The Familiars

Authors: Adam Jay Epstien and Andrew Jacobson
Illustrators: Peter Chan and Kei Acedera
Narrator: Lincoln Hoppe
Publisher: New York: Harper, 2011
Series: The Familiars
Book number: 1/4

Audiobook Available : Playaway Digital Audio: Findaway World, LLC 2010 

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This fantasy fiction and animal fantasy series is set in a magical world filled with good and evil, wizards, child wizards and women rulers. Adventurous rescues abound as animal, human and wizards set out to save the land of Vastia in this action packed story.

A cat named Aldwwyn pretends he's magical to win his new owner Jack's affection. The other magical cats must be convinced too. Jack is in danger and the magical pets and Aldwyn the cat go on an adventure to same him and the other wizards. A secret is revealed in the end and destiny is at play in this story full of mystery.

Adam Jay Epstein and Andrew Jacobson's work on this internationally bestselling series shows that they work well together in this genre bringing adventurous mysterious stories to children globally.


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adamjayepstein.com- Blurb About the Author
 

Clover's Luck

Author: Kallie George

Illustrator: Alexandra Boiger

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion Books, New York, [2014]

Series: The Magical Animal Adoption Agency (3 books in total)

Book number: 1/3

This short series is a perfect introduction to chapter books and can even be very enjoyable read out loud. The mystery and magic inside this series will keep readers turning the pages and hoping for the main character's achievements to continue coming.
Written in a descriptive manner this plot-driven story reveals all that a complex character can accomplish when working with magical animals. The illustrations in this book are soft and whimsical black and white pencil drawings.

In this story we find the main character Clover has been extremely unlucky. Now she is pondering the fact that she may never have luck. When chasing her pet canary Clover finds an advertisement for in the dark mysterious woods near her house she becomes curious.
The ad is for volunteers to help at an animal adoption agency. When she inquires at a cottage on Dragon Tail Lane she learns that the animals that are fostered here aren't just regular animals, they are Magical animals. 

Mr. Jams the head of the agency accepts her to come volunteer and immediately Clover is going on a special rescue mission. Can she lead the mission and rescue these magical animals even with her incredibly bad luck?

Author Kallie George is an author, editor and creative writing teacher. She writes mostly for children having written several books outside of the Magical Animal Adoption Agency.

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Publishers page (Harper Collins) about the author

The Secret Keepers

 

 

Author: Trenton Lee Stewart
Illustrator: Diana Sudyka
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company, New York, 2016
Not a series


This illustrated fantasy fiction story is a welcome addition to children's mysteries.
Published in 2016, Trenton Lee Stewart's book caters to the 9-12 age range with quirky characters and a plot-driven, suspenseful narrative. Black and White illustrations full the book with moody, bold and high contrast imagery. The illustrations are black and white spot illustrations in ink and wash.

Rueben is 11 and living with his mother, a widow. When Rueben finds and object that allows him to become invisible he begins experimenting. When he finds the object that allows his invisibility is being hunted by a controlling character called "The Smoke" and his gang. Soon Rueben learns from a girl in town that there are two objects that allow invisibility and if the owner has both, they are then immortal.
Rueben uses his intelligence to follow the clues to stand up to "The Smoke" as be believes the other object is in his hands. Surprises abound on the journey as well as traps and hidden tunnels too! Rueben also must learn to question his morality along the way. 

Trenton Lee Stewart is a scholar in English and grew up in Arkansas, USA. He lives there now with his wife and two sons.
Diana Sudyka is a Chicago based illustrator. She has illustrated several of Trenton Lee Stewarts books as well as books by other authors. She uses inspiration from folk art traditions in her artwork.

Readers can continue with The Mysterious Benedict Society Series. It is also written and Illustrated by Trenton Lee Steward and Diana Sudyka.

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Publishers page (Chicken House Books) about the author