Originally published in 1907, Birds Every Child Should Know is a collection of storylike descriptions of more than one hundred birds commonly found in the United States. Neltje Blanchan's detailed descriptions of birds—their physical attributes, calls, nesting and mating habits, and other behaviors—are nothing less than enchanting, and some read almost like fairy tales. Take for instance the mockingbird's call:

“when the moonlight sheds a silvery radiance about every sleeping creature, the mockingbird sings to his mate such delicious music as only the European nightingale can rival. Perhaps the stillness of the hour, the beauty and fragrance of the place where the singer is hidden among the orange blossoms or magnolia, increase the magic of his almost pathetically sweet voice; but surely there is no lovelier sound in nature on this side of the sea.”

or the yellow warbler's nest:

“an exquisite little cradle of silvery plant fiber, usually shreds of milkweed stalk, grass, leaves, and caterpillar's silk, neatly lined with hair, feathers, and downy felt of fern fronds.”

Blanchan includes folk history (how Native Americans and southern slaves thwarted mosquitoes by hanging gourds to attract purple martins) as well as common threats to birds that foreshadow current dangers to avian life (the toll taken on songbirds by lighthouses and electric towers). Such informative details, along with the author's disarming enthusiasm for her subject, will charm adult bird-watchers as well as children.

Cornelia Mutel's informative foreword places Blanchan's writing in the historical context of a turn-of-the-century environmental reawakening and burgeoning activism and research by women on behalf of dwindling bird populations.

Horror overcome by humor in a classic tale retold by a modern storyteller

Something of a quest story for the picture book set, this playful horror tale sets young protagonists against “the Ghost of of Mable’s Gable.”  In Jim May’s version of a story from children’s folklore, eighth grade boys swagger but fail, only to be followed by outdone by an unlikely heroine, “the Boo Baby Girl,” a toddler who will not be denied.

Enrique, a young boy at the heart of Lorraine López's novel, faces abuse at home and danger on the barrio streets. Yet he is driven to succeed by the desire to join that "other America" he sees on TV and in the movies, and is aided in his quest by compassionate teachers. His ambition finds expression in his determination to drop his ESL class in favor of taking French, and his story begins, Call me Henri.

On February 19, 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, authorizing the U.S. military to ban anyone from certain areas of the country, with primary focus on the West Coast. Eventually the order was used to imprison 120,000 people of Japanese descent in incarceration camps such as the Rohwer Relocation Center in remote Desha County, Arkansas. This time of fear and prejudice (the U.S. government formally apologized for the relocations in 1982) and the Arkansas Delta are the setting for Camp Nine. The novel's narrator, Chess Morton, lives in tiny Rook Arkansas. Her days are quiet and secluded until the appearance of a "relocation" center built for what was, in effect, the imprisonment of thousands of Japanese Americans. Chess's life becomes intertwined with those of two young internees and an American soldier mysteriously connected to her mother's past. As Chess watches the struggles and triumphs of these strangers and sees her mother seek justice for the people who briefly and involuntarily came to call the Arkansas Delta their home, she discovers surprising and disturbing truths about her family's painful past.

On a wintry white day, a small boy and a red sled step out for an adventure. As they slip through the snowy woods, their imagined journey takes place against real black-and-white photos of Eagle River, Alaska. Told entirely in haiku, this gentle book evokes both joy and calm. The black, red, and white color scheme is perfect for very young children, but readers of all ages will find the lyrical tone and captivating pictures a delightful invitation to explore the forest again and again.

Flavored by the oddities of historic personalities and facts, Dr. Radway’s Sarsaparilla Resolvent is set in Bush Hill, Philadelphia, 1871—home to the Baldwin Locomotive Works and a massive, gothic prison. Acclaimed writer Beth Kephart captures the rhythms and smells of an extraordinary era as William Quinn and his Ma, Essie, grapple with life among terrible accidents, miraculous escapes, and shams masquerading as truth. 

Driftwood & the Necessary Forest Book Four of the Driftwood Saga. Hans Blekansit, estranged father of the young sorceress Driftwood Ellesmere andruthless businessman, is aggressively logging the Stoltmann Wilderness Area. AsDriftwood and her friends fight to defend the land near Camp Magee, she is magicallytransported to Atlatopia, the planet of the Necessary Forest and eventual victim tothe evilly efficient systems of the Poison Tree of Bureaucracy. On this wild newworld Driftwood encounters many entities including famed philosopher Sir ThomasMore, Morphaleafus the Dreaming Tree and an unlikely ghost from her past. Willthese diverse beings be able to assist the adept magician at thwarting the PoisonTree’s ruthless grip that threatens to uproot the joy from this plant paradise? The Driftwood Saga chronicles the magical quests of a young girl and her attempts tounderstand and solve various world problems including child labour, endangeredspecies and the military industrial complex. Driftwood & the Necessary Forest, thepenultimate fourth volume, is written by James Davidge (Mathemagick & Mystiphysics,The Duchess Ranch of Old John Ware) with illustrations by Eric Jordan (DriftwoodSaves the Whales).

The amazing origin of our heroine is learnt as Driftwood and her friends grapple with a monster that creates evilly hypnotic video games.

It was during a normally quiet day on Ellesmere Island that Old Bart was interrupted by a pregnant woman floating towards him in an old rowboat. The woman came onto shore, quickly gave birth to a wee girl and died shortly after. The orphaned Driftwood Ellesmere was raised by Old Bart, Clara the Maid and Wilson the Cook in the Toque and Mitt Inn, the most northern hotel in the world.

Not until she is sixteen does Driftwood leave the island for the first time to begin working as a counselor at Camp Magee in British Columbia. Her fun with her new camp friends is interrupted when the last session of kids arrive all entirely addicted to small video game boxes. None will do a single outdoor activity. They growl and try to bite if anyone interrupts their playing of their repetitive consoles. Why is a shy young northern girl the best hope in finding a way to free the children from their electronic chains?

This is how a wondrous story begins that tells both of how Driftwood grew up learning magical things in Arctic isolation and of her first exciting adventure off the island. Traveling with her best friend, Rose, to New York City, the Grand Cayman Islands and beyond Driftwood tackles the problems of the world head on. On her journey she ever learns more about her mysterious past and her truly amazing potential.

Driftwood Saves the Whales Book Three of the Driftwood Saga. Angering the Inuit sea goddess Sedna brings about powerful visions and overwhelmingabilities for the young sorceress Driftwood Ellesmere. Giants created by HansBlekansit continue to spew Blekan-Marts all over the world. Odin, Thor and otherNorse Gods return to Earth to conduct illegal whaling. A surprise reunion helpsHarry Blekansit finally get off the toilet. Amidst all the chaos Driftwood and Rosebecome celebrities caught up in a strange merchandizing deal. And to top things offDriftwood never seems to having any success talking to Tide, the boy she likes fromCamp Magee. Will our heroine ever figure out how to cope with the wild world aroundher?The Driftwood Saga chronicles the magical quests of a young girl and her attemptsto understand and solve various world problems including child labour, excessivelogging and the military industrial complex. Driftwood Saves the Whales, theexciting third volume, is written by James Davidge (Mathemagick & Mystiphysics, TheDuchess Ranch of Old John Ware) with illustrations by Eric Jordan.

The Driftwood Saga continues in an exciting adventure full of ghosts, goddesses, giants, magical creatures, time travel and camp games.

Summoned by the ghost of a slain boy, Driftwood the young magician and her best friend, Rose, journey to Africa to free children from a slave cocoa farm. Another tortured spirit then leads them to China in an attempt to free young factory workers. Meanwhile, Hans Blekansit, Driftwood’s evil father, is turning his employees into giants that roam the country eating forests and mountains to spew out Blekan-Marts, stores which are selling cheap products created by enslaved children. Will Driftwood be able to grapple with the complex problems and monstrous forces that confront her at every turn?

The second tale in the five volume epic, Driftwood’s Crusade is a powerful and fun fantasy written by James Davidge (The Wandering Stars comic book series) and featuring illustrations by Judd Palmer, creator of the Governor General’s Literary Award nominated Preposterous Fables for Unusual Children.

Driftwood's War Book Five of the Driftwood Saga. To increase profits, Hans Blekansit is threatening to bring the world into ahorrible war. Meanwhile, Driftwood struggles with the rigourous magic instructionat the Regimental Conservatory of the Order of the Good and True but gets equallyfrustrated with the peaceful yet aimless nature of the Free Spirit Gathering. Ontop of all that, she never seems to have anytime to spend with Tide, even after heasked her out. Finding it difficult to fit in anywhere, how will our youngsorceress tackle the overwhelming might of the military industrial complex? The Driftwood Saga chronicles the magical quests of a young girl and her attempts tounderstand and solve various world problems including child labour, endangeredspecies and aggressive logging practices. Driftwood’s War, the fifth and finalvolume, is written by James Davidge (Mathemagick & Mystiphysics, The Duchess Ranchof Old John Ware) with illustrations by Eric Jordan(Driftwood Saves the Whales,Driftwood & the Necessary Forest).

Winner of 2013 John Burroughs Association Riverby Award Honorable Mention

After a huge tree crashes to the ground during a winter storm, ten-year-old Ellie and her new friend, Ricky, explore the forest where Ellie lives. Together, they learn how trees provide habitat for plants and animals high in the forest canopy, down among mossy old logs, and deep in the pools of a stream. The plants, insects, birds, and mammals they discover come to life in colored pen-and-ink drawings.

An engaging blend of science and storytelling, Ellie’s Log also features:

• Pages from Ellie’s own field notebook, which provide a model for recording observations in nature

• Ellie’s advice to readers for keeping a field notebook

• Ellie’s book recommendations Online resources for readers and teachers—including a Teacher’s Guide—are available at ellieslog.org.

Sigrud Olson Nature Writing Award, Notable Children’s Book
Green Earth Book Award, Honor Book

There are days in late winter when the Pacific coast enjoys a brief spell of clear, warm weather. Most of the winter storms have passed and the summer fog has not yet settled in. This is when some coastal communities plan their annual beach clean-ups.  
 
In this sequel to Ellie’s Log and Ricky’s Atlas, Ellie and Ricky travel to the Oregon coast from their home in the Cascade Mountains to help with a one-day beach clean-up. Hoping to find a prized Japanese glass float, they instead find more important natural treasures, and evidence of an ocean that needs its own global-scale clean-up.
 
Ellie and Ricky are amazed by their discoveries at the edge of the world’s largest ocean. Together, they realize the power of volunteering and grapple with the challenges of ocean conservation. In her journal Ellie records her observations of their adventures in her own words and pictures.
 
With charming pen-and-ink drawings and a compelling story, Ellie's Strand makes coastal science exciting for upper elementary school students. It will be a treasured companion for young beach explorers everywhere.

Q is the Quadrille, danced at our party
R is for the Reindeer, of Santa Claus hearty

W is for waggon laden with holly
X is for Xmas tree all light and toys jolly

The celebration of Christmas throughout history is marked by rich traditions around the globe, yet British festive customs—exchanging gifts, singing carols, trimming the magnificent tree, and sipping wassail—take pride of place in our imaginations. Allowing us a glimpse of some of these customs is a facsimile edition of an Father Christmas' ABC, an1894 Victorian classic that chronicles the activities surrounding the holiday more than a century ago.
Each charming color painting, one for each letter of the alphabet, reveals a custom of a Victorian Christmas. From the lighting of candles on the tree to bell ringing, ice skating, and making jam tarts, the beautiful illustrations vividly bring to life the spirit of the holiday and its history.
Accompanying the illustrations are clever ABC verses that at the time were an alphabet primer and now are an intimate glimpse of Victorian domestic life. The lively verse recounts various holiday traditions, transporting us to the warmth and cozy comfort of a British home at Christmastime.
Together, the rich illustrations and captivating verses create a unique and enchanting picture book on the special moments of Christmas. Father Christmas' ABC will appeal to readers of all ages as a nostalgic window into Christmases of a bygone time.

Established in 1965, the Children's Theatre Company (CTC) of Minneapolis earned its reputation as the flagship theater for young people in this country by staging plays that both entertained and challenged children and their families. Around the age of twelve, however, young people tended to stop coming to CTC, perceiving that they had outgrown what the theater could offer them.

In an effort to reach out to and engage these young people, the CTC began to commission and produce plays aimed at a twelve- to eighteen-year-old audience, focusing on the complexities, idiosyncrasies, and epic dilemmas in the lives of young people. Fierce and True collects four of these critically acclaimed plays: Anon(ymous) by Naomi Iizuka, The Lost Boys of Sudan by Lonnie Carter, Five Fingers of Funk by Will Power, and Prom by Whit MacLaughlin and New Paradise Laboratories.

Professional, full-length works not about teens so much as they are written for them. Ambitious, surprising, and complex, these plays speak directly to teens without pandering to them; they engage, challenge, and respect teenage minds. Diverse and utterly unique, these playwrights are bound together by the excellence of their craft and the power of their storytelling. Fierce and True both redefines the field of theater for young people and provides an invaluable resource for theater professionals, educators, and the teens they serve.

Accolades to Erica Taylor for Figler: My Imaginary Friend. Taylor takes her readers on a journey of self-realization as a child comes to ultimately discover that the wonderful abilities possessed by Figler, the beloved imaginary friend, are talents (he/she) also possesses. The whimsical illustrations draw readers into the main character’s journey of self-discovery.  This book offers a delightful poetic read inspiring young readers to dare to imagine and reach for the impossible.
Jeanine Wood - Distance Learning Coordinator Northeast Arkansas Education Cooperative Walnut Ridge, Arkansas

Lexile Level: 570L

The Boo Baby girl tires of the boring life of a baby, crawling around, getting up, falling down, walking around the coffee table, falling down . . . she aims for more so she climbs out the window—miraculously, as soon as she is out the window she can walk, run, climb, and talk like a grownup.  So she heads out to seek her fortune.

The first adventure she has is rescuing Bootsie, The Cattle-hearding Chiahuahua.  Bootsie has been kicked by a cow and is bleeding. Boo has some band aids in her pack – this pack will be like Bill Lepp’s magical Swiss Army Knife, containing everything from sophisticated medical supplies, to lasers, to time machines, and, of course her pacifier, which she affectionately calls her “suckie.”

She saves Bootsie, who is bilingual. He thanks her in Spanish: “Muchas Gracias mi muchacha.” She does not understand so not only do they have adventures for the rest of the book but he teaches her some fun Spanish phrases like: NO TOQUEZ NADA (Don’t Touch!) if someone is bothering them. Their main job is to face ghosts, and monsters, demons: boogies, the boo hag, banshees, and . . . 
 

In the remote mill town of Salmon Falls, Vermont, the dead of winter can feel like death itself. Jobs are scarce, kids are bored, and it sometimes seems there’s nothing better to do than drink. But when eighteen-year-old Kyle Nelson and a motley group of friends decide to challenge both the legal drinking age and the local drinking culture with a daring act of civil disobedience, they find there’s more to do than they ever imagined. Garret Keizer’s gripping novel about young men and women in revolt bears witness to the power of ideas, the bonds of friendship, and the trials of working-class kids on the margins of American society. His story never flinches in the face of those forces that conspire against, but needn’t overcome, the resilient spirits of the young.

Thirteen-year-old Matt Echbar is angry at the world. His widowed father is too busy for him, and his grandfather is an embarrassment, an unschooled Basque shepherd whose language and customs are completely alien to Matt’s all-American lifestyle. Things get worse when the grandfather steals a flock of sheep and dragoons Matt into helping him drive them to a secret camp in the Arizona mountains. The ensuing adventure is one of the most compelling and delightful coming-of-age novels in recent fiction. As Matt and his aitatxi, accompanied by their two faithful sheepdogs, drive the flock across the burgeoning suburbs of Phoenix and into the remote mountains, the boy learns the ancient skills of the sheepherder and discovers the unexpected wisdom that has given his Old Country grandfather the strength and patience of a sturdy oak. By the time the journey reaches its fateful conclusion, Matt has developed a new bond with the old man and has learned that true manhood includes accepting one’s heritage. 

Daniel’s papá, Marcelo, used to play soccer, dance the cueca, and drive his kids to school in a beat-up green taxi—all while publishing an underground newspaper that exposed Chile’s military regime.

“Charming and captivating, these authentic and little-known Japanese folktales are told clearly and simply, making them easily accessible to young listeners at home or in the classroom. Thoughtful comments and notes from the two tellers provide clear tips for successful telling, along with a very useful glossary. If you tell stories to children, this is a must-purchase book!”

—Sherry Norfolk, Storyteller, Author and Teaching Artist

The (very) hungry goat has a big appetite that gets him into all kinds of adventures. He’ll eat anything, from pig swill to flies, bugs, and bees; from frying pans to barbed wire and the bark of trees. The insatiable goat grows fatter and fatter, until one day he gobbles up something that sends him on the biggest adventure of all.

Whimsical illustrations and beautifully paced rhymes bring this greedy animal to life. Originally published in 1964, The Hungry Goat brings a comic cautionary tale to a new generation of children.
 

Thousands of schoolchildren have read the adventures of Dickon, the English boy who was rescued from a shipwreck by the Lenape Indians, told in The Indians of New Jersey by M. R. Harrington. Now they and others can follow Dickon's further adventures in The Iroquois Trail.

As Dickon and his companions travel the Iroquois Trail in search of his Lenape brother, Little-Bear, they learn the ways of the Onondagas, Senecas, Mohawks, Oneidas, and Cayugas. Dickon tells his own story, describing the day-to-day activities in the villages along the trail—their ways of making clothing, weapons, household articles, and ornaments, and how they hunt, cook, travel, and worship. He meets Hiawatha, Deganawide, Jigonsasay, and other Indian leaders. His tale is accompanied by line drawings that vividly portray the art of making baskets, moccasins, bows and arrows, clothing, and other everday articles. These illustrations are done by Don Perceval, a renowned artist and specialist on Indians.

This exciting adventure story incorporates [Harrington's] vast knowledge of Indian life, lore, and crafts.--New Jersey Education Association Review Young readers are sure to enjoy the fascinating illustrations. --The Home News

In Kayak Girl a young child learns to cope with serious loss by focusing on something larger than herself. After Jana’s mother dies, she becomes withdrawn. Her grandfather, a carver, pays the girl a visit and finds her unresponsive to his care. He carves a figure of a girl in a kayak and asks Jana to promise that she will watch for the figure after he releases it upriver. Through the following seasons, Jana goes to the river daily and finds strength in the positive memories from her short time with her mother, even as she imagines the distant kayak girl’s struggles. Eventually, they are reunited, and Jana’s spirit is revived. Throughout the book, watercolor illustrations take readers to a magical place along an Alaska river and demonstrate the power of memory and a sense of place in the natural world.

This set of four books offers engaging, easy to read stories in this set reinforce good health and nutrition for young children.
Stories include: Treats for Barney, Fingers, Fork, or Spoon?, Just One Bite, & Sundaes for Breakfast.
Age Level: 5-6
Grade Level: Beginning First
Reading level: C-D/4-7
KEEP BOOKS digital editions include text features and design elements that give beginning readers what they need to start reading on their own with high interest titles that they can easily manage.

This set of four books offers engaging, easy to read stories in this set reinforce good health and nutrition for young children.
Stories include: The Farmer’s Market, Our Garden, The Running Girl, & Please and Thank You.
Age Level: 5-6
Grade Level: Beginning First
Reading level: D-E/6-8
KEEP BOOKS digital editions include text features and design elements that give beginning readers what they need to start reading on their own with high interest titles that they can easily manage.

This set of four books offers easy reading to enjoy and practice at home.
Stories include: Gingerbread Girl, Making a Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich, Keeping Warm, & Let’s Pretend.
Age Level: 5-6
Grade Level: Beginning First
Reading level: C-D/3-5
KEEP BOOKS digital editions include text features and design elements that give beginning readers what they need to start reading on their own with high interest titles that they can easily manage.

This set of four books offers engaging stories with simple repeated language and related pictures, one or two lines of print per page, and ample space between words. 
Stories include: Balloons, The Farm, Dinosaurs, & Traffic. 
Age Level: 3-5 
Grade Level: preK-Kindergarten 
Reading level: A-B/1-2
KEEP BOOKS digital editions include text features and design elements that give beginning readers what they need to start reading on their own with high interest titles that they can easily manage.

This set of four books include traditional nursery rhymes and are formatted with clear text and engaging illustrations.
Stories include: Jack and Jill; Old Mother Hubbard; Humpty Dumpty; & One, Two, Buckle My Shoe.
Age Level: 3-5
Grade Level: preK-Kindergarten
Reading level: not leveled
KEEP BOOKS digital editions include text features and design elements that give beginning readers what they need to start reading on their own with high interest titles that they can easily manage.

Two thousand miles is a staggering distance for any kind of journey. But imagine making it not by car or even foot—but by fin. That’s what faces Chinook, a female king salmon, as she takes a dramatic trip to safely deliver her eggs. From the Bering Sea, up the Yukon River, and on to the Nisutlin River, A King Salmon Journey takes young readers on an engaging ride through the waters of Alaska and Canada, bringing to life the biology—and mystery—of one of the world’s most popular fish. Based on the story of a real-life Chinook, this beautifully illustrated book deftly combines science with a fast-paced tale of survival and perseverance.

Mathieu Etchiberri wants nothing more than to leave his family’s Arizona sheep ranch and go to college, but his father insists that he take over the ranch instead. Then his father is killed in an accident, and Matt discovers that he is not the heir to the ranch. So he travels to the French Pyrenees from which his father and grandparents came to settle the questions about his legacy. Instead, he discovers a vast Basque family and a mystery that drove his father to America and still festers in the mountain village. As Matt resolves the mystery of his family, he also discovers his Basque roots and learns the nature of love of family, responsibility, and the tension between individual desires and the needs of a community.

Matt’s journey to manhood takes place in a vividly depicted landscape populated by lively, memorable characters. This is the powerful story of a young man’s search for an identity that encompasses two cultures and one complex, scattered family.

“Once upon a time there was a little boy named Jeremy who lived with his mother in a small house near the sea. His mother earned a bare living for the two of them by washing clothes for some of the wealthy families in their town. Jeremy loved her very much.” So begins the enchanting fairy tale president Jimmy Carter first spun for his daughter Amy as a child. Originally published in 1995, this favorite family story has been joined with Amy Carter’s vibrant illustrations to bring to life a secret friendship that produces unexpected rewards when tragedy looms in a young boy’s life.

Four-year-old TJ spends his days on his lively Harlem block playing with his best friends WT and Blinky and running errands for neighbors. As he comes of age as a “Little Man” with big dreams, TJ faces a world of grown-up adventures and realities. Baldwin’s only children’s book, Little Man, Little Man celebrates and explores the challenges and joys of black childhood.

Now available for the first time in forty years, this new edition of Little Man, Little Man—which retains the charming original illustrations by French artist Yoran Cazac—includes a foreword by Baldwin’s nephew Tejan "TJ" Karefa-Smart and an afterword by his niece Aisha Karefa-Smart, with an introduction by two Baldwin scholars. In it we not only see life in 1970s Harlem from a black child’s perspective, but we also gain a fuller appreciation of the genius of one of America’s greatest writers.

In this endearing and beautifully illustrated picture book, a baby river otter learns to swim, dive, and play in her natural habitat. Encouraged by her mother, the little otter soon sets out to explore on her own, quickly learning to escape shoreline predators and to find her way back to the security of home.

From children’s author Artie Knapp and wildlife artist Guy Hobbs, Little Otter Learns to Swim is an entertaining and colorful tale for ages four and up. The story is followed by two pages of fun facts about river otters as well as information and resources from the River Otter Ecology Project.

The tale of young Hannah, who loves above all else to sing. What worse curse could have been visited upon her than this: she has been sent to live with her aunt and uncle in a sorrowful town where music itself is banned from its grim and cobbled streets. What woe has befallen this town? Why are there no children? Why are there no rats?

Hannah will discover the answers to these dread questions in the wilderness wastes, under a mountain. There she discovers a secret orchestra, held captive by an ancient conductor, who remembers his glorious youth – when no-one could resist the beauty he could make with his flute. Could our Hannah be the bridge between two ancient enemies? Might the ghosts of the rats come to her aid? And, most importantly, will she sing once again?

Every child knows that costumes are magical. Put on the right hat, add some imagination, and you can be anyone.

That's what happens to a little boy in The March Wind. Finding a large black hat lying in the street, he tries it on . . . and instantly becomes a host of exciting characters: a soldier marching proudly through puddles, a cowboy galloping on his steed, a bandit fleeing the law under cover of night, a circus ringleader entertaining the crowd. But then the owner of the hat returns, and the boy finds himself face to face with the March Wind. Is this part of his imagination, too, or is something bigger happening?   

This charming children’s book, first published in 1957, is brought to life by the timeless illustrations of Vladimir Bobri, whose wonderfully imaginative renderings of the boy’s flights of fancy are endearing and captivating. It will charm parents and children alike.
 

This is the second title in Bayeux's NEW series, "An Odd Little Book". The series is in a small format, 4" x 5", and the subjects are intended to appeal to all ages, starting from 7-year olds. The stories or poems are darkly humorous and rach carry a revelatory or cautionary message. Exquisite illustrations by award-winning artists are a hallmark of the series.

In this long poem, Maximillian leads a perfectly ordinary life until a series of family misfortunes are traced back to him and a ghastly mistake he made in the past, all of which ultimately leads to his own tragic demise. 

First published in 1780, this was by far the most comprehensive and influential compilation of nursery rhymes. It is here that many of today's favorite rhymes make their first appearance in print, including "Hush-a-by-baby," "Ding dong bell," "High diddle diddle," and "Jack and Gill." Illustrated throughout with 52 delightful wood engravings by Thomas Bewick—long considered the finest of English wood engravers—this facsimile edition is bound in a copy of the gold-flecked Dutch floral paper similar to the original binding and presented in a handsome slipcase.

At the First Baptist Church of Maeby, Arkansas, the sins of the child belonged to the parents until the child turned thirteen. Sarah Jones was only eight years old in the summer of 1964, but with her mother Esther Mae on eight prayer lists and flipping around town with the generally mistrusted civil rights organizers, Sarah believed it was time to get baptized and take responsibility for her own sins. That would mean sitting on the mourner’s bench come revival, waiting for her sign, and then testifying in front of the whole church.

But first, Sarah would need to navigate the growing tensions of small-town Arkansas in the 1960s. Both smarter and more serious than her years (a “fifty-year-old mind in an eight-year-old body,” according to Esther), Sarah was torn between the traditions, religion, and work ethic of her community and the progressive civil rights and feminist politics of her mother, who had recently returned from art school in Chicago. When organizers from the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) came to town just as the revival was beginning, Sarah couldn’t help but be caught up in the turmoil. Most folks just wanted to keep the peace, and Reverend Jefferson called the SNCC organizers “the evil among us.” But her mother, along with local civil rights activist Carrie Dilworth, the SNCC organizers, Daisy Bates, attorney John Walker, and indeed most of the country, seemed determined to push Maeby toward integration.

With characters as vibrant and evocative as their setting, Mourner’s Bench is the story of a young girl coming to terms with religion, racism, and feminism while also navigating the terrain of early adolescence and trying to settle into her place in her family and community.

A is for all of us—everyone. Playing, learning, having fun.
 
The letters of the alphabet are brilliantly brought to life in a bright nursery school, where the children learn and play. B is for building blocks . . . but also for blowing out the candles on a birthday cake! C is for the colorful chairs the children take when the teacher rings a chime. Lively pictures designed around each letter show the children dancing, singing, listening to stories, tickling one another, and even engaging in an exciting game of tug-of-war. The fun rhymes and imaginative words for each letter make N is for Nursery a great book for children just learning to read and to recognize letters and letter sounds.

Originally published in 1956, N is for Nursery is the most recent addition to the Bodleian Library’s children’s book imprint and the perfect book for children to take with them on a new adventure like starting school.
 

This delightful children’s book, based on a story originally told by Delores Yngojo Kikuchi, Robert’s mother, recounts her tale of immigration to America. Young Delores finds resolve between East and West, through courage, imagination, and a little bit of myth to discover her “new pair of wings”. The book is beautifully illustrated by Brian Lei

Spend the day with Wimbo – as he actively participates in daily activities despite his Brachial Plexus Palsy.  Accompany him through his day as he prepares to take on the world!  
 
Attractive colorful multimedia images merge with easy-to-read text to make this young elephant’s story appeal to all pre-school children.
 
This board book is the product of the faculty and staff of the University of Michigan Brachial Plexus and Peripheral Nerve Program, inspired by the plight of orphan elephants in Africa and The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust that helps orphaned calves reintegrate back into the wild as well as our patients who actively participate despite Brachial Plexus Palsy. Our clinical program strives to provide the best interdisciplinary care for patients through collaboration, research, and innovation – as we hope to improve the function and quality of life for all persons with brachial plexus and peripheral nerve dysfunction.

With a new children’s book imprint, the Bodleian Library brings beloved classics back into print, beginning with a beautiful storybook about the life of a fascinating Antarctic species. Originally published in 1962, Penguin’s Way by Johanna Johnston tells the surprising story of these creatures, complete with colorful artwork by award-winning illustrator Leonard Weisgard.

In Penguin’s Way, a playful colony of emperor penguins lives on the edge of a faraway secret sea. During the summers, the penguins are content to fish and swim in the icy waters. But, when the seasons change, they must travel more than one hundred miles to the snowy lands surrounding the South Pole. All across the snow plain, the penguins sing songs to welcome newly hatched chicks into the world, but how will the fluffy newborns survive the freezing winter?

Few things pique children’s curiosity about the world around them better than a good book. Brought back for a new generation of young readers, Penguin’s Way offers a fun and creative introduction to these fascinating animals.

This is the third  title in Bayeux's NEW series, "An Odd Little Book". The series is in a small format, 4" x 5", and the subjects are intended to appeal to all ages, starting from 7-year olds. The stories or poems are darkly humorous and rach carry a revelatory or cautionary message. Exquisite illustrations by award-winning artists are a hallmark of the series.

"Polly Perfect and the Tragic Fart" is  a hilarious cautionary tale about that most human of all characteristics: embarrassment.

This is the third  title in Bayeux's NEW series, "An Odd Little Book". The series is in a small format, 4" x 5", and the subjects are intended to appeal to all ages, starting from 7-year olds. The stories or poems are darkly humorous and rach carry a revelatory or cautionary message. Exquisite illustrations by award-winning artists are a hallmark of the series.

"Polly Perfect and the Tragic Fart" is  a hilarious cautionary tale about that most human of all characteristics: embarrassment.

A long time ago, there was a brave and kind Anglo-Saxon princess called Frideswide who lived in Oxford, England and just happened to be brilliant at climbing very tall trees. One day, when a wicked king tried to kidnap her, her talent came in useful. How did she and her friends escape, and what happened to the king and his soldiers who tried to take her?

With stunning illustrations by award-winning artist Alan Marks, the legend of Saint Frideswide, patron saint of Oxford, is retold for young children as a tale of adventure, courage in the face of danger, friendship, and kindness, with a few surprises along the way.  
 

A boisterous wolf pup and an awkward young porcupine are unlikely allies in this tale of friendship set on Alaska’s tundra. The two grow up as neighbors, but only through helping each other escape from a trapper do they learn what it means truly to be friends.
Gently inspired by the fable of “The Lion and the Mouse,” Pup and Pokey teaches young readers about living in the wilderness and the sometimes unexpected connections that arise in our lives. Pup and Pokey is the first children’s book from acclaimed Alaska author Seth Kantner. With Kantner’s storytelling and Beth Hill’s original illustrations, Pup and Pokey is a touching outdoor adventure story that only two talented Alaskans could tell.
 

Someone has fallen into the rain puddle! But who is it? Well, on that point everyone seems to disagree. Is it the plump hen? The turkey? The curly sheep? The lovely, fat pig? Everyone sees something different when they look down into the puddle—until, that is, all the animals look at once, and see the entire farmyard underwater! Off they run in search of help, as the wise old owl perched in a tree shakes his head and chuckles to himself.

This wonderfully silly children’s book, originally published in 1965, is ideal for reading aloud, a tale that perfectly captures the wonder of discovering the outside world.
 

It’s early fall when Ricky and Ellie travel to Portland from their homes in the Cascade Mountains for a weekend school exchange.  Much to their surprise, they find an astounding variety of wildlife in the city. With the help of their new friends, Jenny and Marcus, they explore Portland’s habitats, from its streets and gardens to woodlands, streams, and river banks. Ellie tests her bird-watching skills while Ricky learns ways to count fish in streams. Together they are fascinated by stunning wildlife in the city’s restored wetlands.

The kids find insects and reptiles moving about garden patches and bioswales, song birds and squirrels in neighborhood tree canopies, falcons and eagles crossing spacious river floodplains. As they record and map how wildlife and people are connected in these city spaces, they become community scientists, contributing to actual regional databases. After they see the young trees Marcus planted in his neighborhood, the feeders Jenny tends for hummingbirds, and the fascinating wildlife underpasses built in the wetlands, Ricky and Ellie realize there are many ways people actively care for the city’s wildlife.

In this fourth and final story of their award-winning children’s series, M. L. Herring’s vivid pen and watercolor illustrations complement the engaging storytelling of Judith Li. Readers will delight in the journal pages and maps “hand drawn” by Ricky and Ellie at the end of each chapter, while the “Dear Reader” section offers further tips for budding citizen scientists.

American Association for the Advancement of Science / Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books, Best Hands-On Science Book 2017

In this sequel to Ellie’s Log: Exploring the Forest Where the Great Tree Fell, Ricky Zamora brings his love of map-making and his boundless curiosity to the arid landscapes east of the Cascades Mountains.  He arrives during a wild thunderstorm, and watches his family and their neighbors scramble to deal with a wildfire sparked by lightning. Joined by his friend Ellie, he sees how plants, animals, and people adjust to life with wildfires. 
 
While hiking across a natural prairie, climbing up a fire tower, and studying historical photos and maps, Ricky and Ellie learn about the role of fire in shaping the landscape of the semi-arid plateau east of the mountains. They experience the scary days of wildfire in progress, explore a gritty site after a wildfire, and discover how some plants and animals depend on fire to survive.
 
Color pen-and-ink drawings accompany the text and vividly illustrate plants, animals, and events encountered in this exciting summer adventure. With his friend Ellie, Ricky creates a brightly colored diary of the fire, with maps, timelines, and sketches of what they see in this fire-prone land.  Ricky’s notebook about his summer visit to his uncle’s ranch becomes an atlas of fire ecology, weather patterns, and life in the rain shadow.
 
Upper elementary kids will enjoy the mixture of amazing adventures with actual historical, physical, and ecological data about the region.  Woven into the story are the small pleasures of ranch life, intriguing histories of Native Americans and early settlers, and almost unbelievable views of ancient fossils.  Ricky and Ellie’s explorations, accompanied by their hand-written notes, introduce readers to a very special landscape and history east of the mountains.
 

Two polar explorers are out to solve a mystery: Where is their special seal, Patches?

Scientists Roxanne Beltran and Patrick Robinson set off on a polar adventure, traveling to Antarctica to study the lives of Weddell seals. By finding Patches, a wily seal they’ve been tracking since its birth, they’ll be able to learn a lot about how much the seals get to eat and how many pups they raise. A Seal Named Patches takes young readers into the world at the very bottom of the globe, where they meet the extraordinary animals that live in cold, icy conditions. Through breathtaking photos and real-life stories, young readers will learn about how scientists do fieldwork, the challenges of researching animals in harsh climates, and even what it’s like to fly a helicopter over Antarctica. This engaging story will especially entertain and educate children in grades K-2 (ages 5–8.)

The first book of its kind, Self-Determined Stories: The Indigenous Reinvention of Young Adult Literature reads Indigenous-authored YA—from school stories to speculative fiction— not only as a vital challenge to stereotypes but also as a rich intellectual resource for theorizing Indigenous sovereignty in the contemporary era. Building on scholarship from Indigenous studies, children’s literature, and cultural studies, Suhr-Sytsma delves deep in close readings of works by Sherman Alexie, Jeannette Armstrong, Joseph Bruchac, Drew Hayden Taylor, Susan Power, Cynthia Leitich Smith, and Melissa Tantaquidgeon Zobel. Together, Suhr-Sytsma contends, these works constitute a unique Indigenous YA genre. This genre radically revises typical YA conventions while offering a fresh portrayal of Indigenous self-determination and a fresh critique of multiculturalism, heteropatriarchy, and hybridity. This literature, moreover, imagines compelling alternative ways to navigate cultural dynamism, intersectionality, and alliance-formation. Self-Determined Stories invites readers from a range of contexts to engage with Indigenous YA and convincingly demonstrates the centrality of Indigenous stories, Indigenous knowledge, and Indigenous people to the flourishing of everyone in every place.
 

Bears spend the winter months slumbering deep in dark caves. But they’re not the only wild animals with strange sleep habits. Horses do it standing up in stalls or fields, their tails switching at troublesome flies. Seals like to stretch out their flippers when settling in to sleep. And your dog or cat probably curls up quite happily in a cozy box or basket.
           
Sleepy Book by Charlotte Zolotow invites young readers to explore bedtime in fields, forests, and other places animals make their homes. In the book, children will find many familiar favorites, like a flock of birds huddled for warmth, but they’re also sure to make new friends, from a snowy crane standing on one long leg to a tiny black spider fast asleep in its web. Each facing page contains a beautiful illustration by Vladimir Bobri.

Originally published in 1958, Sleepy Book is one of the most recent additions to the Bodleian Library’s children’s book imprint, and it’s the perfect story to read before saying goodnight.
 

In the aftermath of the notorious event of the enchanted broom, the
Sorcerer’s Apprentice learns his lesson indeed: “Seek Truth, not Power,” is
the Sorcerer’s dictum. Peace returns to the castle’s long days, but as obedient
Humboldt grows older, a madness grows in his master. The sorcerer has
discovered strange secrets in the depths of the library. Humboldt’s dreams,
too, are haunted by the broom, and the gods of wood, water and straw
whisper through the halls at night. 

One fateful day, they have a visitor: a king has come to demand the alchemical services of the Sorcerer. When the king is denied he responds without mercy,and the Sorcerer’s gentle philosophy perishes with him in the flames. Humboldt finds himself cast into the world alone, with nothing but his master’s book of spells, and a newly unshackled desire for forbidden power.
 

An unleashed Humboldt is a terrible thing to behold. He learns the secrets
of the book and uses it to avenge his master’s murder, and he does not stop
there: he usurps the throne itself. But he cannot escape the broom, which
clatters in the night as Humboldt grows more and more tyrannical. The
kingdom is aflame with bonfires of house-cleaning implements, and the
days grow darker, until the Broom is finally victorious, flooding the imperial
castle and sweeping Humboldt into the depths of the sea for his final
encounter with the Nether God. But is the Sorcerer really as dead as he
appears?

In 1914 crew members of the lighthouse tender Hyacinth rescued a stray puppy from the Milwaukee River and named him Sport. For the next twelve years, this charming Newfoundland-retriever mix lived the life of a ship dog, helping the Hyacinth crew as they carried supplies to lighthouses and maintained the buoys and other safety features around Lake Michigan. Sport quickly became a valued companion to his crew and a recognizable mascot of the lake—making friends in every port. 

In this beautifully illustrated children’s book based on historical documents and photographs, readers share in Sport’s adventures while discovering the various ways lighthouse tender ships helped keep the lake safe for others. Helpful diagrams, a map, and a historical note supplement this engaging story for young readers.

Stubborn Gal is the true story of a 60-mile sled dog race and a young woman determined—if not precisely qualified—to run it. Sarah has never competed in a race before and never run a big team of dogs. But when a race official strongly discourages her from entering, she boldly signs up. To answer the naysayers, she must learn how to control a dog team twice as powerful as any she has ever run. And she has three days to do it. Two practice runs end disastrously. On the third day, Sarah enters the race, and the results surprise everyone.

In the Latinx comics community, there is much to celebrate today, with more Latinx comic book artists than ever before. The resplendent visual-verbal storyworlds of these artists reach into and radically transform so many visual and storytelling genres. Tales from la Vida celebrates this space by bringing together more than eighty contributions by extraordinary Latinx creators. Their short visual-verbal narratives spring from autobiographical experience as situated within the language, culture, and history that inform Latinx identity and life. Tales from la Vida showcases the huge variety of styles and worldviews of today’s Latinx comic book and visual creators. 

Whether it’s detailing the complexities of growing up—mono- or multilingual, bicultural, straight, queer, or feminist Latinx—or focusing on aspects of pop culture, these graphic vignettes demonstrate the expansive complexity of Latinx identities. Taken individually and together, these creators—including such legendary artists as Jaime and Gilbert Hernandez, Roberta Gregory, and Kat Fajardo, to name a few—and their works show the world that when it comes to Latinx comics, there are no limits to matters of content and form. As we travel from one story to the next and experience the unique ways that each creator chooses to craft his or her story, our hearts and minds wake to the complex ways that Latinxs live within and actively transform the world.

One day an old lady swallows a fly and the only way she can get rid of it is to then swallow a wriggling, tickling spider . . .
            For more than a century, this deceptively simple rhyme has delighted children and parents alike. Its galloping rhythm is perfect for reading out loud, becoming a memory game as the list of animals grows—from fly and spider to bird, cat, dog, and goat. Abner Graboff’s bright and startling illustrations combine beautifully with the original verse to bring this subversive, irreverent tale to life.

Jason Stevens is growing up in picturesque, historic Harpers Ferry, West Virginia in the 1970s. Back when the roads are smaller, the cars slower, the people more colorful, and Washington, D.C. is way across the mountains—a winding sixty-five miles away.
 

Jason dreams of going to art school in the city, but he must first survive his teenage years. He witnesses a street artist from Italy charm his mother from the backseat of the family car. He stands up to an abusive husband—and then feels sorry for the jerk. He puts up with his father’s hard-skulled backwoods ways, his grandfather’s showy younger wife, and the fist-throwing schoolmates and eccentric mountain characters that make up Harpers Ferry—all topped off by a basement art project with a girl from the poor side of town.

 

Ugly to Start With punctuates the exuberant highs, bewildering midpoints, and painful lows of growing up, and affirms that adolescent dreams and desires are often fulfilled in surprising ways.

This is the first title in Bayeux's NEW series, "An Odd Little Book". The series is in a small format, 4" x 5", and the subjects are intended to appeal to all ages, starting from 7-year olds. The stories or poems are darkly humorous and rach carry a revelatory or cautionary message. Exquisite illustrations by award-winning artists are a hallmark of the series.

"The Umbrella" is the uplifting story of love between an umbrella and the human being who is its beneficiary.

Uncommon folktales and a few old favorites revived and retold for young people and tradition keepers. Folk and fairy tales celebrate different cultures and ways to see the world.

A collection of the author’s favorite folktales from his professional storytelling repertoire, retold in contemporary jargon for young reader, UNDER THE OAKEN BOUGH is an anthology which breathes new life into the folk and fairy tales of old. Professional storyteller, Simon Brooks, has written the stories he loves to tell in the style he uses on stage, whether at a library, school, college, private event or festival. Each story concludes with brief notes about the tale. This wonderful little book is a must have, not just for young people entering the realm of folk and fairy tales for themselves, but for parents who love to read to their children, teachers and librarians. The book includes a Q & A section with the author, a guide on how to tell stories, suggested reading, and a list of vocabulary words and their meanings. Half of the eighteen stories come from Europe, the remainder from the rest of the world. Some of these stories are old favorites, but inside you will find stories which can be hard to find, and seldom told. Join Simon Under the Oaken Bough and step into another realm, far, far away.

Thanks to her loving but over-protective guardian aunts, Betsy is a fearful, self-absorbed, nine-year-old hypochondriac. One of the most terrible items on her long list of fears is the horrid cousins her aunts never mention without shuddering. When her aunts are suddenly no longer able to care for her, Betsy is, incredibly, sent to live with those very relatives. Arriving in Vermont alone and full of trepidation, Betsy is immediately invited by her Uncle Henry to drive the carriage. Steering the fearful horses is just the beginning of her adventures in New England -- and independence. By the novel's end, Betsy has become very fond of the rough but affectionate relatives who eat in the kitchen and expect her to wash her own dishes. When she gets a letter from the aunts inviting her to come home, Betsy must make a difficult choice. Understood Betsy has been published in numerous editions worldwide since its 1917 debut, and continues to charm readers with its delightful and surprisingly liberated characters.

Veronica is your average hippopotamus with a big dream: she wants to become famous. But with so many hippopotamuses wallowing in the cool mud and swimming and splashing in the clear water along the riverbank, it’s more difficult to stand out than one might think. So Veronica does what any determined young mammal would do: she sets off to find her fortune in the nearby pink-and-white city. If she were the only hippopotamus, everyone would surely take notice, and it would be marvelous—or would it?

Many miles from the cool, muddy riverbank, the men and women of the pink-and-white city stare at Veronica, bump into her with their cars, and shout angrily when she steps on their toes. In the city, Veronica is not only conspicuous—she is very much in the way! Mishaps befall her at every turn. While taking a curbside nap, she is issued a warning for stopping traffic.  When she bathes in the public fountain, the townspeople cluck unsympathetically. At the farmers’ market, Veronica is unused to city manners and helps herself happily to an entire cart of fresh, delicious vegetables—including the paper bags. When a policeman is called to capture the hungry hippo, Veronica decides that the city is not the place for a hippopotamus. But the hustle and bustle of city life is not the only surprise to come from Veronica’s big journey. When she returns home to the riverbank, she finds her dream has come true after all. From that day forward, Veronica is famous among the hippopotamuses, who gather each day at sunset to hear about her adventures in the pink-and-white city.

Originally published in the 1960s, Veronica by Caldecott Medal–winning author and illustrator Roger Duvoisin is the most recent addition to the Bodleian Library’s newly minted children’s book imprint. For little readers with big dreams, it offers a timeless tale of the surprising places those dreams may take us.

A Bank Street College of Education Best Children’s Book of 2018 (Outstanding Merit selection) • Finalist, 2018 Ohioana Book Award

Long before she wrote The House of Dies Drear, M. C. Higgins, the Great, and many other children’s classics, Virginia Hamilton grew up among her extended family near Yellow Springs, Ohio, where her grandfather had been brought as a baby through the Underground Railroad. The family stories she heard as a child fueled her imagination, and the freedom to roam the farms and woods nearby trained her to be a great observer. In all, Hamilton wrote forty-one books, each driven by a focus on “the known, the remembered, and the imagined”—particularly within the lives of African Americans.

Over her thirty-five-year career, Hamilton received every major award for children’s literature. This new biography gives us the whole story of Virginia’s creative genius, her passion for nurturing young readers, and her clever way of crafting stories they’d love.

With a new children’s book imprint, the Bodleian Library brings beloved classics back into print, beginning with a beautiful storybook about the life of a fascinating species. Originally published in 1962, Whale’s Way by Johanna Johnston tells the surprising story of these creatures, complete with colorful artwork by award-winning illustrator Leonard Weisgard.

Whale’s Way introduces young readers to the humpback whale, one of the world’s largest creatures. With winter almost here, the gentle giants must swim, spouting and leaping, to the warmer waters near the equator. But, during the dangerous journey, the whales meet a band of hunters who wish them harm, and they must escape and guide the baby whales to safety.  

Few things pique children’s curiosity about the world around them better than a good book. Brought back for a new generation of young readers, Whale’s Way offers a fun and creative introduction to these fascinating animals.

Children will discover a world of colors as they set out on an adventure with a cheerful boy named Jonny. From the moment he wakes bright-eyed to the yellow sunlight streaming through his bedroom window, the colors of the day dance merrily around him. He sees green grass and purple flowers and pauses to dip his toes in a bubbling blue brook. Best of all, when the time comes to harvest, he digs in the brown earth and discovers an enormous orange pumpkin! But, before he knows it, the blue sky has turned black, and it’s time for Jonny to sleep before waking to the wonders of a new day.

A joyous celebration of colors that will encourage young readers’ curiosity about the world around them, What Is Red? is packed with illustrations in bright, primary colors. Originally published in 1961, the book is one of the most recent additions to the Bodleian Library’s children’s book imprint.
 

The sun is round and hot and glowing. An orange is round on the tree where it’s growing.
 
Many things in the natural world are round—the sun, the moon, a bird’s nest with three bright baby birds. So are the turning wheels of a train and a hot air balloon high in the sky. So are cakes, pies, cookies, and many other delicious things to eat!
           
Page by brightly colored page, What is Round? invites young readers to pick out the shape in the world around them, from the smallest raindrop to a big spectacular carousel. Many of the objects can be found in our own homes, like the clock that tells the time or the colorful decorations on a Christmas tree. Others, like the portholes of a passing ship, require a watchful eye. Striking and vibrant illustrations by Vladimir Bobri accompany the playful rhymes of Blossom Budney in this lively look at this shape that can be found in the most unexpected places.
           
Originally published in 1954, What is Round? will make a wonderful addition to any child’s library, and it’s the perfect story to read aloud.
 

The story of the Boy Who Cried Wolf, the way we've heard it, is not quite the way it happened. There were mysterious forces at work that awful night, involving the captain of the guard, a certain girl, and the Boy himself. The Boy disappeared into the forest, where everybody knew he was surely eaten by wolves.

Years later, we retthe urn to that sorrowful village. It is still beleaguered by the wolfpacks of the Black Forest, and defended by the vigilant eyes of guards on the wall. Our hero is lonely Alfred, a boy whose birth is somehow entangled in the events of that night; they have hard consequences for poor young Alfred, whose father is missing and he does not know why. All he knows is that he loves Martina, and that Martina could only love a soldier of the Wall who has proved himself with rifle and sword against the eternal enemies of the village.
 

One day in the forest, however, he discovers an awful army of wolves isgathering, led by the strange and marvelous man who calls himself the Wolf King. The final battle between human and beast is brewing, and Alfred finds himself at the centre of the coming storm. Whether he can save the village from the wolves, or save himself from the temptations of the forest, depends on the secret identity of the Wolf King, and the events that transpired so long ago.

Sam didn't think much of religion. What with science being able to explain almost everything about us and about the world we live in, there didn't seem much point to believing in God any more. But then came the day Sam was exploring the Internet, and stumbled across God's website! At least, that was what it claimed to be.

Sam decides to investigate, and becomes engrossed in conversations with the mysterious person on the other end. Together they explore the great questions arising out of evolution, astronomy, cosmology, the laws of nature, and the possibility of miracles. Not that Sam knew much science. Fortunately the stranger was able to explain the science from scratch in a way that Sam could understand. They also tackled the problems of evil, suffering, and death; that really set Sam thinking.

Readers will be challenged to form their own personal responses to the issues raised based on a listing of forty questions at the back of the book. Sample questions include: