phantom Tollbooth, The Little Prince and Roald Dahl's James and The Giant Peach.
Evan has always dreamed of being a superhero, and on his sixteenth birthday he discovers the ability to stretch and bend his body in impossible ways. He decides that's it's time to make the most of his super stretchiness and become a real-life superhero—except he can't find any actual crime to fight.
When a video of his superpower goes viral, Evan gets a taste of the fame he has ever hoped for, but he knows he hasn't really done anything besides a few cool tricks. After an accident on the freeway causes everyone to look to him for help, Evan will learn if he's truly up to be the hero he wants to be.
Tony has preferred to fly under the radar for most of his life. He doesn't even notice he's developed the ability to turn invisible until he walks into school the day after his sixteenth birthday and realizes no one can see him.
Soon another student finds out about Tony's superpower, and he uses it to blackmail Tony into stealing and helping him cheat. Can Tony stand up for himself and do the right thing—even if it means exposing his ability to the rest of the school?
Magic is in the air when Allie and Jay Cameron visit their ancestors’ ancient Castle Keep in Scotland, tucked in its unspoiled loch. The twins wake the mischievous shape-shifting Boggart and his infamous cousin Nessie, of Loch Ness fame. But a summer of fun-loving trickery with the Old Things is invaded by a dangerous real estate developer called William Trout.
Trout has big plans for a luxury resort on the loch, and little care for its people or the law. Bulldozers get to work. The future of the loch, its seals, and all its beauty are threatened. The twins and Angus Cameron, their grandfather, mobilize to save his shop and the loch, but it’s soon clear they will need help of a different sort…
In a race against time, the Boggarts recruit help from other Old Things of Scotland: hair-raising creatures of the Wild Magic. But are the Blue Men of the Minch and the Nuckelavee too terrifying for humans to handle? How can they drive out the invader? What’s certain is that Mr. Trout is in for a wild ride in this comical, page-turning adventure from Newbery Medalist Susan Cooper.