Hollow Dolls

From the author of the Shadow Weaver duology comes a tale of secrets, power, magic, and the long path to home. Simone is a mind-reader. She knows a great many things, but she can't seem to remember anything about her past. So when she gets the chance to search for her family, she sets off to finally find her home. When she stumbles across a man with two minds inside him—the real one, shoved deep down, and one of a body walker, someone who can take over a person's body against their will—Simone is even more eager to leave her old life behind. As Simone dives deeper into her history, she learns truths she never could have imagined. But as those she loves start disappearing around her, Simone knows only she can stop the evil, before it's too late.

Fans of Serafina and the Black Cloak and The Night Gardener will devour Shadow Weaver, the first in a dark middle-grade fantasy duology that's filled with shadows, danger, magic, and has the feel of a new classic. Emmeline's gift of controlling shadows has isolated her from the rest of the world, but she's grown to be content, hidden away in her mansion with Dar, her own shadow, as her only company. Disaster strikes when a noble family visits their home and offers to take Emmeline away and cure her of magic. Desperate not to lose her shadows, she turns to Dar who proposes a deal: Dar will change the noble's mind, if Emmeline will help her become flesh as she once was. Emmeline agrees but the next morning the man in charge is in a coma and all that the witness saw was a long shadow with no one nearby to cast it. Scared to face punishment, Emmeline and Dar run away. With the noble's guards on her trail, Emmeline's only hope of clearing her name is to escape capture and perform the ritual that will set Dar free. But Emmeline's not sure she can trust Dar anymore, and it's hard to keep secrets from someone who can never leave your side.

The thrilling conclusion to the Hollow Dolls duology continues Simone's story as she sets out with her friends to stop the body walker once and for all. Simone is still reeling from learning the truth about her mother, Maeve. But she knows she has to stop her before she finds what she's looking for and ends up hurting her friends in the process. When Simone stumbles across an old legend about a handful of folks with rare and powerful talents who fled to a secret island haven, she wonders if the soul summoner Maeve seeks could be there. So she and Sebastian set off to find it, hoping to get to there before Maeve does. But as Simone and her traveling party draw closer to the island, it becomes clearer that Maeve will stop at nothing to get what she wants. And if her evil isn't stopped, it could mean terrible consequences for everyone Simone loves. With the gripping feel of a new classic, the Hollow Dolls duology will enthrall middle school readers who love fantasy, magic, and danger. Perfect for 5th grade and above. Praise for Hollow Dolls: "Connolly... introduces new characters and a gripping plot with a twist-all sure to captivate readers."—Booklist "[An] entertaining start to a new series...Simone's attempt to unravel the secrets of her past is relatable."—Publishers Weekly "This fantasy covers a lot of ground-suspense, friendship, bravery, family, and magic. Plot twists will surprise even readers paying close attention...A recommended purchase."—School Library Journal

Examines a variety of dolls throughout the world, discussing how they have been used at different times and how they reflect the cultures that created them.

The thrilling conclusion to MaryKate Connolly's Shadow Weaver duology follows Emmeline and Lucas as they face the darkness once and for all. Emmeline and Lucas are safe from the evil Lady Aisling and her soldiers for the time being. The only thing that mars their peaceful life is Emmeline's imprisoned former shadow, Dar. Then one night the Cerelia Comet, the reason for their magical abilities, returns... but it's twelve years too early. The return of the comet can only mean one thing: Lady Aisling has a Sky Shaker under her control and is hoping for a new batch of talented children to add to her collection. Emmeline and Lucas decide to journey to find other magical children to help in the fight against Lady Aisling. But when Dar escapes, and the two friends realize many of the children they seek have already been taken, they know they are in for the fight of their lives.

This wonderful collection of handmade toys will delight children both young and old. The 25 projects, designed by expert craftsman Rob Merrett, take their inspiration from traditional playthings, including dolls, animals, and more. Begin with Baby’s First Soft Toy—delightful gifts for newborns designed in soft colors and gentle prints. Nursery Novelties is next, with easy patchwork and appliqué embellishments, followed by Activity Toys, where clever designs will stimulate young children’s minds. Creature Comforts has adorable animals that are perfect for little ones in a range of pretty fabrics. Finally, Divine Dollies is packed with trendy, vintage-looking rag dolls that you will love to make. Rob also develops the concept of “Kids Forever,” where designs should appeal not just to children, but also to adults who will appreciate his stylish, retro approach. Each toy comes with clear, step-by-step text and beautiful photography and artworks that will guide even a novice stitcher, helping them to produce gorgeous gifts with a charming, handcrafted feel.

Japanese Dolls: The Fascinating World of Ningyo, is a wealth of information for Japanese art collectors, Asian doll collectors and doll enthusiasts of all levels and interests. Full of beautiful photographs, the book details 18 kinds of widely collected, obtainable and affordable, antique and vintage dolls and figurines (ningyo). Author Alan Scott Pate—the leading American expert on Japanese dolls—writes in illuminating detail about the traditions of each type of doll and shares practical tips on how to collect this amazing Japanese art form. Included in this guide to Japanese ningyo are: Festival dolls: hina-ningyo, musha-ningyo, tableau dolls Display dolls: saga-ningyo, gosho-ningyo, isho-ningyo, iki-ningyo Wood dolls: kamo-ningyo, nara-ningyo, kokeshi-ningyo Clay dolls: fushimi-ningyo, hakata-ningyo Mechanical dolls: karakuri-ningyo, kobe-ningyo Theatrical dolls: bunraku-ningyo, takeda-ningyo Play dolls: ichimatsu-ningyo, keue saiko

In this tender, old-fashioned story, Nina, the smallest of a group of Russian nesting dolls, is separated from her sisters and swept along on a dangerous journey.