Strong and independent Valla Montgomery abandons her New York career to search for her half-brother in Joan Aiken's gothic novel, Caste Barebane.To get away from her pretentious New York Fiance, Valla is only too pleased to have an excuse to travel to England. So when she discovers her half-brother and his wife have disappeared from their London home - leaving their young two children all alone - Valla rushes to their rescue.Between all the local clubs, music halls and lodging houses Valla has no luck, resolving to extend her search wherever it may take her. With her niece and nephew by her side Valla journeys to Scotland, ending up in a bleak castle perched on the edge of a cliff. In this Gothic setting the mystery surrounding her missing brother only gets darker, more sinister, and more terrifying . . . This unforgettable Gothic tale of love, loss, and human nature is brought to life by Joan Aiken's vivid story-telling and gripping plot.... Views: 72
When her father begins a long-distance romance with a Washington, D.C. zookeeper, twelve-year-old Frankie sends fabricated email letters to the zookeeper in an attempt to end the relationship, in this story about family, friendship, and growing up. Views: 72
When Tammy beats her twin, Terry, in the school readathon, the sisters who were once so identical begin to demonstrate their differences and get concerned . . . until they are visited by another twin in their lives — Grandma. Views: 72
Pearl needs a gran and she needs one now. Luckily she's got Winston to help her. You can do anything when your best friend is the world's brainiest guinea pig. Well, almost anything. Views: 72
In this sequel to EXODIA, Dalton Battista takes on his prophesied identity as Bram O'Shea. When this psychic teen leads a city of 21st century American survivalists out from under an oppressive regime, he puts the escape plan at risk by trusting the mysterious god-like David Ronel. With Ronel's ulterior motives under suspicion, Bram's loyalties questioned, and a mutiny imminent, this large group of outcasts faces multiple problems. What should have been a two-week journey lasts for months as they engage in battles against new enemies. Bram's unusual abilities and a special weapon supplied by Ronel help them overcome obstacles but can they reach the "Promised Land" before time runs out? Views: 72
For decades, Ruth Chew's classic chapter books full of everyday magic have enchanted early readers. Now that they're in print again, a new generation can fall under her spell and fall in love with reading. How do you keep a witch out of trouble? A witch is coming to stay with Laura and Sally. But taking care of her won't be easy—this one is more than a little strange! She's a very picky eater (only bones and eggshells will do). She makes BIG messes. And after a spell gone wrong, she is stuck living upside down! Can the kids keep this little witch out of mischief and keep her a secret from Mom and Dad? Views: 72
There were eggs in every bird's nest, the air buzzed with honeybees, and cherry trees blossomed all at once. The poor villagers forgot their cares and gathered in the meadow to sing and dance their time away. But their miserly landlord refused to be happy. Mumbling and grumbling, he sat all alone eating a bowl of cherries and glaring at the merry villagers. Then, quite by accident, he swallowed a cherry pit. The pit began to sprout, and soon the landlord was the wonder of the village—a cherry tree was growing out of the top of his head! What happened to the cherry tree and to the wicked landlord is a favorite joke in Japan. Allen Say tells the story with wit and vitality, and his beautiful drawings complement this classic Japanese tale. Views: 72
A sijo, a traditional Korean verse form, has a fixed number of stressed syllables and a humorous or ironic twist at the end. Like haiku, sijo are brief and accessible, and the witty last line winds up each poem with a surprise. The verses in this book illuminate funny, unexpected, amazing aspects of the everyday—of breakfast, thunder and lightning, houseplants, tennis, freshly laundered socks. Carefully crafted and deceptively simple, Linda Sue Park's sijo are a pleasure to read and an irresistible invitation to experiment with an unfamiliar poetic form. Istvan Banyai's irrepressibly giddy and sophisticated illustrations add a one-of-a-kind luster to a book that is truly a gem. Views: 72
A bloody war is raging across the oceans, with the Pirate Federation and Nocturnals in alliance against the renegade Vampirates, led by Sidorio and Lola. Nothing will stop either one from making their presence dangerously known in battle.
Connor and Grace Tempest each have important roles to play in the war - he as a pirate warrior at the heart of the fight; she as a powerful healer working with the war-wounded. As the twins face their greatest challenges to date, old allies and foes return to play their part in the ultimate battle of Pirate versus Vampirate. In this - the conclusion of this sequence of VAMPIRATES novels, the stakes are higher than ever. Relationships will change. An army of the dead will return to fight. There will be new threats and new alliances and characters will die before the ending which will see Grace and Connor poised to start momentous new journeys. In the words of Obsidian Darke, "So it ends, so it begins." Views: 72
Starting middle school brings all the usual challenges - until the unthinkable happens, and Fern and her family must find a way to heal. Twelve-year-old Fern feels invisible. It seems as though everyone in her family has better things to do than pay attention to her: Mom (when she's not meditating) helps Dad run the family restaurant; Sarah is taking a gap year after high school; and Holden pretends that Mom and Dad and everyone else doesn't know he's gay, even as he fends off bullies at school. Then there's Charlie: three years old, a "surprise" baby, the center of everyone's world. He's devoted to Fern, but he's annoying, too, always getting his way, always dirty, always commanding attention. If it wasn't for Ran, Fern's calm and positive best friend, there'd be nowhere to turn. Ran's mantra, "All will be well," is soothing in a way that nothing else seems to be. And when Ran says it, Fern can almost believe it's true. But then tragedy strikes- and Fern feels not only more... Views: 72
Ruth Brown is a master of the picture book genre. Whether creating simple stories for tiny children or stunning art for older readers, she blends pictures and text seamlessly to captivate young and old alike. Translated into more than 30 languages, Ruth Brown was shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal among other awards and is a strong favourite of the international children’s book establishment. \'Ruth Brown is an amazing illlustrator.\' Views: 72
From the mind of Daisy Meadows comes a new fantasy world, with the same great magical voice as Rainbow Magic but brand-new adventures! Best friends Jess and Lily visit Friendship Forest, where animals can talk and magic exists! The girls are visiting Friendship Forest for Ellie Featherbill's birthday! When Grizelda's wicked plan to poison the river puts the little duckling in danger, can Lily and Jess save the day? Views: 72
The sequel to Chris Colfer’s #1 New York Times bestseller The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell! Views: 72
