Books in Progress
 

Goddess Girls #11: Persephone the Daring, (August 6, 2013)
ISBN: 978-1442449398 (pap); 978-1442481589 (hrd)

Mortal rock star Orpheus steals the spotlight in this Goddess Girls tale of love and lyres!

Orpheus is a mortal rock god, and the girls at Mount Olympus Academy are wild about him! With his lyre and singing voice, Orpheus can charm pretty much anything—even things like stones and trees. But Hades and the other MOA boys aren’t charmed. In fact, they are less than thrilled that the girls are so gaga over this guy.

AHis fans are especially excited about his latest song about the girl he loved and lost, Eurydice. Orpheus was devastated when he lost Eurydice to the Underworld, so he asks Persephone to help get her back. Though it means breaking some very serious Underworld rules, Persephone pushes Hades to return Eurydice to the living world. But restoring Orpheus’s one true love might jeopardize Persephone’s own chances with her biggest crush...

Also in the works: Goddess Girls #12: Cassandra the Lucky. (December 3, 2013)
ISBN: 978-1442488175 (pap); 978-1442488182 (hrd)

Meet Cassandra, the newest student at Mount Olympus Academy! She has an amazing talent—but will her new friends believe her? This Goddess Girls story is based on the myth of Cassandra, who has the gift of seeing the future—except no one believes her. Can Apollo, the god of prophecy, help his new crush?

HEROES IN TRAINING (ages 7 - 10)

Heroes in Training Book #4: Hyperion and the Great Balls of Fire. (August 6, 2013)
ISBN: 978-1442452695 (pap); 978-1442458031 (hrd)

The action heats up for Zeus and his fellow Olympians in this blazing Heroes in Training tale.
Phew, it’s hot! Under the titan Hyperion’s rule, the sun is burning even brighter than normal and scorching everything in northern Greece—including the villagers! The Olympians are forced to play a sizzling “game” of Dodge the Sunbursts as Hyperion hurls giant fireballs that could fry them to pieces!

Armed with some clues, Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades set out to figure out why in the world Hyperion has been making things so hot. They also need to rescue Hera, who is still missing. Battling the extreme heat—and some fantastical and scary creatures, courtesy of their old foe Cronus—the boys are off on another epic adventure…and Zeus is one step closer to discovering his destiny.

Heroes in Training Book #5: Typhon and the Winds of Destruction. (August 6, 2013)
ISBN: 978-1442488427 (pap); 978-1442488441 (hrd)

Twice the quests means twice the adventure for Zeus and his fellow Olympians.
After battling fireball-throwing Titans, the young Olympians find themselves on a double quest: Not only must they find more Olympians that Cronus has swallowed, but they’re also in search of magic seeds that will help rejuvenate the earth after the terrible drought that plagued the lands, thanks to Hyperion. But a wind-throwing giant named Typhon has other ideas. Can the Heroes in Training withstand the storms that are coming their way?

More Heroes in Training books to follow...

 

Heroes in Training Book #3: Hades and the Helm of Darkness, Aladdin
ISBN:978-1442452671(pap); 978-1442457256 (hrd)

The Heroes in Training are entering the Underworld—if Hades can conquer his canine fears, that is.

The Underworld usually isn’t really meant to be a fun place—but tell that to Hades! He loves the dark and the stinky smell of sulfur. However, there is one thing that Hades is not a fan of: dogs. And when Zeus and his fellow Olympians encounter Cerberus—a snarling, three-headed dog—Hades must conquer his fears and tame the hound so everyone can continue into the Underworld and deposit their Titan prisoner, Oceanus, back where he belongs!

But with magical water that causes forgetfulness, hot beds of lava, and another epic battle with two more Titans standing in their way, will Zeus and his heroes make it out of the Underworld with everyone intact?

Heroes in Training Book #1: Zeus and the Thunderbolt of Doom, Aladdin
ISBN: 978-4424-4933-6

After pulling a magical thunderbolt from a stone, ten-year-old Zeus goes on the adventure of a lifetime in this thrilling start to a brand-new series! The terrible Titans--merciless giants who enjoy snacking on humans--have dominated the earth and put the world into chaos. But their rule is about to be put to the test as a group of young Olympians discover their powers and prepare to righteously rule the universe....

Heroes in Training Book #2: Poseidon and the Sea of Fury, Aladdin
ISBN: 978-1442452657

The merciless Cronus and his Titan buddies are in hot pursuit of Zeus, Hera, and Poseidon, who plan to travel across the treacherous boiling sea in order to save a fellow Olympian. They have a boat, but they also have a problem: Poseidon can’t swim and is terrified of the water (well, really of the creatures that lurk in its depths). The group faces danger after danger as they battle singing sirens, a fishy and ferocious Titan named Oceanus, and people-eating monsters sent by Cronus himself. Can Poseidon overcome his fears and help his fellow heroes escape Cronus and his cronies?.

Goddess Girls #10: Pheme the Gossip, Aladdin
ISBN: 978-144244937-4 (pap); 978-1-4424-6138-3 (hrd)

Get to know Goddess Girl Pheme…the original “gossip girl”!

As the goddess girl of rumor and gossip, Pheme prides herself on being “in the know” and having the most up-to-date info on anyone and everyone at Mount Olympus Academy. To make sure that people really get her VIP messages, her words tend to linger in cloud letters above her head—just in case people don’t catch what she says!

But not everyone is thrilled with Pheme’s insider knowledge on everything MOA—including the Goddess Girls. Can Pheme ever be trusted? Or will this “gossip girl” find herself on the other end of the rumors?

Goddess Girls #2: Persephone the Phony, Aladdin
ISBN: 978-1416982722

Persephone's tired of trying to please everyone but herself...
Persephone has always thought her friends might not like her if they knew the real her. As her mother Demeter encourages her, she often “goes along to get along” instead of doing what she really wants. But when she meets Mount Olympus Academy bad-boy Hades, she finally feels she has found someone with whom she can be herself. He's the first person who actually listens to her, and she finds herself liking him, despite the fact that the other Goddess Girls think he's bad news. But if he makes her feel so special – and so comfortable – can he really be all that bad?

Goddess Girls #4: Artemis the Brave, Aladdin
ISBN: 978-1416982746

All of Artemis's friends and classmates depend on her to be the most courageous goddessgirl in Mount Olympus Academy. Little do they know that despite her expert archery skills, the smelly geryons, ring-nosed Minotaurs, and stinging scorpions in Beast-ology class scare her as much as anyone else! But what's really bothering her now is that funny feeling she has whenever she looks at foreign exchange student Orion. She's never had a crush before--could this be what all the fuss is about? And will she find the courage to talk to her crush, make him see her as more than a pal, and to ace Beast-ology class?

Goddess Girls #5: Athena the Wise, Aladdin
ISBN: 978-1416982739

Athena isn’t the only new kid at Mount Olympus! When a mortal named Heracles transfers to the Academy, Athena knows what he’s going through. She started there a few months ago herself. Not only does Heracles need help fitting in, he also has to complete twelve “labors” or be kicked out of school! When Athena’s dad, Principal Zeus, asks her to secretly look after the new boy, she winds up capturing mythical beasts and shoveling poop. It will take all of her famed wisdom to sort out her own problems and help Heracles succeed!

Look for Goddess Girls #6: Aphrodite the Diva, Aladdin
ISBN: 978-1442421004.

After a teeny misunderstanding in class, Aphrodite is failing Hero-ology. To raise her grade, she concocts a brilliant plan—an extra-credit project for matchmaking mortals. This brings her face-to-face with fierce competition--an Egyptian goddessgirl named Isis. Now the race is on to see which of them can matchmake Pygmalion--the most annoying boy ever! Will Aphrodite wind up making a passing grade after all? Or will she end up proving she's a diva with more beauty than brains?

Goddess Girls #7: Artemis the Loyal, Aladdin
ISBN: 978-1442433779.

It's time for the annual Olympic Games, and the four goddessgirls are not happy that it’s boys only. Led by Artemis, Athena, Persphone and Aphrodite, the ladies of Mount Olympus hatch a plan to get Zeus to open up the games to everyone. Will they succeed--or end up watching from the sidelines again?

Goddess Girls #8: Medusa the Mean, Aladdin
ISBN: 978-1442433793.

All Medusa wants is to be more like her two sisters and the other kids in her class: immortal. As one of the few mortals at Mount Olympus Academy, she is sick and tired of being surrounded by beautiful, powerful, godboys and goddessgirls classmates. It isn't easy making friends, especially when you have snakes for hair and one mean reputation!

Goddess Girls Super Special: The Girl Games, Aladdin
ISBN: 978-1442449336.

The first-ever standalone superspecial in the Goddess Girls series—let the games begin!

Athena, Aphrodite, Artemis, and Persephone are sick and tired of being left out of the annual boys-only Olympic Games. Their solution? The Girl Games! But as the Goddess Girls work to make their dream into a reality, they come up against plenty of chaos and competition. Told in alternating points of view, this superspecial is packed with Olympic spirit!

Goddess Girls #9: Pandora the Curious, Aladdin
ISBN: 978-1442449350.

Pandora is one of the few mortals at Mount Olympus Academy—and probably the most curious of all the students in school. Her quizzical nature is famous—not that she thinks there is anything wrong with being curious, of course! When a godboy named Epimetheus brings a mysterious and fantastical box to school, Pandora’s curiosity is piqued. And when it unexpectedly lands in her lap—literally—she can’t help but take a look at what’s inside. What could be the harm in that? But little does she know that opening the box will open up more trouble than she thought...

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Ten Naughty Little Monkeys, illustrated by Suzanne Watts, Harper Collins
Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-059904-1;
PLB $17.89. ISBN 978-0-06-059905-8.

"This version of the classic fingerplay could easily become the new standard."
- Susan Weitz, formerly at Spencer-Van Etten School District, Spencer, NY, School Library Journal, March 2007.

"This winning combination of rhythmic text and child-friendly illustrations is rollicking fun. Preschoolers are sure to join in on this refreshing variation on an old favorite." - Kirkus Reviews March 15, 2007.

Library Lil, illustrated by Steven Kellogg, Dial
ISBN: 0-8037-1698-2 trd;
ISBN: 0-14-056837-9 pbk

An original tall tale about a gutsy librarian who turns a town of TV watchers and a motorcycle gang into readers.

"The silliness of both story and pictures are perfectly matched...A winner for storytimes anywhere."
- starred review, School Library Journal

Winner of the 2000 New Mexico Land of Enchantment Book Award (Children's Division), and nominated for children's choice awards in several other states. An ALA Notable Book.

Mommy Doesn't Know My Name, illustrated by Andrew Shachat, Houghton Mifflin
ISBN: 978-0-395-77979-8, pbk

Mommy calls Hannah all sorts of names except her own, leaving Hannah to wonder if Mommy really does know who she is.

"Text and illustrations resonate with the strength of preschoolers' needs to understand and assert their own identities...It's a fun, crazy book that works extremely well."--
- SLJ

Earlier Titles
 

Princess Power #1: The Perfectly Proper Prince, Harper Collins
ISBN: 978-0-06-078298-6 pbk

Princess Lysandra finds sewing, napping, and decorating the palace to be extremely boring. She wants adventure! So when Lysandra meets Fatima, Elena, and Tansy, she couldn't be happier. But their first quest comes even sooner than expected, when they stumble upon a frog that just might have royal blood running through his veins....

Princess Power #2: The Charmingly Clever Cousin, Harper Collins
ISBN: 978-0-06-078300-6 pbk

Princess Fatima doesn't care much for her brother-in-law, Ahmed. His cousin Yusuf is much more charming with his elegant mustache and impressive magic tricks. Yet when Ahmed goes to visit his dying father--and never returns--Fatima starts to worry. Something suspicious is going on, and it just might be up to the princesses to come to the rescue!

Princess Power #3: The Awfully Angry Ogre, Harper Collins
ISBN: 978-0-06-078302-0 pbk

Princess Tansy knows that whenever something terrible occurs in her kingdom, the ogre gets the blame. Yet anyone who challenges him is turned to stone! Tansy's two oldest brothers have been forbidden to fight the ogre, but they're determined to try. Can Tansy and her friends save the boys from a horrible fate?

Princess Power #4: The Mysterious Mournful Maiden, Harper Collins
ISBN: 978-0-06-078304-4 pbk

Princess Elena is delighted to find a treasure on the beach: a beautiful comb that makes her frizzy hair feel soft. However, she soon starts dreaming of a green-haired maiden, who cries that she can't live without her comb. The princesses all want to help. But will they be able to find the maiden before it's too late?

Princess Power#5: The Stubbornly Secretive Servant, Harper Collins
ISBN: 978-0-060-078306-8

The princesses are having a ball visiting Lysandra's sister, Gabriella, and brother-in-law, Jerome. And they can't wait for Jerome's handsome brother, Prince Jonathon, to join them. But when he never arrives, everyone panics. They must find the missing prince—without the help of his stubborn servant, Thomas, who's not saying a word!

Princess Power #6: The Gigantic, Genuine Genie, Harper Collins
ISBN: 978-0-06-078308-2

At the bazaar, Princess Fatima buys a beautiful bottle that supposedly holds a real genie. But it turns out that Jasper the genie is powerless-and no bigger than a caterpillar! In fact, his only real talent seems to be getting into mischief. Will Jasper ever be able to regain his gigantic size and magical touch?

Fairy Blossoms #2: Poppy and the Vanishing Fairy, Harper Collins
ISBN: 978-0061139406

Mistress Lily is gone for the day, and Poppy hopes she'll hurry home. Then Mistress Lily doesn't come back on time—something must be wrong! With the help of their flying ponies, Poppy and her friends set off to find out what's happened to their teacher. They discover a magical creature and a mysterious enchantment!

Fairy Blossoms #3: Rose and the Delicious Secret, Harper Collins
ISBN: 978-0061139390

Everyone is delighted when delicious treats start appearing overnight at Mistress Lily's Fairy School! Everyone except the Cook, that is—he doesn't want someone else to do his job. Can Rose find out what's going on and restore harmony to the Cloverleaf Cottage kitchen?

Fairy Blossoms #4: Marigold and the Missing Firefly, Harper Collins
ISBN:978-0061139413

Marigold's new pet firefly, Flash if the perfect companion. He's sweet and affectionate and just the right size to cuddle with. All the students at Mistress Lily's Fairy School soon grow to love him. But when Flash goes missing, Marigold is heartbroken! Will she ever find him?

Fairy Blossoms #5: Daisy and the First Wish, Harper Collins
ISBN:978-0-06-113942-0

Daisy loves helping humans--it's what she's always wanted to do. Then she
meets a little girl named Nina who makes an impossible wish. Daisy's magic
want can't give Nina what she wants--but maybe Daisy can find another way!

Old MacDonald in the City, illustrated by Thor Wickstrom, Ages 3 - 8, Golden/Random House

In a unique take on the familiar song, Old MacDonald is a food vendor in a city park, and whenever his back is turned, his cart is overrun with animals--from one horse to ten ants.

"..rollicking retelling of the traditional song...clever twist turns it into a counting book as well as a sing-along. A natural for storytime."
- SLJ

The Witch Casts a Spell, illustrated by Barbara Olsen, Ages 3 - 8, Dial
All the ghoulish folks in town, and one curious little girl, head for the Halloween party at Mummy's house. Text is set to the tune of "Farmer in the Dell."

"...this Halloween story is a winner for sharing with one child or a group...children will easily join in after hearing the first few words of each stanza and the repeated refrain. An enjoyable holiday story that encourages participation." - SLJ

My Dog Never Says Please, illustrated by Tedd Arnold

Tired of having to mind her manners, clean her room, and wear shoes, Ginny Mae wishes she could trade places with the family dog.

"Williams aptly expresses Ginny Mae's frustrations and longings...Arnold's exuberant drawings triumph on every page."
- Publisher's Weekly

An IRA-CBC Children's Choice for 1998
Parent's Choice Awards recommended title for 2000

Secret Pal Surprises, illustrated by Jackie Snider, Ages 7 - 10, A Hyperion Chapters book
When Mrs. Hall's third grade class picks secret pals for Valentine's Day, Tommy ends up with Jake, the new kid. Jake's big, so big he looks like he could be in fifth grade. If Tommy doesn't get Jake something he likes, there's no telling what he might do...

Edwin and Emily, illustrated By Abby Carter, Ages 6 - 8, A Hyperion Chapters Book
Emily loves to play--whether outdoors in the snow, or indoors with her big brother, Edwin. Edwin knows lots of new, exciting games, and is happy to teach them--as long as Emily plays fair. So how does Emily get hold of Edwin's clothes, his toy car, and half of his candy bar? This sibling duo's funny adventures are a delight to read in any season.

Emily At School, illustrated by Abby Carter, Ages 6 - 8, A Hyperion Chapters Book
"Can't you read?" said a boy in a striped T-shirt. He pointed to a name tag on the desk. "Alex," he said. "that's me. I'm new, and you are sitting in my chair." Emily frowned. "I know how to read," she said. "I just didn't look at the name tag." Emily found her desk. It was right in front of Alex's desk and next to Jenny's desk. Last year she and Jenny had been in the same class. Emily smiled at Jenny. Then she looked back at Alex and stuck out her tongue.

THIRD GRADE FRIENDS (series title), illustrated by George Ulrich, Ages 7 - 10, Scholastic Little Apple

BOOK #1: Here's Hilary

Hilary is a total mess. She's the queen of clutter. And you can usually tell what she's eaten because she's wearing it on her shirt! But Hilary doesn't mind. That is, until her teacher gets upset that she's late to school--again.

But how will Hilary ever clean up her act when she can't even clean out her desk? That's where the secret plan comes in. It's the deal that Hilary makes with the class geek, Gordon, to try to get her life in order. It's a weird plan, but it's worth trying. After all, third grade cannot get any messier than it already is!

BOOK #2: Josh Taylor, Mr. Average

Hilary is the wall-ball champion. Gordon is the brainiac who aces every subject. And Josh...well, Josh isn't really the best at anything. In fact, he's pretty average all around. But that's about to change.

Josh is sure he can be great at something, too. And Hilary and Gordon want to help their friend find a special talent. But nothing is working! And with school elections coming up, Josh is really bummed. He wants to be Class Representative more than anything.

But who would ever vote for Mr. Average...?

BOOK #3: Hilary's Super Secret

Hilary Hopkins has a big secret. She found out something about her teacher, Ms. Foster. But she can't tell anyone. Well, except for Josh and Gordon, of course. Her two best friends have to know. They are the only ones who can help with her plan. And the plan must be kept secret, too.

That's a whole lot of secrets! Will Hilary, Josh, and Gordon be able to keep them safe?

The plan depends on it....

BOOK #4: Gordon and the New Girl

There's a new girl visiting class. María is from Mexico, and she is very smart. Maybe even as smart as Gordon! Gordon thinks they could be good friends. Except that strange things happen to him whenever María is around. He falls out of his chair, he drops things--Gordon's become a total klutz!

Hilary and Josh think they know what's wrong--Gordon's got a crush on the new girl. And Josh says that all girls (except for Hilary, of course!) are trouble.

Can Gordon break María's spell? Or will he stay clumsy forever?

THE MARVELOUS MIND OF MATTHEW MCGHEE, Age 8, (series title),
illustrated by Abby Carter, Ages 6 - 9, Aladdin/Simon & Schuster

BOOK #1: Master of Minds?

Meet Matthew. He's your typical third grader. He likes to play baseball, has a hard time remembering to do his homework, and wishes his parents would give him a bigger allowance.

Then one day something very unusual happens to Matthew: He discovers he can control people with his mind. Now it doesn't matter if he does his homework or not, he doesn't get in trouble, and suddenly his parents give him a raise--without him even asking for it!

This is the best superpower any kid could ever ask for--or so Matthew thinks, until his power starts to spin out of control!

BOOK #2: Human or Alien?

Weird things are happening to Matthew McGhee. First, a purple blob follows him home. Then he hears his mom making plans to send him away to a faraway place. When Matthew finds an egg-shaped bruise on his arm, he knows for sure something very strange is going on.

Matthew's always thought he was different from other kids, but he never thought he was from a different planet! Do these weird occurrences mean that aliens are coming to bring him home?

When the phone rings one night, it's for Matthew. It's the call he's been waiting for....

BOOK #3: The Lucky Penny?

On the way home from school one day Matthew finds a penny. Remembering the rhyme his grandfather taught him -- "Find a penny, pick it up, and all day long you'll have good luck"--Matthew slips the penny into his pocket and takes it home.

Suddenly Matthew becomes a very lucky boy. First his parents take him to the pound to pick out a puppy. Then at school he makes an amazing catch during the softball game. Could it be that this penny really is a lucky penny?