Welcome to Ratbridge. But beware — for there is skulduggery afoot. Young Arthur has fallen foul of the appalling outlaw, Snatcher, and is trapped alone in the town with every way home sealed. Meanwhile Snatcher and his men are working tirelessly in secret on a fiendish and dastardly plan to take over — and destroy — the entire town. With the help of Willbury Nibble, QC; some friendly boxtrolls and cabbageheads; Marjorie the frustrated inventor; and the rats and pirates from the Ratbridge Nautical Laundry, can Arthur thwart Snatcher’s evil plans — and find his way home?
Friendship
Christian The Lion
“In 1971 we wrote A Lion Called Christian, the story of a lion from London who returned to Africa. Forty years later, the Internet’s YouTube has introduced a new world audience to Christian.” —Ace Bourke and John RendallThrough many previously unseen photographs, this picture book follows Christian as he grew from a tiny ball of fur into a majestic lion. Here is the incredible story of the remarkable journey to take Christian back to the wild.
Charlie And Lola: I Will Be Especially Very Careful
Lola and Lotta’s friendship is put to the test! LolaÂ’s bestest best friend Lotta has a new coat, which was an extra-special gift from her granny. It is the fluffiest, softest, most loveliest coat Lola has EVER seen and she absolutely must borrow it. Lotta says okay, but only as long as Lola promises to not wear it in the rain or spill food on it or get it dirty. Will Lola be able to keep her promise? With Lauren Child’s signature wit and verve, this new Charlie and Lola adventure shows how important honesty is in bestest-best friendships.
Dwarf Nose, The
A tale rich in unforgettable characters and fantastic settings and events, Dwarf Nose tells the story of a little boy whose complaining so angers a wicked fairy that she casts a spell on him. Zwerger’s illustrations evoke all the magic, mystery, and drama of this German classic. Full color.
The Giantess
In the tradition of all “once upon a time” good fairy tales, this story has an obstacle to overcome, a moral, and a happy ending. In this German tale, a “giant” sized person comes to understand that while her size may be intimidating to some, it is also of help and importance to others.
The Hero and the Minotaur
Worthy quests, marvelous rescues, and timeless adventure: this is the story of Prince Theseus and the amazing trials that befall him when he vows to become a hero then sets out to prove his courage.
On his journey, Theseus will meet Ariadne, a brave princess, and a remarkable boy named Icarus. Together the three devise an exhilarating, desperate plan to slay a strange and terrible beast, known to all as the Minotaur.
One Potato, Two Potato
Mr. and Mrs. O’Grady are so poor they have just one of everything to share – one potato a day, one chair, one blanket full of holes, and one gold coin for a rainy day. After digging up the last potato in their patch, Mr. O’Grady comes upon a big black object. It’s a pot – no ordinary pot, for what they soon discover is that whatever goes into it comes out doubled! Suddenly the O’Gradys aren’t destitute anymore. But what they really long for is one friend apiece. Can the magic pot give them that?
The Mightiest Heart
Who can resist a story about a dog who so loved his master that he gave up his life? This exquisitely illustrated tale, based on the legend of Llywelyn, a thirteenth-century Welsh prince, and his loyal hound, Gelert, will keep young readers and listeners spellbound. Laurel Long joins the ranks of today’s premier illustrators in her debut, adding incredible power to Lynn Cullen’s spare but emotionally charged text. Each picture is like a precious treasure, revealing painstaking attention to detail, breathtaking color, and characters whose mutual love transcends the pages of this marvelous book. The Mightiest Heart is sure to be one of the best gifts to give young readers this fall. Lynn Cullen, author of several popular middle-grade novels, researched this story in Wales, where a monument to Gelert still stands. Laurel Long makes an outstanding debut as a picture book illustrator.
Dexter Bexley And The Big Blue Beastie
Dexter Bexley has bumped square into a Big Blue Beastie. A bored Big Blue Beastie that ponders eating Dexter Bexley right up just for fun. Thinking quickly, Dexter suggests a much better idea. He and the Big Blue Beastie go into business together. No matter how many adventures Dexter can think up to distract him, the Big Blue Beastie continually finds himself bored and hungry. It seems that this might finally be the end for Dexter Bexley … or is it? Joel Stewart spins a darkly comic yet ultimately reassuring tale about friendship.
Goldie And The Three Bears
In this spirited new version of “Goldilocks,” we meet a determined heroine with a mind of her own. Goldie knows exactly what she likes — and what she doesn’t. Can she help it if everyone she invites over is too bossy or too boring or too snobby or too rough? What she desperately wants is a friend who is just right — someone she can love with all her heart. Then one day, Goldie gets off the bus at the wrong stop, walks to a nearby cottage to find help, and opens the door. . . Diane Stanley, author and illustrator of Rumpelstiltskin’s Daughter, once again takes an old tale and gives it a fresh spin that is funny as well as perceptive. Readers will love accompanying Goldie on her up-to-date adventure and discovering the clever, heartwarming surprise at its end.