Little Tiger New Children's Book Titles January 2026 - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

Guardians of the New Moon: The Year of the Tiger
By Eric Huang, illustrated by Phùng Nguyên Quang
ISBN: 9781788957571 / PB / £6.99

The Heavenly Palace is in uproar! Biao the tiger has gone missing and there's no Year of the Tiger without her. Ming and Miaow are sent to find her - but bringing her back might just be their most difficult mission. Focused and stubborn, Biao hasn't got time for silly things like the lunar new year. The forest she calls home is dying and she's determined to save it. But she can't do it alone and her hot temper keeps getting in the way of finding friends. With time running out, can the Guardians help Biao save her home - and the Year of the Tiger - before it's too late?

Exciting, funny and jam-packed with action, GUARDIANS OF THE NEW MOON is perfect for fans of YOMI AND THE FURY OF NINKI NANKA, TIGER WARRIOR, Laura Ellen Anderson and SPELLCASTERS.

Clem Fatale Has Been Upstaged
By Eve Wersocki-Morris, illustrated by Honie Beam
ISBN: 9781788957625 / PB / £7.99

London, Summer 1951: Clem Fatale, the youngest crook in the city, and her best friend Gilbert are going to see their favourite musical double act, the Wade Sisters, perform at the London Palladium! But then one half of the duo - Betty Wade - disappears.

Her sister Judy hires Clem and Gilbert to find Betty. The pair are soon pulled into the dark side of the theatre scene, and into the orbit of a notorious criminal mastermind.

lifetime?

A rollicking middle grade series full of madcap escapades, fast-talking dames and unlikely heroes, perfect for fans of MURDER MOST UNLADYLIKE, ENOLA HOLMES, ADVENTURES ON TRAINS and Katherine Woodfine.

Star Friends: Charm Breaker
By Linda Chapman, illustrated by Kim Barnes
ISBN: 9781788957670 / PB / £6.99

Do you believe in magic?
Maddie and her friends do! And when they meet the Star Animals, a whole world of adventure unfolds.
After a village charity run, many of the adults in Westcombe (including most of the Star Friends' parents) start to become very energetic and throw caution to the wind when it comes to their responsibilities.

Maddie's mum seems unaffected, but the other Star Friends' parents are suddenly making random online purchases and arranging spontaneous trips out. Maddie is a little jealous at first, but as the adults become more reckless, she realises that dark magic is at work - where is it coming from?

The Best Children's Book Picks: JUNE 2025 US POST Edition - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

 

Lauren Magaziner - The Incorruptibles - Publisher ‏: Aladdin - Publication date : ‎June 10, 2025 - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎978-1665968669 - Hardback - Age: 9+ 

A girl joins the human resistance against sorcerer tyranny in this “breathless” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) first book in the exciting upper middle grade fantasy series The Incorruptibles that’s Keeper of the Lost Cities meets The Marvellers.

Fiora Barrowling lives in a world where sorcerers rule over humans. After surviving an encounter with The Radiance—the very worst of the sorcerers—she’s whisked away to the incredible Incorruptibles (“Inc”) Academy, a school for resistance fighters in training. But most of the other students think Fiora hasn’t earned her place there, and when things start to go wrong and it seems the sorcerers have a spy in the academy, all eyes are on Fiora. With all odds stacked against her, can Fiora prove that she belongs?

Amber Chen - The Blood Phoenix - Publisher:  Viking Books for Young Readers - Publication date ‏: ‎June 17, 2025 - ISBN-13 ‏: ‎ 978-0593622780 - Hardback - Age: 10+

The sequel to Of Jade and Dragons, a thrilling and epic silkpunk fantasy inspired by the legendary Qing dynasty. Perfect for fans of Elizabeth Lim and Xiran Jay Zhao.

Two years after Ying leaves the Engineer’s Guild and the ghost of her father’s unjust death behind, life seems to regain a semblance of normalcy. But the winds of unrest continue to stir within the Nine Isles, and the aftermath of a horrific pirate attack by the mysterious Blood Phoenix fleet forces Ying back into the tense political world of the new High Commander, Ye-yang. And soon, Ying, Ye-yang and her former friends from the guild must work together to find a way to outsmart the cunning pirates who terrorize the straits—and the elusive mastermind who’s controlling them.

Meanwhile, Ying’s sister, Nian, now lives in the capital, awaiting the day she will finally marry the High Commander. While her relationship with Ye-yang remains distant, she finds company in her friendship with the fourteenth prince, Ye-kan, and discovers her unexpected affinity for governance and strategy. But the capital is more dangerous than she expects, and when a dark conspiracy arises, Nian and Ye-kan must unravel the mystery in time to prevent the High Command from collapsing from within.

New dangers arise at every moment, threatening to tear the Nine Isles apart. In order to sail through this storm, Ying and her loved ones must make difficult choices amidst terrible betrayals. With the world on the brink of destruction, will they find a way to defeat their enemies and survive? And will it be worth the cost?

• Rosalyn Ransaw - Smoke & Mirrors Publisher : ‎Amulet Books - Publication date ‏: ‎June 10, 2025 - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎978-1419770135 - Hardback - Age: 8+ 

An exciting and twisty middle-grade debut mystery novel—perfect for fans of From the Desk of Zoe Washington and The Parker Inheritance—about the disappearance of a famous magician, and one boy’s quest to find the truth

Spending the summer with his aunt as the only Black kid in a small Midwestern town was bad enough, but now Andy Carter’s summer has been effectively ruined.

His dad’s parole hearing is postponed, he misses his friends, and—when an old barn burns down—he’s stuck taking the blame. Andy is sentenced with helping the barn’s owner, a cantankerous old man, renovate his crumbling mansion—a mansion that hides a mystery.

It was once owned by the famous magician the Red Knave. In 1954, the Knave was a wanted suspect in the town’s most infamous murder before disappearing without a trace.

The whole town is sure the Red Knave is guilty, but to Andy, things just don’t add up. Investigating a mystery from the ’50s isn’t the same as spending time with his dad, but Andy can’t help but be drawn into the Red Knave’s exciting world of magic and illusion. To solve the Knave’s final vanishing act, Andy teams up with another boy he doesn’t quite trust. Secret by secret, they try to uncover the Red Knave’s identity and learn why his last performance came to such a tragic end.

With a gripping combination of hidden doors, shocking twists, and deep emotional heart, Smoke & Mirrors asks the question: How much of the truth is what you can get people to believe?

Rachel Hartman - Among Ghosts - Publisher ‏: ‎Random House Books for Young Readers - Publication date : June 24, 2025 - ISBN-13 : 978-0593813720 - Hardback - Age: 10+ 

A few things to know about the town of St. Muckle’s: It’s too out-of-the-way to interest greedy lords, and too damp and muddy for marauding dragons to burn. And anyone, from a humble serf to a runaway nun, may earn their freedom by living for a year and a day within the town walls. Seven years ago, Charl and his mother fled to St. Muckle’s and made it their safe-haven, building a new life in this so called Peasant’s Paradise. But when Charl sees something impossible—a ghost—soon the embers of his past are threatening to engulf his world in flame. A tragic accident is quickly followed by murder, a deadly plague, and a mercenary dragon.

Charl manages to escape to an abandoned abbey outside of town, but finds no safety within those ruined walls. A treacherous nun, a chorus of murdered girls, and the fearsome Battle Bishop await, ready to ensnare him in a complex web of history, magic and fate. For some things should never be forgotten, however much they haunt us, and Charl will need all his wisdom and resiliency if he is to fight for the world he knows…and the people he calls home.

The Best Children's Book Picks FEB 2025 - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

Kieran Larwood (Author), Joe Todd Stanton (Illustrator) - Dungeon Runners: Sky Battles - Published by Nosy Crow Ltd (13 Feb. 2025) -ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1839945212 - Paperback - Age: 7

An action-packed new adventure series from Blue Peter Award-winning author Kieran Larwood and Waterstones Children's Book Prize winner Joe Todd Stanton. Young readers will love discovering the world of the Dungeon Runners!

ARE YOU READY FOR THE CHALLENGE? It's time to fight or take flight!

"Highly illustrated, humorous and immediately enthralling" - The Guardian

Kit can hardly believe he's now a professional Dungeon Runner. With his teammates Sandy and Thorn, they set off to a city in the clouds to compete.

But with new dangers at every turn, Kit and his friends will need their wits and bravery to take on enemies as well as monsters. Are they ready for the big leagues? There's only one way to find out!

Have you got what it takes to survive the Dungeon? Now is your chance to prove it!

Helen Fairley - The Soul Collector - Published by The Book Guild Ltd (28 Feb. 2025) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1835741320 - Paperback - Age: 8+ 

When siblings Sam and Jude are forced to leave London for a quiet village in the countryside due to their mother's illness, they expect boredom and isolation. But the village isn’t as peaceful as it seems. Next to their new home is an old graveyard with dark secrets.

One night, Sam sees strange flashing lights in the graveyard. He realises the village has mysteries waiting to be solved. Sam and Jude team up to uncover a mystery that has haunted the village for centuries.

Can they help the spirits that wander the village? Can they stop the monster who’s collecting souls?

With time running out, Sam, Jude, and their friends must act quickly to solve the puzzle before the Soul Collector claims his next victim.

Lucy Strange (Author), Rohan Eason (Illustrator) -  The Boy At The Window - Published by Barrington Stoke (13 Feb. 2025) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0008712785 - Paperback - Age: 9+ 

A spine-tingling ghost story from bestselling author Lucy Strange

Folk say the fog plays tricks – that it shapes itself into little hands and frightened faces that press at people’s doors and windows, desperate to come inside. But Hugo is convinced the ghost he has seen at the window is no trick of the fog. The boy’s hollow eyes are haunting him. What would happen if Hugo were to open the door and let him in? Brace yourselves for a chilling, wintery ghost story …

Particularly suitable for readers aged 9+ with a reading age of 8.

Sam Sedgman - The Forbidden Atlas (Isaac Turner Investigates) - Published by Bloomsbury Children's Books (27 Feb. 2025) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1526665430 - Paperback - Age: 8+

The exhilarating sequel to The Clockwork Conspiracy, Isaac Turner is back for another action-packed mystery adventure.

Isaac and Hattie have been invited to a high-profile event at the French National Archives in Paris to finally celebrate their achievement in saving time. But as Isaac prepares to make his speech, the lights go out and a single shot is fired.

The police think it was an assassination attempt on the infamous businessman Balthazar Blaise, but Isaac and Hattie realise that something very different is going on when they discover a boy taking something from the archives before vanishing without a trace.

As they investigate, Isaac and Hattie are pulled into an underground world, searching secret and forgotten places for a stolen letter, a missing sister and a map that will unearth a long buried secret ...

The Best Children's Book Picks JAN 2025 - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

 

Penny Boxall - Letty and the Mystery of the Golden Thread - Published by Puffin (30 Jan. 2025) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0241657447 - Paperback - Age: 8+

Anybody who found themselves in the rigging of the good ship Lotus very early that morning would have seen an unusual sight: a shy, plump girl with a magpie fidgeting on her shoulder, holding in her hand a glinting coin…

We begin in LONDON, 1774.

Twelve-year-old Lettice Breech is excited to visit Europe with her Pa, who is eternally fascinated by ancient objects. Together they’re going to admire breathtaking French art, astounding Roman ruins, and spectacular Greek carvings.

But their plans are dashed when part of a famous statue is exposed as a forgery, and Pa is thrown in gaol for the crime.

Susan Brownrigg (Author), Jenny Czerwonka (Illustrator) - Wrong Tracks - UCLan Publishing (9 Jan. 2025) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1916747340 - Paperback - Age: 8+

Who is sabotaging the Rainhill Trials?

It is 1829. Everyone is talking about the exciting new rail ways and young Edward Entwistle cannot believe his good fortune: a chance encounter sees him offered a job at the Stephensons’ Steam Locomotive Manufactory.

The Stephensons are preparing for an important competition – The Rainhill Trials. A race of innovation and daring which will award the winner a contract to run the new Liverpool & Manchester Rail Way. Edward must protect the father and son inventors’ latest creation – their precious Premium Engine – but strange and dangerous accidents keep stalling construction.

Edward and his new loco-mad friend Prudence soon realise someone is trying to scupper the Stephensons’ chances. It is up to the friends to spot sabotage and chase down spies in a thrilling race against the clock.

Inspired by the Rainhill Trials.

Jo Todd-Stanton - The Comet - Published by Flying Eye Books (2 Jan. 2025) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1838741242 - Paperback - Age: 4+ (Picture Book) 

When Nyla has to leave her home in the countryside to start life again in the city, all she can think about is everything she misses from before. So when a comet comes crashing through the city streets and starts to glow and grow, Nyla can’t resist a chance to head somewhere that feels closer to what she had before … but what starts as an escape could be just the thing to make her finally feel at home. From the award-winning Joe Todd-Stanton, comes an exquisite and heartfelt picture book touching on the bewildering experience of moving house. This beautiful story explores how this can affect a child's sense of belonging, but also how it can open them up to new and wonderful experiences.

Alice Nuttall - The Zombie Project - Published by Chicken House (2 Jan. 2025) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1915947345 - Paperback - Age: 9+ 

The action-packed and horrorful zombie adventure from debut author Alice Nuttall, with an original environmental twist . . .

In a world without bees, death-flies are needed to grow food. But death-flies need bodies – lots of them. And bodies mean zombies.
Merian understands this, but others are afraid. Can one girl prove that zombies are the future?

• The action-packed debut novel of MSLexia Children’s and YA 2023 winner, Alice Nuttall.
• An original idea that turns the usual zombie story on its head – save the zombies, don’t kill them!
• With environmental themes packaged alongside age-appropriate horror and scares.

Read Extract HERE

Abi Elphinstone - Ember Spark and the Frost Phoenix (Book Two) - Book Review - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

 

In "Ember Spark and the Frost Phoenix," Abi Elphinstone captivates readers once again with a spellbinding adventure-packed tale that takes us deep into a fantastical world brimming with danger. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Arctic Circle, this second book in the magical series is a testament to Elphinstone’s ability to weave intricate plots with rich, vibrant, and imaginative characters.

Ember Spark’s journey as an apprentice to see Rusty Fizzbang, the vet for magical creatures, is a thrilling ride from the very first page. Guided by a baby frost phoenix, Ember's quest to save the migrating neverwhales evolves into a gripping race against time. As she navigates the icy landscapes and faces the evil Jasper Hornswoggle (such a great name!) readers find themselves on an exhilarating rollercoaster of emotions. The author's storytelling prowess really shines balancing high-stakes action with beautiful moments of warmth and camaraderie.

Brilliantly illustrated by Kristina Kister, the book comes alive with its stunning cover and illustrations that complement the enchanting narrative. Each illustration serves as a portal into Elphinstone's world as they invite readers to immerse themselves fully in the magic and wonder of Ember's journey. 

What makes "Ember Spark and the Frost Phoenix" truly remarkable is its underlying themes of bravery, compassion, and the importance of standing up for those who cannot protect themselves. Ember is a relatable heroine whose determination and kindness will inspire readers of all ages to embrace their own adventures and confront challenges head-on.

This book is not just a story, it’s a celebration of the spirit of adventure and the bonds we forge in the face of adversity. Elphinstone has crafted a story that is both thrilling and heartwarming, ensuring that it will resonate with readers long after they turn the last page. 

Published by Simon & Schuster Children's UK (24 Oct. 2024).

**Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐**

**Links:**

- [Simon & Schuster Children's UK](https://www.simonandschuster.co.uk)

- [Abi Elphinstone's Official Website](https://www.abielphinstone.com)

- [Kristina Kister's Portfolio](https://www.kristinakister.com)

Emma Finlayson-Palmer - Dance Magic (Autumn Moonbeam) - Author Interview (Q&A) - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books #30

 

We are celebrating the publication of Dance Magic (Autumn Moonbeam) which is the debut book of Emma Finlayson-Palmer. It is due to be published on the 7th July 2022 by UCLan Publishing  (Preston University). The book is illustrated by Heidi Cannon and is part of a series of stories following the main character Autumn Moonbean. Younger readers can follow her adventures and life experiences. In this interview, we find out more about the book and the author. It is a chance to celebrate together the publication with a sparkle, a dance, and a flourish of magic. We hope you enjoy it and thanks for visiting. 

 

• Your first book is for 5-8-year-old readers, Autumn Moonbeam: Dance Magic and is due to be published in July 2022 (UCLan); what magical fantasy world have you created for the story?

Autumn lives in an area called Sparkledale in a country called Cauldronia, where creatures live and do similar things to me or you but with a magical twist. There are spell-a-visions and talking doorbells that will shout at you to answer the door, and a main character who dreams of one day joining a dance club, and going to the Aaarghlympics.

• Autumn Moonbeam is the main character of the book; how do you think younger readers will be able to identify with the character?

  Whilst it's not mentioned as such in the book, Autumn is autistic, and I hope some of her neurodivergent traits will feel familiar to younger readers. And certainly the anxious fluttering moths in her tummy, shyness, and sometimes being a little clumsy will be relatable to many readers. She's a worrier, but she's also kind and loyal and is determined to follow her dreams.

• As an adult writer, what process(es) do you undertake to write for this age group, and do you think you have got all of the aspects you wanted to include in the book right?

  I'm a mom to five children, worked as a childminder for over 13 years, been a helper in playgroups, and I'm also working as a lunchtime supervisor in a primary and have done for over seven years, so I've had a lot of experience around children who are the same age as Autumn and her friends. In truth, I never left that more playful stage myself, it was around the age of 8 or 9 that I knew I wanted to be a writer. I hope I've got all the aspects in that I wanted, and feel like I've created authentic characters (albeit witches and fairies and other magical beings), that children will be able to identify with or get excited by.

• The book is illustrated by Heidi Cannon; what can you tell us about the illustrations and how do they contribute to the storyline? 

  Heidi has done such an amazing job at bringing Autumn's world to life. Despite being an artist myself, I couldn't have imagined all the intricate details that Heidi has created. The illustrations are so much fun, and often there are small details to spot in the background. Heidi's images bring the words alive.

• What hurdles did you have to overcome to get your book published? Do you have any good tips for writers who are looking to get published?

  I have been writing for many years, and started off writing letters and short stories to magazines in the hope of getting into print. Once I discovered I especially loved children's fiction I tried writing for all different ages groups over the years and have discovered that I have a special love for the magic of chapter books. I would highly recommended reading as much as you can when you are a writer. It's one of the key things to being a good writer, I think. Read new releases, see what sort of stories are popular, and what trends there are, don't follow a trend, just learn from it. Most importantly, write something that excites you, because if that book gets an agent or publisher's interest you're going to be working on edits and talking about the same story a lot, and also your passion will shine through in your writing.

• You have a big passion for reading children's books; which book has recently caught your attention?

  I read a lot so it's hard to pin down just the one but I've recently read Three Girls by Katie Clapham, such a heart warming tale of friendship and a passion for running. I've also recently read the second Rainbow Grey book, Laura Ellen Anderson's books are an absolute joy to read and to see her stunning illustrations.

• What are your favourite blogs or websites for writers? 

  Write Mentor has been a wonderful and supportive community to be part of and I can highly recommend getting involved. The same with Write MAGIC too, such wonderful supportive writers with fun groups to take part in sprints and other writing activities. 

• Is there a dream you have yet to follow and could it make it into any future books?

  Ooh this is both a hard but really interesting question. One dream I've always had is to see the aurora borealis, that could definitely feature in a future story. I've also got my more unrealistic dream of being able to turn into a bird and fly, so that will definitely have to be lives through my writing!

Sophie Plowden - The Children's Author of the Jack Dash Series - Mr Ripley's Festive Edition Q&A (Catnip)

This is the third festive interview Q&A. I would like to welcome Sophie Plowden, who is the author of the fantastic Jack Dash series. Two brilliant books to date have been fantastically illustrated by Judy Brown, who helps to bring Jack Dash's drawings to life. This series was published by the small and mighty Catnip Publishing Group. If you are looking for funny, action-packed stories for young readers then these are great gifts for this festive time. Fill the Christmas stockings with great books like these this year.  

Welcome Sophie and thank you for taking time to answer some questions. 

What would Jack Dash say about his books this Christmas?

I think he’d probably say that they make the most fantastic presents and you’d have to be leaking brain juice not to buy them.

Jack's magic feather makes whatever he draws come to life. What would he draw to bring Christmas to life?

I’m pretty sure he already did! In ‘Jack Dash and the Summer Blizzard’ he conjures up a snowstorm in the school playground, along with a hundred and eighteen penguins. Penguins make ideal stocking-fillers as they’re the perfect shape.

What makes you laugh?

Misunderstandings and minor injuries.

What can we expect next from Sophie next year?

Jack Dash 3 is coming out in September. I’m still wrestling with the title, but it features a cowboy, a castle and a Cake Off Competition.

Who would you have at a literary New Year dinner party and why? 

Dr Seuss, Lewis Carroll, Louis Sachar and Jane Austen would get along swimmingly. I’d also invite Peter Frankopan because of his Twitter feed and his magnificent name.

What book would you recommend to readers to get them into the winter/festive spirit?

Maurice Sendak’s ‘In the Night Kitchen’ is the lesser-known and distinctly weirder precursor to ‘Where the Wild Things Are.’ It lingers in the head for years because it’s magical, strange and dark.

Everyone loves books as gifts which book would you like to receive or give this Christmas?

I’d love to have the catalogue of Basquiat’s paintings, which are currently on exhibition at the Barbican Centre in London. It’s for this reason, I’m giving it to my husband.

What's the meaning of Christmas for you and your characters?

No school and family arguments – my characters and I are indistinguishable.

Are you any good at building a snowman/woman?

I live in London and there’s rarely enough snow to build anything much. I once managed a small conical structure – a sort of snow parsnip.

www.sophieplowden.co.uk

Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books: Middle Grade Book Picks (8yrs-12yrs) US & UK Published

Ross Welford - What Not to Do If You Turn Invisible - Published by HarperCollins Children's Books - UK (29 Dec. 2016)

From the author of the unforgettable bestseller TIME TRAVELLING WITH A HAMSTER comes another surprising, beautiful and funny novel about a child who, by disappearing, will write herself into your heart forever…

Turning invisible at will: it’s one way of curing your acne. But far more drastic than 13 year-old Ethel Leatherhead intended when she tried a combination of untested medicines and a sunbed.

It’s fun at first, being invisible. And aided by her friend Boydy, she manages to keep her extraordinary ability secret. Or does she…?

When one day the invisibility fails to wear off, Ethel is thrown into a nightmare of lies and deception as she struggles to keep herself safe, to find the remedy that will make her seen again – and solve the mystery of her own birth…

Eva Howard - League of Archers (League or Archers) - Published by Aladdin  - US (6 Dec. 2016)

A girl on the run after being accused of killing Robin Hood learns what it really means to be a hero in this exciting adventure story. 
That s the girl who killed Robin Hood! Those words send Ellie Dray racing for the forest and the chance to clear her name. 
Twelve-year-old novice nun Elinor Dray has always idolized Robin Hood. She and her friends try to be like him by sneaking out to hunt on the lands belonging to the village Baron, stealing from him to feed their poor neighbors. They call themselves the League of Archers. 
While returning from a hunting trip late one night, Ellie meets a man in the forest a hunter like herself. But suddenly the man is shot with a poisoned arrow. She manages to help him back to the abbey, but it s too late and he dies. Only in his final moments, does Ellie realize that the hunter is Robin Hood, and that the abbess of the nunnery is Maid Marian. 
With her secret revealed, the Baron immediately arrests Marian. But he needs a scapegoat for the murder of Robin Hood, and who better than a young novice nun? Ellie is proclaimed a hero the person who killed the famous outlaw Robin Hood but the villagers don t agree. A mob forms, vowing to hunt Ellie down and exact their own vengeance. 
Will Ellie and her League of Archers be able to find the real killer, free Maid Marian, and keep Robin Hoods legacy alive?

Wade Albert White - The Adventurer's Guide to Successful Escapes - Published by Little, Brown Young Readers - US (29 Dec. 2016) 

Step into a world made up of magickal floating tiers, where fantasy and science fiction meet in dark alleys, dragons aren't nearly as innocent as they look (which is to say, not innocent at all), and nothing is quite what it seems.

Anne has spent all of her nearly thirteen years at Saint Lupin's Institute for Perpetually Wicked and Hideously Unattractive Children, dreaming of wild voyages and looking forward to the day she and her best friend Penelope will board a ship to a better life. But when that day comes, Anne is denied her ticket due to a bureaucratic technicality (and one very determined, possibly evil Matron), and her escape plan sets an epic adventure into motion.

With a mysterious dragon medallion now fused to her right hand, Anne makes her way to a quest academy and discovers that she has been charged with a Rightful Heir Quest. She, Penelope, and new questing partner Hiro have only days to uncover the truth of Anne's quest, and to conquer it. To succeed, they'll have to travel to strange new tiers, solve myriad riddles, and triumph over time, foes, and bureaucracy-or face the horrible consequences.

Packed with action, wit, and endless heart, debut author Wade Albert White brings us the first volume in an irresistible and original new fantasy series (that doesn't take itself too seriously).

Suzanne LaFleur -Beautiful Blue World - Published by Random House Books for Young Readers (12 Dec. 2016)

Beautiful Blue World is a thrilling and moving story of children who become the key to winning a war. 
Sofarende is at war. For twelve-year-old Mathilde, it means food shortages, feuding neighbors, and bombings. Even so, as long as she and her best friend, Megs, are together, they ll be all right. 
But the army is recruiting children, and paying families well for their service. If Megs takes the test, Mathilde knows she will pass. Megs hopes the army is the way to save her family. Mathilde fears it might separate them forever. 
This touching and suspenseful novel is a brilliant reimagining of war, where even kindness can be a weapon, and children have the power to see what adults cannot."