All Books
Synopsis: Fans of How to Train Your Dragon will love this whimsical tale, the first in a series, by a Newbery Honor winner, featuring charming illustrations and pet "training tips" in each chapter.
Crusty dragon Miss Drake has a new pet human, precocious Winnie. Oddly enough, Winnie seems to think Miss Drake is her pet—a ridiculous notion!
Unknown to most of its inhabitants, the City by the Bay is home to many mysterious and fantastic creatures, hidden beneath the parks, among the clouds, and even in plain sight. And Winnie wants to draw every new creature she encounters: the good, the bad, and the ugly. But Winnie’s sketchbook is not what it seems. Somehow, her sketchlings have been set loose on the city streets! It will take Winnie and Miss Drake’s combined efforts to put an end to the mayhem . . . before it’s too late.
This refreshing debut collaboration by Laurence Yep, a two-time Newbery Honor winner and a Laura Ingalls Wilder Award winner, and Joanne Ryder features illustrations by Mary GrandPré.
Praise for A Dragon's Guide to the Care and Feeding of Humans
*“Warm humor, magical mishaps, and the main characters’ budding mutual respect and affection combine to give this opener for a planned series a special shine.” –Booklist, Starred
“Aternately comical, suspenseful and sometimes sweetly emotional.” –Kirkus Reviews
“With a black-and-white spot illustration opening most chapters, an engaging narrator, and a consistently fluid writing style, this title makes a fine dragon choice for readers.” –School Library Journal
“In this series launch, Yep and Ryder conjure up a world where dragons and humans interact, and the results are heartwarming and quite funny.” –Publishers Weekly
“A clever and amusing novel that imagines a magical world that nestles right up against our own and sometimes crosses over.” –The Bulleting of the Center for Children’s Books
Praise for A Dragon’s Guide to Making Your Human Smarter
"Yep and Ryder keep the magic coming with their whimsical fantasy, enhanced by Grandpré's sweet drawings. The story positively vibrates with fun." —Kirkus Reviews
" Lighthearted episodes of unusual school lessons and field trips, illustrated by GrandPré’s winsome spot art, are grounded by Miss Drake’s more serious encounters with the goons...a gratifying development as this buoyant, fantastical series continues."—The Horn Book Review
Crusty dragon Miss Drake has a new pet human, precocious Winnie. Oddly enough, Winnie seems to think Miss Drake is her pet—a ridiculous notion!
Unknown to most of its inhabitants, the City by the Bay is home to many mysterious and fantastic creatures, hidden beneath the parks, among the clouds, and even in plain sight. And Winnie wants to draw every new creature she encounters: the good, the bad, and the ugly. But Winnie’s sketchbook is not what it seems. Somehow, her sketchlings have been set loose on the city streets! It will take Winnie and Miss Drake’s combined efforts to put an end to the mayhem . . . before it’s too late.
This refreshing debut collaboration by Laurence Yep, a two-time Newbery Honor winner and a Laura Ingalls Wilder Award winner, and Joanne Ryder features illustrations by Mary GrandPré.
Praise for A Dragon's Guide to the Care and Feeding of Humans
*“Warm humor, magical mishaps, and the main characters’ budding mutual respect and affection combine to give this opener for a planned series a special shine.” –Booklist, Starred
“Aternately comical, suspenseful and sometimes sweetly emotional.” –Kirkus Reviews
“With a black-and-white spot illustration opening most chapters, an engaging narrator, and a consistently fluid writing style, this title makes a fine dragon choice for readers.” –School Library Journal
“In this series launch, Yep and Ryder conjure up a world where dragons and humans interact, and the results are heartwarming and quite funny.” –Publishers Weekly
“A clever and amusing novel that imagines a magical world that nestles right up against our own and sometimes crosses over.” –The Bulleting of the Center for Children’s Books
Praise for A Dragon’s Guide to Making Your Human Smarter
"Yep and Ryder keep the magic coming with their whimsical fantasy, enhanced by Grandpré's sweet drawings. The story positively vibrates with fun." —Kirkus Reviews
" Lighthearted episodes of unusual school lessons and field trips, illustrated by GrandPré’s winsome spot art, are grounded by Miss Drake’s more serious encounters with the goons...a gratifying development as this buoyant, fantastical series continues."—The Horn Book Review
Publication Date: 03/10/15
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fantasy
Synopsis: Fans of Mary Poppins will love this whimsical tale of a boarding school for children of very busy parents, where an extraordinary headmistress teaches them life lessons about courage, adventure, friendship . . . and the importance of birthday cake.
Nestled inside a lighthouse, Great Rapscott School for the Daughters of Busy Parents takes its motto from Amelia Earhart: Adventure is worthwhile in itself. Headmistress Ms. Rapscott couldn’t agree more, but her students, who are shipped to the school in boxes, could use a little convincing. Still, despite their initial reluctance, the students are soon soaring through the sky and getting lost on purpose. In addition to learning what birthday cakes are and how best to approach a bumbershoot tree, the students also manage to learn a little something about strength and bravery.
Bestselling author Elise Primavera has created an irresistible, richly illustrated story about finding your way.
Nestled inside a lighthouse, Great Rapscott School for the Daughters of Busy Parents takes its motto from Amelia Earhart: Adventure is worthwhile in itself. Headmistress Ms. Rapscott couldn’t agree more, but her students, who are shipped to the school in boxes, could use a little convincing. Still, despite their initial reluctance, the students are soon soaring through the sky and getting lost on purpose. In addition to learning what birthday cakes are and how best to approach a bumbershoot tree, the students also manage to learn a little something about strength and bravery.
Bestselling author Elise Primavera has created an irresistible, richly illustrated story about finding your way.
Publication Date: 03/10/15
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fantasy
Synopsis: Fans of Goosebumps and Ghostbusters will love the first book in this spine-tingling new horror series for young readers.
As president of the Monsters’ Anonymous Club (MAC), David Reid knows first-hand that it takes one part courage, two parts teamwork, three parts brains, and a big dash of humor to fight the unseen monsters that haunt the attics and backwoods of his hometown. Fortunately, David is aided in his ongoing battles with the supernatural by a fearless team of preteen ghostbusters including Laura Chen, the MAC’s vice-president whose background in dance has made her a top-notch athlete; Jeremy Bauer, the club’s resident smart aleck; Jeremy’s bratty and very pesky little sister Kimmy; budding scientist Austin Reese; Carla Freeman with her encyclopedic knowledge of the paranormal world; Eddie Gonzales with his telepathic ability to communicate with animals; and Stinky, Eddie’s new pet hamster, who just happens to be the perfect three-inch, four-legged spy.
In book one, “Don’t Play with Dead Things,” the MAC must battle a fiendish ghost that has possessed Jeremy and Kimmy’s mother and is threatening to take over the town unless our intrepid heroes can act quickly to stop the beast in its tracks.
“The Monsters’ Anonymous Club: Don’t Play with Dead Things” is a fast-paced ghost story full of twists and turns, lot of laughs, plenty of frights (nothing too gory!) and an emotionally satisfying resolution that proves ghosts deserve to “live” as happily ever after as our preteen heroes.
As president of the Monsters’ Anonymous Club (MAC), David Reid knows first-hand that it takes one part courage, two parts teamwork, three parts brains, and a big dash of humor to fight the unseen monsters that haunt the attics and backwoods of his hometown. Fortunately, David is aided in his ongoing battles with the supernatural by a fearless team of preteen ghostbusters including Laura Chen, the MAC’s vice-president whose background in dance has made her a top-notch athlete; Jeremy Bauer, the club’s resident smart aleck; Jeremy’s bratty and very pesky little sister Kimmy; budding scientist Austin Reese; Carla Freeman with her encyclopedic knowledge of the paranormal world; Eddie Gonzales with his telepathic ability to communicate with animals; and Stinky, Eddie’s new pet hamster, who just happens to be the perfect three-inch, four-legged spy.
In book one, “Don’t Play with Dead Things,” the MAC must battle a fiendish ghost that has possessed Jeremy and Kimmy’s mother and is threatening to take over the town unless our intrepid heroes can act quickly to stop the beast in its tracks.
“The Monsters’ Anonymous Club: Don’t Play with Dead Things” is a fast-paced ghost story full of twists and turns, lot of laughs, plenty of frights (nothing too gory!) and an emotionally satisfying resolution that proves ghosts deserve to “live” as happily ever after as our preteen heroes.
Publication Date: 03/07/15
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fantasy
Synopsis: Every dragon slayer owes the Oil Watch a period of service, and young Owen was no exception. What made him different was that he did not enlist alone. His two closest friends stood with him shoulder to shoulder. Steeled by success and hope, the three were confident in their plan. But the arc of history is long and hardened by dragon fire. Try as they might, Owen and his friends could not twist it to their will. Not all the way. Not all together. The sequel to the critically acclaimed The Story of Owen.
Publication Date: 03/01/15
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fantasy
Synopsis: A 2014 Moonbeam Award medalist, and described by Midwest Book Review as "about as fine a middle school fantasy as you could get." When their ancestral lands in the Highlands are threatened, three ancient ghosts of the castle need one of their clan from the living world. They call the young Cape Cod witch across the sea. ElsBeth has a personal calling to protect the natural world, and her own need to know more about the family line. Drawn deep into the present danger and the mysteries of the old country, she is in well above her magic level.
Publication Date: 12/15/14
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fantasy
Synopsis: In a world in which near-extinct dragons pass as humans to grow their numbers secretly, siblings Ember and Dante Hill prepare for destined positions in the world of Talon only to be hunted by a dragon-slaying soldier.
Publication Date: 10/28/14
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fantasy
Synopsis: Cale Thornsbe had always known he was adopted under the most mysterious circumstances. Although he loved his new parents very much, he treasured the only link he ever had to his true identity - a blurred out golden seal. Throughout his childhood he was teased for his unusual accent, snow white hair and thick glasses only to find out what they really meant as his thirteenth birthday approached. He was the last seer of two worlds and the only barrier left to keep the evil King Etmus from taking over this world by force as he had done in his own. From the tallest invisible bull to the smallest forest pixie, Cale must learn who he can trust as his senses and visions heighten. His lovable and completely clueless parents are kidnapped, but who really has them? Cale Thornsbe has no choice but to find the answers as the seal begins to reveal itself and the journey never taken is brought to his doorstep.
Publication Date: 09/09/14
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fantasy
Synopsis: Prepare yourself to go in a fun and adventurous travel to Adgiligda, the wizard planet!
Dirk, Tyler's wizard buddy, has often driven him to distraction even as he amicably conjured feats of incredible magic to help Tyler out of tight spots. Now, both boys are 12 years old, and Dirk has invited Tyler to visit Adgiligda, his own planet. This interplanetary travel guarantees one giant adventure after the other when Tyler joins in amazing games of wizardry and tangles with fearsome magical beasts!
This is the second book of My Wizard Buddy Series, a magic and exciting trilogy that blends eye-popping fantasy along with valuable coming-of-age lessons.
Dirk, Tyler's wizard buddy, has often driven him to distraction even as he amicably conjured feats of incredible magic to help Tyler out of tight spots. Now, both boys are 12 years old, and Dirk has invited Tyler to visit Adgiligda, his own planet. This interplanetary travel guarantees one giant adventure after the other when Tyler joins in amazing games of wizardry and tangles with fearsome magical beasts!
This is the second book of My Wizard Buddy Series, a magic and exciting trilogy that blends eye-popping fantasy along with valuable coming-of-age lessons.
Publication Date: 07/30/14
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fantasy
Synopsis: Sunni and Blaise face their most dangerous challenge yet in their third and final adventure.
When a mysterious oil lantern and a box of painted slides appear at Blackhope Tower, Sunni and Blaise are drawn back to the place where their adventures first began. When they discover that the slides conceal secrets about artist-magician Fausto Corvo, the pair find themselves once again caught up in a deadly pursuit. An old enemy is still tracking Corvo and will stop at nothing to find him. Sunni and Blaise must fight to protect Corvo’s secrets and rid themselves of Soranzo’s evil threat once and for all.
When a mysterious oil lantern and a box of painted slides appear at Blackhope Tower, Sunni and Blaise are drawn back to the place where their adventures first began. When they discover that the slides conceal secrets about artist-magician Fausto Corvo, the pair find themselves once again caught up in a deadly pursuit. An old enemy is still tracking Corvo and will stop at nothing to find him. Sunni and Blaise must fight to protect Corvo’s secrets and rid themselves of Soranzo’s evil threat once and for all.
Publication Date: 07/22/14
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fantasy
Synopsis: One day, lonely 11-year-old Tyler Dunsmore wishes out loud for a best friend. Not only does his wish come true, but his new best buddy is Dirk, a 11-year-old wizard--a magical being who is from another world and is unfamiliar with Earth. Dirk often is too eager to help Tyler out with tough dilemmas in his day-to-day life, but his antics often backfire, leaving Tyler to wonder: is having a wizard for a buddy worth it? Enjoy the bonding between two very different boys in My Wizard Buddy.
Publication Date: 07/15/14
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fantasy
Synopsis: Magical candy that gives kids superpowers? Sweet! The possibility of evil overtaking the world? Not so tasty. And so begins The Candy Shop War, a trilogy from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Beyonders and Fablehaven series.
Welcome to the Sweet Tooth Ice Cream & Candy Shoppe, where the confections are a bit on the…unusual side. In this start to the series, four young friends—Nate, Summer, Trevor, and Pigeon—meet the grandmotherly Mrs. White, owner of the Sweet Tooth, and soon learn about the magical side effects of her candies: Rock candy that makes you weightless. Jawbreakers that make you unbreakable. Chocolate balls that make you a master of disguise.
In addition, the ice cream truck driver, Mr. Stott, has arrived with a few enchanted sweets of his own. But what about the mysterious man in the dark overcoat and fedora hat? And why are all these “magicians” trying to recruit Nate and his friends? Who can they trust?
The mystery deepens and the danger unfolds as the four of them discover that the magical strangers have all come to town in search of a legendary, hidden treasure—one that could be used for great evil if it fell into the wrong hands. The kids, now in over their heads, must try to retrieve the treasure first. And so, the war begins…
Welcome to the Sweet Tooth Ice Cream & Candy Shoppe, where the confections are a bit on the…unusual side. In this start to the series, four young friends—Nate, Summer, Trevor, and Pigeon—meet the grandmotherly Mrs. White, owner of the Sweet Tooth, and soon learn about the magical side effects of her candies: Rock candy that makes you weightless. Jawbreakers that make you unbreakable. Chocolate balls that make you a master of disguise.
In addition, the ice cream truck driver, Mr. Stott, has arrived with a few enchanted sweets of his own. But what about the mysterious man in the dark overcoat and fedora hat? And why are all these “magicians” trying to recruit Nate and his friends? Who can they trust?
The mystery deepens and the danger unfolds as the four of them discover that the magical strangers have all come to town in search of a legendary, hidden treasure—one that could be used for great evil if it fell into the wrong hands. The kids, now in over their heads, must try to retrieve the treasure first. And so, the war begins…
Publication Date: 06/10/14
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fantasy
Synopsis:
The shape-shifting Hutton family is back on a new adventure. Key to Kashdune picks up the year after Aesop's Secret ends. An earthquake in the exotic countryside of Turkey has uncovered an ancient cave full of relics of the shape-shifting Athenite people, and two present-day Athenites, Dr. Harmony Melpot and her uncle Joe Wiltshire (previously Aesop the rabbit), are eager to discover its secrets.
They have unearthed four ancient Athenite journals that unlock the secret to navigating by the Earth’s music. Now, with the help of their friends Harmony and Joe, they’re off to the legendary Caribbean island of Kashdune. But the despicable Professor Stumpworthy is up to no good once again, and he’s sure to try to use the ancient knowledge of Kashdune for evil...
Publication Date: 06/10/14
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fantasy
Synopsis: Kian lost his mother, and in the grip of grief, in many ways, he'd lost his father too. When his mother's horse, Raven, runs off in a storm, Kian believes finding him will help his father get past his grief.
Publication Date: 06/01/14
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fantasy
Synopsis: Eleven-year-old Orion lives with his stodgy grandfather in eastern Maine, where nothing exciting ever happens. But then a series of strange events draws him into the mystery of a lost explorer, and Orion is swept up in a whirlwind of adventure that takes him to the top of the world. To survive he must outwit a scheming treasure hunter, team up with a gang of flimps, and take on a tyrant with an anger management problem. Can Orion solve the mystery and get back home alive? And just what are flimps, anyway? Orion Poe is about to find out. Join him as he laughs, cries, bluffs, and shoots his way to the heart of one of the greatest mysteries in the history of exploration. Along the way he discovers that the world is far bigger—and stranger—than he ever imagined.
Publication Date: 05/16/14
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fantasy
Synopsis: Middle school is tough enough for normal humans, but when you're a vampire, it's even more challenging. Edgar rises to the occasion with wit, humor, and some help from his friends.
Publication Date: 05/13/14
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fantasy
Synopsis: An astonishing new tale for children from John Carter Cash in the tradition of Watership Down, The Rats of Nimh, Redwall and Duncton Wood.
Ysil and Cormo are two quail who must risk their lives when they are driven from their home by crows, and find they must make common cause with a other creatures, if they are to find safety in a world full of perils and adventure.
New in paperback.
The crow king is dead, and in the field below all the creatures tremble as the Murder gathers to choose a new king from the rival sons Sintus, Milus and Nascus. When the crows drive everyone from the field to keep the reckoning secret, the quail Ysil, Cormo and Harlequin believe they must simply follow their elders to safety. But when the crows turn against each other, the forest becomes full of danger. In the confusion the last wolf, Asmod, shucks off his isolation and begins to raise an army to claim the kingdom for his own. As hidden truths are brought to light and enormous sacrifices are made Ysil and his friends must make an epic journey and an unthinkable alliance if the lesser animals are to survive.
Ysil and Cormo are two quail who must risk their lives when they are driven from their home by crows, and find they must make common cause with a other creatures, if they are to find safety in a world full of perils and adventure.
New in paperback.
The crow king is dead, and in the field below all the creatures tremble as the Murder gathers to choose a new king from the rival sons Sintus, Milus and Nascus. When the crows drive everyone from the field to keep the reckoning secret, the quail Ysil, Cormo and Harlequin believe they must simply follow their elders to safety. But when the crows turn against each other, the forest becomes full of danger. In the confusion the last wolf, Asmod, shucks off his isolation and begins to raise an army to claim the kingdom for his own. As hidden truths are brought to light and enormous sacrifices are made Ysil and his friends must make an epic journey and an unthinkable alliance if the lesser animals are to survive.
Publication Date: 04/29/14
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fantasy