stories in and

Ransom

Ransom by E.R. Yatscoff

"A real page-turner, I couldn't put it down." - Alberta Writing for Youth Competition Three friends face off against a rival gang in a suspenseful story of integrity, bravery, and friendship in a territorial battle. Out manned, out-sized, and outsmarted, they attempt to turn the tables. It totally backfires. They are shocked when Big Bill, their strongest and bravest, is captured and held for ransom by the imposing Fat Harold and his gang. How far will they go to rescue a friend?


The Chronicles of the Virago: Book III the Triumviratus

The Chronicles of the Virago: Book III the Triumviratus by Michael Bialys

Makenna Grace Gold is the Virago. At barely thirteen-years-old, she has been entrusted by the forces of good to protect her twin siblings Emi and Noah from the evil forces that seek to destroy them. The infant twins are destined to lead our world into its next age of Hope and Enlightenment: if and only if they survive In this follow up to the series, the stakes have just gotten higher. Makenna’s Dad’s soul has been captured and is being transported to the lowest levels of Hell. Makenna must stay on Earth to protect her siblings while her two best friends Stephen Levine a gifted clairvoyant and Samuel Taylor a genius level Game-master, traverse the nine levels of hell to rescue her Dad’s imperiled soul and bring him back to Earth. The heroic efforts and talents of these three friends will be tested to their limits, while the future of Makenna’s family and the entire World is at stake. It will take all of their combined gifts to defeat the forces of Evil this time.


The Chronicles of the Virago:: Book II The Apprentus

The Chronicles of the Virago:: Book II The Apprentus by Michael Bialys

Makenna Grace Gold is the Virago. At barely thirteen-years-old, she has been entrusted by the forces of good to protect her twin siblings Emi and Noah from the evil forces that seek to destroy them. The infant twins are destined to lead our world into its next age of Hope and Enlightenment; if and only if Makenna can protect them. As she begins to settle into her new role as the Virago, Makenna receives a cryptic warning from none other than the Grim Reaper himself. She is told that her immediate future promises to be life threatening to both her and her entire family. It will take all Makenna’s new-found skills along with the assistance of her Fairy mentors Bree, Dee and Marigold, best friend Stephen and her sidekick Fluffy the wisecracking earthworm, to defeat the machinations of the malevolent, multi-billionaire Malvado Seaton. All this while Makenna and her family are on an international field trip with her classmates in China! And who is her mysterious new trainer Tai-Pan?


The Chronicles of the Virago: Book I The Novus

The Chronicles of the Virago: Book I The Novus by Michael- Korry BIALYS

Makenna Grace Gold is just your average 12-year-old girl. That is, until she is told that she must protect her newborn brother and sister to safeguard the future of the world. Armed with a mysterious weapon, three Fairy mentors, and a wisecracking earthworm named Fluffy, Makenna must battle the forces of evil and became a defender for hope. Can Makenna truly be ‘The Virago’?


Out On A Limb

Out On A Limb by E.R. Yatscoff

You are a fine writer with a great sense of drama and a good grasp of what boys will read." - Lisa Rojany-Bucieri, Americhip Book. Two adventurous boys dare to build a tree house under the nose of their nasty, creepy, landlord, Egghead. It’s a cat and mouse game that will test their cunning and courage. Getting caught is not an option. No magic wands or mystical bag of tricks for these boys. “The plot, characters, and interaction, between the boys and the adults are all things editors look for.” -Heacock Literary Agency


 Avalon: A Heartwarming True Cat Story

Avalon: A Heartwarming True Cat Story by Vanessa Morgan

Some cats need nine lives to make a difference. Avalon only needed one. From Amazon bestselling author Vanessa Morgan, Avalon is the heartwarming and once-in-a-lifetime love story of a girl and her neurotic Turkish Van cat. With humor, the author details how Avalon made other creatures cringe in distress whenever he was around, how he threw her dates out by means of special techniques, and how he rendered it almost impossible for her to leave the house. Avalon was so incorrigible that even her landlord ordered her to get rid of him. But beneath Avalon’s demonic boisterousness, Vanessa recognized her own flaws and insecurities, and she understood that abandoning Avalon would be the worst she could do to him. Thanks to her unswerving loyalty, Avalon transformed into a tender feline, and even landed a major role in a horror movie. In turn, Avalon made it his mission to be there for his human companion. Avalon is a memoir for anyone who has ever been obsessively in love with a pet.


Andre, the Five-Star Cat

Andre, the Five-Star Cat by Alma Hammond

In this children's picture book, a spoiled Russian blue cat living in a fancy hotel in Paris, France finds himself unable to enter the hotel one day. Hungry and alone, he strolls to the Tuileries Gardens, where he teams up with street cats to find food and shelter. The friendship and sharing he experiences makes André a grateful and happy cat!


The Far Bank

The Far Bank by E.R. Yatscoff

"The plot, characters, and interactions between the children and adults are all things editors look for." - Heacock Literary Agency Keeping the bullies at bay, a paper route from hell, and reluctantly agreeing to a dangerous swimming race across the Welland Canal will change Ricky's life forever. Getting through the week is going to take smarts, courage, and a lot of swimming practice.


Archie's Gold

Archie's Gold by E.R. Yatscoff

“A spellbinding juvenile mystery novel that is sheer magic." - Michele Rooney Literary Agency “
I was charmed by Archie.” – The Rights Factory Twelve year old Archie Crane has a dream to be reunited with his estranged father. Shining shoes in front of a hotel in a tough blue-collar town is the only way, but it'll take a lot of nickels and dimes for a bus ticket. Shining shoes is his first job and it's not easy fending off drunks and cheats. Archie has developed a tough exterior working the streets, but inside he’s just a lonely kid who seeks his father’s love. Archie doesn’t like his school and the kids at school don’t like him. His only friends are an old ex-vaudeville entertainer, Freddie Fox, a secretive Indian, Lyle Raintree, and Ma Belasky, a mysterious gypsy woman who runs the local cafĂ©, a hangout for ex-cons and riff-raff. The mean streets get a whole lot meaner when Boogy, rink rat and bully, is determined to wrest the shoe-shine spot away from Archie by any means. After Boogy pushes him into traffic, Archie awakens in the hospital with two detectives at his bedside, very curious as to how a stolen gold coin ended up in his money can. One stolen gold coin is a curiosity, but when he stumbles upon 42, his simple world is turned upside down. The two cops catch gold fever, determined to find all the coins. Caught between holding stolen items and finding a trustworthy person to turn the gold into cash proves to be fraught with danger. As the walls begin to tumble and the police close in, Archie's hope of rejoining his father may only be a dream.


Darragh:Dragon

Darragh:Dragon by Arden Erimitis

Quiet and curious, Dragon Gaelen isn’t a typical dragon. For one, she was raised by gnomes- Carrick, Aideen, and Annalene Gaelen who live in the beautiful countryside of Mossbark Acres within Gnome Colony of the enchanted land of Darragh. Having lost everything in a tragic storm before she was hatched, Dragon knows very little about her origin. Growing up among the cob houses of peaceful Gnome Colony, she’s always felt accepted and loved- but never quite like she belonged. When her adoptive family enrolls her in the impressive Breezemaple Academy, Dragon believes it holds the key to the missing pieces of her past. Surrounded by students and teachers from all across Darragh, she hopes she’ll finally stop feeling like an outsider. However, Breezemaple isn’t at all what she expects. On her first day, she feels lost, overwhelmed, and betrayed by two particular students- a fellow dragon named Azric and a phoenix named Kora. Dragon believed meeting other students would help her find herself. Instead, she becomes the target of their jokes, teased for her differences and never embraced as one of their own. Filled with shame and self-loathing, Dragon must choose to stay silent and bury her past- or find her voice among the pain. A powerful story about being true to ourselves, Dragon takes us on a journey of self-acceptance- illustrating how the choices and innate power within each of us impacts the magic we wield


Honey And Salt

Honey And Salt by David Perlmutter

The story is narrated by Olivia Thrift, a.k.a. the Manitoba based pre-teen super-heroine Captain Fantastic. After filling us in about her background, she then proceeds to speak about her first meeting with the members of the Canadian Consortium of Super-heroines, all of whom are her age or slightly older and based in different parts of Canada. She is particularly thrilled to meet her idol Gerda Munsinger, a.k.a. Muscle Girl, also a Manitoban by residence, and even more so when Gerda befriends her. However, the joyousness of the occasion is marred when Captain Fantastic's arch-enemy Gridiron Girl arrives and tricks Captain Fantastic into literally fighting a losing battle with her. In doing so, Olivia loses the personal confidence required to sustain her heroic persona, and becomes meek and helpless, saved only from death by the timely intervention of Muscle Girl. It is discovered that a villainous race of men known as the Merch are responsible for this, as well as the kidnapping of the members of the Consortium en masse when Gerda and Olivia are otherwise engaged. As a consequence, Muscle Girl is forced to call the aid of her colleagues in the International League of Girls with Guns- The Brat, an alien only resembling a toddler; Power Bunny, a truly animated rabbit; Cerberus, the all-mighty Princess of Puppies; and Candy Girl, the Titan of Teens- to help her and a temporarily powerless Olivia set things right. Yet it will not be an easy task. And before it is over, they may all succumb to multiple kinds of weakness that will destroy them permanently....


Wizards of the Apocalypse: The Forgotten Prophecy

Wizards of the Apocalypse: The Forgotten Prophecy by X Zombie

SOMETHING IS CREEPING IN THE DARK
 Tristan Skeleton's life is already busy. Being the king of Skeletonia is no effortless task. With zombies roaming the earth and the human population reduced to villages, Tristan's plan is clear: protect and survive. Surrounded by strong castle walls, security seems easy. That is until four uncanny zombies break into the Skeletonia library. After the break-in, Tristan discovers the undead have been developing their skills beyond their lethal bites. They're learning to read, wield weapons, and even use magic. Tristan and his friends soon learn that Malice, a dangerous demon, is assembling her army of zombies, and it’s up to them to stop her before she conquers what’s left of the world. They must find the hidden Apocalypse Grimoire, which holds the key to Malice's defeat. But to do so, Tristan must cope with his forbidden powers.


Where is my basket?

Where is my basket? by R. Norok

Trouble for the Easter bunny! Esther goes on an adventure to find her missing basket. Esther is a diligent bunny who always puts duty before fun. Disaster strikes when her basket goes missing during the night. With no time to spare, Esther sets out into the forest, following the basket's trail. Amber, a squirrel adventurer, joins Esther as her guide in search of the basket. Together, they must navigate through the forest on a thrilling journey filled with obstacles and challenges at every turn. This chapter book is meant for children that want to move on from picture books but are not yet ready to tackle novels. The story includes 26 illustrations and is divided into seven chapters. The fun doesn't stop when the story is over! The book includes six exclusive Easter-themed recipes!


Cursive Letter G

Cursive Letter G by Tanner Howsden

Gabe is a special education student who has just been given a difficult task by his teacher - write a cursive letter G! He tries to get help from his teachers and classmates, but no one seems to understand why he is struggling to learn. Will Gabe ever learn how to write a cursive letter G?


Blood of an Alpha

Blood of an Alpha by Forest Wells

“No choice is ever easy.” Toltan is born into a pack of immense size, but one with alphas of equal wisdom that lead them well. It seems nothing can threaten them, until one day when a hunt goes tragically wrong, and wisdom is replaced with arrogance. As the once proud pack begins to decline, Toltan will find himself in a position to decide not only his fate, but the fate of those who remain. Does the blood of an alpha run through his veins, or will he stand by and do nothing while the choice is made for him? Also includes two short stories: "Love of an Alpha" and "Tainted Blood"


Luna The Lone Wolf

Luna The Lone Wolf by Forest Wells

Luna was destined to be alpha once he became an adult, but before he got the chance, his own brother, Rajor, framed him for a crime no one committed, leading to Luna being banished from the pack. Declared a lone wolf, never to know the company of another wolf, Luna turns bitter as he learns to accept his new fate. Yet even as he does, other wolves, strange two-legged creatures, and one mockingbird, force themselves into his life, driving him through a gauntlet of trials where he must reconnect with the alpha he was born to be, or turn away from it forever – assuming he survives.


Warriors of the Suburbs

Warriors of the Suburbs by Tim Kreher

Micas was ready for the summer of his life, going to computer summer camp with his friends for the first time. But then, strange events began to unfold, starting with the disappearance of his beloved uncle, a local university professor. Soon, he would realize this would be anything but a typical summer. Upon his search for his uncle, Micas and his friends discover unusual objects, showcasing elemental powers that beckon them into a trance. Waking from his daze, Micas began seeing a mysterious fox, but there was more to this creature than appearance. The red furred animal was luring him to another world. Will he be able to escape this treacherous new land and find his way back, or remain there forever hunted by sinister stone-like beings?


Gnomes and Knights : A collection of short stories both whimsical and heroic

Gnomes and Knights : A collection of short stories both whimsical and heroic by Michael Parkes

Gnomes and Knights is a book in two parts. Gnomes is a whimsical collection of short stories about Fredrick Jerome Kopillus Gnome and the beautiful garden he calls his home. He's a magical critter who lives in Gertie's garden along with the other denizens, including a mole, a squirrel and a very sassy ant queen. Fred and his friends get up to all sorts of adventures and shenanigans while protecting the garden and venturing into the surrounding areas, like the garden of Gary Gremlin and the forest beyond the fence. With rhyming and magic and whimsy, Gnomes will have you spellbound with delight! Knights is the second part of the book, a tale of a nervous squire becoming an initiate of the Knight's Order and venturing out on a quest to fulfill his dream and his duty of serving his king. At the behest of his king, he sets out to aid the kingdom of Kyrbor in combatting the evil they face. Through cleverness, leadership and courage, Nathan the Knight overcomes obstacles and becomes more confident as he gains allies, helps those he meets along the way, and ultimately faces the cause of the problem head on.


Santa Claus: The Beginning

Santa Claus: The Beginning by Terry Broxson

On Christmas Eve 1839, an extraordinary young toy maker named John Nicholas is visited by his angelic best friend Ben and their mentor, Mr. Rudolph Stern. The angels present John with a mission: to embrace the role of Santa Claus and bring joy to children worldwide. Follow John as he encounters magical elves and meets Jessica, the manager of Santa's castle at the North Pole. Experience the excitement of Santa's first global trip on Christmas Eve, 1840, as the story reaches its heartwarming conclusion. This enchanting tale unveils the origins of a talented toy maker, his special abilities, the loyal reindeer by his side, and the devoted friendships that shape his destiny. Suitable for all ages, this classic story is a delightful adventure filled with magic, imagination, and the spirit of Christmas.


Books For Benjamin

Books For Benjamin by R.G. de Rouen

Benjamin would rather read about adventures in a giant peach than eat one! Unlike his family members who are happily munching away on scraps, Benjamin is a different kind of worm. He loves to read. Yet, all he finds are old newspapers and magazines full of tomato splotches. Not one to give up on his dreams, Benjamin sets off on a quest to find “real" books. Witty illustrations by Uliana Barabash are a great accompaniment to this delightful story written by R.G. de Rouen. Join Benjamin on his book-hunting adventure and watch your little ones search for Benjamin’s famous signature in their books! The perfect choice for parents, teachers and librarians looking for: Inspiring the love of reading and the value of libraries Books for reluctant readers Role model books for children A humorous read for bedtime BUY NOW and rekindle the joy that you had as a child of going to the library and discovering that first book!


Sue B and the Ridders

Sue B and the Ridders by Melissa Ruth Rotert

Susan Michelle Beezly has a pest problem. In fact, Sue B has such a pest problem that she wonders if there isn’t some sort of exterminator who specializes in little siblings and brazen bullies. By day she's tormented by Barnaby T. Plumbol, an addle-brained oaf. By night, her nuisance takes the form of four-and-a-half-year-old Jessie Jess, oppressor to sisters and dolls alike. When a mysterious new janitor appears at her school and offers to help her with her problem, Sue B discovers that banishing her pests to the strange magical world of the Ridderlands doesn’t give her the relief she had hoped for. Instead, she’s riddled with guilt as she watches the world erase the memories of her foes. Sue B must figure out what’s truly important in order to rescue her pests from the Pterosaur-like creatures who carried them away and find it within herself to bring them home.


The Curious Cousins and the Smugglers of Bligh Island

The Curious Cousins and the Smugglers of Bligh Island by Alex R Carver

Nobody believes them. For Edward and Elizabeth, a summer on Bligh Island with their cousin Henrietta (it's Henri!) is like being sentenced to die of boredom. But adventure awaits! The island harbours family history and the hideout of a band of 18th century smugglers. It's all great fun . . . until modern-day smugglers show up! The kids take the case to the police, but the local officer won't believe them. They're on their own, and their lives are in danger. How can they stop the smugglers?


Beyond The Falling Snow

Beyond The Falling Snow by Qualia Reed

Wizards of the multiverse unite! Across the 100 worlds of the grand multiversal empire, magic and steampunk technology exist in a fragile balance maintained by a brutal and powerful emperor. In an isolated, northern village, young Sigir's life takes an unexpected turn when a thief steals his late father’s pocket watch. Fueled by determination to recover his precious family heirloom, Sigir is aided by an enigmatic fugitive and his father’s magical robot. Together, the trio embark on a journey across the multiverse to recover what was stolen from them. As the mystery surrounding the thief deepens, Sigir finds himself drawn into events that threaten the safety of the entire empire. Beyond the Falling Snow is a tale of chosen family, and the journey of all who grow up in a rapidly changing world.


Stealing Glass

Stealing Glass by Liv Strom

What if Cinderella was a thief, the fairy godmother evil, ...and the prince only wanted to marry to get his revenge? Vanya longs to escape Tal, the City of the Dead, and the suffocating debts weighing her down. As her stepfather's interest rate increases, she turns to thievery to secure her freedom. Her task? Steal the glass crown at the crown prince's betrothal ball before midnight, and she'll finally break free. But Vanya soon discovers she bears a striking resemblance to the missing foreign bride, and her employer desires not just the crown, but control over the one who wears it. This summer, worse things than the usual dead roam the streets of Tal, while sinister forces seeking to topple the royals and rebels gather in the night, waiting for their chance to strike. All sides agree: the wedding must proceed—even if no one survives to see the dawn. Stealing Glass is the first book in the Tales of Bones and Roses Cinderella duology, a slow burn romance with bantering enemies to lovers, royally mistaken identity and backstabbing political intrigues in a darkly gothic world.


Ghosts of Mars: Adventures of Eva Knight

Ghosts of Mars: Adventures of Eva Knight by Stuart White

SPSFC 2023

The first book in the award-winning, space adventure series for children age 9+, and fans of Vashti Hardy, AF Steadman, and Christopher Edge. ★★★★★ "Simply brilliant" - LoveReading ★★★★★ “A thrilling, edge-of-the-seat ride for all space loving adventurers!” Vashti Hardy, Author of Brightstorm ★★★★★ “I loved this book – not only as a type 1 diabetic – but as a fan of brilliant middle-grade stories. Perfectly paced, hugely imaginative and wildly exciting, I predict readers will adore Eva and this stunning space adventure.” AF Steadman, Author of Skandar and the Unicorn Thief Mars. 2045. 13-year-old Eva, the first Martian, will risk everything to save her dad. Fame, Type 1 diabetes and a sarcastic AI companion haunt her, but when her dad goes missing on the red planet, she must overcome the 'Ghosts of Mars' to save him. The Martian for middle-grade, full of science, friendship and adventure. With a Type 1 Diabetic main character, Ghosts of Mars explores how life beyond Earth, and the fame and scrutiny that come with it, affects the young people involved, who didn't sign up for life on Mars. Ten percent of author profits go to Diabetes UK.


Legend of Samantha Torres

Legend of Samantha Torres by Jacob Ryckman

For twelve year-old Samantha Torres, her Type 1 diabetes used to just be a frustrating nuisance - one more thing for her mother to tell her she wasn't being responsible about. But when her cruise ship crashes on a mysterious jungle island and separates her from her family, managing that chronic illness becomes a struggle for her life. Luckily, she receives some help from a 3,000 year-old woman named Belby, who claims that Samantha's powers indicate that she is supposed to protect the island from intruders. Specifically, she has to stop a bunch of creepy zombie-people - who most likely have kidnapped her mom - from reaching the magical tree at the center of the island. With just a single bottle of insulin, some awesome gravity-bending superpowers, and a quippy attitude, Samantha is guaranteed to succeed and prove to her mom once and for all that she can be responsible. After all, putting yourself in harm's way to fight a bunch of bad guys is super responsible
right?


Bad Grains

Bad Grains by Susanne Schmidt

SFINCS

Eleven-year-old Jo loves Halloween and all things horror, but she doesn't believe anything bad could ever happen in Fels, her small German hometown. When Hektor, her annoying older brother, disappears on his way home from school, Jo assumes he is playing a prank on her. But then both her father and grandma forget Hektor's name, and his stuff mysteriously disappears from his room. With the adults of no help whatsoever, Jo starts an investigation of her own, uncovering an old legend that has haunted the children of Fels for centuries. A monster lives in the rye fields, and draws children into its world under the roots. With two days until the gate between their worlds closes, and only Hektor's obnoxious best friend to help her, Jo must figure out a way to rescue her brother, or lose him forever.


Peggy's Little Pumpkin

Peggy's Little Pumpkin by Ellie Lieberman

Ben invites his grandmom, Peggy, to go with him to the pumpkin patch, where he learns about family traditions and that "sometimes the best things come in little packages."


The Way the Cookie Crumbles

The Way the Cookie Crumbles by Ellie Lieberman

A peek at the Christmas tree, when Brigid and her basset, Basil, were supposed to be asleep, reveals someone stole Santa's cookies. Can Brigid and Basil get them back in time to save Christmas? A fun holiday tale exploring the popular idiom: "that's the way the cookie crumbles."


Goldilocks and the Three Bears: Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder

Goldilocks and the Three Bears: Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder by Amy Nielsen

We all know the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. But what you may not know is that this familiar fairytale can also help us understand autism spectrum disorder. As a mother of a child with ASD, Amy struggled to find materials to share with her son’s cousins and peers on the complexities of ASD, what to expect, and how to interact and have fun with a person on the spectrum. So, she created her own! Goldilocks and the Three Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder is a retelling of a beloved classic. In this unique version, Goldilocks exhibits many of the characteristics of a child with autism, such as sensory sensitivities and challenges in understanding social norms. As an added bonus, this one-of-a-kind story includes an ASD glossary of terms as well as discussion questions. It is perfect for libraries, classrooms, families of children with autism, or readers of all ages who want to learn more about ASD. While every person’s autism presents differently, Goldilocks’ autism can help the reader understand the autism of someone they know a little better.


The legend of the Ultimate Treasure

The legend of the Ultimate Treasure by Alexander Way-B

DESPICABLE VILLAINS - BRAVE ECO WARRIORS - A LEGENDARY BEING
 Jack and his sister Suzan have their lives turned upside down when their father loses his job and they are forced to move to an ancient, empty, dilapidated house, in a seaside town. Times are tough with little money, barely any furniture and their mother far away - working at her mysterious job, but they are determined to make the best of it. Exploring the outdated house, they find a strange object and soon realize that the old house has a mystery of its own. Little do they know that this is the first step on the rickety path of a perilous adventure that will lead them to lands long lost to the mists of time, as they search for an ancient legend and help eco warriors along the way. With strong characters and excellent links to conservation The Legend of the Ultimate Treasure gathers speed and excitement as the plot progresses and is likely to appeal to many 9 – 13’s.


I Like Ducks: All Year Long

I Like Ducks: All Year Long by Carolyn Wild

I LIKE DUCKS: ALL YEAR LONG is a beginner reader that showcases the four seasons with the life of the Indian Runner ducks on the Wild Acres farm. This charming story features engaging photos paired with simple text, fun science facts and a picture dictionary, which means this just-right text will help build independence and confidence for young readers.


I will Paint the Night

I will Paint the Night by Sam Muller

Allii has a busy schedule Stay alive Find the killer of her beloved stepmother Stop her father's people from decimating her mother's people. Allii is 17. She has no family to back her, no army to protect her, no manifest destiny awaiting her. Just Spooky, a daemon-dog who thinks humankind is beyond redemption. I will Paint the Night is a murder mystery set in a fantasy land of magic and dragons, a tale of betrayal, dysfunctional families, and friendships that save worlds.


Where Fireflies Sleep

Where Fireflies Sleep by Karen A. Wyle, illustrated by Barbara Dessi

What is sweeter than the special times a parent and child spend together? In this picture book, Molly and her father sit on the porch as a summer day moves into evening. They're waiting for fireflies. The reader shares Molly's excitement and delight as first one and then more of the glowing insects appear. Molly has questions about fireflies, and her father does his best to answer. And then it's time to get ready for bed. After she's finally tucked into bed, Dad goes out on the porch for one final word with the fireflies.


Wind, Ocean, Grass

Wind, Ocean, Grass by Karen A. Wyle, illustrated by Tomasz Mikutel

This unique picture book has neither human nor animal characters, but instead features the wind speaking to the grass, explaining how long grasses are both like and unlike the waves of the ocean. Through lyrical prose and breathtaking impressionist-style paintings, the reader follows the wind’s journey over sea and land: the many moods of the ocean, the different seasons of the grassy field. We see glimpses of the birds that live off the bounty of the ocean, and the birds and flowers that live among the grasses. Through this nature metaphor, the story, without becoming didactic, teaches children about seeing commonality and celebrating differences.


When It's Winter

When It's Winter by Karen A. Wyle, illustrated by Barbara Dessi

What makes winter special? This picture book celebrates the many fun activities and sensory experiences of the season. Follow a girl and her dog through the play and discoveries of a snowy day, and on toward bedtime. The first person narrative will encourage new readers to claim it as their own. The repetition of the phrase "When it's winter . . ." will encourage children to chime in, and be of assistance to early readers.


You Can't Kiss A Bubble

You Can't Kiss A Bubble by Karen A. Wyle, illustrated by Siski Kalla

Bubbles don't last long. But bubbles are lovely, full of colors, floating on the breeze. What can you do with a bubble? How many children - and adults - find bubbles fascinating, enchanting? And yet they're so different from most things we enjoy, lasting only a few moments. This little book, with its lovely and whimsical illustrations, looks at both the charm and the transitory nature of bubbles, and reminds us that we can take joy even in the impermanent.


The Elinormal Saga

The Elinormal Saga by Kate McCarroll Moore

In Elinormal, her bossy mom threatens to sue if Elinor is not granted a spot in a prestigious ballet academy. The problem is, Elinor has no interest in ballet. While sitting out the first class in an area park she meets Indira who helps her realize that she is a capable and kind individual. Elinor opens up and makes a friend at school who enjoys all the same things she does. The people in her life finally converge-secret identities are revealed, and Elinor has an epiphany about the nature of relationships and the power of love. In New Girl: The Further Adventures of Elinormal, Elinor is ready for the first day of seventh grade when a last-minute phone call turns her world upside down. She misses the first week of school and when she gets back she's called "the new girl" even though she's not. Elinor quickly learns that people are complicated and relationships take work. Lots of work. As she discovers who she is, who she wants to be, and what she wants most in life, she struggles to balance friendships, both old and new, while also unraveling her mother's mysterious past. Both of these delightful books explore the complexity of friendships, the reality of disappointments, and the trouble with secrets.


The Fateful Curse

The Fateful Curse by Kirsten Hardin

Chryssa, a fairy, lives in a realm called Fairborn. She has a comfortable life 
 until she’s summoned to break a curse on Astra, a young human girl. Tensions quickly grow, as Chryssa despises all humans. And the effects of the curse are worsening. Will Chryssa complete her task? Or will Fairborn go to war with the human world?


Brandon Goes to Hong Kong

Brandon Goes to Hong Kong by Eugenia Chu

While on a trip to Hong Kong, Brandon thinks he sees a great red dragon - but is it real or imaginary? Join Brandon as he tours the city and learns about dragons in this multicultural, multigenerational chapter book which includes some Mandarin Chinese (Simplified) with Pinyin pronunciation throughout, adding educational elements of the Chinese language and culture. Is Brandon the only one who sees the dragon? Can legendary or mythical creatures ever be real? What do you believe?


An Echo of the Fae

An Echo of the Fae by Jenelle Leanne Schmidt

Echo enjoys the peace and solitude of the Faeorn forest, regardless of how strange spending time in the "haunted" wood seems to others. But on the cusp of her thirteenth birthday, the discovery of a family secret reveals why Echo has never been drawn to the sea like her mother. This discovery shakes the foundations of her world and sends Echo on a quest, not merely into the forest, but into the heart of the fae-lands themselves, to rescue the sister she didn't know existed. Elves, dragons, and fairy courts will put Echo's wit and resolve to the test. But with time running out for her sister, will Echo even be able to save herself? A fairytale adventure perfect for fans of The Secret of Roan Innish and The Girl Who Drank the Moon.


Aboard the Timeline

Aboard the Timeline by Bastian Gregory

Aboard the Timeline It's the story of a bored boy, Pete who doesn't find anything interesting at school. One day he becomes so bored, and time stands still and he escapes to Outermind. Here he befriends various living beings in different worlds, and along the way becomes aware of a constant conflict going on in these different lands. Ultimately, Pete is asked to make a difference, and the question is whether he is up to the task? Anyone who has a passion for words and wordplay will enjoy reading “Aboard the Timeline” In this wonderful children’s book , Bastian takes us on an adventure with his main character Pete, a young boy who at first seems to be lost (in many more ways than one!) but who ultimately finds his way together with the help of his companions, the lovely dinosaur Reginald and the ancient Greek thinker, Philosophocles. Bastian manages to keep the reader engaged page after page, with clever puns and witty plays on words, which makes his story even more entertaining. Here is a quote from a teacher on Amazon: “My 10 year old son and I read this together and we both really enjoyed it. Redolent of Salman Rushdie’s Haroun and the Sea of Stories/Luka and the Fire of Life plus Walter Moers’ Captain Bluebear series, it’s a consistently chuckleworthy, highly imaginative, multi-layered yarn that carried us wackily along its narrative tracks from start to finish. There’s a great cast of characters - from a doddery old dinosaur to an ebullient Ancient Greek philosopher (“Philosophocles”) to some suitably dastardly demons - and the illustrations, which perfectly complement the text, are great fun too. Highly recommended!”


Toby's Tale

Toby's Tale by Jennifer Freedman

Toby’s Tale is a story of strength, perseverance and love. Toby is a Schnauzer puppy who selflessly leaves his family and embarks on a great adventure as he seeks his forever home. He learns about friendship, loyalty and kindness, but he also experiences cruelty and hopelessness. Toby’s Tale is full of colorful characters — both two-legged and four-legged — who play key roles as Toby takes each step of his journey. Traveling with Toby on his journey to adulthood is an excursion along life’s road; a trip that shows how all creatures are searching for the safe, secure place where they belong. With that goal in mind, Toby overcomes hardship and loneliness by finding an inner strength stemming from the values of family, friendship, loyalty and faith. Toby’s Tale is a learning experience shared in a visionary, fun way with valuable lessons about life. It’s a story about hard choices. An adventure that gives people four legs instead of two, by allowing them to view life through the eyes of a dog. A tale about belief, tenacity and love. As your fingers run through the pages, Toby will run through your heart.


River of Crows

River of Crows by N.P. Thompson

Ty Baxter just wants to survive seventh grade without dying of boredom or getting flattened by the school bully. But when he tries to help an injured crow, his ordinary life is suddenly upended. Now trapped in a secret, magical world, Ty finds himself at the center of a cryptic prophecy, and the target of a brutal emperor who will stop at nothing to protect his power. In a desperate gamble, Ty struggles to control his emerging magical Talent so he can help his friends rescue their kidnapped family members before the emperor uses his dark sorcery to transform them into birds and enslaves them forever as soldiers in his enchanted avian army.


Smoochy and the Maga

Smoochy and the Maga by Lea Kinley

Okay, okay. I admit I was bored with the tedium of my centuries of work as a magical Familiar. But did I really deserve to be punished with an assignment on Earth of all places? My employer, The Society for the Conservation of Wholeness, tasked me with locating a fellow Familiar that appeared to be working for a destructive wizard . . . which is a big no-no according to our employment contract. While Earth is generally a non-magical, dull, and undesirable location, I never thought I’d have any trouble at all with the assignment . . . until I realized I knew far less about Earth than I needed to and my enemy, the destructive wizard, knew far more than I did. The stakes were high for me for the first time in tens of thousands of years . . . had I finally met my match? Smoochy and the Maga is a fun, fanciful, and charming middle-grade urban fantasy novel by introductory author, Lea Kinley. The perfect cozy fantasy for tweens, teens, and the young at heart. Recommended for grade five and up or ages 9 and up.


The Hat

The Hat by Darya Lenkou

The book introduces young readers to the story of Charlie Chaplin, one of the most famous comedians in history. It is written in a way more suitable for children to read and learn about Charlie Chaplin. We all remember him with his favorite iconic bowler hat, mustache, and cane. It`s a story about a little mouse named Charlie who lives in a town in the olden times. Charlie is a lonely mouse with only one little bug friend. The adventure begins when Charlie finds a bowler hat one day, and it helps him discover his talent. The ability to make laugh and be a comedian himself.


The Dragon Hunters

The Dragon Hunters by James Russell

Away across the oceans, where few have dared to roam, upon a wondrous island, a family made its home. Living on an island means life is full of adventure for brothers Flynn and Paddy. So when a dragon swoops out of the sky and nabs their beloved dog, Coco, Flynn and Paddy know it's up to them to bring her home. That night, they pack their bags, make some terrible sandwiches, and set off on an epic adventure... See the map in this book come alive! Includes BONUS Dragon Brothers map in 3D for your phone or tablet! Download the free AR Reads app on your Android--or iOS--compatible smartphone or tablet to see and hear dragons fly, geysers gush, and get a glimpse of your favorite characters in action!


The Revenge of Bridget Cleary

The Revenge of Bridget Cleary by Mathilda Zeller

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Are you a witch, or are you a fairy, or are you the daughter of Bridget Cleary? Exiled for a murder her father committed, Brigid Cleary has until midsummer to gather what she needs for readmission to her home in the fairy mound: a chest of stolen gold and a chest full of her father’s blood. With nothing but her own wits and an ability to be mostly unseen, she takes a position as a scullery maid in a country manor house, where stealing gold is easy as dusting the candlesticks. When discovery of her thieving becomes likely, she scarpers, embarking on a madcap season in London. With midsummer fast approaching, Brigid must recoup her stolen gold in any way she can, even if it means modeling for a lecherous pre Raphaelite artist, posing as a young debutante to spy on other debutantes, and forming a clandestine Pugilism Club for Young Ladies. With gold filling her pockets and her father newly released from prison, the path back to the fairies should be clear. Or would be, were it not for her growing feelings for Edmund, the gentle young lord who hired her to spy on his sister; her burgeoning sense of loyalty and friendship to Adelaide, the sister upon whom she was meant to spy; and the unsettling question of whether she should--or even could--bloodily avenge her mother’s death. Inspired by the actual 1895 murder of Bridget Cleary by her husband Michael, the struggle for Irish Home Rule, and events surrounding the late pre Raphaelite artistic movement, The Revenge of Bridget Cleary has been heralded by author Joanna Ruth Meyer as "equal parts haunting, compelling, and throughtful."


The Blue Mage Raised by Dragons

The Blue Mage Raised by Dragons by Virlyce

Blue mages learn skills from beasts. This is the story of one fortunate enough to be taken in by dragons.


Misfit's Rise

Misfit's Rise by Sara E Tall

A century after the Magi of Earth found sanctuary in an underground Realm, those whose magic is sub-par or are halfbreed outcasts are forced into exile back on Earth. As a powerless Fae/Human hybrid, Billie should fit right in. Except, she’s anything but powerless, making her a misfit among misfits. When her powers nearly destroy a human home, she's given a chance to return. Returning to the Realm has always been Billie’s dream, but the Realm is anything but a fairy tale. Despite its claims of acceptance and equality, ancient rivalries between the Realm’s magical species are threatening to rip it apart. Billie somehow manages to land herself in the middle, a dangerous place for an outcast to be. What’s more, the powerful magic that brought her there suddenly vanishes, leaving her vulnerable to the attacks of those who think a misfit doesn’t belong in the Realm. Staying in the Realm is her only chance to live life as a true Mage, but staying could cost her life.


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