When James drops magic crystals by the peach tree, the toy peach starts growing. Before long, its as big as a house and contains a secret entranceway.

This wholly visual experience whisks readers into a make-believe world, where imagination offers freedom, comes to the rescue, and leads to friendship. Unfolding like a silent movie, the story vividly portrays adventure, danger, and exhilaration. We, the reader-audience, cheer the heroine through disappointment, into a steampunk-like setting where wits and creativity rescue not only herself, but a ...

When Julia and her walking house come to town, she likes everything about her new neighborhood except how quiet it is! So Julia puts a sign up: "Julia's House for Lost Creatures." Soon she's hosting goblins, mermaids, fairies, and even a dragon. Quiet isn't a problem anymore for Julia, but getting her housemates to behave themselves is! Full color.

This delightful first written work by illustrator Mike Litwin introduces readers to Bermooda, the island home to talking cows and a host of other colorful characters - a 'flying' pig, a plump gray cow whose yellow shirt is as bright as his personality, and an orange manic monkey, to name a few. When adventure-loving Chuck discovers Dakota (a hu'man) washed ashore, he offers help, protection, and a ...

Making friends in a new town is quite the chore for 12-year-old Trish who is both a math whiz and a girl baseball player. Being near perfect in both areas give her confidence but it also deters new relationships. However, team losses, baseball injuries and math competitions gone astray prevent Ben from liking her even though they have the very same interests and should be best buddies. Wise Abhi, ...

While out for a walk with her mom, a little girl has the surprise of her life --- she meets a real, live, fire-breathing dragon! Now this dragon is nothing to be afraid of --- in fact, he's so friendly that she invites him home for tea. But their afternoon snack is suddenly interrupted when the dragon sneezes and sets the table ablaze. Luckily, the girl knows just what to do, and she teaches her n ...

One day, on a class trip to Ellis Island, Dominic Cantori faces his worst fantsty--a tour guide asks the children about their families. Filled with shame, Dominic flees from his class and hides until the museum is dark and deserted. Now, his only solace is the recorded voices on the display telephones of the immigrants who came to Ellis Island so long ago. But to Dominic's surprise, the voice of t ...

The People of Sparks picks up where The City of Ember leaves off. Lina and Doon have emerged from the underground city to the exciting new world above, and it isn't long before they are followed by the other inhabitants of Ember. The Emberites soon come across a town where they are welcomed, fed, and given places to sleep. But the town's resources are limited and it isn't long before resentment be ...

Multiple Nebula and Hugo award-winner Le Guin contributes a new Introduction to this edition of McDonald's tale of a princess whose discovery of a secret stair at the top turret of a castle leads to a wonderful revelation.

In this prequel to her acclaimed "The City of Ember" and "The People of Sparks," Jeanne DuPrau investigates how, in a world that seems out of control, hope and comfort can be found in the strangest of places.

Bright illustrations—a cacophony of colorful energy—breathe life into this tale of generosity's vibrant power. In the style of Jan Brett, this author-illustrator team shows how selflessness expands a sphere of influence and how meeting needs by giving generously, even sacrificially, leads to true happiness. An infectious message relevant for all time.

This conclusion to an outstanding series tells a story of self-discovery, courage, and family, and poses questions on how an individual becomes who he/she is intended to be and what can be accomplished as a result. Haddix allows this volume, as well as the entire series, to raise important and significant ideas that are as engaging to consider as the incredible adventures her time travelers exper ...

Bearing six unusual gifts, young Prince Jen embarks on a perilous quest and emerges triumphantly into manhood. This rich fantasy was named "School Library Journal" Best Book of the Year and a "Booklist" Top of the List Award winner.

The latest in Haddix's riveting The Missing series leaves protagonist Jonah on his own to make a series of life- and time-altering decisions. Who are you when the world as you know it seems to evaporate? With great storytelling, Haddix raises this question and deftly takes readers through a roller coaster of events and choices to a thought-provoking and satisfying conclusion, which also marks a be ...

In this highly inventive and splendid rendering of a favorite Grimm fairy tale, award-winning storyteller and illustrator Paul O. Zelinsky evokes a world of Medieval magic. "Zelinsky's smooth retelling and glowing pictures cast the story in a new and beautiful light".--School Library Journal. A 1987 Caldecott Honor Book. An ALA Notable Book. Full color.

From page one, this coming-of-age tale is unlike any other. Its unusual plot—chock-full of stunning detail and all things unexpected—and its strikingly real characters, draw readers into the story's emotion and the authentic "growing up" struggles it personifies. Each character offers a deep and differing look into the struggles kids face as they mature and, thrown together on an unl ...

Part mystery, part adventure, the fast-moving story explores themes of honesty, power, family, and friendship. Memorable characters create opportunities for prequels and sequels, yet the story is satisfying on its own.

Princess Solimar’s favorite day of year is when thousands and thousands of monarch butterflies return to the nearby forest. This year she braves a trip into the forest where the butterflies land on her, too, covering her with their beautiful wings and soft humming. She promises to always protect the monarchs, and they leave behind a special magical power for Solimar. While trying to figure it ou ...

Magic Tree House Books have a combination of facts and adventure that is perfect for beginning and reluctant readers. In this newest story, Jack and Annie are whisked back to Elizabethan England where they meet the Bard of Avon himself, William Shakespeare, and luckily for them he is desperate for two small actors for his latest play.

Patricia Reilly Giff creates a gentle and beautiful story of finding one’s way and place in the world. Two stories, one set during the early days of the America Revolution and the other set in the present, interweave and leave the reader aware and appreciative of the gifts of individuality each person possesses. A well-crafted, affecting reading experience!