The Graveyard Book

Nobody Owens, known to his friends as Bod, is a normal boy. He would be completely normal if he didn’t live in a sprawling graveyard, being raised and educated by ghosts, with a solitary guardian who belongs to neither the world of the living nor of the dead. There are dangers and adventures in the graveyard for a boy-an ancient Indigo Man beneath the hill, a gateway to a desert leading to an abandoned city of ghouls, the strange and terrible menace of the Sleer. But if Bod leaves the graveyard, then he will come under attack from the man Jack–who has already killed Bod’s family. . . . Beloved master storyteller Neil Gaiman returns with a luminous new novel for the audience that embraced his “New York Times” bestselling modern classic Coraline. Magical, terrifying, and filled with breathtaking adventures, the graveyard book is sure to enthrall readers of all ages.

The Midwife’s Apprentice

The girl known only as Brat has no family, no home, and no future until she meets Jane the Midwife and becomes her apprentice. As she helps the sharp-tempered Jane deliver babies, Brat–who renames herself Alyce–gains knowledge, confidence, and the courage to want something from life: “A full belly, a contented heart, and a place in this world.” Medieval village life makes a lively backdrop for the funny, poignant story of how Alyce gets what she wants. A concluding note discusses midwifery past and present. A Newbery Medal book.

Celtic Fairy Tales

celticFor young and old alike — 8 captivating tales filled with whimsy, charm, and magic: “The Fate of the Children of Lir,” “The Shepherd of Middvai,” “Beth Gellert,” “The Tale of Ivan,” “Morraha,” “The Story of Deirdre,” “The Llanfabon Changeling,” and “The Sea-Maiden.”

Three by the Sea

Three friends, Dog, Cat, and Mouse, live happily—or so they think—in their beach hut by the sea until one night a mysterious Stranger, bearing gifts from the Winds of Change Trading Company, blows into their little world and turns it upside down. Soon Dog, Cat, and Mouse are fighting with each other. Is the foxy Stranger a troublemaker or does he mean well? And will Dog, Cat, and Mouse ever be happy again? Children will find this thought-provoking picture book of true friendship from award-winning Mini Grey, author of Traction Man Is Here! and Traction Man Meets Turbodog, deeply satifying, a story they’ll want to hear—and discuss—again and again.

Chronicles of Avantia: First Hero

Fifteen-year-old Tanner, with the good Beast Firepos the Flame Bird, is waiting to avenge his father’s death by warlord Derthsin when Avantia is menaced by an evil army seeking the pieces of the Mask of Death, which allows its wearer to control all Beasts, and Tanner, aided by twins Gwen and Geffen, sets out to find the pieces first.

Two Crafty Criminals!

Eleven-year-old Benny Kaminsky leads a rag-tag gang of neighborhood children as they use improbable disguises and crazy ruses while investigating such crimes as counterfeiting and stolen silver in 1894 London.

Hop, Skip And Jump, Maisy!

Get kids moving with Maisy! Just pull the tabs, and your favorite mouse will show off fun actions that children will want to imitate. Maisy is full of energy, just like the toddlers and preschoolers who love her. With this interactive picture book, children are invited to channel that get-up-and go into stretching, jumping, running, playing ball, jumping rope, somersaulting, and lots more. Like Maisy, of course, they’ll want to take time for a nutritious snack -and hunker down for a good night’s sleep when all that activity is done.