Chapter Books

Click on a book jacket to read an excerpt!

THE PROMISE- Orchard Books, Illustrated by Jacqueline Rogers,80pp, ages 7up

It's Matt's first Christmas without his mother, and he is doing everything he can to keep her traditions alive, from decorating the Christmas tree with pokeberry candles to asking Pa to tell the story of the Christmas miracle when animals were given the power of speech. When a hungry bear comes out of hibernation and surprises Matt and his Labrador retriever, Sara, in the forest, Matt escapes up a tree, but while defending him, Sara is mauled by the frustrated bear. Matt must get help for his beloved dog; the only problem is that snow is coming and he is completely lost. Suddenly, he hears a voice telling him the way. Is it Sara's? Or is it Ma's? Before Matt will leave, he makes Sara promise she'll be alive when he returns. This jewel of a novel from acclaimed author Jackie French Koller beautifully portrays the loving bond between a boy and his dog.

A Scholastic Book Club Selection for Fall 2000

This novel shines with simplicity and grace--Publishers Weekly

The short length, fast pace, and simple language make this a fine bridge for new chapter-book readers, at Christmastime or anytime--School Library Journal

NOW Available in Paperback!

The Dragonling Series from Archway Minstrel

Illustrated by Judith Mitchell

(click on book jacket to read about each book)

Big News! - The Dragonling Collectors Editions - Volumes I and II - which include all six books -  are now once again readily available! Visit Zantor's Website for Details and purchase info!

"This marvelous cycle of books about the bond between a boy and his dragon fits snugly between early chapter books and traditional fantasy for children. Wonderfully well written, and with the deepest respect for its characters...epic and adventurous in scope..." --Walter the Giant Storyteller

Hey Kids! Zantor now has his own site with lots of fun activities! (Great for teachers too.) Click here!

Mole and Shrew Are Two, from Random House, illustrated by Ann Reas

Gr. 2^-3. One day Mole literally drops into Shrew's house, right through the wall, as he has accidentally burrowed through. His home has been overtaken by overbearing relatives, so he needs to escape. Shrew offers to help him find a new home, mostly to get him out of her house. Much to her chagrin, Mole selects a new home quite close to Shrew's. eventually she learns to see his charm. Mole is given to taking figures of speech quite literally, causing much consternation when he is invited to join Shrew at a fancy affair requiring black tie and tails. The final portion of the book is a riff along the lines of "who's on first," because Mole is concerned that "nobody" likes him. Illustrated with fairly detailed pencil drawings, this charming early chapter book has just enough silliness to provoke the giggles.---Children's Literature

A Book of the Month Club Main Selection

Mole and Shrew All Year Through is now out of print . To inquire about purchasing autographed copies of  Mole and Shrew Have Jobs to Do!, Mole and Shrew Get a CLUE!, or Mole and Shrew Are Two, Click Here!

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