"Hardling's Luck" is a sequel to "The House of Arden," a great favorite of Nesbit fans; it's a story of injustice, poverty, deformity, magic, romance, suspense, sacrifice, and triumph over adversity that comes to its point with a fateful twist. . . .

In this close-your-eyes-and-hold-your-breath adventure, teenage siblings Carson and C.J. Crenshaw are scheduled to spend two weeks at Camp Remnant on Crater Island while their father, archeologist Tommy Crenshaw, searches for the Book of Life-a rare and priceless artifact that may have surfaced there. At Camp Remnant, brother and sister team up with a bunch of misfits to compete in the Adventure Challenge. Team captain Ollie Patrolli is determined to win, but his dreams might be dashed when Carson and C.J. find a puzzling note and are convinced that someone has kidnapped their father. The teens band together to win the Challenge while at the same time rescuing Tommy. Along the way, they encounter choices that may land them in a whole lot of trouble and realize that the Book of Life may be their ultimate downfall. The result is a story chock-full with hilarious twists and hair-raising suspense that will make your pulse race and your spine tingle

Chang's paintings are so good, his birds and animals seem alive. So when the Emperor's new temple needs painting, he sends for Chang. But why is Chang painting dragons without any eyes? Is it true, as he claims, that if he adds eyes the painted dragons will actually come to life? With free online audio.

Can the legendary trickster be out-tricked?

All the young men had gathered in the village courtyard to hear the Chief’s pronouncement: Whoever guesses his daughter’s name will have her hand in marriage, inherit half his riches, and become the next Chief. No one outside the palace had ever heard the royal daughter’s name.

In a stroke of luck Ananse the spider discovers the secret.

“I, Ananse the most wise . . . the most clever . . . I alone know the name of the Chief’s daughter! . . .”

But clever Lizard has plans of his own.

Pat Cumming’s lively retelling and vibrant illustrations capture all the mischief and humor of Ananse, one of the most popular characters of West African lore.