It was the end of summer vacations and the schools had just reopened. 12-year-old James and his sister, Mary, along with his friends go on an adventure when they stumble upon an old piece of paper while playing. They encounter challenges at every stage. The first book in the series of Adventures of James and His Friends – titled The Mysterious Paper – takes you through a maze of brain-challenging activities which a mastermind has set up. Can James and his team overcome it and find the real treasure? Open the book and read the exhilarating adventure!

In this Masterpiece Adventure, the first in a companion series for younger readers from bestselling author Elise Broach, James is going on vacation for a week. His best friend, Marvin the beetle, has to stay at home. Without James to keep him company, Marvin has to play with his annoying cousin, Elaine. Marvin and Elaine quickly find themselves getting into all sorts of trouble—even getting trapped inside a pencil sharpener! Marvin misses James and starts to worry about their friendship. Will James still be Marvin's friend when he gets home or will James have found a new best friend? A Christy Ottaviano Book

The last thirty years have witnessed one of the most fertile periods in the history of children's books: the flowering of imaginative illustration and writing, the Harry Potter phenomenon, the rise of young adult and crossover fiction, and books that tackle extraordinarily difficult subjects. The Oxford Companion to Children's Literature provides an indispensable and fascinating reference guide to the world of children's literature. Its 3,500 entries cover every genre from fairy tales to chapbooks; school stories to science fiction; comics to children's hymns. Originally published in 1983, the Companion has been comprehensively revised and updated by Daniel Hahn. Over 900 new entries bring the book right up to date. A whole generation of new authors and illustrators are showcased, with books like Dogger, The Hunger Games, and Twilight making their first appearance. There are articles on developments such as manga, fan fiction, and non-print publishing, and there is additional information on prizes and prizewinners. This accessible A to Z is the first place to look for information about the authors, illustrators, printers, publishers, educationalists, and others who have influenced the development of children's literature, as well as the stories and characters at their centre. Written both to entertain and to instruct, the highly acclaimed Oxford Companion to Children's Literature is a reference work that no one interested in the world of children's books should be without.

Quentin Jacobson has spent a lifetime loving Margo Roth Spiegelman from afar. So when she cracks open a window and climbs into his life - dressed like a ninja and summoning him for an ingenious campaign of revenge - he follows. After their all-nighter ends, Q arrives at school to discover that Margo has disappeared.

Richard Marsh's 'CRIME & MYSTERY COLLECTION: 12 Thrillers & Action-Adventure Novels (Illustrated)' is a captivating anthology that showcases Marsh's versatile storytelling skills in the genres of crime and mystery. Each novel is expertly crafted with intricate plot twists, vivid characterizations, and thrilling action sequences, making it a must-read for fans of classic suspense literature. The inclusion of illustrations enhances the reading experience, bringing the stories to life in a visually engaging way that complements the narrative. Marsh's work is a testament to his mastery of the mystery genre and his ability to keep readers on the edge of their seats with each carefully plotted story. With a keen eye for detail and a talent for creating compelling narratives, Marsh's collection is a standout in the realm of crime fiction. Richard Marsh, a prolific writer known for his contributions to the mystery and thriller genres, draws on his own experiences and observations of human nature to craft engaging and suspenseful stories. His background in journalism and keen understanding of human psychology shine through in his writing, adding depth and complexity to his characters and plotlines. Marsh's dedication to the craft of storytelling is evident in each of the 12 novels included in this collection, showcasing his range as a writer and his skill at keeping readers enthralled from start to finish. I highly recommend Richard Marsh's 'CRIME & MYSTERY COLLECTION' to readers who enjoy well-crafted and gripping tales of suspense, action, and intrigue. This anthology is a treasure trove of thrilling narratives that will satisfy fans of classic mystery fiction and keep them eagerly turning pages until the very end.

The nephew of agent 007-James Bond-tries to discover what is happening on the adjoining estate which is suddenly closed off with barbed wire and vicious dogs.