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<p/><br></br><p><b> About the Book </b></p></br></br>A vividly drawn contemporary fairy tale set in a miniaturized world--full of invention, adventure, and wonderfully colorful characters. Illustrations.<p/><br></br><p><b> Book Synopsis </b></p></br></br><p>Jane is spending the summer with her odd new friend, Staffa, going to parties and wearing fancy dresses. Staffa's slightly scary mother, Lady Matilda, tells crazy stories, drinks a vile-smelling tea, and never strays far from a glowing painted box that the girls are under strict orders never, ever to open. But Jane can't resist; upon opening it, she is sucked into an amazing and terrifying new world so small that insects are the size of horses. Jane knows she must escape immediately or be trapped forever. But first, she has to wrangle a flying bumblebee, rescue the king, and free the people of Eck. <p/>Kate Saunders's <i>The Little Secret</i> takes readers into a wildly imaginative miniaturized world of castle balls, death-defying bee riders, and giant racing spiders. A world where wicked plots are hatched, exciting rescues staged, and where the power of friendship can be a match for even the most dastardly of villains.</p><p/><br></br><p><b> Review Quotes </b></p></br></br><br><p>"This well-blended mix of romantic fantasy and gripping adventure, starring heroic girls, will speak to a broad audience." --<i>Publishers Weekly</i> <p/>"Children cannot help but be entranced by this Borrowers-like fantasy that mixes just enough otherworldliness with the realities of home, family, and friends to make one willingly suspend disbelief. The short chapters, introduced by well-executed black-and-white thumbnail sketches, are fast paced and clearly written. The many details, particularly those from the perspective of creatures much smaller than humans, add interest to an already-captivating story...The plot twists and turns enhance the tale and make one eager to buy into the protagonist's adventures. Furthermore, Jane's willingness to befriend those who are different will be a welcome message for today's readers." --<i>School Library Journal</i> <p/>"Will intrigue many readers with well-imagined details of a strange land and the rather childlike adventures that take place there. Fine black-and-white illustrations at the chapter heads add to the book's charm." --<i>Booklist</i> <p/>"The spry mix of action, friendship and good-besting-evil has undeniable appeal." --<i>Kirkus Reviews</i> <p/>"Girls will devour Kate Saunders's <i>The Little Secret</i>." --<i>The Times (London)</i> <p/>"A special book . . . perfect for older girls, about an unusual friendship and a box to rival Pandora's." --<i>The Observer (London)</i></p><br><p/><br></br><p><b> About the Author </b></p></br></br><p>Kate Saunders worked as an actress until she was twenty-five and then became a writer. She has written books for children, books for adults, and many, many articles for magazines and newspapers. She lives with her family (and her cats) in London. She has never ridden a bee, but she's certainly had an adventure or two. <p/>William Carman draws pictures in his studio in Boise, Idaho, where he also has a family. Though his house is more like an Animal Garden than a Boy Garden, he enjoys living there anyway. He has received many honors for his artwork, including a Society of Illustrators Gold Medal. Whenever he has a chance, he fishes.</p>

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