All Books
Synopsis: From Edward Willett, Aurora Award-winning author of Marseguro, The Cityborn, and Worldshaper (DAW Books), among many others, comes twenty-two tales of fantasy, science fiction, and horror, drawn from a long career of telling fantastic tales. A young musician dreams of playing his songs among the stars...A Broadway performer on the lam is forced to direct aliens in The Sound of Music...Strange vegetables with dangerous properties crop up in small-town Saskatchewan...A man with a dark secret gets his comeuppance on a windy night on the prairie...An elderly caretaker on the Moon preserves the memory of the millions who died on Earth's darkest day...A woman and a bat-like alien must overcome their own prejudices to prevent an interstellar war... From the far future and the farthest reaches of space to the Canadian prairie, from our world to worlds that have never existed to world's that might some day, rich realms of imagination and the fascinating characters and creatures that populate them await within these stories, some previously published, some seeing print for the first time. Time to go exploring...
Publication Date: 06/28/18
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Fantasy
Synopsis: In the thrilling sequel to Guardians of the Gryphon's Claw, an epic adventure novel that "is sure to keep lovers of Rick Riordan running to the shelves," Sam London dives headlong into his second case involving a selkie, a mysterious girl, and an ominous new threat to the mythical and human worlds (School Library Journal)!
Sam London didn't mean to uncover an ancient secret, but when he found out that mythical creatures are real and living in our national parks, he became the newest recruit to the Department of Mythical Wildlife. Ever since, the middle schooler has been anxiously awaiting the call for his next case . . . and it finally arrives with the brazen appearance of a selkie in San Francisco Bay.
Along with Dr. Vance Vantana and the guardian Tashi, Sam pursues the selkie, who has taken a peculiar interest in fashion's newest "it" girl and social media star, Pearl Eklund. But the closer he gets, the more questions emerge about Pearl's mysterious connection to the mythical world. Is she the long-lost hope for an entire civilization or the harbinger of its doom? It's up to Sam to find out the truth, and fast. . . . The fate of humanity hangs in the balance.
Praise for Guardians of the Gryphon's Claw, Book One:
"A death-defying, globe-spanning adventure, packed with creatures out of folklore and myth." --Publishers Weekly
"So original and exciting. This is the best fantasy-adventure novel I have read in some time." --Martin Olson, New York Times bestselling author of The Adventure Time Encyclopaedia
Sam London didn't mean to uncover an ancient secret, but when he found out that mythical creatures are real and living in our national parks, he became the newest recruit to the Department of Mythical Wildlife. Ever since, the middle schooler has been anxiously awaiting the call for his next case . . . and it finally arrives with the brazen appearance of a selkie in San Francisco Bay.
Along with Dr. Vance Vantana and the guardian Tashi, Sam pursues the selkie, who has taken a peculiar interest in fashion's newest "it" girl and social media star, Pearl Eklund. But the closer he gets, the more questions emerge about Pearl's mysterious connection to the mythical world. Is she the long-lost hope for an entire civilization or the harbinger of its doom? It's up to Sam to find out the truth, and fast. . . . The fate of humanity hangs in the balance.
Praise for Guardians of the Gryphon's Claw, Book One:
"A death-defying, globe-spanning adventure, packed with creatures out of folklore and myth." --Publishers Weekly
"So original and exciting. This is the best fantasy-adventure novel I have read in some time." --Martin Olson, New York Times bestselling author of The Adventure Time Encyclopaedia
Publication Date: 06/19/18
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Fantasy
Synopsis:
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?
Publication Date: 06/14/18
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fantasy
Synopsis: Friendship and magical realism sparkle on the page in this heartwarming, delightfully eccentric illustrated middle-grade gem from an extraordinary new literary voice. Perfect for fans of A Snicker of Magic and The Penderwicks.
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
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
Publication Date: 05/15/18
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fantasy
Synopsis: The hilarious second book in a middle-grade fantasy trilogy about the magical rivers that run through the sewers of London and shape history in ways you'd never learn in school.
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?
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?
Publication Date: 05/15/18
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fantasy
Synopsis: More mystery, more bravery, more danger, and one amazingly reckless rescue await in the second book in the Explorers series! The perfect read for fans of The Name of This Book Is a Secret and The Mysterious Benedict Society!
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
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
Publication Date: 04/24/18
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fantasy
Synopsis:
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.
Publication Date: 03/31/18
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fantasy
Synopsis: Nila-Air, the second in the series, has Seth discovering the perilous motives behind his father’s heartless actions that caused his debilitated health, isolation, and suffering. Now reborn on a new pristine world, Nila are determined to rebuild their community and face any new challenges. Finally living as a true Nila, Seth must learn how to deal with the withdrawals of his former human life. Boredom and heartache force Seth to search within himself for his meaning and purpose while his relationship with Kate deteriorates with the presence of Raymond, who becomes the Red Crystal Bearer that Seth and his father previously held. Seth’s connection with the mysterious Her—Nila’s spiritual leader—intensifies as he attempts to decipher new visions from Her. Straying from Nila protocol, Seth discovers a new threat—the current winged inhabitants. Boredom quickly turns into adventure and self-discovery that are fraught with danger and gut-wrenching decisions. Can Seth bring peace between his Nila family and the inhabitants, and does he have time?
Publication Date: 03/29/18
Age Level: Mature Young Adult
Genre: Fantasy
Synopsis: Nila-Fire, the third in the series, has Seth, a Nila Swimmer, and his adopted family of Nila flyers finding themselves back on their home planet, Earth. Assisted by two hikers, Vuna is nursed back to health after his attack by Zerths. Vuna and Zuri’s fast-growing daughter Seva connects them, as flyers, with humans, and they learn their reason for returning to Earth—to assist their own kind! Jiva and Kava go on a mission given to them by Gian, where they obtain the clear crystal and a quest from Sam. Kava returns to the flyers with the clear crystal, while Jiva leaves the flock with a map, a riddle, and Britta—Sam’s housekeeper. On his own mission, Seth is saved by Xcina from stormy waters. He learns his family of swimmers has also returned to Earth and safe from the Zerths. Taken to a lavender planet, Xcina passes the mantle of “She” onto him, but not before giving him instructions to find his father. With new visions of darkness, yellow eyes, and imminent danger, he reluctantly searches for his father. Hearing Sam’s version of events, beginning with his childhood, Seth sets out to reunite Sam with his Nila family of swimmers and Aiyana, Seth’s mother. Seth and his family leave Earth to live in a paradise, which causes a rift for the swimmers. Tragedy strikes, which causes Seth to lose his way. Nila of a new form are coaxed into saving Seth, which rekindles past mistrust between Lara and Zuri, both She. What are Lara’s real motives behind assisting Seth?
Publication Date: 03/29/18
Age Level: Mature Young Adult
Genre: Fantasy
Synopsis: Nila-Water, the first in a series, emerges as a blend of the parallel realities that Seth lives in. Developing a debilitating illness with an excruciating skin condition, he has lived a life of isolation. He escapes to the bedtime stories told by his father, of a beneficent race of Nila, who live on earth and in the oceans. Suffering also the loss of his father, who abruptly disappears from his life, he becomes attracted to his beautiful, tantalizing caretaker, Kate, who shares the house entrusted to him by his father. They mutually agree he should undergo four risky treatments recommended by his doctor, Eshe, to curb his ailing condition. The questionable intentions of Seth’s powerful father for humans and for Nila are revealed during the course of treatments. Are Seth’s real-life experiences during the treatments actually his new life in the ocean, or a result of the drug being administered?
Publication Date: 03/21/18
Age Level: Mature Young Adult
Genre: Fantasy
Synopsis: What if you had the power to open portals to other worlds at the click of a bellybutton...but every time you did so, you risked being eaten?
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.
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.
Publication Date: 03/17/18
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fantasy
Synopsis:
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.
Publication Date: 03/01/18
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fantasy
Synopsis:
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?
Publication Date: 03/01/18
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fantasy
Synopsis:
Natalie has never been a fast runner. She's only on the track team because her sister, a varsity runner, put in a good word with the coach. So Natalie's shocked when her speed suddenly increases on her sixteenth birthday. Soon she can run faster than humanly possible! But the more races she wins, the more arrogant she becomes. With this new attitude taking a toll on her relationship with her best friend on the team as well as her sister, Natalie must decide if the super speed is really worth it.
Publication Date: 03/01/18
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Fantasy
Synopsis: The Boggart is back for a new adventure of magic and mayhem from Newbery winner Susan Cooper.
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.
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.
Publication Date: 02/27/18
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fantasy
Synopsis: "To make a friend, you have to be a friend." Princess Olive gives this advice to young Prince Jasper of Thisley when the lonely prince comes to Concordia. He needs all the help he can get, too. Friendless and isolated, Jasper has no idea where he fits into his own kingdom, but when he meets Olive and Toby, the King's page, he finds both friendship and the courage to be himself. While the teens deal with an avalanche and a night in the dungeon, the adults quarrel. It is up to the young people to solve an ancient mystery in order to prevent the unthinkable - the prospect of war between their two kingdoms.
Publication Date: 02/20/18
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Fantasy