The Glorious Flight

Winner of the Caldecott Medal, this stunningly illustrated book depicts Louis Bleriot's historic first cross-Channel flight.

Perdita Tree, the bored and beautiful wife of a Tory MP, believes that all women should have a magic door through which they can walk into a different life. So when she is kidnapped in Albania, she takes it in the spirit of one huge adventure. Adored by her kidnapper, who believes all things English are perfect, she is persuaded to rescue the Albanians from their dire history, and is vain enough to imagine that she can. The year is 1991, democracy is coming, but are the Albanians ready for it? And are they ready for Perdita? This book was featured at the Ways With Words Festival, Dartington, and the Chichester Festival, and was chosen for Waterstone's Summer Reads promotion, 2005.

Queen Zixi of Ix, or The Story of the Magic Cloak (1905) is a novel in L. Frank Baum’s Land of Oz series. Originally serialized in St. Nicholas from November 1904 to December 1905, Queen Zixi of Ix was considered by the author to be his finest work of fiction. Unlike most of Baum’s stories, which bridge the gap between fairy tale and fiction by portraying Earth alongside the Land of Oz, Queen Zixi of Ix takes place in the world of fantasy alone. The novel was adapted into a 1914 silent film titled The Magic Cloak of Oz. In the Forest of Burzee, Queen Lulea and her fairies design a magical cloak that will grant its wearer anything they desire, as long as they have not stolen it. Ereol is sent to Noland to deliver the cloak to the first unhappy person she sees. Along the road to the capital city of Nole, Ereol meets Fluff, a young girl on her way into town with her brother Bud and Aunt Rivette. As they enter the city, Bud is declared King by the five high counselors of Nole, making Fluff a Princess and granting them control of the kingdom of Noland. As the cloak makes its rounds at the royal palace, bringing happiness and fulfillment to countless government officials, Queen Zixi of the neighboring kingdom of Ix hatches a plan to take the magic cloak for herself. Filled with rich, detailed layers of fantasy from the mind of L. Frank Baum, Queen Zixi of Ix, or The Story of the Magic Cloak is a story about the frail innocence of childhood and the will to persevere that can be found in even the youngest of hearts. Long overshadowed by the film, Baum’s Land of Oz series is required reading for children, adults with children, and adults who refuse to let life lose its flavor of fantasy. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of L. Frank Baum’s Queen Zixi of Ix, or The Story of the Magic Cloak is a classic of American literature reimagined for modern readers.

Now back in print, a beautifully illustrated collection of twelve reimagined fairy tales, including classics like "Beauty and the Beast" and literary tales like Oscar Wilde's "The Happy Prince." Alice and Martin Provensen were one of the most talented husband-and-wife author-illustrator teams of the twentieth century. A long-out-of-print cult classic first published 50 years ago, The Provensen Book of Fairy Tales is a treasury of their illustrations accompanied by fairy tales from authors such as A. A. Milne, Hans Christian Andersen, and Oscar Wilde. Here too are clever retellings and newly imagined tales: refined old favorites like Arthur Rackham’s “Beauty and the Beast,” feminist revisions like Elinor Mordaunt’s “The Prince and the Goose Girl,” and sensitive stories by literary stylists like Henry Beston’s “The Lost Half-Hour” and Katharine Pyle’s “The Dreamer.” Full of magic, ingenuity, and humor, The Provensen Book of Fairy Tales is a witty modern descendant of Grimm’s Fairy Tales and a classic in its own right, sure to be beloved by a new generation.

One small act of kindness ripples out to connect four kids in this stirring novel by the author of the beloved The Benefits of Being an Octopus. Libby comes from a long line of bullies. She wants to be different, but sometimes that doesn’t work out. To bolster herself, she makes a card with the message You are amazing. That card sets off a chain reaction that ends up making a difference in the lives of some kids who could also use a boost—be it from dealing with bullies, unaccepting families, or the hole that grief leaves. Receiving an encouraging message helps each kid summon up the thing they need most, whether it’s bravery, empathy, or understanding. Because it helps them realize they matter—and that they're not flying solo anymore.

An Inspiring True Story about One Family's Escape from Behind the Berlin Wall! Peter was born on the east side of Germany, the side that wasn't free. He watches news programs rather than cartoons, and wears scratchy uniforms instead of blue jeans. His family endures long lines and early curfews. But Peter knows it won't always be this way. Peter and his family have a secret. Late at night in their attic, they are piecing together a hot air balloon—and a plan. Can Peter and his family fly their way to freedom? This is the true story of a boy and his family who risk their lives for the hope of freedom in a daring escape from East Germany via a handmade hot air balloon in 1979. • A perfect picture book for educators teaching about the Cold War, the Iron Curtain, and East Germany • Flight for Freedom is a showcase for lessons of bravery, heroism, family, and perseverance, as well as stunning history • Includes detailed maps of the Wetzel family's escape route and diagrams of their hot air balloon For fans of historical nonfiction picture books like Let the Children March, The Wall, Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain, and Armstrong: The Adventurous Journey of a Mouse to the Moon. • True life escape stories • For readers age 5–9 • For teachers, librarians, and historians Kristen Fulton is a children's book author. She can always be found with a notebook in hand as she ventures through historical sites and museums. Most of the time she lives in Florida—but she can also be found traveling the country by RV. Torben Kuhlmann is an award-winning children's book author and illustrator. Starting in kindergarten he became known as "the draftsman." Flying machines and rich historical detail often adorn his work. He lives in Hamburg, Germany.

A Golden classic, proudly reissued in celebration of the 75th anniversary of Golden Books! Every home needs a book of Mother Goose rhymes! They’re a child’s introduction to poetry and a love of language. This Golden Books edition, originally published in 1948, features over a hundred lively rhymes and splendid illustrations by Caldecott Medalists Alice and Martin Provensen. The original artwork has been digitally restored for this edition—resulting in a stunning, best-ever reproduction! It makes a beautiful gift for a beloved child, sure to be read again and again.

The book that inspired the Academy Award–winning short film, from New York Times bestselling author and beloved visionary William Joyce. Morris Lessmore loved words. He loved stories. He loved books. But every story has its upsets. Everything in Morris Lessmore’s life, including his own story, is scattered to the winds. But the power of story will save the day. Stunningly brought to life by William Joyce, one of the preeminent creators in children’s literature, The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore is a modern masterpiece, showing that in today’s world of traditional books, eBooks, and apps, it’s story that we truly celebrate—and this story, no matter how you tell it, begs to be read again and again.