Illustrated by Troy Howell

From Arlington National Cemetery (once part of Robert E. Lee's homestead) to magnificent Monticello, Virginia has always had a prominent place in American history. Jamestown, Williamsburg, and even the Pentagon are just a few of the many places highlighted in "O is for Old Dominion." Readers will also be introduced to such history makers as George Washington, Patrick Henry, and Booker T. Washington.

Pamela Duncan Edwards came from England to live in Virginia twenty years ago and fell in love with her new home. Pamela was a children's librarian before becoming the author of nearly twenty-five picture books. She thinks Virginia is the most beautiful state and hopes she will live there forever. Pamela makes her home in Vienna, Virginia.

Artist Troy Howell has had a prolific career as a children's book illustrator, with countless books to his credit. He received his formal art education from the Art Center in Los Angeles and the Illustrators' Workshops in New York. Troy lives in Falmouth, Virginia.

The long-ago mysteries of the great opera house in Paris have never been explained. Why did so many terrible tragedies happen there? Why did everyone flee from it in fear? This gripping story about the 'opera ghost' and the beautiful singer he loves launched one of most popular musicals in Broadway history - and it serves up enough thrills, chills and surprises to keep even the most reluctant reader fascinated.With "Classic Starts[trademark]", young readers can experience the wonder of these timeless stories from an early age. Abridged for easier reading and carefully rewritten, each classic novel is filled with all the magic and excitement that made the original story a beloved favourite.

"I'm Piper," said the girl. "And you're lovely." Wednesday's reflection shone in Piper's eyes. "But you don't belong in there." Wednesday is a whale, who lives in a fishbowl. She is called Wednesday because she is right in the middle of everything. She lives in the middle of the busy streets, surrounded by tall skyscrapers. But, if she jumps high enough she can see a calm bit of blue in the distance. She doesn't know what this blue is, but her heart leaps when she sees it. When a little girl tells Wednesday she belongs in the sea, she doesn't know what she means. What is the sea? Wednesday has never seen it... or has she? Touching and uplifting, this beautiful story is about longing to be free and finding your place in the world.

Daniel is excited by Uncle Pete's glamorous life as an outdoorsman and a writer, until his uncle teaches him how to trap foxes.

"I'm Piper," said the girl. "And you're lovely." Wednesday's reflection shone in Piper's eyes. "But you don't belong in there." Wednesday is a whale, who lives in a fishbowl. She is called Wednesday because she is right in the middle of everything. She lives in the middle of the busy streets, surrounded by tall skyscrapers. But, if she jumps high enough she can see a calm bit of blue in the distance. She doesn't know what this blue is, but her heart leaps when she sees it. When a little girl tells Wednesday she belongs in the sea, she doesn't know what she means. What is the sea? Wednesday has never seen it... or has she? Touching and uplifting, this beautiful story is about longing to be free and finding your place in the world.