The Case of the Horrifying Headmaster is the debut book in the Pups series, which follows the adventures of five children…who just happen to be werewolves!

We are introduced to Jessica, an eight year old girl who is disappointed about having to move to a different town. More importantly, she is worried about her new school. What if her fellow classmates discover her secret?

Once a month, on the night of the full moon, Jessica turns into a werewolf. Not the type that you see in scary movies. But a friendly werewolf who loves to run through parks chasing rabbits.

Her father has discovered the perfect place for her moonlight runs: Swanholme Park. However, on Jessica’s first night in the park, she hears the howling of other wolves! Struck with fear, Jessica cannot decide if she should try to meet the wolves or head back home to her safe bed.

Meanwhile, there is a mysterious new headmaster at Sunny Brook Academy: Mr. Alucard. Jessica has noticed that he looks very pale and tries to avoid sunlight at all costs. Plus, children that have been called into Mr. Alucard’s office have ended up disappearing from school for weeks!

Can Jessica help solve the mystery while keeping her secret hidden?

The Case of the Horrifying Headmaster is an intriguing tale of mystery and fantasy. Young readers will enjoy the creative characters and page turning plot.

The Age of Not Believing: A Christmas Tale by Andrew Szlachetko tells the story of Thomas, a young boy who is beginning to doubt the magic of Christmas. His internal struggle comes to a head on Christmas Eve when he is taunted by his fellow classmates for his strong belief in Father Christmas. Angry and confused, Thomas lashes out at one of his tormentors.

As he prepares for bed that evening, he is consumed with feelings of guilt. Where had the joy of the season gone? Why was he so depressed?

Upon falling asleep, he hears voices calling his name. The voices lead Thomas downstairs to the family Christmas tree. As Thomas approaches the tree, he begins to shrink!

He soon finds himself in a strange land known as Semdar. A young boy named Daniel appears and informs Thomas that all children who are of the age of not believing have been captured by the evil witch, Torga. She has placed a powerful spell upon these children that causes them to hate Christmas.

The fate of Semdar is now in Thomas’ hands. Will he be able to rediscover the magic of Christmas in time to save the children of this enchanted land?

I found this story to be mesmerizing from start to finish. Szlachetko does an amazing job of creating a mythical world that is reminiscent of C.S. Lewis’ Narnia. Some portions of the book also remind me of The Nutcracker and Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Szlachetko combines essences of both stories seamlessly.

Patricia Moffett’s illustrations are stunning to behold. The mixture of soft pastels aids in conveying the themes of loneliness, doubt and disbelief. The Age of Not Believing: A Christmas Tale is a wonderful read that will delight people of all ages for years to come.

"Oli Explores London" is the delightful tale of a young boy who is magically transported to London when he receives a bowler hat from his father as a birthday present. Oli meets many people with different jobs, such as a sailor, who take him on a tour of London.

With his guides, Oli explores all of the wondrous sights that London has to offer. He rides on a boat, views the Rosetta Stone and even pops into the Royal Palace for a visit. Just don't tell the Queen!

This story is rich with history of some of the most famous buildings and people in London. The story is told in present tense so that the reader actually feels as if he/she is experiencing the magic right along with Oli. Additionally, the beautiful illustrations will delight children of all ages.

Overall, "Oli Explores London" is a great read for the emergent reader. I cannot wait to see where Oli will travel to next!