A clever account of one gutsy boy's experience outwitting boredom and adversity with imaginative chutzpah in a Catholic orphanage from 1945-1954. This candid memoir will inspire readers of all ages.

In the fall of 1945, five-year-old Tommy McClarren was placed in the German St. Vincent Orphan Home in St. Louis, Missouri, where he would live and go to school for the next nine years. Whether facing Sister Monica in a makeshift boxing ring, scheming to get his prized dice back from Sister Gilbert, or engineering a Robin Hood-style theft of the Chapel coffers right under Sister Columbo's nose, he transformed adversity into one adventure after another. Unlike most orphans, Tom now regards his time spent at the Home as a gift. Eager to offer a different perspective on what many people consider neglected unfortunates, he has compiled his most compelling tales into this candid, witty memoir of a gutsy orphans life. "When a natural born storyteller is placed in an orphanage, he creates magic only found in fairytales. Thanks to his daughter, we can now share these engaging stories told with love and sure the challenge your perceptions." Bill McClellan, columnist for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch "I learned more about the 'Home' reading Tom's book than in all my years as its director of boys' athletics. It's obvious that German St. Vincent's Orphan Home was a very positive transition in the lives of so many young people." Ron Holtman

It is 1498, and the whole of Venice is abuzz. Hidden somewhere in the labyrinthine city is an ancient book, rumoured to contain thorny heresies and secrets of immeasurable power. Luciano, a penniless orphan, has been plucked from the street and taken on as apprentice to the chef at the doge's palace. While learning the alchemy of cooking, he quickly finds himself entangled in the search for the ancient tome, even suspecting the chef, his maestro, may be concealing valuable information. But lurking in the wings are some of the most powerful, dangerous men in Venice, and Luciano's secret will lead him through a perilous maze to the centre of an intrigue that will test his deepest desires and loyalties.

Secret lives, scandalous turns, and some very funny surprises — these essays by leading kids’ lit bloggers take us behind the scenes of many much-loved children’s books. Told in lively and affectionate prose, this treasure trove of information for a student, librarian, parent, or anyone wondering about the post–Harry Potter children’s book biz brings contemporary illumination to the warm-and-fuzzy bunny world we think we know.

"Meows and Mischief Adventures of the Homeless Cat " is an uproariously funny and heartwarming story that follows the misadventures of a witty and charismatic feline navigating the streets as a homeless cat. With a knack for finding trouble and a mischievous sense of humor, this clever cat takes readers on a hilarious journey through the ups and downs of feline life on the streets. From the moment our whiskered protagonist is born, the story unfolds with laugh-out-loud moments and comical predicaments. Join this witty feline as they engage in a series of uproarious escapades, from playing mischievous pranks on unsuspecting humans to forming unlikely alliances with fellow street cats. Each chapter presents a new and hilarious situation, showcasing the cat's ingenuity, quick thinking, and uncanny ability to find humor in even the direst situations. As the story progresses, our charismatic cat encounters a colorful cast of characters, including eccentric animal lovers, grumpy tomcats, and even a secret society of alley cats. With each encounter, the humor escalates, leading to uproarious outcomes that will have readers doubling over in laughter. But amidst the comedy and hilarity, "Tales of the Homeless Cat" also touches on themes of resilience, friendship, and the importance of finding joy in the simplest of moments. Through it all, the clever cat teaches us valuable life lessons while whisking us away on a whirlwind adventure of belly-aching laughter. Get ready for a rib-tickling journey through the world of a homeless cat, where humor and heart go paw in paw. "Tales of the Homeless Cat" is a side-splitting comedy that will leave readers of all ages grinning from ear to ear and eagerly awaiting the next uproarious tale from this unforgettable feline hero.

What happens when the five luckiest children in the entire world walk through the doors of Willy Wonka's famous, mysterious chocolate factory? What happens when, one by one, the children disobey Mr. Wonka's orders? In Dahl's most popular story, the nasty are punished and the good are deliciously, sumptuously rewarded. "From the Hardcover edition."