Reproduction of the original: The Ruby Sword by Bertram Mitford

Ruby is always racing after her big brothers. But no matter how hard she tries, she can never catch up. Then one day, she discovers some sticks in the grass. Not just any sticks—swords! And suddenly the world is her kingdom. Readers will cheer on Ruby's perseverance and creativity as they delight in the antics of the adorable animals that join her along the way. Anyone who has ever imagined themselves the star of their own swashbuckling adventure will find this sweet book irresistible.

Two dead bodies are found in the sanctum of the most sacred temple in the Empire, with no marks of violence on them. Emperor Rudradeva, a daughter, raised as a son by her father, orders an investigation. Set in 12th Century South India, the historical fantasy thriller tells the story of a brave warrior’s fight against malevolent forces of evil and terror.

The nine martial disciplines presented in this supplement allow a character with the proper knowledge and focus to perform special combat maneuvers and nearly magical effects. Information is also included on new magic items and spells and new monsters and organizations.

From her first visit to East Timor in 1990, Kirsty Sword fell in love with the country and its people and became determined to help them in their seemingly hopeless struggle for independence. Little did she know then where her passion for the cause would lead her. Over the next decade, Kirsty worked as an undercover activist in Jakarta, becoming an increasingly valuable operative within the East Timorese independence movement. In 1994 her work brought her into contact with the jailed leader of the resistance movement, the charismatic Xanana Gusmao. Through their letters, smuggled in and out his prison, they fell in love. This unlikely but remarkable romance, no less passionate for their being so forcibly separated, was further tested when Kirsty was compelled to flee Indonesia one step ahead of its feared intelligence service. It was not until the fall of President Suharto and Xanana's subsequent release from prison that Kirsty was finally reunited with the revered independence leader. Working beside Xanana, Kirsty found herself at the very centre of the epic events that saw East Timor freed from Indonesian occupation: the vote for independence, the militia groups' murderous rampage that followed, the intervention of Australian and international peacekeeping forces, and the slow and painful rebuilding of a devastated country. Today, the former guerrilla commander and the activist live together as president and first lady, with their two children, in a country where fear has been replaced by hope. A Woman of Independence is the story of an incredible love affair, and the passion and courage it takes to free a nation.

Ruby is always racing after her big brothers. But no matter how hard she tries, she can never catch up. Then one day, she discovers some sticks in the grass. Not just any sticks—swords! And suddenly the world is her kingdom. Readers will cheer on Ruby's perseverance and creativity as they delight in the antics of the adorable animals that join her along the way. Anyone who has ever imagined themselves the star of their own swashbuckling adventure will find this sweet book irresistible.

Perfect for fans of Liz Garton Scanlon's All the World and Amy Krouse Rosenthal's I Wish You More, this charming, whimsical story about one imaginative little girl’s magical world is sure to enchant readers young and old. Follow the girl throughout a day spent in her own backyard, and you'll discover lots of secrets only she can tell. For example, did you know that whispers hide in trees? Or that trees make great umbrellas? With a simple, poetic text from Kallie George and extraordinary illustrations from debut artist Paola Zakimi, here is a book families will read again and again and treasure for years to come.

Saving the world without modern technology – and fast food – is the worst. I thought opening the gates between realms would be more straight-forward. But the supernaturals who want to keep the gateways closed forever just keep attacking. I’m exhausted. Unfortunately, treacherous elves and double-dealing shifters aren’t the only threat looming. The only thing keeping me from my sexy vampire friend’s bed – besides a dire warning from my best witchy friend – is that he’s definitely hiding something that could spell disaster for my quest and my heart. He warned me he’d pay any price to recover the sword he carried for almost a thousand years. It never occurred to me that my freedom might be part of the deal. Between the nasty dungeon, the webs of lies, and the zombie army rising in New Orleans, my hands are way too full to deal with betrayal. Opening the sixth gate is an appointment I can’t miss if I don’t want the world – and myself – to burn...

Fans of classic toy stories like Winnie-the-Pooh by A. A. Milne, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo, and Toys Go Out by Emily Jenkins will love this illustrated novel by Newbery Medalist Cynthia Voigt. Winner of a Parents Choice Silver Honor Award Teddy is a thinking kind of bear. Of all his friends, he does the most wondering. He lives with a ragtag group of lost toys—a very hungry snake, an elephant who likes to bake, two charmingly silly pigs, and a reclusive penguin—and they all bump along happily together. But their peaceful world gets shaken up when new toys arrive—first a rabbit, who is not as soft and floppy as he looks, and then a beautiful doll with royal ambitions. Will the newcomers learn to fit into the community? Or will the community be forever changed by them? As Teddy the philosopher would answer: Yes. Cynthia Voigt’s charming tale of community and compromise comes alive in the adorable pictures from Paola Zakimi. Fully illustrated and lovingly designed, this book would make a terrific gift or family read-aloud. "An affirming celebration of friendship, kindness, and embracing new experiences and relationships." --Publishers Weekly "This work has a classic sensibility, reminiscent of Winnie-the-Pooh. A great option for one-on-one bedtime read-alouds." --School Library Journal