Stephen Wittek

William de Worde never intended to make history, but he has somehow accidentally invented the newspaper. Now, as the editor of Ankh-Morpork's very first daily publication, he is discovering that the news is an incredibly risky business. Plunged into the chaotic world of investigative journalism alongside his sharp-witted reporter, Sacharissa Cripslock, William has to hunt down the facts in a city that prefers rumors. His new colleagues include a band of axe-wielding dwarfs who run the printing press and a recovering vampire with a dangerous passion for flash photography. When the most powerful man in the city is suddenly arrested for a terrible crime, William knows there is more to the story. But a ruthless criminal organization will do absolutely anything to control the narrative. Prepare for a brilliant, fast-paced, and incredibly funny adventure about the power of the press and the hilarious struggle to get the truth out before the lies take over.

Step inside the mind of one of historys greatest thinkers. Stephen Hawking was always full of big questions about the stars and how the universe began. Even when a physical illness made it hard for him to move or speak, he never stopped exploring the mysteries of black holes and energy. His story shows you that your mind is a powerful tool that can take you anywhere, no matter the obstacles in your path. Jump in: Travel from Stephens childhood curiosity to his groundbreaking discoveries as a world famous physicist. Why it pulls you in: With adorable comic book style illustrations and a timeline of key events, this book makes complex science feel exciting and accessible for young explorers. Think big: Discover how Stephens perseverance and wonder allowed him to defy boundaries and change our understanding of the cosmos forever.

Look up at the stars and prepare to explore the deepest mysteries of the universe with one of the greatest minds in modern history. Stephen Hawking spent his entire career trying to answer massive questions about where the cosmos came from and how black holes actually work. Born exactly three hundred years after the legendary astronomer Galileo, Hawking seemed destined to change the world of physics. When he was diagnosed with a severe neurological disease at age twenty-one, doctors told him he would not live long. But he refused to let his illness stop his vital research. Communicating through a computerized voice system from his wheelchair, he wrote best-selling books and made breathtaking discoveries that forever changed our understanding of space and time. Discover the inspiring story of a brilliant professor who proved that a powerful spirit and a curious mind can conquer absolutely anything.

Coco the kitten and Stephen the bunny both know what it feels like to need a safe place. Coco has come from a shelter, and Stephen has been found after being left in the forest. In Beth’s foster room, the two spot each other through a glass door: fuzzy ears, golden eyes, and instant curiosity. Soon Coco and Stephen are sharing sunny naps, playful zoomies, and a friendship that feels wonderfully surprising. Their story is gentle, funny, and full of animal charm, while also showing how much care pets need when they join a home. Inspired by a real kitten-and-bunny friendship, this picture book is a warm read for children who love rescue animals, unlikely friends, and stories about finding where you belong.

A high shelf, a splashy wave, a task that used to need help now feels possible. I Can Do It Myself! celebrates the proud little moments that come when a child begins doing more things independently. With short, energetic text and bold retro-style illustrations, this picture book turns everyday growth into something worth cheering for. Young readers can recognize the excitement of trying, reaching, helping, and discovering that they are more capable than they were before. Warm, simple, and confidence-building, it is a good choice for readers who enjoy encouraging stories about growing up, independence, and the joy of saying, “I did it.”

On a Christmas tree lot filled with tall, beautiful trees, one small tree waits and waits. It is bent, missing branches, and easy to overlook, but it still carries a bright Christmas spirit. As other trees are chosen, the little tree keeps hoping for the right home. By Christmas Eve, it is the last tree left, and the night may still hold a bit of holiday magic. The Last Christmas Tree is a tender picture book about hope, belonging, and being seen for what makes you special. Its gentle story and warm illustrations make it a comforting Christmas read for children who enjoy quiet holiday tales with a magical glow.

Buttoning, reaching, trying, helping, growing. Now I Am Big! notices the quiet victories that show a child is changing from day to day. This confidence-building picture book follows a young child who is proud of new skills and small signs of growing up. The text is gentle and direct, while the vintage-inspired artwork gives each moment a warm, cheerful feeling. For beginning readers, the book offers simple language and a reassuring message: growing bigger is not only about size, but about discovering what you can do now that once felt hard. It is a sweet pick for stories about independence, self-confidence, and everyday courage.

Hot chocolate did not begin as the sweet, cozy drink you may sip on a cold day. For thousands of years, chocolate had a long and surprising story before it became a favorite winter treat. This lively nonfiction reader traces the history of hot chocolate, from early chocolate drinks to unexpected moments such as chocolate rations for Revolutionary War soldiers. The facts are presented in a clear, kid-friendly style for readers who like real history with a fun subject. With full-color pages, back matter, and a quiz, The Sweet Story of Hot Chocolate! is a warm choice for children who enjoy food history, social studies, and nonfiction that feels inviting rather than heavy.

In 1867 California, ten-year-old Winnie arrives near the Central Pacific Railroad with much to learn about the world around her. Her father works as a mining engineer, and the railroad is pushing forward through difficult country. Then Winnie meets Lee Cheng, a Chinese boy who carries tea for the workers. Through their friendship, Winnie begins to see the harsh labor, courage, and unfair treatment faced by Chinese immigrant railroad workers. The title's “iron dragon” is not a fantasy creature, but the powerful railroad changing the West. The Iron Dragon Never Sleeps is a thoughtful historical novel for middle grade readers who want a human story behind American history. It explores friendship across cultures, prejudice, and the people whose work helped build the transcontinental railroad.

Santa has a wonderful job, but he is not always the fastest worker at the North Pole. Getting ready for Christmas can mean delays, mix-ups, and plenty of last-minute pressure. Muckle the elf thinks he has solved the problem. He builds the Deliverator, a machine meant to deliver presents more efficiently than Santa ever could. Soon Santa must compete with a mechanical replacement that seems ready to take over Christmas. How Santa Lost His Job is a funny holiday picture book about inventions, teamwork, and the value of a personal touch. Children who enjoy playful Christmas stories will like the lively problem, the clever machine, and the question of whether faster always means better.

Heavy rocks, light flowers, day, night, here, there. I Know a Lot! turns a child's everyday discoveries into a bright celebration of learning. This simple picture book follows a young child who is proud of understanding more about the world. The ideas are familiar and concrete, making the book easy to enjoy for children who are building confidence with basic concepts and early reading. With bold, retro-style illustrations and a cheerful voice, the story invites readers to notice what they already know. It is a gentle, encouraging choice for families, classrooms, and young readers who like books about curiosity, growing up, and feeling proud of small but real knowledge.

Ten-year-old Ben Franklin would rather test ideas than work in his father's candle shop. His mind is always busy, and his newest experiment involves a kite, a pond, and a daring question: can a person cross water without swimming? This beginning biography introduces young readers to Ben Franklin as a curious child, long before he became one of America's famous founders. The story focuses on his love of experiments and his habit of asking practical, surprising questions. Ben Franklin and His First Kite is a clear, accessible Ready-to-Read title for children who enjoy history, inventions, and true stories about creative thinkers. It makes early American history feel lively by starting with one boy's restless imagination.

Rufus loves being a wolf. He likes running through the woods, howling at the moon, and doing things his own way. Then he is sent to Big Bad Wolf Academy, where young wolves are supposed to learn important skills like huffing, puffing, disguises, and even speaking sheep. School is not easy for Rufus. He does not quite fit the lesson plan, and the things that make him different do not always look useful at first. But Rufus has a talent of his own. Big Bad Wolves at School is a funny school story with fairy-tale flavor, animal characters, and a warm message about being yourself. It is a playful pick for readers who enjoy humor, wolves, and classroom adventures with a twist.

What happens when everything you own simply disappears overnight? One morning, a young boy wakes up to find that all his belongings have vanished. Armed with nothing but a simple green hat, he sets off on a sweeping journey across distant landscapes to find what he has lost. As he travels high and low, searching for his missing treasures, he begins to realize something surprising. Perhaps the things that matter most are not the things you can hold in your hands. This deeply moving and beautifully illustrated fable explores the true meaning of loss and perseverance. It is a gentle, thought-provoking tale that invites you to look at the world differently and discover what is truly essential.

There is a wiggly, twisty-turny tooth in your mouth, and it is hard not to think about it. Is it ready to come out? Should you tug it? Do animals ever have this problem too? My Loose Tooth uses playful rhyme to turn a familiar childhood milestone into a funny, easy-to-read story. The simple language and lively questions make it especially friendly for children who are starting to read on their own or who are waiting for a first tooth to fall out. Light, reassuring, and a little silly, this early reader helps make a loose tooth feel less mysterious and more like an adventure.

Violet the snake wants to make something special for Mother's Day. Around her, the other forest animals are busy creating gifts, but Violet has a problem: no arms, no legs, and no teeth for the kinds of projects her friends can make. Instead of giving up, Violet watches, thinks, and tries to discover what she can do in her own way. Her challenge becomes a sweet story about creativity, love, and finding a gift that comes from who you are. Mother's Day Surprise is a gentle animal picture book for children who enjoy warm family stories. It works especially well for conversations about appreciation, problem solving, and how different talents can become something meaningful.

Opening Day in Brooklyn is already exciting for ten-year-old Matty Romano. He is going to watch the Dodgers with his father. But April 15, 1947, is bigger than one baseball game: Jackie Robinson is taking the field for his first Major League game and breaking baseball's color barrier. Told through a young fan's eyes, Play Ball, Jackie! brings readers into the noise, pressure, and importance of that historic day. The story shows both the thrill of baseball and the unfair prejudice Robinson faced as an African American player. This historical sports story is a strong choice for readers interested in baseball, civil rights, and real people who changed history through courage and skill.

Standing on the fringes of life offers a unique perspective, but there always comes a time to step onto the dance floor. Meet Charlie. He is an observant, introverted high school freshman who is just trying to navigate the uncharted territory of adolescence. Through a series of intimate letters to an unknown recipient, Charlie documents his tumultuous journey from the sidelines to the center of his own life. Caught between trying to live in the moment and trying to run from his past, Charlie finds himself adopted by two charismatic seniors, Sam and Patrick. They introduce him to a strange new world filled with first dates, mixed tapes, late night drives, and the chaotic beauty of growing up. But as his new friends prepare to graduate and leave for college, Charlie must confront the deep-seated emotional truths he has been avoiding. This honest and devastatingly funny story captures the agonizing, exhilarating roller coaster of high school. It is a raw exploration of connection, heartbreak, and those fleeting moments when you feel truly infinite.

Three ships, a dangerous ocean crossing, and a voyage that changed history. Christopher Columbus introduces independent readers to Columbus's first journey across the Atlantic in a clear, easy-to-follow format. The book presents the voyage as a dramatic historical event, with full-color illustrations and details that help young readers picture ships, maps, and the uncertainty of exploration. Later context notes in revised material acknowledge that Columbus's arrival also changed the lives and homelands of Indigenous people. This reader is best for children beginning to explore biographies and history on their own. It offers a simple entry point into a complicated subject and can support discussion about exploration, colonization, and how history is remembered.

Trading the wild, open fjords for the loud and crowded streets of Trolberg is proving to be a massive challenge. Hilda misses the magical creatures of the wilderness and finds the concrete labyrinth of her new city incredibly lonely. But just as she starts to adapt and make a new friend at school, a chaotic evening at the bustling Bird Parade sends everything spiraling out of control. You will navigate the winding, unfamiliar streets alongside Hilda as night falls and she becomes hopelessly separated from her mother. The towering buildings and bustling crowds transform the city into a daunting maze, forcing our brave heroine to rely on her wits to survive the evening. This beautifully illustrated chapter book captures the overwhelming feeling of moving to a new place while delivering a thrilling rescue mission. As Hilda desperately searches for her mum in the dark, she discovers that even a busy city holds its own secret magic and surprising creatures waiting to be found in the shadows.

Elizabeth Bennet is sharp, witty, and perfectly content to wait for a marriage of true affection, despite her mother's desperate schemes to find wealthy husbands for her and her four sisters. When the wealthy but insufferably proud Mr. Darcy arrives in their quiet country neighborhood, Elizabeth is quick to judge him as arrogant and dismissive. He, in turn, refuses to dance with her, sealing her terrible opinion of him. As their social circles constantly force them together at grand balls and country estates, their initial mutual dislike sparks a series of sharp verbal spars and painful misunderstandings. Elizabeth must navigate her family's embarrassing lack of social grace, her sister Jane's heartbreaking romance with Darcy's best friend, and the charming but deceptive stories of a handsome militia officer. In this brilliant comedy of manners, you will discover why this timeless story has captivated readers for over two centuries. As Elizabeth and Darcy confront their own flaws and the strict social expectations of Regency England, they are forced to reconsider everything they thought they knew about each other. It is a brilliant exploration of hasty judgments, family reputation, and the complicated path to genuine love.

Once, people wrote without punctuation, and sometimes without even spaces between words. Reading could be slow, confusing, and full of guesswork. So how did dots, commas, question marks, and other marks become part of the way we write? What's the Point? The History of Punctuation takes readers through the development of punctuation in the English language. With illustrations and clear explanations, it shows how small marks can change meaning, guide a reader's voice, and make writing easier to understand. This nonfiction book is a smart pick for curious readers who enjoy language, history, and surprising facts about everyday things. It turns grammar into a story of communication and invention.

Cooking up a delicious soup for the Sparrow Scouts should be a simple task, but nothing in Trolberg stays simple for long. Hilda soon finds herself battling mischievous mechanical bell ringers and fending off the notorious Yule Lads, a group of unruly troublemakers determined to steal her money, her food, and possibly even her mother. But the real danger strikes when a chaotic trip to the past gets everything mixed up, unleashing a terrifying creature that consumes history itself. You will need to hold on tight as Hilda desperately tries to untangle a massive knot of twisted timelines. With the hungry Time Worm threatening to devour the city's past and present, she must race against the clock to fix her mistakes and guide everyone back to safety. This thrilling illustrated chapter book expands the beloved animated universe with clever temporal puzzles, hilarious new friends, and intense action. Young readers will be completely captivated as Hilda proves that it takes serious courage and a bit of creativity to outrun a monster that eats time.

Heading off to Scout Camp is supposed to be a completely normal expedition filled with earning badges, pitching tents, and enjoying the great outdoors. But for a fearless explorer with a habit of attracting the extraordinary, a quiet weekend in the woods is never guaranteed. When Hilda accidentally loses her crucial expedition map, a simple camping trip instantly transforms into a wild rescue mission involving a panicked Merman and a very angry sea serpent. You will dive headfirst into this thrilling new chapter book as Hilda is flung into a dangerous aquatic adventure far from the safety of her scout troop. Navigating strange waters and dodging the snapping jaws of a massive monster will require all of her wilderness survival skills. This fantastic addition to the hit series perfectly captures the humor, heart, and non stop action that fans adore. You will be cheering for Hilda as she attempts to help her new underwater friend, outsmart the terrifying serpent, and hopefully make it back to camp before anyone realizes she is missing.

Recess completely changes the moment Omeed holds up an orange and asks his classmates a simple question. What if this were the world? Suddenly, Ms. Lee's class is on a mission to find the absolute perfect planet. The orange looks tasty, but it is way too small to share. A dodgeball seems like a good idea until a big kid kicks it right into outer space. A maple tree is great, but you definitely cannot carry it around. As the kids let their imaginations run wild, their search for the best world starts leaving a big trail of litter and mess behind them. Soon, they start to wonder if the perfect world has been right under their feet all along. This funny and clever school story reminds us why our planet is so special and why we need to take care of it.

You have probably played hide and seek before, but have you ever found a spot that is just a little too good? Ro and his dad are deep into a serious game of hide and seek. Everyone knows the rules. Dad is supposed to seek, siblings will always give away your spot, and Mom is the greatest finder of all time. But when Ro finds a hiding place that is completely out of sight, the game suddenly shifts. A loud thunderstorm starts rumbling outside, making the house feel dark and spooky. The thunder almost sounds like it is hissing his name. As Ro waits in the shadows, he starts to wonder if his dad gave up looking. This relatable family story captures the fun of playing together and the warm, comforting feeling of knowing you are always safe.

Bones are hidden inside you, but they are working all the time. They help you stand, move, protect important body parts, and give your body its shape. Bones introduces young readers to the skeleton in a simple nonfiction format. The book explains how bones do different jobs as part of the human body, making a science topic clear for children who are ready for short informational reading. This is a useful choice for early elementary readers interested in bodies, health, and basic science. With direct explanations and an accessible focus, it helps children understand that bones are not just hard pieces inside us, but an important system that keeps the body moving and safe.

A simple trip to explore some ancient castle ruins quickly spirals into an unbelievable journey through time itself. When Hilda stumbles upon the legendary faratok tree, she is inexplicably pulled back into the distant past, landing right in the middle of the awe inspiring Time of Giants. It is a dangerous and thrilling era, and she soon finds herself face to face with the history of the legendary Giant Slayer. You will travel back to an age of colossal wonders and fierce battles in this action packed chapter book based on the hit animated series. As Hilda learns the true, hidden history of the giants, she realizes she must find a way to help them and negotiate a lasting peace. But meddling with the past is incredibly risky, and fixing history might accidentally destroy her own future. You will be captivated by this epic temporal adventure as Hilda uses her bravery, quick thinking, and deep empathy to try and change the fate of the giants before her time runs out completely.

Visiting Great Aunt Astrid in the remote town of Tofoten sounds like a charming family getaway, until Hilda discovers the town's biggest secret. Her mother somehow forgot to mention that Tofoten is actually a legendary fairy village. But what begins as a fascinating exploration of magical architecture quickly takes a dark turn when Hilda starts experiencing ominous dreams and picking up bizarre warnings from a crackly radio presenter. You will need to stay alert as you follow Hilda into a tangled web of family secrets and hidden dangers. The fairies of Tofoten are not quite what they seem, and the picturesque village is hiding a perilous truth that threatens to trap her forever. This gripping chapter book delivers a fantastic mix of eerie mystery and magical adventure. As the shadows deepen and the magical traps close in, you will be rooting for the brave blue haired explorer to uncover the truth about her family's past and outsmart the mysterious forces lurking in the fairy village.

Bravery can be small. Petting a dog, waving goodbye, trying something new, or facing a moment that once felt scary can all be brave acts. I Am So Brave! celebrates everyday courage in a young child's life. The text is simple and reassuring, while the bold vintage-style illustrations give each scene a bright, confident feeling. Instead of focusing on big adventures, the book notices the quiet victories that help children feel stronger. This encouraging picture book is well suited to readers who like stories about confidence, emotions, and growing independence. It can also help children talk about fears, first tries, and the proud feeling that comes after taking a brave step.

Meet Engineer Bob. He has a secret that makes him the luckiest train driver in the world. His favorite engine, Charlie the Choo-Choo, is not just a machine made of metal and steam. Charlie is alive, and he is Bob's very best friend. Together, they ride the rails, proving that a true friendship can make even the heaviest loads feel light. When times change and newer, faster trains arrive on the tracks, Bob and Charlie face their biggest challenge yet. You will discover that being new is not always better than being loyal, sturdy, and true. This beautifully illustrated tale takes you on a heartfelt journey about hard work, standing by your friends, and finding magic in unexpected places. Climb aboard and see why Charlie the Choo-Choo will quickly become your favorite engine on the tracks.

Before Santa became Santa, he needed a job. A red suit and a generous heart were not enough to make him the world's greatest gift giver right away. In this funny origin story, young Santa tries different kinds of work, from chimney sweep to postman to circus performer. Each job gives him a chance to use one of his unusual talents, but none of them quite fits. Then a group of elves helps him see how all those talents might belong together. How Santa Got His Job is a playful Christmas picture book about persistence, self-discovery, and finding the work that feels right. It is a cheerful holiday read for children who like Santa stories with humor and imagination.

Massive ships are vanishing without a trace from the bustling Trolberg Bay, and no one in the city has a single clue where they are going. With panic rising in the harbor, Hilda and her loyal friends Wood Man and Frida decide to take the case into their own hands. Their investigation points them straight toward the eerie and mysterious Cauldron Island, a place known for strange magical occurrences and hidden dangers. You will set sail on a thrilling maritime mystery as the brave Sparrow Scouts try to uncover the truth behind the disappearing vessels. While Hilda searches the bay, David makes a startling discovery of his own involving the erratic weather predictor Victoria Van Gale, who has just moved into the old town windmill. This exciting chapter book brings the beloved animated series to life with complex puzzles, spooky encounters, and brilliant teamwork. You will be kept guessing until the very end as Hilda and her friends navigate treacherous waters and ghostly secrets to save the harbor from disaster.

For Lionel, fall brings new clothes, a new school year, leaves to rake, and Halloween plans. Some parts of the season are exciting, and some are not so easy, especially when school asks him to stand up and speak in front of the class. This Lionel story gathers several autumn moments into a gentle early chapter-style book. Readers follow Lionel through ordinary experiences that feel important when you are young: meeting a teacher, doing chores, and dressing up for trick-or-treating. Lionel in the Fall is a friendly seasonal read for children who enjoy school stories, humor, and familiar family life. Its short episodes make it approachable for readers moving beyond simple picture books.

Step into a dark and dangerous forest in this thrilling reimagining of a classic fairy tale. Two brave children, Hansel and Gretel, find themselves lost among the shadows, relying on their wits to survive. Guided by literary legends, this story brings the Brothers Grimm classic to life in a completely new and daring way. Jump into a haunting adventure filled with mystery, magic, and a very wicked threat lurking in a house made of sweets. Why it pulls you in: The incredible combination of masterful storytelling and breathtaking artwork creates an unforgettable experience. You will be on the edge of your seat as the children face their fears and try to outsmart their captor. It is a deliciously dark and captivating journey, but the real question is: will you find your way back out?

Navigating the mysterious and unpredictable Nowhere Space is incredibly dangerous, even for an experienced Sparrow Scout. When Hilda accidentally takes a wrong turn inside this bizarre dimension, she quickly realizes that getting back to Trolberg is going to require a lot more than just a good map. The alternate reality is completely unstable, and before she can even figure out a plan, she comes face to face with a massive, terrifying two-headed troll blocking her path. You will be holding your breath as Hilda and her friends try to outsmart the giant monster and escape the mind bending void. With time running out and the environment constantly shifting around them, it will take incredible teamwork and quick thinking to survive. This action packed chapter book delivers all the hilarious twists, daring escapes, and magical encounters that fans of the animated series love. You will be rooting for the brave blue haired explorer to defeat the towering trolls, find the legendary white woff, and guide everyone home in one piece.

In the town of Dingle, leprechauns may be lucky on St. Patrick's Day, but the rest of the year they are noisy, troublesome neighbors. When Finn O'Finnegan comes home from Dublin, he finds his village turned upside down by too many clever little tricksters. Finn needs a plan that will send the leprechauns away without making them angry. Outsmarting magical creatures is not easy, especially when they are already experts at mischief. Too Many Leprechauns is a lively, humorous folktale-style picture book with Irish flavor, magic, and a clever problem to solve. It is a fun pick for readers who enjoy holiday stories, trickster tales, and legends with a playful twist.

The king is dead, and the realm of Delain is plunged into dark and dangerous turmoil. You are invited to step into a kingdom where treason shadows every stone corridor and nothing is exactly as it seems. Prince Peter stands as the rightful heir to the throne, but an evil wizard with a sinister agenda has entirely different plans for the crown. Framed for a terrible crime he did not commit, Peter is locked away in a towering prison, leaving the kingdom in the hands of his weak and easily manipulated younger brother. To save his people and reclaim his birthright, Peter must execute a daring and seemingly impossible escape. You will be swept up in this classic battle between good and evil, where courage, patience, and a few carefully hidden secrets are your only weapons against dark magic. This epic fantasy departure by a master storyteller weaves a spellbinding adventure full of royal intrigue, terrifying villains, and heroes pushed to their absolute limits.

At Valley Forge, General George Washington sees a Jewish soldier lighting Hanukkah candles in the cold darkness. The soldier shares the story of the Maccabees, a small band of Jewish fighters who stood against a much stronger army to defend their freedom. As Washington listens, the ancient Hanukkah story echoes the struggle of the American Revolution. The book connects two histories through themes of courage, faith, endurance, and hope during a difficult winter. Hanukkah at Valley Forge is a thoughtful historical picture book based on a traditional account, with back matter explaining the historical background. It is a meaningful choice for readers interested in American history, Jewish holidays, and stories that show how the past can inspire people in hard times.

Before the world called him “The Greatest,” Muhammad Ali was Cassius Clay, a quick, determined kid from Louisville who found his power in a boxing gym. This biography follows Ali from his early days in the ring to his rise as heavyweight champion, showing how his speed, confidence, and unforgettable words made him one of the most famous athletes of all time. You will also learn how Ali’s choices outside the ring, including his refusal to fight in the Vietnam War, made him a bold and sometimes controversial public figure. Clear, lively, and packed with key moments from history, this Who Was? book introduces readers to a champion whose courage, faith, showmanship, and principles helped shape sports and culture far beyond boxing.