There's an exciting new exhibit at the Aldens' local zoo. But disaster strikes when a pair of rare ferrets is stolen, followed by two California condors. It seems the animals are being taken by someone who works for the zoo! Can the Boxcar Children stop a thief who has keys to all the cages?
The Colonel turns reluctant sleuth once more when tragedy strikes at a Christmas party, in Margaret Mayhew’s latest atmospheric village mystery Frog End, that most quintessential of English villages, is preparing for its annual Christmas pantomime. This year, it’s Hans Christian Andersen’s dark fairytale The Snow Queen. Local busybody Marjorie Cuthbertson is on the hunt for her leading lady – and who better to play the icy queen than beautiful new resident, ex-model Joan Dryden. But as interested as they are in their new neighbours, the residents of Frog End remain wary of the Dryden family, considering them aloof Londoners. Mystery is about to engulf the village however when a cast member collapses and dies at a Christmas party, having consumed a rogue mince pie. Was the death an accident – or was it a malicious revenge strategy masked as an allergic reaction? The Colonel makes it his business to find out.
All Charlie Tickler wants is for his parents to listen. Charlie's parents have left him (again). This time they are off to South Africa to help giant golden moles. And Charlie? He's been dumped with his TV-obsessed grandparents. Lonely and curious, Charlie heads into the village of Castle-on-the-Hudson, where a frightened old woman gives him a desperate message-in sign language. When she suddenly disappears, Charlie is determined to find answers. All Francine (aka Frog) Castle wants is to be the world's greatest detective. Frog, who is Deaf, would rather be solving crimes than working at the Flying Hands Caf¿. When Charlie Tickler walks into the caf¿ looking for help, Frog jumps at the chance to tackle a real-life case. Together, Charlie and Frog set out to decipher a series of clues and uncover the truth behind the missing woman's mysterious message. Charlie needs to learn American Sign Language (fast) to keep up with quick-witted Frog. And Frog needs to gather her detective know-how (now) to break the case before it's too late. Discover the surprising ways people listen in debut author Karen Kane's page-turning mystery filled with humor, intrigue, and heartwarming friendships. Edgar Award Finalist for Best Middle Grade Mystery
A charming slacker aristocrat discovers a talent for detection and a web of conspiracies in the Emerald Empire, in this snappy novel set in the fantastical world of Legend of the Five Rings. Daidoji Shin, unrepentant wastrel with a taste for scandal and dice, coasts through his role as Crane Clan’s trade envoy in the City of the Rich Frog. But when a case of poisoned rice threatens the brittle peace between the competing clans, the Imperial Governor drags Shin from his indolence and orders him to find the culprit. Despite himself, Shin uncovers an intriguing conspiracy involving more than just dead rats. A murder with no body and a missing actress present a distraction that could finally make Shin put in a full day’s work, and maybe even save the city from tearing itself apart.
Frogs and toads are some of the most confusing amphibians to classify. While some of their physical attributes are easy to tell apart, if we take a deeper look at these animals we find it’s not quite that simple. From poisonous skin and bulging eyes to their amazing life cycles, these creatures are as interesting to study as they are difficult to categorize. Once we break down the difference between "true" frogs and "true" toads, it’s easy to see why so many have trouble telling the two creatures apart.
On their vacation to Hawaii, the Aldens learn about the curse of the black pearl. But whenever they ask to hear the whole story, no one will talk about it. Can the Boxcar Children find out the secret behind the curse?
A stunningly illustrated introduction to our planet's many frog species! Frogs, frogs, and more frogs! This exciting survey of the world's frog species will introduce children to varieties as diverse as the golden poison frog (the planet's most toxic animal), the Amau frog (so tiny it's no bigger than a housefly), and the Chinese gliding frog (which can "fly" up to 17 feet)! Their different hunting techniques, preferred foods, body types, and methods of defense are covered, as are the universal basics of the frog life cycle. Colorful, scientifically accurate illustration is paired with a distinguished nonfiction writer's plain, energetic text in this excellent introduction to the diversity and fundamentals of frogs. Back matter includes information on frog disappearances and conservation efforts. A Cybils Awards Finalist in the Elementary Nonfiction category!
While the Kulipari, the Amphibilands elite fighting group of poisonous frogs, is away, young Darel hopefully assembles a motley crew of friends to fend off an attack by the spell caster called the Spider Queen, and Lord Marmoo, leader of the scorpions.
Four brave siblings were searching for a home – and found a life of adventure! Join the Boxcar Children as they investigate the mystery of the yellow house in the third book in this illustrated chapter book series beloved by generations of readers. A mystery surrounds the old yellow house on Surprise Island! Years ago, a man vanished from the house, and no one knows how or why. Now a long-lost clue leads the Aldens to investigate the mystery—and to a new adventure! What started as a single story about the Alden Children has delighted readers for generations and sold more than 80 million books worldwide. Featuring timeless adventures, mystery, and suspense, The Boxcar Children® series continues to inspire children to learn, question, imagine, and grow.