The story of "Freddy the Frog" comes alive through the eyes and voice of a six-year-old boy by the name of Ethan. Ethan explores the world of nature and encounters a variety of events that could only happen to a six-year-old boy who has quite an adventurous spirit. Many times these events transpire with his 3 cousins and his sister who are approximately the same age. He talks about frogs with toe-pads that land on his Nana's windows and how they stick to them. His explanation of catching a frog, naming the frog "Freddy," and how the frog landed on a tree and making a noise that sounded like "SPLAT" makes us wonder what he did to the frog. He tells the story of a "Wart Lady." Living next door to his Nana gives him the opportunity to walk through the woods to her house. It is in these woods that Ethan finds many critters and adventure stories. His stories are imaginative and funny. He wonders if the events really happen or if he just has dreams and remembers them to tell his Nana. Ethan questions events such as his encounter with Freddy and the army of frogs he sees with him. Regardless of how the story of "Freddy the Frog" came about, children should find this story humorous.

Like the infinite-shade of colors, the richness of life is enhanced by our natural inclination, as creative beings, to hold distinct perspectives on just about any subject. Collectively, however, I believe we all appreciate the profound significance of all the things that influenced and molded us from an early age-the moments and events that are weaved intricately into our memories. Who amongst us cannot recall a story, no matter what artistic form used to bring it to life: a book, a show, a play, a comic, a song, a movie, or even a real-life character (that family member, teacher, coach, or friend) who shaped the lens with which we view the world then, now, and always. For this very reason, I believe children should see themselves represented in all areas of human endeavors, cementing deep within their framework the possibilities that await, regardless of prevailing circumstances. My hope is to bridge the diversity gap in STEM by creating excitement around Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math through diverse representation. "I see me, therefore I can be." So it remains, like the infinite shades of color, the richness of life is enhanced by the stories and experiences that holds us. -Louis J. Desforges

What mystical secrets lie beneath the Great Pyramids? Traveling with Napoleon's ambitious expedition, American adventurer Ethan Gage solves a five-thousand-year-old riddle with the help of a mysterious medallion. William Dietrich's books have been hailed for their vivid imagery, evocative atmospheres, impeccable historical accuracy, and ambitious plots. Now, in the breakout novel of his career, he delivers an enthralling story of intrigue, greed, and danger. Ethan Gage, assistant to Ben Franklin and expatriate American in post-revolutionary France, wins an ancient—and possibly cursed—medallion in a card game one night. It turns out that the medallion, covered in seemingly indecipherable symbols, may be linked to a Masonic mystery. That same night, however, Ethan is framed for a prostitute's murder and barely escapes France with his life. Faced with either prison or death, Gage is offered a third choice: to accompany the new emperor, Napoleon Bonaparte, as France sails to conquer Egypt—with Lord Nelson's fleet following close behind. Once Gage arrives, he encounters incredible surprises: one in the form of a beautiful Macedonian slave and another in the dawning knowledge that the medallion may solve one of the greatest riddles of history—who built the Great Pyramids, and why. What is revealed to Gage is more shocking than anyone could ever have imagined. Moving from the lascivious salons of post-revolutionary Paris to the Mediterranean's high seas to the treacherous sands of Egypt, Napoleon's Pyramids is a riveting, action-packed thriller that will captivate readers and introduce them to this supremely talented author.

Adventurer Ethan Gage travels through the darkest and most superstitious realms of eighteenth century Europe, to the castles and caves of Bohemia to rescue his family and uncover a mysterious medieval device rumored to foretell the future. Having quick-wittedly survived the battle of Trafalgar, Ethan is rushing to rescue “Egyptian priestess” Astiza and son Harry from imprisonment by a ruthless mystic who seeks revenge for disfigurement, and an evil dwarf alchemist who experiments with the occult on Prague’s Golden Lane. Using death as his ruse, and a pair of unlikely allies—a Jewish Napoleonic soldier and his sutler father—Ethan must decipher clues from Durendal, the sword of Roland. Astiza uses her own research to concoct an explosive escape and find a lost tomb, their tormentors in relentless pursuit. William Dietrich skillfully weaves intrigue and magic, romance and danger in a historical thriller that sprints from the fury of Napoleonic war to the mystic puzzles of Central Europe. What enigmas will the fabled Brazen Head finally reveal?

BOOK SPEC: Fiction Fantasy/Action Adventure genres; 252 pages, 50,464 word; middle grade/young adult; Ethan Fox Book series, Book #1 - Ethan Fox and the Eyes of the Desert Sand by E. L. Seer. A soon to be global phenomenon and cornerstone of contemporary children's literature, E. L. Seer's, Ethan Fox Books series will be both universally adored and critically acclaimed. A delightful story that glows with rare magic, unearthly wonders, and true friendships.BACK COVER COPY: After barely escaping abduction at the hands of Grimleaver vampires, thirteen-year-old Ethan Fox encounters a girl he is deeply drawn to. The two young strangers discover that they share a bond, both missing memories of their past. Together, Ethan and Hayley are lured away, awakening at The Residence, a mysterious parallel world within our own. There, they unravel the mysteries of their tangled pasts and help the Caretakers protect the human world from the Grimleavers and their evil plans to enslave humanity.COMMENTARY: The series is sure to be a monster hit because in all honesty, Seer is a terrific writer and Ethan Fox and the Eyes of the Desert Sand is an amazingly good book. It is chock-full of characters, creatures, situations, and complications. But what makes it all work is that you just love Ethan, Hayley, Gruggins, and many of the other protagonists while viewing the antagonists, Victor, Daavic, the Grimleavers, and others of the story with equivalent disdain. Everything works because everything is built around them - Ethan and Hayley's situation, their fears, their strengths, and their mistakes. The new worlds, the new beings, the new ideas are wonderful creations but without those people, they mean nothing. Along the way, Seer brings forth an alternate reality, and through his vision, is sure to bring joy to millions.MEET THE AUTHOR: E. L. Seer is a pen name. The E is for Eric and the L is for Lori and the Seer is for obvious reasons. To learn more and read about Advance Comments . . . visit us at EthanFoxBooks.com, [email protected], Facebook.com/EthanFoxBooks, and Twitter.com/@EthanFoxBooks.

Do you love dinosaurs? Ethan does. He loves dinosaurs so much that he wished he could be a real dinosaur, and not just any dinosaur, but a Tyrannosaurus Rex. And then one day, his wish came true. Follow Ethan and the rest of his dinosaur friends on an amazing adventure as they escape the Raptor Forest.

Last seen in Napoleon's Pyramids, fleeing the forces of evil in a runaway hot-air balloon over Egypt, Ethan Gage undergoes further life-threatening adventures in this rollicking sequel. Nine months before the balloon incident, Gage arrived in the Holy Land with his benefactor, Napoleon Bonaparte. After various misunderstandings involving the secrets of the Great Pyramid, Bonaparte became his implacable enemy. Now, accused of treason by Napoleon's minions, Pierre Najac and Najac's boss, the French-Italian count and sorcerer Alessandro Silano, Gage flees to Jerusalem, where he searches for his former lover, Astiza, who he fears has fallen into Silano's hands. Gage is also hunting clues that may lead him to the fabled Book of Toth, an ancient tome that promises to reveal the secrets of the universe. Ever the incorrigible gambler and all-around scamp, Gage makes an irresistible anti-hero.