The Royal Book of Oz serves as a significant crossroads in American fantasy literature, encapsulating the transition of the Oz legacy from its creator, L. Frank Baum, to his successor, Ruth Plumly Thompson. This anthology stands out for weaving a tapestry of imaginative narratives that retain the whimsical charm and adventurous spirit characteristic of the Oz series, while also introducing fresh voices and visions. The collection showcases a range of literary styles, from Baum's foundational world-building to Thompson's vibrant extensions of Oz, presenting an evolving universe that continues to enchant readers of all ages. Notably, the anthology remains a testament to the seamless fusion of old and new, maintaining the integrity of the Ozian ethos while exploring uncharted territories within its magical realms. The backgrounds of Ruth Plumly Thompson and L. Frank Baum present a fascinating study in the continuation of a literary legacy. Thompson, taking up the mantle from Baum, demonstrates a profound appreciation for the Oz universe, while imprinting her unique flair and imaginative prowess. This collaborative effort not only honors Baum's original vision but also propels the series into new dimensions, aligning with and contributing to the early 20th-century fantasy literature movement. Through their shared work, Thompson and Baum offer a rich, collective contribution that underscores the evolution of American fantasy, bridging the past with the future. The Royal Book of Oz is an essential addition for readers seeking to immerse themselves in the wonder and diversity of Ozian tales. This anthology promises a unique opportunity to experience the collaborative magic that characterizes the series, inviting readers to explore the depths of imagination through a multitude of perspectives and styles. Fans of fantasy literature, both seasoned and newcomers, will find this collection a valuable portal into the enduring legacy of Oz, offering insights into the transformative power of storytelling and the enduring appeal of a world where the fantastical becomes possible.

Summary about this story: "The Haunted Hayride in Pumpkin Hollow Forest" is a very moving book for kids that takes them to the magical world of Halloween. Emma and Liam are the main characters. They are best friends and live in a small town between hills and a dense forest. There is a strong link between them, and they both love fall and Halloween in particular. The spooky hayride in Pumpkin Hollow Forest is their favorite Halloween tradition. The forest is said to come to life on Halloween night with friendly animals, animals that talk, and scary stories. They want to experience this magic for themselves, so on the night before Halloween, Emma dresses up as a brave pirate and Liam as a brave knight. They then take flashlights and head for the forest. They are met at the opening to the forest by a huge wooden sign that says, "Welcome to Pumpkin Hollow Forest and the Haunted Hayride." As they wait in line with other excited kids and adults, their excitement grows as they know it's almost time for this scary event. They start their trip by getting on an old, creaky hay wagon pulled by Midnight, a nice, big black horse. Jack, the happy wagon driver, greets them with a big smile and gets the wagon going. The moonlight filters through the trees and casts creepy shadows on the path. The air smells like pumpkins and leaves that have fallen. During the hayride, they see many interesting things, including the Wishing Tree, happy goblins giving out gifts, a wise old owl with a puzzle, and many friendly animals, ghosts dancing, and a clever scarecrow with a pumpkin head. At the end of their journey, they come across a clearing where they meet Wizard Whiskers, the town's famous entertainer. He begins telling them an exciting tale about a knight and a pirate's adventure in the forest on Halloween night. They discover that they have become characters in their own interesting story as the story comes to an end. As the hayride goes on, they see more magical things, like a nice witch, singing skeletons, and even a dragon that breathes bubbles. When they finally get back to the head of the forest, Scarecrow Sam says goodbye, and they can't stop talking about their trip. As they leave the woods hand in hand, they say thank you for the wonderful moments they've had. They know that the real magic of Halloween comes from the bonds of friendship and the fun of going on journeys together. Emma and Liam have kept up their Halloween routines over the years, even though they are older now. But they learn that Halloween is more than just costumes and candy. It's about the lasting bonds of friendship, the joy of finding the magical in the everyday, and the beauty found in the most ordinary moments. The trips they take become special memories and stories that they tell their family and friends, which makes their town's Halloween traditions stronger. They know that Halloween is a time to celebrate the joy of laughing together and the strong bonds of friendship. They look forward to Halloween every year and get ready for new adventures in Pumpkin Hollow woodland, where the moon watches over them and guides their way. The woodland always welcomes them with open arms. As long as Emma and Liam are friends, they will always be open to new experiences and be amazed by the magic of the night. This makes every Halloween a special and memorable event. This is how the story starts: It was in a cute little town hidden between rolling hills and a lush, magical forest that a magical bond grew. Emma and Liam were soulmates who couldn't be separated. They were both very curious and loved going on adventures. They were always looking forward to fall, which was their favorite season, and the scary holiday of Halloween was just around the corner. The whole town was filled with an electric buzz of excitement as each day brought new sights and sounds of the holiday that was coming up. The streets were lit up by home decorations in bright colors, and the smell of newly carved pumpkins filled the air. Even though everyone in town was busy getting ready for Halloween, Emma and Liam had a special tradition that made their hearts skip a beat. Every year, the scary journey drew them deeper into Pumpkin Hollow Forest, like a siren's call. You could feel the creepy beauty of Pumpkin Hollow Forest while you were there. The people who lived in the small town had a special affection for this forest, which was on the edge of town. Especially in the fall. There were no clear lines between the normal and the strange in that magical world, and the spirit of Halloween came to life in all its glory. During the day, the forest was a peaceful and beautiful place to relax. The tall trees had a hypnotic tapestry of bright colors that covered the sky in stunning shades of orange, red, and gold. The winding paths made the leaves crunch under your boots as you walked. The air was filled with the earthy scent of fallen leaves and the soft scent of ripe pumpkins. But Pumpkin Hollow Forest didn't really come into its own until the nights before Halloween. When the sun went down, the forest looked like it had been changed by something magical. The moonlight shined through the old trees, making the forest floor glow, and cast scary shadows. There was a feeling that the trees were telling the night secrets. People in the town thought that the forest came to life on Halloween night, when the veil between the worlds was thinnest. Friendly monsters, legendary animals, and magical beings came out of the shadows, making a show that was both magical and entertaining. That place was magical. The line between fantasy and reality was beautifully fuzzy, and every tree seemed to hold a secret. There were many interesting sights and activities in the woods that made it even more magical. The "Wishing Tree" was an old, gnarled oak with branches that were bent and curled like gnarled fingers. People who dared to make a wish and touch the tree's bark were said to have their dream come true. People would often stop and make hidden wishes, hoping that the power of the forest would grant them. People thought that an old, wise owl living in a peaceful pond in the woods knew all the answers to all the world's problems. As it sat high on a branch, the owl would ask people walking by difficult questions. Anyone who tried to answer would find it fun and interesting. It was also famous for the crazy people that you could meet in the woods. From the bushes, giggling goblins with bright orange faces and polka-dotted leggings would come out and hand out sweets to happy guests. At the same time, talking animals would tell jokes and laugh together. Friendly ghosts would play in the woods, and a scarecrow with a pumpkin head could be seen singing creepy but catchy songs to visitors. A big part of the Pumpkin Hollow Forest experience was the campfire meeting, where storytellers like Wizard Whiskers told amazing stories that seemed to come to life in front of eager viewers. There were often brave heroes, smart pirates, and exciting adventures in these stories that made kids and adults feel like they could do anything. On the haunted hayride, people were led through this magical forest and came across some magical gifts along the way. As the trip went around and around, each turn and surprise brought a new story, magic, or surprise that kept people captivated. Everyday things gave way to the strange in Pumpkin Hollow Forest, and Halloween was enjoyed in all its magical beauty. This place had been loved and respected for a long time. It was a place of magic and mystery, and Emma and Liam's favorite Halloween tradition was the spooky hayride that took them on an amazing trip through this beautiful world. Pumpkin Hollow Forest was a place that made people feel awe and brought out the darker parts of their minds. With each step deeper into the magical forest, the spirit of the forest seemed to take on a life of its own. The trees, in particular, watched over the magical realm. Their trees reached high into the sky, and their leaves were burning like flames in the middle of a wildfire. The forest floor below was covered in a kaleidoscope of fallen leaves that made a soft, rustling symphony with every step. It was the perfect sound to go with the stories that were being told. These trees, beautiful in the fall, held the information of many generations. They moved slowly in the cool breeze, as if they were telling each other secrets that had been passed down through the years and were sewn into the bark and branches of the trees. It was tempting to think that they were talking as they moved in the wind, and maybe they were. In Pumpkin Hollow Forest, after all, it's not impossible that trees could talk. The people in the town had lived with the forest peacefully for many generations and had a strong faith in its beauty. It was an idea that was passed down from generation to generation through stories told at firesides about the magic they had seen in the forest on Halloween nights. Without a doubt, the woods were a spot where fiction and reality mixed easily, and the mysterious was always just a whisper away from the real. While the moon was bright over Pumpkin Hollow Woodland the night before Halloween, it didn't show what kind of forest it really was. On this night, the woods came to life in ways that didn't make sense. Along the roots and trees, friendly monsters came out from their hiding places, as colorful as the fall leaves. With their funny acts and friendly smiles, these creatures let anyone who dared to join their kingdom in. They were more likely to give a warm hug than a scary fear, and their laughter filled the forest like a happy chorus. Animals that could talk were also present. Animals that usually walked through the woods in silence could be heard on this beautiful night. While smart owls traded puzzles and insights, naughty mice fought. Every encounter was a reminder that in Pumpkin Hollow Forest, the extraordinary was greater than every day. As the moon rose higher into the night sky, stories came to life in the shifting shadows of the trees. It felt like the air was full of stories about bravery, adventure, and the unknown. People were enthralled by these stories, which were told by skilled storytellers like the mysterious Wizard Whiskers. In their stories, they made up brave heroes, smart pirates, and magical trips deep into the forest. People of all ages were inspired by these stories, which led to a shared sense of excitement and wonder. The forest's ability to make people feel both scared and excited was probably its most appealing trait. Stories about Halloween that have been told for generations talk about meeting mythical beings that can give you chills and make your heart race with excitement. There were spooky apparitions, spectral figures, and scary sounds in the forest, which added to the excitement of the journey. Although Pumpkin Hollow Forest had some scary things that happened, it was different because it had funny and silly things that happened too. Ghosts would come with sly grins and dance happily instead of hauntingly. With their pumpkin heads and straw-filled bodies, even the scarecrows seemed more interested in making people laugh than in scaring them. Stories about Pumpkin Hollow Forest were a big part of Emma and Liam's childhood. These were stories that people told each other around campfires, during sleepovers, and through the generations in the town. Every year, as the cool fall air turned the town gold and red, they got more excited about Halloween and the chance to go deeper into the magical forest that had been in their dreams for so long. Stories about friendly animals, talking animals, and scary adventures that couldn't be put out by words alone had sparked Emma and Liam's imaginations. To become a part of the mythical stories that had caught their imaginations, they wanted to become lost in the magic of Pumpkin Hollow Forest. So, when Halloween Eve came around, it brought a lot of excitement that boiled over like a pot full of magical potions. Emma, who was brave and had a spark in her eyes, had chosen to turn into a brave pirate for the night. She dressed like a daring heroine by putting on a tricorn hat, a tunic that flowed, and a patch over one eye.

Frank Partnoy, a former high-flying derivatives salesman, gives a vivid and shocking account of the vicious competition, raw machismo and dirty tricks at work in the riskiest sector of the stock market. Billions of dollars worth of securities are traded - and lost - in this amazing arena. Derivatives trading has also played a huge part in the global credit crunch that is the biggest story in the world today. This edition includes a sensational new chapter covering this, and all the other latest scandals.

Front of the Class Mazes and Dot-to-Dots for kindergarten to grade 1 gives kids a brain boost as they connect numbers in dot-to-dots, reveal hidden pictures, and explore other engaging activities. These puzzles encourage concentration and strengthen alphabet, counting, and critical thinking skills. Filled with hours of game-based activities, Mazes and Dot-to-Dots engages children by stimulating the learning process. Each activity in this 320-page book challenges learners to focus on the task at hand while building the math and English skills they need for academic success. These games will flex children’s mental muscles as they explore a variety of dot-to-dot puzzles, hidden picture games, and mazes. The Front of the Class activity book series combines education and entertainment with colorful word searches, word games, crossword puzzles, mazes, dot-to-dots, and number games. These books are full of challenging puzzles that help children master essential critical thinking skills. Portable, age-appropriate, and entertaining, Front of the Class activity books provide a fun and convenient learning format that children can use at home or on the go.

Hotshot architect Demetrius Johnson is too young to be starting over after divorcing his childhood sweetheart. But when you're a dad, you learn to put your responsibilities first and your feelings last. That's why he moved to Gaynor Beach in Southern California for a new job to support his son and start over. But, unfortunately, it's also why he has to put up with Miguel. Miguel is everything Demetrius isn't--reckless, careless, playful, and spontaneous. But, most of all, he's dangerous because he's making Demetrius feel something he's never felt before. Straight out of his only long-term relationship, with a ten-year-old struggling to adjust, Demetrius knows he's too old to question his sexuality. But he can't help his growing attraction to his flirtatious new co-worker. Will Miguel find a way to show Demetrius that he's more than a good time? Or will the pressure be too much for this young single father trying to rebuild his life? Demetrius is a gay single dad contemporary romance set in the shared world of Gaynor Beach, featuring an age-gap, interracial, opposites-attract love story where both partners share more than a few first times, raising a precocious tween ready to cause chaos along the way.

What happened at Starfish Beach? Finneus had plans to surf every day of summer vacation until a mysterious accident at Starfish Beach took his arm and left him with almost no memory of exactly what happened. Now, strange things have been occurring all around Toro Island, and Finn and his friends are going to get to the bottom of it! Structured like an old-school video game strategy guide, Fever Knights unravels the mystery of the uncanny events affecting Toro Island as Finn and his friends look for answers, making allies, and fighting enemies, using their skills, teamwork, and strange new powers to figure out what happened at Starfish Beach and what they can do to save their home. With Adam Ellis's vibrant comic illustrations, witty humor, richly detailed world building, and a fantastical cast of characters, Fever Knights is the best game you've never played.

What would you think if the Vice Presidential nominee New York City Mayor, U.S./State senator, congressional representative and top judge and prosecutor all are part of the city most dangerous crime family? And responsible for the deaths of two Mafia Don

Chapter 1 PROFESSOR WOGGLEBUG'S GREAT IDEA "The very thing!" exclaimed Professor Wogglebug, bounding into the air and upsetting his gold inkwell. "The very next idea!" "Who--me?" A round-faced little Munchkin boy stuck his head in the door and regarded Professor Wogglebug solemnly. He was working his way through the Professor's Athletic college, and one of his duties was to wait upon this eminent educator of Oz. "Certainly not!" snapped Professor Wogglebug. "You're a nobody or a nothing. Stop gaping and fetch me my hat. I'm off to the Emerald City. And mind the pupils take their history pills regularly while I'm gone," he added, clapping his tall hat Zif held out to him on the back of his head. "Yes, sir!" said the little Munchkin respectfully. "Don't hurry back, sir!" This last remark the Professor did not hear, for he was already half way down the college steps. "Ozma will be delighted with the idea. How clever I am!" he murmured, twirling his antennae and walking rapidly down the pleasant blue lane. The Professor, whose College of Art and Athletic Perfection is in the southwestern part of the Munchkin country, is the biggest bug in Oz, or in anyplace else, for that matter. He has made education painless by substituting school pills for books. His students take Latin, history and spelling pills; they swallow knowledge of every kind with ease and pleasure and spend the rest of their time in sport. No wonder he is so well thought of in Oz! No wonder he thinks so well of himself! Swinging his cane jauntily, the Professor hurried toward the yellow brick road that leads to the Emerald City, and by nightfall had reached the lovely capital of Oz.