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The Nightwatches of Bonaventura: A Novel
by Bonaventura; translated by Gerald GillespieFirst published in German in 1804, under the nom de plume “Bonaventura,” TheNightwatches of Bonaventura is a dark, twisted, and comic novel, one part Poe and one part Beckett. The narrator and antihero is not Bonaventura but a night watchman named Kreuzgang, a failed poet, actor, and puppeteer who claims to be the spawn of the devil himself. As a night watchman, Kreuzgang takes voyeuristic pleasure in spying on the follies of his fellow citizens, and every night he makes his rounds and stops to peer into a window or door, where he observes framed scenes of murder, despair, theft, romance, and other private activities. In his reactions, Kreuzgang is cynical and pessimistic, yet not without humor. For him, life is a grotesque, macabre, and base joke played by a mechanical and heartless force. Since its publication, fans have speculated on the novel’s authorship, and it is now believed to be by theater director August Klingemann, who first staged Goethe’s Faust. Organized into sixteen separate nightwatches, the sordid scenes glimpsed through parted curtains, framed by door chinks, and lit by candles and shadows anticipate the cinematic. A cross between the gothic and the romantic, The Nightwatches of Bonaventura is brilliant in its perverse intensity, presenting an inventory of human despair and disgust through the eyes of a bitter, sardonic watcher who draws laughter from tragedy. Translated by Gerald Gillespie, who supplies a fresh introduction, The Nightwatches of Bonaventura will be welcomed by a new generation of English-language fans eager to sample the night’s dark offerings.
The Nine Lives of Christmas: Can Battersea's Felicia find a home in time for the holidays?
by Florence McNicollIN PARTNERSHIP WITH BATTERSEA DOGS AND CATS HOMECan Battersea's loneliest cat find a home in time for Christmas?It's Christmas at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home and Laura is desperate to find a home for Felicia, a spiky, bad-tempered moggy with a heart of gold. Her boyfriend, Rob, can't understand why she's spending so much time at work, but for Laura, the animals aren't just a job - they're her life. She needs a partner who understands that - doesn't she?As the December snow falls, Laura encounters nine people, all of whom need a little love in their lives and find it in new pets. Everyone needs somebody to curl up with at Christmas, and when the handsome Aaron walks in, he takes not just Felicia, but Laura's heart too...A heart-warming tale about loneliness, love, and the importance of furry friends - perfect to snuggle up with this Christmas.
The Nine Lives of Christmas: Can Battersea's Felicia find a home in time for the holidays?
by Florence McNicollIN PARTNERSHIP WITH BATTERSEA DOGS AND CATS HOMECan Battersea's loneliest cat find a home in time for Christmas?It's Christmas at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home and Laura is desperate to find a home for Felicia, a spiky, bad-tempered moggy with a heart of gold. Her boyfriend, Rob, can't understand why she's spending so much time at work, but for Laura, the animals aren't just a job - they're her life. She needs a partner who understands that - doesn't she?As the December snow falls, Laura encounters nine people, all of whom need a little love in their lives and find it in new pets. Everyone needs somebody to curl up with at Christmas, and when the handsome Aaron walks in, he takes not just Felicia, but Laura's heart too...A heart-warming tale about loneliness, love, and the importance of furry friends - perfect to snuggle up with this Christmas.
The Nine Lives of Rotten Ralph
by Jack Gantos Nicole RubelPoor Rotten Ralph. His health just isn’t what it used to be. Thanks to his rotten ways, he’s down to the very last of his nine lives! "One more slip and he’ll be gone forever,” warns the vet. Sarah, Ralph’s doting owner, is fiercely determined to keep her cat safe. But how much coddling can Ralph take before he has to do something totally and utterly rotten? In this ninth tale about the most delightfully disobedient cat in town, being naughty has never looked so good to Rotten Ralph. But then again, after a hard day’s rotten work, neither does the warmth and safety of Sarah’s lap!
The Ninth Wife: A Novel
by Amy Stolls"In this funny and engaging novel, Amy Stolls shows us that real–life romance is rarely as clear–cut as it seems. The Ninth Wife is a vibrant, nuanced novel about marriage, identity and the moment when we realize that the shimmer of fantasy pales next to the tumultuous reality of ordinary, everyday happiness.” — Carolyn Parkhurst, author of The Dogs of BabelA smart, funny, eye-opening tale of love, marriage, and the power of stories to unlock the true meaning of home and family.What sane woman would consider becoming any man's ninth wife?Bess Gray is a thirty-five-year-old folklorist and amateur martial artist living in Washington, DC. Just as she's about to give up all hope of marriage, she meets Rory, a charming Irish musician, and they fall in love. But Rory is a man with a secret, which he confesses to Bess when he asks for her hand: He's been married eight times before. Shocked, Bess embarks on a quest she feels she must undertake before she can give him an answer. With her long-married, bickering grandparents, her neighbor (himself a mystery), a shar-pei named Stella, and a mannequin named Peace, Bess sets out on a cross-country journey—unbeknownst to Rory—to seek out and question the wives who came before. What she discovers about herself and her own past is far more than she bargained for.
The Nix: A novel
by Nathan Hill<P>A Nix can take many forms. In Norwegian folklore, it is a spirit who sometimes appears as a white horse that steals children away. In Nathan Hill's remarkable first novel, a Nix is anything you love that one day disappears, taking with it a piece of your heart. <P>It's 2011, and Samuel Andresen-Anderson--college professor, stalled writer--has a Nix of his own: his mother, Faye. He hasn't seen her in decades, not since she abandoned the family when he was a boy. Now she's re-appeared, having committed an absurd crime that electrifies the nightly news, beguiles the internet, and inflames a politically divided country. <P>The media paints Faye as a radical hippie with a sordid past, but as far as Samuel knows, his mother was an ordinary girl who married her high-school sweetheart. Which version of his mother is true? <P>Two facts are certain: she's facing some serious charges, and she needs Samuel's help. To save her, Samuel will have to embark on his own journey, uncovering long-buried secrets about the woman he thought he knew, secrets that stretch across generations and have their origin all the way back in Norway, home of the mysterious Nix. <P>As he does so, Samuel will confront not only Faye's losses but also his own lost love, and will relearn everything he thought he knew about his mother, and himself. From the suburban Midwest to New York City to the 1968 riots that rocked Chicago and beyond, The Nix explores--with sharp humor and a fierce tenderness--the resilience of love and home, even in times of radical change. <P><b>A New York Times Bestseller</b>
The No-Good Nine
by John Bemelmans MarcianoThey're mad, they're bad, and they're about to ruin Christmas! <P><P>No kids get coal in their stocking these days. Do you know why? It's thanks to The No-Good Nine! Pittsburgh, 1931. When Peter awakens on Christmas morning to find his stocking full of coal, he is outraged. After he finds the Naughty List, which contains the names of some other children who received no gifts, he decides they should band together and journey to Santa's workshop to plead their case, as well as play with the toys intended for the Nice children. <P><P>The ragtag band of misfits sets out on a series of wild misadventures as they travel by train, truck, dog sled, and boat, encountering thieves and bootleggers, in order to reach the renowned Toy Factory only to accidentally burn it down. More slapstick capers follow before the No-Good Nine extricate themselves and set out to find their next great adventure.
The No-Show
by Beth O'LearyThree women who seemingly have nothing in common find that they're involved with the same man in this smart new rom-com by Beth O'Leary, bestselling author of The Flatshare. Siobhan is a quick-tempered life coach with way too much on her plate. Miranda is a tree surgeon used to being treated as just one of the guys on the job. Jane is a soft-spoken volunteer for the local charity shop with zero sense of self-worth. These three women are strangers who have only one thing in common: they&’ve all been stood up on the same day, the very worst day to be stood up—Valentine&’s Day. And, unbeknownst to them, they&’ve all been stood up by the same man. Once they've each forgiven him for standing them up, they are all in serious danger of falling in love with a man who may have not just one or two but three women on the go.... Is there more to him than meets the eye? Where was he on Valentine&’s Day? And will they each untangle the truth before they all get their hearts broken?
The No-Show: The instant Sunday Times bestseller, the utterly heart-warming new novel from the author of The Flatshare
by Beth O'Leary'The No-Show is an ingenious, heartwarming and romantic story with great depths amid the humour and lightness' Sophie Kinsella'Beth O'Leary is that rare, one-in-a-million talent who can make you laugh, swoon, cry and ache all in the same book . . . surprising and deeply satisfying' Emily Henry'The kind of book that leaves an impression on your heart' Holly Miller'Perfect escapism: romantic and uplifting with a twist you won't see coming' Lucy DiamondThe funny, heart-breaking and uplifting new novel from the bestselling author of The FlatshareThree women. Three dates. One missing man...8.52 a.m. Siobhan is looking forward to her breakfast date with Joseph. She was surprised when he suggested it - she normally sees him late at night in her hotel room. Breakfast on Valentine's Day surely means something ... so where is he?2.43 p.m. Miranda's hoping that a Valentine's Day lunch with Carter will be the perfect way to celebrate her new job. It's a fresh start and a sign that her life is falling into place: she's been dating Carter for five months now and things are getting serious. But why hasn't he shown up?6.30 p.m. Joseph Carter agreed to be Jane's fake boyfriend at an engagement party. They've not known each other long but their friendship is fast becoming the brightest part of her new life in Winchester. Joseph promised to save Jane tonight. But he's not here...Meet Joseph Carter. That is, if you can find him.The No-Show is the brilliantly funny, heart-breaking and joyful new novel from Beth O'Leary about dating, and waiting, and the ways love can find us. An utterly extraordinary tearjerker of a book, this is O'Leary's most ambitious novel yet.This audiobook includes an exclusive interview between Beth O'Leary and Evanna Lynch. 'The kind of book you want all your friends to read so that you can talk about it non-stop' Lizzie Damilola Blackburn'A brilliant, multilayered, romantic stunner' Lauren Ho'Sweepingly romantic, bursting with character, and so, so clever' Gillian McAllister'Charming and delightful!' Laura Williams'It will break your heart in a million different ways' Louise O'Neill'A truly brilliant book' Lucy Vine'Fresh and surprising yet still so distinctly Beth O'Leary' Caroline Hulse'This book will stop-start your heart with plenty of tears and plenty of laughter' Lia Louis'Fresh, clever, superbly plotted . . . A triumph' Mike Gayle'Beth O'Leary at her very best' Lindsey Kelk'Achingly clever, another fabulous read from Beth O'Leary' Sophie Cousens(P)2022 Quercus Editions Limited
The No-Show: The utterly heart-warming new novel from the author of The Flatshare
by Beth O'Leary'Ingenious, heartwarming and romantic' Sophie Kinsella'Surprising and deeply satisfying' Emily Henry'The kind of book that leaves an impression on your heart' Holly MillerThe funny, heart-breaking and uplifting new novel from the bestselling author of The FlatshareThree women. Three dates. One missing man...8.52 a.m. Siobhan is looking forward to her breakfast date with Joseph. She was surprised when he suggested it - she normally sees him late at night in her hotel room. Breakfast on Valentine's Day surely means something ... so where is he?2.43 p.m. Miranda's hoping that a Valentine's Day lunch with Carter will be the perfect way to celebrate her new job. It's a fresh start and a sign that her life is falling into place: she's been dating Carter for five months now and things are getting serious. But why hasn't he shown up?6.30 p.m. Joseph Carter agreed to be Jane's fake boyfriend at an engagement party. They've not known each other long but their friendship is fast becoming the brightest part of her new life in Winchester. Joseph promised to save Jane tonight. But he's not here...Meet Joseph Carter. That is, if you can find him.The No-Show is the brilliantly funny, heart-breaking and joyful new novel from Beth O'Leary about dating, and waiting, and the ways love can find us. An utterly extraordinary tearjerker of a book, this is O'Leary's most ambitious novel yet.'The kind of book you want all your friends to read so that you can talk about it non-stop' Lizzie Damilola Blackburn'A brilliant, multilayered, romantic stunner' Lauren Ho'Sweepingly romantic, bursting with character, and so, so clever' Gillian McAllister'Perfect escapism: romantic and uplifting with a twist you won't see coming' Lucy Diamond'Charming and delightful!' Laura Williams'It will break your heart in a million different ways' Louise O'Neill'A truly brilliant book' Lucy Vine'Fresh and surprising yet still so distinctly Beth O'Leary' Caroline Hulse'This book will stop-start your heart with plenty of tears and plenty of laughter' Lia Louis'Fresh, clever, superbly plotted . . . A triumph' Mike Gayle'Beth O'Leary at her very best' Lindsey Kelk'Achingly clever, another fabulous read from Beth O'Leary' Sophie Cousens
The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency Box Set: Tears of the Giraffe, Morality for Beautiful Girls, The Kalahari Typing School for Men (No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency Series)
by Alexander McCall SmithHere are three heartwarming books in Alexander McCall Smith’s No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency Series—now available in a convenient ebook box set. This box set includes books 2-4 of the series: Tears of the Giraffe, Morality for Beautiful Girls, and The Kalahari Typing School for Men. Fans around the world adore the bestselling No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series and its proprietor, Precious Ramotswe, Botswana’s premier lady detective. In this charming series, Mma Ramotswe—with help from her loyal associate, Grace Makutsi—navigates her cases and her personal life with wisdom, good humor, and the occasional cup of tea.
The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency: A No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency Novel (1) (No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency Series #1)
by Alexander McCall SmithNATIONAL BESTSELLER • Fans around the world adore the bestselling No. 1 Ladies&’ Detective Agency series and its proprietor, Precious Ramotswe, Botswana&’s premier lady detective. In this charming series, Mma Ramotswe—with help from her loyal associate, Grace Makutsi—navigates her cases and her personal life with wisdom, good humor, and the occasional cup of tea.This first novel in Alexander McCall Smith&’s widely acclaimed The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series tells the story of the delightfully cunning and enormously engaging Precious Ramotswe, who is drawn to her profession to &“help people with problems in their lives.&” Immediately upon setting up shop in a small storefront in Gaborone, she is hired to track down a missing husband, uncover a con man, and follow a wayward daughter. But the case that tugs at her heart, and lands her in danger, is a missing eleven-year-old boy, who may have been snatched by witchdoctors.The No. 1 Ladies&’ Detective Agency received two Booker Judges&’ Special Recommendations and was voted one of the International Books of the Year and the Millennium by the Times Literary Supplement.
The No. 2 Global Detective: A Parody
by Toby ClementsThe bestselling author of The Asti Spumanti Code offers a globe-hopping spoof of contemporary fiction&’s most famous detectives. Cuff College of Transgression and Pathology, Oxford, is the Alma Mater of the world&’s most famous fictional detectives. But when a body is discovered in the Cuff College library, the police are baffled. The only clues to the crime are the enormous spear sticking out of the victim&’s chest, and the price tag from an IKEA duvet. It looks like a case for junior lecturer Tom Hurst. Though, from Tom&’s perspective, it looks like a job for almost anyone else. Breaking every rule of the whodunnit genre, Tom recruits four of the College's most celebrated graduates to find the killer: from Botswana, Mma Delicious Ontoaste; from Sweden, Inspector Burt Colander; from Scotland, Inspector Scott Rhombus; from America, Doctor Faye Carpaccia. Together, perhaps these international supersleuths can solve the case—if only they can stop arguing and get to IKEA before it shuts. Revisiting—and rewriting—some of the most famous crime novels of recent times, Toby Clements offers four thrillers in one in this uproarious murder mystery that will seem oddly familiar to readers of Alexander McCall Smith, Henning Mankell, Ian Rankin and Patricia Cornwell.
The Noble Hustle
by Colson WhiteheadThe Noble Hustle is Pulitzer finalist Colson Whitehead's hilarious memoir of his search for meaning at high stakes poker tables, which the author describes as "Eat, Pray, Love for depressed shut-ins." On one level, The Noble Hustle is a familiar species of participatory journalism--a longtime neighborhood poker player, Whitehead was given a $10,000 stake and an assignment from the online online magazine Grantland to see how far he could get in the World Series of Poker. But since it stems from the astonishing mind of Colson Whitehead (MacArthur Award-endorsed!), the book is a brilliant, hilarious, weirdly profound, and ultimately moving portrayal of--yes, it sounds overblown and ridiculous, but really!--the human condition. After weeks of preparation that included repeated bus trips to glamorous Atlantic City, and hiring a personal trainer to toughen him up for sitting at twelve hours a stretch, the author journeyed to the gaudy wonderland that is Las Vegas - the world's greatest "Leisure Industrial Complex" -- to try his luck in the multi-million dollar tournament. Hobbled by his mediocre playing skills and a lifelong condition known as "anhedonia" (the inability to experience pleasure) Whitehead did not - spoiler alert! - win tens of millions of dollars. But he did chronicle his progress, both literal and existential, in this unbelievably funny, uncannily accurate social satire whose main target is the author himself. Whether you've been playing cards your whole life, or have never picked up a hand, you're sure to agree that this book contains some of the best writing about beef jerky ever put to paper.From the Hardcover edition.
The Nobodies: A Novel
by Liza Palmer“Liza Palmer's voice is fresh, exciting, and necessary. She's a must-read author.” —Taylor Jenkins Reid, author of Daisy Jones & the SixCharmingly candid, hilarious, and deeply moving, The Nobodies is a novel about failing but never losing the core of yourself, from a beloved writer at the top of her game.If there's one thing Joan Dixon knows about herself, it's that she is a damn good journalist. But when she is laid off from yet another soon-to-be-shuttered newspaper, and even the soulless, listicle-writing online jobs have dried up, she is left with few options. Closer to 40 than 30, single, living with her parents again, Joan decides she needs to reinvent herself. She goes to work as a junior copywriter at Bloom, a Los Angeles startup where her bosses are all a decade younger and snacks and cans of fizzy water flow freely.For once, Joan has a steady paycheck and a stable job. She befriends a group of misfit coworkers and even begins a real relationship, after years of false starts. But once a journalist, always a journalist, and as Joan starts to poke beneath Bloom’s bright surface, she realizes that she may have accidentally stumbled onto the scoop of her lifetime. Is it worth risking everything for the sake of the story?
The Noisy Clock Shop (G&D Vintage)
by Jean Horton BergDiscover a treasure trove of beautifully illustrated books with our series, Grosset & Dunlap Vintage! Featuring books from our Wonder Books line originally published in the 1940s, 50s, and 60s, there’s something for every reader in these timeless stories accompanied by classic illustrations.Mr. Winky is fond of his noisy clock shop—until Mr. Glum comments on the awful noise, that is. Newly bothered by the constant tick tocks, Mr. Winky decides to leave. But no matter where he goes (the train, the countryside, and the woods), he can’t find any peace. There’s noise everywhere! Before long, Mr. Winky can’t wait to get back to the comfort of his noisy clock shop.
The Noisy Garage (Little Golden Book)
by Dennis R. ShealyScreech! Pop! Pssssssssst . . . Got a flat? Get it fixed—just like that! The Noisy Garage has everything cars need! Dents are smoothed, overheating engines are cooled, and everyone drives away just like new. Lovable vehicles will captivate little ones who are crazy for cars!
The Nolympics: One Man's Struggle Against Sporting Hysteria
by Nicholas LezardNicholas Lezard loved London. Then the London 2012 Olympics came along ...Suddenly his beloved city was invaded by über-people in branded sportswear who had contorted their bodies into odd shapes in order to run a bit faster, or throw things a bit further. Not to mention armies of reptilian brand-managers, chancers and corporate cheerleaders all wanting to cash in, as a blameless piece of the East End was turned (at tear-inducing cost) into one huge folly.In The Nolympics Nicholas Lezard gives us the perfect antidote to Olympics fever with a hilarious blow-by-blow account of how he survived its highs and lows, triumphs and soul-destroying boredom. It is a book for anyone who would rather sit in the dark watching TV than ever wave a flag, who was last to be picked for PE, or who just feels that somewhere along the way the Spirit of the Games was smothered by wads of money. It is the only Olympic souvenir you'll ever need.
The Non Sequitur Guide to "The System" (Non Sequitur)
by Wiley MillerWiley Miller&’s e-book original The Non Sequitur Guide to "The System" skewers the ridiculousness of courtroom procedure, the deep-seated flaws of law and order, and the pomposity of bureaucrats. No one is safe as this objection to nonsensical judicial practice calls out every judge, jury, and executioner.Non Sequitur is Wiley Miller's wry look at the absurdities of modern life. A hit with millions of fans, the strip is syndicated in more than 700 newspapers. Non Sequitur has won four National Cartoonists Society divisional awards, the most prestigious prize in cartooning. It is the only comic strip to win the coveted award in its first year of syndication and the only one to ever win in both the best comic strip and best comic panel categories.
The Non Sequitur Guide to Aging (Non Sequitur)
by Wiley MillerFrom the depressing visits to the doctor&’s office to the darkly comedic truths of approaching retirement, Wiley Miller&’s e-book original The Non Sequitur Guide to Aging compiles strips that touch on the changes that swoop in as soon as youth has checked out. Miller&’s sardonic wit shows through in his commentary on the consequences of aging in the modern workplace and the grim prospects of retirement. A satirical take on getting old from a genuinely funny and brutally honest combination of economic, physical, and social standpoints.Non Sequitur is Wiley Miller's wry look at the absurdities of modern life. A hit with millions of fans, the strip is syndicated in more than 700 newspapers. Non Sequitur has won four National Cartoonists Society divisional awards, the most prestigious prize in cartooning. It is the only comic strip to win the coveted award in its first year of syndication and the only one to ever win in both the best comic strip and best comic panel categories.
The Non Sequitur Guide to Finance (Non Sequitur)
by Wiley MillerThe woes of financial burden and economic shenanigans are in full force in Wiley Miller&’s e-book original The Non Sequitur Guide to Finance, a collection of cartoons featuring his adept views on crooked CEO&’s, big and small business, and Wall Street. In this collection, Wiley shows it&’s no fun finding out about mutual funds, Wall Street snow angels look like dollar signs, and we can discover most of what we need to know about economics on street corners.Non Sequitur is Wiley Miller's wry look at the absurdities of modern life. A hit with millions of fans, the strip is syndicated in more than 700 newspapers. Non Sequitur has won four National Cartoonists Society divisional awards, the most prestigious prize in cartooning. It is the only comic strip to win the coveted award in its first year of syndication and the only one to ever win in both the best comic strip and best comic panel categories.
The Nonexistent Knight
by Italo CalvinoAn empty suit of armor is the hero of this witty novella set in the Early Middle Ages by the acclaimed author of If on a Winter&’s Night a Traveler. As a paladin in the court of Charlemagne, Agilulf is the very embodiment of valor and dedication to duty—but he is also a gleaming white suit of armor with nothing inside it. While he has stolen the heart of the female knight Bradamante, she in turn is loved by the young adventurer Rambaldo. When a challenge to Agilulf&’s honor sends him on an expedition through France, England, and North Africa, Brandamante and Ramaldo follow close behind. Narrated by a nun with her own secrets to keep, this beloved novella explores the absurdities of medieval knighthood in a series of plot twists that are &“executed with brilliance and brio&” (Chicago Tribune).
The Nonsense Show
by Eric CarleA TIME Magazine Top 10 Children's Book of 2015!Ducks growing out of bananas? A mouse catching a cat? What&’s wrong with this book from the creator of The Very Hungry Caterpillar? Yes, there&’s something strange, something funny and even downright preposterous on every page of this book. But it&’s not a mistake – it&’s nonsense! And it&’s also surrealism. Nonsense lies at the heart of many beloved nursery rhymes. Children readily accept odd statements like &“the cow jumped over the moon&” and &“the dish ran away with the spoon.&” This fanciful bending of reality is also basic to surrealism. In this book, nonsense and surrealism combine to spark creativity and imagination. What&’s true? What&’s impossible? What&’s absolutely absurd? From Eric Carle, creator of the classic, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, comes a book to make children laugh and think, preparing them for a lifetime of loving both words and art. Following on the heels of The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse (an homage to the artist Franz Marc and expressionism) and Friends, with its semi-abstract artwork, The Nonsense Show forms a trilogy of sorts, dedicated to introducing young readers to different styles of artwork without ever overlooking the need to, first and foremost, appeal to children and their love of play. One of the true legends and pioneers of picture book making continues to expand and challenge the genre.Praise for The Nonsense Show* "Carle creates fun and laughter in this homage to the surrealist artist René Magritte. [P]erfect for storytimes and silly times all round. Carle hits it out of the nonsense park!"–Booklist, starred review* "A sure hit as a read-aloud and a definite purchase for picture book collections."–School Library Journal, starred review* "A picture book made to incite pleasure and joy."–Kirkus Reviews, starred review* "[The Nonsense Show], with its cleanly designed white pages, makes the unexpected elements of the imagery stand out and prompts questions and wonder."–Horn Book, starred review
The Noodle Maker: A Novel
by Ma JianFrom Ma Jian, the highly acclaimed Chinese dissident, comes a satirical novel about the absurdities of life in a post-Tiananmen China.Two men meet for dinner each week. Over the course of one of these drunken evenings, the writer recounts the stories he would write, had he the courage: a young man buys an old kiln and opens a private crematorium, delighting in his ability to harass the corpses of police officers and Party secretaries, while swooning to banned Western music; a heartbroken actress performs a public suicide by stepping into the jaws of a wild tiger, watched nonchalantly by her ex-lover. Extraordinary characters inspire him, their lives pulled and pummeled by fate and politics, as if they are balls of dough in the hands of an all-powerful noodle maker.Ma Jian's satirical masterpiece allows us a humorous, yet profound, glimpse of those struggling to survive under a system that dictates their every move.
The Nora Notebooks, Book 1: The Trouble with Ants
by Claudia Mills Katie KathScience-obsessed fourth grader Nora has ants all figured out--now she just has to try to understand her fellow humans! The trouble with ants is . . . . . . people think they're boring. . . . they are not cuddly. . . . who would ever want them for a pet? Nora Alpers is using her new notebook to record the behavior of ants. Why? Because they are fascinating! Unfortunately, no one agrees with her. Her mom is not happy about them being in the house, and when Nora brings her ant farm to school for show and tell, her classmates are not very impressed. They are more interested in cat videos, basketball practice, or trying to set a Guinness World Record (although Nora wouldn't mind that). Mostly they are distracted by the assignment their teacher Coach Joe has given them--to write a persuasive speech and change people's minds about something. Will Nora convince her friends that ants are as interesting as she thinks they are? Or will everyone still think of ants as nothing but trouble? With real science facts, a classroom backdrop, an emphasis on friendship, and appealing black-and-white interior illustrations from artist Katie Kath, The Nora Notebooks is perfect for newly independent readers--especially budding scientists like Nora!--and adults who want to encourage awareness of STEM subjects in young readers.