The Imaginary

The Imaginary
by A.F. Harrold
illustrated by Emily Gravett

Rudger just appeared one day in Amanda's closet.   She eventually realizes he is imaginary, but that doesn't stop her from spending all of her time with him.  Rudger enjoys his time with Amanda as well, but their friendship is threatened when the evil Mr. Bunting appears.   Mr. Bunting is an imaginary friend hunter and, in a desperate attempt to escape him, Amanda and Rudger are separated.  Lost and scared, Rudger is rescued by an odd cat who brings him to the "Agency", a library full of other imaginary creatures who are looking for new "friends".  However, Rudger does not want a new friend, he just wants to find Amanda.  Will he be able to find his friend without getting caught by the evil Mr. Bunting?

The Imaginary is a heartwarming story of friendship and imagination, with a few scary, suspenseful parts in it as well!  Emily Gravett's beautiful illustrations are a wonderful addition to this amazing story.  Readers who enjoy fantasy with some scary twists should give this book a try!  

Author's website: www.afharroldkids.com

Seven Dead Pirates

Seven Dead Pirates
by Linda Bailey

Libertalia.  You!  Great-Granddad's last words to Lewis Dearborn made no sense.   That is, until he and his family move into the large, ramshackle home that once belonged to his great-grandfather.   Soon after moving in, Lewis learns that his home, particularly his new bedroom, is haunted by the ghosts of seven dead pirates.  The rowdy group of ghostly pirates, who once knew his great-grandfather, need Lewis to help them reclaim their old ship, now on display in a local museum.   How will Lewis be able to sneak these seven unruly, yet fearful of cars and other modern vehicles, pirates back to their ship without getting caught? 

A ghost story with a bit of humor mixed in, Seven Dead Pirates is a very entertaining read!  I love how the story also deals with school and family issues that the shy Lewis faces throughout the book.   This book will be a great choice for many readers!

Author's website: http://www.lindabaileybooks.com/home.html