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Books illustrated by Kelly Murphy:


The Boll Weevil Ball

[Hardcover]

Written and illustrated by Kelly Murphy

ISBN-10: 0805067124
ISBN-13: 978-0805067125
Henry Holt and Co. (September 1, 2002)
Illustrations © 2002 Kelly Murphy


From School Library Journal: "The warm blues and greens and muted reds create the perfect ambience. Young children will identify with Redd's predicament and will laugh aloud as the little beetle tries to fit in at the dance."



A Place To Grow

[Hardcover]

Written by Stephanie Bloom
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

ISBN-10: 1931969078
ISBN-13: 978-1931969079
Bloom & Grow Books (August 28, 2002)
Illustrations © 2002 Kelly Murphy


From The American Horticultural Society: Recipient of the "Growing Good Kids--Excellence in Children's Literature" Book Award for outstanding plant, garden and environment themed title.



Loony Little

[Hardcover]

Written by Dianna Hutts Aston
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

ISBN-10: 0763616826
ISBN-13: 978-0763616823
Candlewick Press (October 13, 2003)
Illustrations © 2003 Kelly Murphy


"When a drop of water falls - plop - on Loony Little's head, she and her friends decide that they must bring this unfortunate news to the fearsome queen. Maybe she can explain how this strange turn of events will affect them."




Dancing Matilda

[Hardcover]

Written by Sarah Hager
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

ISBN-10: 0060514523
ISBN-13: 978-0060514525
HarperCollins Publishers (June 14, 2005)
Illustrations © 2005 Kelly Murphy


From School Library Journal: "The endearing Matilda is oblivious to everyone and everything around her, including mud puddles, laundry hanging to dry, and the postman. Murphy's lively and colorful illustrations are a perfect complement to the hopping and bopping verse and its spunky heroine."



Good Babies

[Hardcover]

Written by Tim Myers
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

ISBN-10: 0763622273
ISBN-13: 978-0763622275
ASIN: B0017HZRDU
Candlewick Press (September 13, 2005)
Illustrations © 2005 Kelly Murphy


From School Library Journal: "Murphy's acrylic, watercolor, and gel illustrations are based in blue. The figures are simply drawn but the rich color and shading bring them to life. An enjoyable story, particularly for children who would like to trade in their noisy younger siblings."



Fiona's Luck

[Hardcover]

Written by Teresa Bateman
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

ISBN-10: 1570916519
ISBN-13: 978-1570916519
Charlesbridge Publishing (January 15, 2007)
Illustrations © 2008 Kelly Murphy


From Publishers Weekly: "Murphy's textured mixed-media compositions, in a predominantly dusky palette, keep pace with the action. Freckle-faced Fiona's changeable expressions hint at her scheming and the lively sweet-faced leprechauns flit across the pages."

From School Library Journal: "Using the background of the Irish potato famine, Bateman weaves a tale of Irish history and leprechauns, threads it with optimism, and embroiders it with cleverness and luck. At one time, luck was in abundance in Irelandz-until the leprechaun king got angry at the humans for soaking it all up. Using a spell, he steals it away. The people fall on hard times, and Fiona uses her wits to get it back from the wily king. Murphy's illustrations are richly toned and evocative. Some are spreads, full of color in a folk-art style; on other pages, the smaller spot illustrations highlight the details in the story. Each page is a harmonious blend of artwork and text, which makes the story an engaging read-aloud, and it's also accessible to young readers. Children will love this tale, particularly the facial expressions on Fiona and the small people who surround her, and they'll delight in the young woman's cleverness and quick thinking."



Gallop-O-Gallop

[Hardcover]

Written by Sandra Alonzo
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

ISBN-10: 0803729677
ISBN-13: 978-0803729674
Dial Books for Young Readers (April 5, 2007)
Illustrations © 2007 Kelly Murphy


From School Library Journal: "Each selection is presented on a single page or full spread and complemented by Murphy's well-composed, beautifully textured art, created with watercolor, acrylic, and gel medium on paper. Many of the paintings feature realistic images of horses in action or young girls interacting with their mounts, while others are more whimsical."



Hush, Little Dragon

[Hardcover]

Written by Boni Ashburn
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

ISBN-10: 0810994917
ISBN-13: 978-0810994911
Abrams Books for Young Readers (March 1, 2008)
Illustrations © 2008 Kelly Murphy


From Midwest Book Review: "The whimsical color illustrations add just the right touch to this tongue-in-cheek bedtime storybook."




Masterpiece

[Hardcover]

Written by Elise Broach
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

ISBN-10: 0805082700
ISBN-13: 978-0805082708
Henry Holt and Co. (September 30, 2008)
Illustrations © 2008 Kelly Murphy


From School Library Journal: "Murphy's illustrations add perspective and humor, supporting the detailed narrative. A masterpiece of storytelling."

From Booklist: "Murphy's own pen-and-ink spot art reflects the text's sweet insouciance."

From Publishers Weekly: "Murphy animates the writing with an abundance of b&w drawings. Loosely implying rather than imitating the Old Masters they reference, the finely hatched drawings depict the settings realistically and the characters, especially the beetles, with joyful comic license. This smart marriage of style and content bridges the gap between the contemporary beat of the illustrations and Renaissance art."




Masterpiece

[Paperback]

Written by Elise Broach
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

ISBN-10: 0312608705
ISBN-13: 978-0312608705
Square Fish (March 30, 2010)
Illustrations © 2010 Kelly Murphy


From School Library Journal: "Murphy's illustrations add perspective and humor, supporting the detailed narrative. A masterpiece of storytelling."

From Booklist: "Murphy's own pen-and-ink spot art reflects the text's sweet insouciance."

From Publishers Weekly: "Murphy animates the writing with an abundance of b&w drawings. Loosely implying rather than imitating the Old Masters they reference, the finely hatched drawings depict the settings realistically and the characters, especially the beetles, with joyful comic license. This smart marriage of style and content bridges the gap between the contemporary beat of the illustrations and Renaissance art."




The Peach Boy

[Hardcover]

Written by Alex Frith
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

ISBN-10: 0746096658
ISBN-13: 978-0746096659
Usborne Publishing Ltd (July 31, 2009)
Illustrations © 2009 Kelly Murphy






Flight of the Phoenix (Nathaniel Fludd, Beastologist, Book I)

[Hardcover]

Written by R. L. LaFevers
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

ISBN-10: 0547238657
ISBN-13: 978-0547238654
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Children (September 16, 2009)
Illustrations © 2009 Kelly Murphy


From School Library Journal: "...this American author has crafted an exciting tale. Straightforward sentences, chronological narrative, short chapters and Murphy's plentiful black-and-white illustrations make this appropriate for middle-grade readers looking for a series to grow with."

From Kirkus Reviews: "...The characters are strongly developed and the period illustrations done in line, including some of Nate's own sketches, enhance the tale..."





Brand-New Baby Blues

[Hardcover]

Written by Kathi Appelt
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

ISBN-10: 0060532335
ISBN-13: 978-0060532338
HarperCollins (December 29, 2009)
Illustrations © 2009 Kelly Murphy


Star Review from School Library Journal: "...Oil, acrylic, and gel are used to create gentle hues. What makes this telling of the new brother/sister theme stand out is how well the verses are in sync with the illustrations, layout, and the characters' facial expressions. Great for sharing with a group or one-on-one."

From Kirkus Reviews: "...Appelt's catchy, child-friendly text and Murphy's energetic, engaging pictures illustrate her woes (...) which modulate in palette from angry blues and greens to sunny yellows, while serene compositions replace off-kilter ones."




Over At The Castle

[Hardcover]

Written by Boni Ashburn
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

ISBN-10: 0810984148
ISBN-13: 978-0810984141
Abrams Books for Young Readers (March 1, 2010)
Illustrations © 2010 Kelly Murphy


From School Library Journal: "The loving Mom and baby from Ashburn and Murphy's Hush, Little Dragon (Abrams, 2008) reenact a variation of another familiar folk song. Well-rhymed quatrains guide readers through a medieval landscape populated with ever-increasing numbers of inhabitants (from one little dragon and two gruff guards all the way up to ten frisky jesters). Suspense builds on each earth-toned page, as mother dragon advises "patience" while child eagerly anticipates the book's culminating surprise: fireworks ignited by the "whoosh" of the dragons' breath. Simple but richly textured oil and acrylic illustrations contain amusing details for observant eyes (the little dragon can be caught peeking inside the castle walls, and an "old wily prisoner" and his "pet rats five" can be spied planning and executing escape from the dungeon). A playful and comforting addition to storytimes."

From Booklist: "Richly textured paintings in subtle hues that fit the medieval period convey the chores of the occupants of the castle, and comedic touches throughout deepen the story and will have children flipping back through the pages."




Flight of the Phoenix (Nathaniel Fludd, Beastologist, Book I)

[Paperback]

Written by R. L. LaFevers
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

ISBN-10: 0547408455
ISBN-13: 978-0547408453
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Children (September 13, 2010)
Illustrations © 2009 Kelly Murphy


From School Library Journal: "...this American author has crafted an exciting tale. Straightforward sentences, chronological narrative, short chapters and Murphy's plentiful black-and-white illustrations make this appropriate for middle-grade readers looking for a series to grow with.."

From Kirkus Reviews: "...The characters are strongly developed and the period illustrations done in line, including some of Nate's own sketches, enhance the tale..."





The Basilisk's Lair (Nathaniel Fludd, Beastologist, Book 2)

[Hardcover]

Written by R. L. LaFevers
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

ISBN-10: 0547238673
ISBN-13: 978-0547238678
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Children (June 7, 2010)
Illustrations © 2010 Kelly Murphy


From Booklist: "...Nathaniel Fludd, Aunt Phil, and the gremlin Greasel pursue an escaped Basilisk, the highly dangerous king of the Serpents..."

From Kirkus: "...The basilisk is appropriately scary, and straightforward storytelling leads to an exciting climax..."





The Basilisk's Lair (Nathaniel Fludd, Beastologist, Book 2)

[Paperback]

Written by R. L. LaFevers
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

ISBN-10: 0547549571
ISBN-13: 978-0547549576
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Children (April 4, 2011)
Illustrations © 2010 Kelly Murphy


From Booklist: "...Nathaniel Fludd, Aunt Phil, and the gremlin Greasel pursue an escaped Basilisk, the highly dangerous king of the Serpents..."

From Kirkus: "...The basilisk is appropriately scary, and straightforward storytelling leads to an exciting climax..."





The Wyverns' Treasure (Nathaniel Fludd, Beastologist, Book 3)

[Hardcover]

Written by R. L. LaFevers
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

ISBN-10: 0547316186
ISBN-13: 978-0547316185
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Children (October 2, 2010)
Illustrations © 2010 Kelly Murphy


From Booklist: "...Nathaniel Fludd, Aunt Phil, and the gremlin Greasel pursue an escaped Basilisk, the highly dangerous king of the Serpents..."

From Kirkus: "...The basilisk is appropriately scary, and straightforward storytelling leads to an exciting climax..."





Haunted Houses (Are You Scared Yet? 1)

[Hardcover]

Written by Robert D. San Souci
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy and Antoine Revoy

ISBN-10: 0805087508
ISBN-13: 978-0805087505
Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) (July 20, 2010)
Illustrations © 2010 Kelly Murphy and Antoine Revoy


This chilling read is a collection of stories revolving around the theme of haunted domains and is oriented towards young adults (ages 9-12).

Kelly Murphy and Antoine Revoy created black and white art in crow quill and ink washes to illustrate the book's ten horror stories (full drawings and spot illustrations), as well as a cover in mixed media. One of these illustrations, "The Lodge", was chosen by American Illustration for publication on their website during their 29th annual competition.




The Unicorn's Tale (Nathaniel Fludd, Beastologist, Book 4)

[Hardcover]

Written by R. L. LaFevers
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

ISBN-10: 0547482779
ISBN-13: 978-0547482774
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Children (April 4, 2011)
Illustrations © 2011 Kelly Murphy


Product description: "Is there no rest for the travel worn and weary? Not if you're Nathaniel Fludd, the world's youngest beastologist-in-training! All Nate really wants is to track down his missing parents, but when a unicorn falls mysteriously ill, Nate's Aunt Phil makes it clear where a beastologist's duty lies: to the beasts.

And if taking care of the world's beasts isn't difficult enough, Nate and Aunt Phil must also keep them safe from the villainous Obediah Fludd, who intends to do them harm. With all this taking up every last bit of his energy and time, will Nate ever find the parents he is so absolutely convinced are alive?"






Creepy Monsters, Sleepy Monsters

[Hardcover]

Written by Jane Yolen
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

ISBN-10: 0763642010
ISBN-13: 978-0763642013
Candlewick Press (July 12, 2011)
Illustrations © 2011 Kelly Murphy


With wildly colorful illustrations full of whimsy and warmth, Kelly Murphy brings to rambunctious life Jane Yolen's gently rhyming tale of snarfing, growling, snoring way that monsters go to bed.




Secrets At Sea

[Hardcover]

Written by Richard Peck
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

ISBN-10: 0803734557
ISBN-13: 978-0803734555
Dial (October 13, 2011)
Illustrations © 2011 Kelly Murphy


Product description: In the beloved tradition of The Borrowers, The Tale of Desperaux, and The Cricket in Times Square, here is an irresistible adventure story of the tiny individuals who secretly live among us humans.

Helena is the oldest of four mouse siblings who live in the walls of the Cranston estate. It is 1887 when the nouveau riche Cranstons decide to take a cruise ship to England in search of a husband for their awkward older daughter. The Cranston mice stow away in the luggage . . . and so begins the time of their lives, as they meet intriguing, cosmopolitan mice onboard and take it upon themselves to help the human Cranston daughters find love. They might just find perfect futures for themselves as well!

Full of laughs, near-misses, and surprise, this is Richard Peck at his best and most playful.




The Wyverns' Treasure (Nathaniel Fludd, Beastologist, Book 3)

[Paperback]

Written by R. L. LaFevers
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

ISBN-10: 054785823X
ISBN-13: 978-0547858234
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Children (April 17, 2012)
Illustrations © 2010 Kelly Murphy


From Booklist: "...Nathaniel Fludd, Aunt Phil, and the gremlin Greasel pursue an escaped Basilisk, the highly dangerous king of the Serpents..."

From Kirkus: "...The basilisk is appropriately scary, and straightforward storytelling leads to an exciting climax..."





Alex and the Amazing Time Machine

[Hardcover]

Written by Rich Cohen
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

ISBN-10: 0805094180
ISBN-13: 978-0805094183
Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) (May 8, 2012)
Illustrations © 2012 Kelly Murphy


Alex Trumble is a pretty ordinary kid-except for the fact that his IQ borders on genius, and he loves to read books on vortexes and time travel. But when two angry hit men kidnap his big brother Steven, Alex's life changes fast. Inventing a time machine (using an iPod, mirrors, duct tape, and a laser pointer) is only half the battle. With the help of the time-bending Dingus, Alex and his best friend Todd must travel back in time to collect clues, outwit the bad guys, and race against the clock to save his family from total oblivion.




The Scorpions of Zahir

[Hardcover]

Written by Christine Brodien-Jones
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

ISBN-10: 0385739338
ISBN-13: 978-0385739337
Delacorte Books for Young Readers (July 10, 2012)
Illustrations © 2012 Kelly Murphy


Product description: Zagora Pym has always wanted to be a desert explorer. Her father, Charlie Pym, is exactly that, and she's always loved to look over his maps of far away exotic places. One day she'd be trekking through the deserts of Africa and China, discovering hidden treasures from lost tribes. But Zagora would never have guessed that her chance to prove herself would come so soon. Like most adventures, it starts with a mysterious letter. The question is, how will this adventure end?

Zagora's dreams of desert exploration are about to come true, but are she and her father and brother being followed? And will they ever make it back to civilization?




Haunted Houses (Are You Scared Yet? 1)

[Paperback]

Written by Robert D. San Souci
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy and Antoine Revoy

ISBN-10: 0312551363
ISBN-13: 978-0312551360
Square Fish (July 17, 2012)
Illustrations © 2012 Kelly Murphy and Antoine Revoy


This chilling read is a collection of stories revolving around the theme of haunted domains and is oriented towards young adults (ages 9-12).

Kelly Murphy and Antoine Revoy created black and white art in crow quill and ink washes to illustrate the book's ten horror stories (full drawings and spot illustrations), as well as a cover in mixed media. One of these illustrations, "The Lodge", was chosen by American Illustration for publication on their website during their 29th annual competition.




Behind The Bookcase

[Hardcover]

Written by Mark Steensland
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

ISBN-10: 0385740719
ISBN-13: 978-0385740715
Random House/Delacorte Books for Young Readers (October 9, 2012)
Illustrations © 2012 Kelly Murphy


A girl stumbles into a fantastic world in this tale perfect for fans of Coraline, Alice in Wonderland, and The Twilight Zone.




Face Bug

[Hardcover]

Written by J. Patrick Lewis, Photography by Fred Siskind
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

ISBN-10: 1590789253
ISBN-13: 978-1590789254
Wordsong (March 1, 2013)
Illustrations © 2013 Kelly Murphy


In this ingenious picture book, Children's Poet Laureate J. Patrick Lewis invites you to visit the Face Bug Museum. There, readers can meet fourteen bugs in Lewis's sly, humorous poems; gaze upon giant close-ups of the creatures' faces in Siskind's photographs; and follow the antics of two beetle friends in Kelly Murphy's artwork. This is a trip to a museum-built by bugs, for bugs-unlike any other. It is also a poetry collection, macro-photography book, and illustrated story-all in one. Includes end notes with photographs of the entire bugs and further information about these creatures.




The Mouse With The Question Mark Tail

[Hardcover]

Written by Richard Peck
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

ISBN-10: 0803738382
ISBN-13: 978-0803738386
Dial (July 2, 2013)
Illustrations © 2013 Kelly Murphy


Product description: Newbery Award-winning author Richard Peck is at his very best in this fast-paced mystery adventure. Fans of The Tale of Desperaux, A Little Princess, and Stuart Little will all be captivated by this memorable story of a lovable orphan mouse on an amazing quest.

The smallest mouse in London's Royal Mews is such a little mystery that he hasn't even a name. And who were his parents? His Aunt Marigold, Head Needlemouse, sews him a uniform and sends him off to be educated at the Royal Mews Mouse Academy. There he's called "Mouse Minor" (though it's not quite a name), and he doesn't make a success of school. Soon he's running for his life, looking high and low through the grand precincts of Buckingham Palace to find out who he is and who he might become.

Queen Victoria ought to be able to help him, if she can communicate with mice. She is all-seeing, after all, and her powers are unexplainable. But from her, Mouse Minor learns only that you do not get all your answers from the first asking. And so his voyage of self-discovery takes him onward, to strange and wonderful places.

Full of laughs, near-misses, and surprise, this is Richard Peck at his best and most playful.




Romping Monsters, Stomping Monsters

[Hardcover]

Written by Jane Yolen
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

ISBN-10: 0763657271
ISBN-13: 978-0763657277
Candlewick Press (July 9, 2013)
Illustrations © 2013 Kelly Murphy


Those little monsters are back - and on the move! Jane Yolen takes her rhymes to the playground, aided by Kelly Murphy's exuberant illustrations.




Anton And Cecil: Cats At Sea

[Hardcover]

Written by Lisa Martin and Valerie Martin
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

ISBN-10: 1616202467
ISBN-13: 978-1616202460
Algonquin Young Readers (October 8, 2013)
Illustrations © 2013 Kelly Murphy


A swashbuckling story of two very different cat brothers and their adventures at sea.




The Miniature World of Marvin and James

[Hardcover]

Written by Elise Broach
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

ISBN-10: 0805091904
ISBN-13: 978-0805091908
Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) (February 4, 2014)
Illustrations © 2014 Kelly Murphy


"Murphy clearly revels in the Borrowers-style perspective of the beetles' miniature world: In their under-sink home, Marvin's drawing table is a die, and a propped-up birthday-cake candle dwarfs the family. The dramatic, blow-by-blow pencil-sharpener incident dominates the story, but it circles back to friendship. James really did miss Marvin after all, and a souvenir seashell (the perfect beetle hideout!) seals the deal.

This winsome series debut is both a sweet story of cross-species friendship and a sobering new way to look at pencil sharpeners."

A Masterpiece Adventure.





The Wollstonecraft Detective Agency, Book 1: The Case of the Missing Moonstone

[Hardcover]

Written by Jordan Stratford
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

ISBN-10: 038575440X
ISBN-13: 978-0385754408
Knopf Books for Young Readers (January 6, 2015)
Illustrations © 2015 Kelly Murphy


History, mystery, and science collide in a new series for middle-grade readers, perfect for fans of The Mysterious Benedict Society and Lemony Snicket!

Jordan Stratford imagines an alternate 1826, where Ada Lovelace (the world's first computer programmer) and Mary Shelley (author of Frankenstein) meet as girls and form a secret detective agency!

Lady Ada Byron, age eleven, is a genius. Isolated, awkward and a bit rude-but a genius. Mary Godwin, age fourteen, is a romantic. Adventurous, astute, and kind, Mary is to become Ada's first true friend. And together, the girls conspire to form the Wollstonecraft Detective Agency-a secret constabulary for the apprehension of clever criminals. Their first case involves a stolen heirloom, a false confession, and an array of fishy suspects. But it's no match for the deductive powers and bold hearts of Ada and Mary.

Mystery fans will love this tween girl riff on Sherlock Holmes and John Watson. History buffs will be delighted to see all the real figures who play a role in this story and appreciate the extensive backmatter that helps separate truth from fiction. Parents and educators hoping to promote the STEM fields for girls will be thrilled to have a series where two girls use math, science, and creative analytical thinking to solve crimes. But most especially--emerging readers will love this series filled with humor, action, intrigue and wonderful artwork from Kelly Murphy.





Anton And Cecil: Cats On Track

[Hardcover]

Written by Lisa Martin and Valerie Martin
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

ISBN-10: 1616204192
ISBN-13: 978-1616204198
Algonquin Young Readers (August 25, 2015)
Illustrations © 2015 Kelly Murphy


The heroes of Anton and Cecil: Cats at Sea, which the New York Times called "engrossing and unpredictable," return in an exciting adventure that will delight fans of the first book and new readers alike.




James To The Rescue

[Hardcover]

Written by Elise Broach
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

ISBN-10: 162779316X
ISBN-13: 978-1627793162
Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) (October 20th, 2015)
Illustrations © 2016 Kelly Murphy


In this Masterpiece Adventure, the second in a companion series for younger readers from bestselling author Elise Broach, Marvin the beetle is going collecting with his family. All is good and well until Uncle Albert gets hurt. Marvin needs James's help to save Uncle Albert before it's too late.

This young chapter book captures the miniature world of Marvin the beetle and his special friendship with James.





The Door By The Staircase

[Hardcover]

Written by Katherine Marsh
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

ISBN-10: 1423134990
ISBN-13: 978-1423134992
Disney-Hyperion (January 5th, 2016)
Illustrations © 2016 Kelly Murphy


Twelve-year-old Mary Hayes can't stand her orphanage for another night. But when an attempted escape through the stove pipe doesn't go quite as well as she'd hoped, Mary fears she'll be stuck in the Buffalo Asylum for Young Ladies forever.

The very next day, a mysterious woman named Madame Z appears at the orphanage requesting to adopt Mary, and the matron's all too happy to get the girl off her hands. Soon, Mary is fed a hearty meal, dressed in a clean, new nightgown and shown to a soft bed with blankets piled high. She can hardly believe she isn't dreaming!

But when Mary begins to explore the strange nearby town with the help of her new friend, Jacob, she learns a terrifying secret about Madame Z's true identity. If Mary's not careful, her new home might just turn into a nightmare.

Award-winning author Katherine Marsh draws from Russian fairytales in this darkly funny middle-grade fantasy novel.





The Wollstonecraft Detective Agency, Book 2: The Case of the Girl in Grey

[Hardcover]

Written by Jordan Stratford
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

ISBN-10: 0385754442
ISBN-13: 978-0385754446
Knopf Books for Young Readers (January 26, 2016)
Illustrations © 2016 Kelly Murphy


This history-mystery series continues with another fine display of brains and bravery from the Wollstonecraft Girls-Ada Bryon Lovelace and Mary Shelley. Inspired fun for middle grade readers and fans of The Mysterious Benedict Society and Lemony Snicket!

The Wollstonecraft Detective Agency was supposed to be a secret constabulary, but after the success of their first case, all of London knows that Lady Ada and Mary are the girls to go to if you have a problem.

Their new case is a puzzle indeed. It involves a horrible hospital, a missing will, a hasty engagement, and a suspiciously slippery servant.

But Mary's stumbled onto a mystery of her own. She spotted a ghostly girl in a grey gown dashing through the park. A girl who is the spitting image of their new client.

The two cases must be linked . . . or else there's a perfectly supernatural explanation.





The Slowest Book Ever

[Hardcover]

Written by April Pulley Sayre
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

ISBN-10: 1620917831
ISBN-13: 978-1620917831
Boyds Mills Press (April 5, 2016)
Illustrations © 2013 Kelly Murphy


Two-color cartoons from Murphy dominate each spread as Sayre addresses slow-moving animals and slow-growing organisms, human processes such as breathing and sleep, the 2,000-year construction of the Great Wall of China, space exploration, and more.




The Wollstonecraft Detective Agency, Book 3: The Case of the Counterfeit Criminals

[Hardcover]

Written by Jordan Stratford
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

ISBN-10: 0385754485
ISBN-13: 978-0385754484
Knopf Books for Young Readers (January 24, 2017)
Illustrations © 2017 Kelly Murphy


This "winner" (School Library Journal) of a history-mystery-science series continues as the Wollstonecraft Detectives--Ada Byron Lovelace and Mary Shelley--take on a case from the celebrated dinosaur bone hunter, Mary Anning.

The Wollstonecraft Girls embark on their most important case yet--the famed dinosaur fossil hunter Mary Anning is being blackmailed. Her precious dog has been snatched and the kidnappers are demanding that Miss Anning authenticate some fake dinosaur bones up for auction at the British Museum in order to get him back. Ada and Mary have just three days to track down the fossil fakers, find the dog, and save the integrity of science!

The game is truly afoot in this quirky caper involving blood-sucking leeches, an asthmatic pug, smoke bombs, secret elevators, diabolical disguises, and wicked word-play.





A Properly Unhaunted Place

[Hardcover]

Written by William Alexander
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

ISBN-10: 1481469150
ISBN-13: 978-1481469159
Margaret K. McElderry Books (August 22, 2017)
Illustrations © 2017 Kelly Murphy


"Helped by Kelly Murphy's provocative illustrations, peppered throughout the book, Alexander has created a cautionary tale and a profound and beautiful work."