Children's Events

The League of Seven is the first book in an action-packed, steampunk series by the acclaimed author of Samurai Shortstop, Alan Gratz.

In an alternate 1875 America electricity is forbidden, Native Americans and Yankees are united, and eldritch evil lurks in the shadows. Young Archie Dent knows there really are monsters in the world. His parents are members of the Septemberist Society, whose job it is to protect humanity from hideous giants called the Mangleborn. Trapped in underground prisons for a thousand years, the giant monsters have been all but forgotten—but now they are rising again as the steam-driven America of 1875 rediscovers electricity, the lifeblood of the Mangleborn. When his parents and the rest of the Septemberists are brainwashed by one of the evil creatures, Archie must assemble a team of seven young heroes to save the world.

Although she's an orphan in indentured servitude, sixteen-year-old Jennifer Strange is pretty good at her job of managing the unpredictable crew at Kazam Mystical Arts Management. She already solved the Dragon Problem, avoided mass destruction by Quarkbeast, and helped save magic in the Ununited Kingdoms. Yet even Jennifer may be defeated when the long-absent Mighty Shandar makes an astonishing appearance and commands her to find the Eye of Zoltar--proclaiming that if she fails, he will eliminate the only two dragons left on earth. 　　　　　　　　　　How can a teenage non-magician outdo the greatest sorcerer the world has ever known? But failure is unacceptable, so Jennifer must set off for the mysterious Cadir Idris in the deadly Cambrian Empire--a destination with a fatality index of fifty percent. With the odds against them, will Jennifer and her traveling companions ever return to the Kingdom of Snodd?

Jasper Fforde is the critically acclaimed author of Shades of Grey, the Thursday Next series and the Nursery Crime series. After giving up a varied career in the film world, he now lives and writes in Wales and has a passion for aviation.

Splash into River Royals: Master the Mississippi with Eliza Jane and Henry as they take a wild ride down the Mississippi River in hopes of being crowned King and Queen of the New Orleans Mardi Gras. Filled with local culture, geography and history of the Mississippi River Basin, this imaginative journey takes children through ten states where they meet colorful new friends who also want crowns. The travelers soon discover that in these great states, you don't need a crown to shine. The strength of the United States lies in the hearts and dreams of its people. Citizens "from Lake Itasca to shining sea" work together to make America shine. With the charm of Eloise and the audacity of Huckleberry Finn, River Royals: Master the Mississippi "enchants and educates children ages five to eight as it introduces the vibrant communities along America's largest river system. Join this happy caravan as they explore the Mighty Mississippi and discover the wonders of America at every bend in the river.

After graduating from the University of Mississippi with a degree in Journalism and Minor in English, Katie enjoyed a career in pharmaceutical sales. She now uses her energy and passion for writing as a children's book author. Her desire to celebrate America from "rivers to shining seas" combined with her family's history of military service inspire her love of this country as reflected in the series. Katie, her husband and three daughters live in Houston.

Eudora Alice Welty led an exciting and surprising life. Before she won a Pulitzer Prize, as a little girl she made her own books and won national poetry prizes. As a young woman during the Great Depression, she was a photographer and took pictures all over the South. These and other stories pack the life of one of Mississippi's most famous authors. With author and teacher Richelle Putnam, learn about the remarkable life of one of Mississippi's literary treasures, complete with vivid illustrations by John Aycock that are as colorful as Eudora's stories.

About the Author

Richelle Putnam is a Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC) Roster Artist/Teaching Artist and a Mississippi Humanities Speaker. She is the Special Features Director for Southern Writers Magazine and a former editor for MuseItUp Publishing, a Canadian ebook publisher and LEGENDS, The Mississippi Arts & Entertainment Review. She is a regular contributor to Portico, Well-Being Magazine, Parents & Kids Magazine, and a staff writer for Town and Gown Magazine. A Founder and Past President of Mississippi Writers Guild, a statewide non-profit organization, she also serves on several statewide boards, including Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Center. With diplomas from The Institute of Children’s Literature, Open College for the Arts Advanced Writing Program, and other accredited writing institutions, she teaches Creative Writing at Meridian Community College and through libraries, schools and online. Her writing awards include Writers Digest and Writers Journal and she has been published in Common Ties, Mississippi Weddings Magazine, The Copperfield Review, Birmingham Arts Journal and two bestselling series: A Cup of Comfort for Mothers and Daughters and A Cup of Comfort for Christmas Prayer and A Cup of Comfort Twelve Days of Christmas. Her work was also chosen for The Copperfield Review’s 10th Anniversary Celebration Anthology. History Press commissioned her to write Lauderdale County, Mississippi; a Brief History, which was released in November 2011. Her book Legendary Locals of Meridian, co-authored with June Davidson, was released 2013. Her middle-grade biography, The Inspiring life of Eudora Welty, published by The History Press, will be released April 2014.

Bouncers, carriers, electronic toys, and educational videos are intended to make our children smarter, but the concern today is about overuse. Retro Baby: Cut Back on Infant Gear, Media and Smart Toys, and Boost Your Baby's Development with Time-Tested Activities helps caregivers understand the importance of one-on-one playtime, and provides over 100 enjoyable interactive ideas to explore with your child.

From #1 New York Times bestselling author D.J. MacHale comes STORM—the exhilarating, action-packed sequel to SYLO:

"A relentlessly fast-paced, intriguing, expertly-written tale that leaves you breathless and satisfied, yet wanting more. Highly recommended." --James Dashner, New York Times bestselling author of the Maze Runner series 

"Absolutely un-put-downable, more exciting than an X-box and roller coaster combined."—Kirkus, starred review

"If you're a fan of The Maze Runner and Alex Rider, you might want to pick up SYLO... A fast-paced read and a huge cliffhanger." --EW.com

"With this extremely high-octane story that's the equivalent to a summer movie blockbuster, MacHale kicks off an apocalyptic trilogy sure to leave readers demanding the next installment."—Booklist

"This action-filled, end-of-the-world-as-we-know-it adventure... should leave teen readers clamoring for the next installment." --VOYA

"An entertaining and creepy tale."—Publishers Weekly

"MacHale pens some terrific and unique action scenes... will leave readers hungry for the next installment." --School Library Journal