True crime for kids. Or is it the happy childhood you never had? Thirteen tales. A wry, fantasy children's book to make adults laugh. Reminiscent of such greats as James Thurber and Lemony Snicket. Penned by SF troublemaker Terry Bisson, and illustrated by transreal cyberpunk Rudy Rucker. Also available in two paperback editions: an all-text "Billy's Book," and an illustrated large-format "Billy's Picture Book."

Designed to be used by children in their first six months of school PM Starters One and Two

Billy is a homeless man living under an interstate overpass. He befriends two other men while dealing with the everyday trials of those living rough. The friends find their way to the All-Faith Christian Mission for a lunch. Why does the minister who runs All-Faith read the Bible to the men? What is the message he should get from a Bible reading? Why should he believe in a God? There seems to be a variety of churches calling themselves Christians. Why? If he's given a chance to get off the street, should he take it or revert to his homeless and free-living lifestyle? This story is a journey with Billy learning and questioning, all the while wondering what he should do next. Questions, questions...

Neil Gaiman, Eoin Colfer, and many more join this magical brew [that] will enchant young adult readers and their elders as well. (Publishers Weekly) In Wizards, today's master fantasists turn their hands to tales of these magical beings, living in both ancient and modern times, as well as in fantasy realms that never were. Featuring stories by New York Times bestselling authors Neil Gaiman, Eoin Colfer and Garth Nix as well as tales from Kage Baker, Peter S. Beagle, Terry Bisson, Orson Scott Card, Terry Dowling, Andy Duncan, Jeffrey Ford, Elizabeth Hand, Nancy Kress, Tanith Lee, Patricia A. McKillip, Mary Rosenblum, Tad Williams, Gene Wolfe, and Jane Yolen.

What happens when a pyromaniac becomes a firefighter and what happens when the pyromaniac falls in love with a female firefighter? Killed By Fire, traces the young life of Billy Small, and his fascination with fire. Following the death of his family in a fire, Billy is adopted by a Fire Marshall and grows up in a family where fire is the main topic of conversation. Billy falls in love with Pat Wise and helps her to become a female firefighter. Killed By Fire, outlines the details of numerous fires involving Billy. Did Billy set the fires? Will Pat or his adoptive father discover that Billy is a pyromaniac, purposely setting fires so that he can put them out?