Michael’s grandfather has a secret—a secret that’s almost too strange to share . . . When Michael moves to Israel, he leaves loneliness behind and steps into the light of his grandfather’s magic. Like a sorcerer’s apprentice, Michael learns how to blur the lines between dreams and reality when his grandfather hands down the most precious of gifts—a gift that allows Michael passage into his grandfather’s dreams. Written with a quiet simplicity that wins the reader over at once Uri Orlev writes in a style so sure and yet so unassuming that it is certain to linger in reader’s minds long after turning the last page.
Fantasy
Fantasy genre
Pride of Baghdad
A graphic novel looks at life on the streets of Baghdad during the Iraq War, inspired by true events. In the spring of 2003, a pride of lions escaped from the Baghdad Zoo during an American bombing raid. Lost and confused, hungry but finally free, the four lions roamed the decimated streets in a desperate struggle for their lives. Pride of Baghdad raises questions about the true meaning of liberation – can it be given, or is it earned only through self-determination and sacrifice? And in the end, is it truly better to die free than to live life in captivity?
Toads And Diamonds
In a retelling of the Perrault fairy tale set in pre-colonial India, two stepsisters–Diribani and Tana–receive gifts from a goddess and each walks her own path to find her gifts purpose, discovering romance along the way.
Takeshita Demons
Miku Takeshita and her family have moved from Japan to live in the UK, but unfortunately the family’s enemy demons have followed them. Miku knows she’s in trouble when her new supply teacher turns out to be a Nukekubi – a bloodthirsty demon who can turn into a flying head and whose favourite snack is children. That night, in a raging snowstorm, Miku’s little brother Kazu is kidnapped by the demons, and then it’s up to Miku and her friend Cait to get him back. The girls break into their snow-locked school, confronting the dragon-like Woman of the Wet, and outwitting the faceless Nopera-bo. At last they come face to face with the Nukekubi itself – but will they be in time to save Kazu?
Tulku
An attack in the dark, screams, burning huts…
Thirteen-year-old Theodore crouches under the trees. His father’s Mission has been destroyed. His father is dead. Theodore is on his own, fleeing the Chinese rebels of the Boxer uprising.
Then Mrs Jones appears. A botanist, Mrs Jones is a feisty, aging, good-hearted woman who has an amazing (and eye-opening) vocabulary and who adopts Theodore into her band of travellers. Fleeing bandits, the group enters Tibet, where they meet the old Lama who rules a monastery. But when the Lama says they have been drawn to him by destiny, and insists that Theodore, Mrs Jones, and her young Chinese courier Lung hold the clue to the birth of the long-awaited Tulku, or reincarnated spiritual master, there seems to be no escape…
White Tiger, Blue Serpent
When his mother’s beautiful brocade is snatched away by a greedy goddess, a young Chinese boy faces many perils as he attempts to get it back.
The Lost Scrolls: Fire (Avatar: The Last Airbender)
If you are reading this, you have uncovered one of the four hidden scrolls I have compiled about the world of Avatar. This scroll contains sacred information about the Fire Nation — stories, legends, and facts that I have found so far about this nation — its history and culture and tales of its past and present.
Katara describes how Aang outwits and defeats the dreaded Admiral Zhao and the Fire Navy, Aang tells how he comes to accept his destiny, and Prince Zuko recalls the time he once captured — and lost — the Avatar. The scroll also contains information about leaders of the Fire Nation, Firebending techniques, the spirit world, and much more.
Keep this scroll safe, and share it only with those you trust.
Beware, for there are many who wish to expose its secrets…
The Lost Scrolls: Water (Avatar)
If you are reading this, you have uncovered one of the four hidden scrolls I have compiled about the world of Avatar. This scroll contains all of the knowledge that I have gathered so far about the Water Tribes — their history and culture and the great tales of their past and present. Katara recounts her discovery of the Avatar in the iceberg, Sokka remembers his childhood upon seeing their father’s old friend, and Aang tells of his lessons with the Waterbending master in the North. The scroll also contains information about Waterbending moves, Healers, Water tribe traditions, and much more. Keep this scroll safe, and share it only with those you trust. Beware, for there are many who wish to expose its secrets…
The Steadfast Tin Soldier
One of Hans Christian Andersen’s most romantic tales, The Steadfast Tin Soldier tells the story of a one-legged tin soldier who suffers a terrible fate all for the love of a beautiful paper dancer. Cursed by a jealous goblin, the toy solider is sent flying out the window to the street below, where a perilous adventure carries him ever further from his love. But throughout his ordeal, the soldier remains sturdy and staunch on his one leg, ever true to his beloved little dancer.
Stories from Hans Christian Andersen
Eleven fairy tales by the master storyteller are retold in a voice that is fresh and inventive and yet always true to the spirit of Andersen. The jaunty, playful illustrations add to the fun, bringing out with humor and verve all the childlike aspects of the tales.