As the author of the "Dragonriders of Pern" series, McCaffrey (b. 1926) was one of the most significant writers of science fiction and fantasy. She was the first woman to win the Hugo and Nebula awards, and her 1978 novel "The White Dragon" was the first science-fiction novel to appear on the New York Times hardcover bestseller list. This biography reveals a fascinating and complex figure, one who created and re-created her fiction by drawing on life experiences. At various stages, McCaffrey was a beautiful young girl who refused to fit into traditional gender roles in high school, a restless young mother who wanted to write, an American expatriate who became an Irish citizen, an animal lover who dreamed of fantasy worlds with perfect relationships between humans and beasts, and a wife trapped in an unhappy marriage just as the women's movement took hold. Author Robin Roberts conducted interviews with McCaffrey, her children, friends, and colleagues, and used archival correspondence and contemporary reviews and criticism. The biography examines how McCaffrey's early interests in theater, Slavonic languages and literature, and British history, mythology, and culture all shaped her science fiction. The book is a nuanced portrait of a writer whose appeal extends well beyond readers of her chosen genre.

    She can't believe her aunt wants to sacrifice her to the local dragon. It's a ploy to lure a heroic knight so that he will fight the dragon, marry Creel out of chivalrous obligation, and lift the entire family out of poverty. Creel isn't worried. After all, nobody has seen a dragon in centuries.But when the beast actually appears, Creel not only bargains with him for her life, she also ends up with a rare bit of treasure from his hoard, not gold or jewels, but a pair of simple blue slippers-or so she thinks. It's not until later that Creel learns a shocking truth: She possesses not just any pair of shoes, but ones that could be used to save her kingdom, which is on the verge of war, or destroy it.

    Yet singer/songwriter Peter Yarrow and co-composer Lenny Lipton have never allowed a picture book adaptation of this magical tale…until now. With Yarrow’s and Lipton’s blessing, Puff, Jackie Paper, and the land of Honalee finally live on the page. The exquisite package includes a cloth case with a tipped-in illustration and an embossed jacket with foil touches, as well as an exclusive CD featuring not only Puff, but several other songs performed by Yarrow, his daughter Bethany, and cellist Rufus Cappadocia. This is a publishing event sure to attract broad attention and please Puff’s many fans.In richly-hued paintings of the deepest sea blues and greens, Puff and his friend Jackie Paper frolic in the land of Honalee—traveling in a fantastic boat with billowed sails, climbing red castle stairs onto a balcony to meet with noble kings and princes, and watching pirate ships lower their flags for the roaring dragon. Artist Eric Puybaret has brought an entire magical world into being with enthralling landscapes, color, and characters. And everyone will love the way the art cleverly turns the song’s end, which at first seemed so sad, into a surprising and joyful moment.Best of all—this is only the first of many more collaborations with Peter Yarrow to come!

    What if an unfamiliar species should approach? Now an impressive guide highlights nineteen different dragon species, many seen here for the first time. Focused on species from the obscure tree-climbing monkey dragon to the better-known wyvern and amphithere, each entry details size, shape, coloration, habitat, the appearance of eggs and young, and (most important) form of attack. To help readers recognize dragons in the wild, mini models of twelve of the species await assembly, each tucked in its own pocket and complete with its own stand.

    He was known throughout Vikingdom as "the Dragon Whisperer," on account of his power over the terrible beasts. But it wasn't always like that... Now, for the first time, three of Hiccup's legendary adventures, How to Train Your Dragon, How to Speak Dragonese, and How to Cheat a Dragon's Curse are being included in a collectable gift set that is just in time for the holidays

    Greasebeam, presents the "original" correspondence of early explorers who encountered some of the world's most fearsome dragons. Base's fans will be delighted by his humorous stories and intricate renderings of these colorful creatures.

    The last thing she expected was to end up being attacked by a unicorn. Or captured by a dragon, to be kept as a pet.But that's just the beginning of Lucy's adventures after she finds herself lost in a magic fairy tale world where everyone believes she is a long-awaited fairy tale character herself. She is called the Princess of Light, courted by a handsome prince, and faced with a daunting task, but all Lucy really wants is to find her way back home again. Or does she really?

    But out of them all, there is nobody meaner than Engelbert Sneem and his dream vacuum cleaner." Enter the world of Engelbert Sneem and find out what happens when he turns out to be his own worst nightmare. This fabulous read-aloud is sure to be a hit with parents and kids alike. A satisfying conclusion sets the stage for a night of sweet dreams.

    But, as often happens, the tribes grew envious of each other and began to fight amongst themselves in the names of their spirits. The children decided to declare a war on war by creating a creature that combined the best of all the spirits and would protect all the people. To this day, the dragon is a symbol of peace and plays an especially important role in the celebration of the Chinese New Year. This timely message of cooperation and empowerment makes this book especially appealing to trade and institutional accounts. Communities with significant Chinese populations will also have a special interest in this title. Catherine Louis' Liu and the Bird was a critical hit with review journals, teachers, and librarians.

    Just follow the steps in red to create your own mythical, magical beasts. Extra bonus steps in blue show how to add realistic scales and more advanced details.

    A fantastic blend of strong characters and an ever-evolving storyline, The Nephelium is the first book in the Eternals Series. The reader will walk with Eve, fight alongside the Alliance, and decide if the clans of the Fallen are for them. Hailed by many as a novel worth reading over and over, The Nephelium will draw one in and hold them until the very last word. This Revised Edition includes a new Appendix and Glossary.Vampires, demons, angels were all things of myths and legends, right? Eve certainly never gave them any thought. As a tattoo artist, the closest she ever got to being serious about anything of the sort was when inking it on someone's skin, but that would all change!She had always tried to discover who she was, find a way to belong to something, but she never could have imagined her past would actually come find her. When it did find her, would humanity be able to survive the choices she would make?Join Eve, Alfonso, Leah, and others as the door to The Eternals is opened. For the first time, all humanity will discover the battle that is just beyond the curtain of reality. This is more than just a battle of good and evil; it is a chance for all to acknowledge that our choices affect more than just us. The affect even those who may never meet us.The Nephelium is the first book in The Eternal Series. It will keep you wondering what will happen with the next turn of the page, and get you talking about what truth there is to what you have always written off as myth.

    This title, like its subject matter, is simply unbelievable Packed with 15 collectible miniature magical creatures in resealable snap-top tubes, theis book is chock-full of gorgeous illustrations, incredible facts, and amazing games with 23 cards each that will reinforce what young children have just read. Full color. Pkg. Consumable.

    To right the wrongs he's done, he suffers the horrors of the zeel pits only to find himself a captive of the Temi tribe. In Yalfar, he discovers that leading the Temi princess and her warriors from their dying world is the key to his redemption. But losing his heart to Princess Joyella will be the key to saving his soul. Princess Joyella Denue has broken a sacred law and for that, she is exiled from Yalfar. To regain her honor, she agrees to lead a convoy topside to escape the collapsing city, but she can't make the journey alone. She needs someone who has traversed the path to guide her. Tared is forced to help her, but he soon becomes more than just a guide, he becomes her heart.