The Library of Unruly Treasures - by Jeanne Birdsall (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

The Borrowers meets Matilida in this funny, winning story of a girl who finds herself an unlikely hero when she stumbles upon a big secret about little creatures. The latest book from the National Book Award winning author of the Penderwicks series.

Gwen MacKinnon's parents are dreadful. Truly, deeply, almost impressively dreadful. So Gwen's not upset at all when she's foisted onto her never-before-seen Uncle Matthew for two weeks. Especially when it turns out he has a very opinionated dog named Pumpkin.

Things take a turn for the weird when Gwen makes a discovery in the local library. A discovery that involves tiny creatures with wings. And no, they're not birds. They're called Lahdukan. But why can only Gwen and the youngest children, gathered for storytime, see them?

The Lahdukan insist that Gwen is destined to help them find a new home. But how can a girl as unwanted, uncourageous, and generally unheroic as Gwen possibly come to the rescue? Pumpkin has a few ideas...

Review Quotes

★ "A tender story whose tone evokes the warmth of a much-needed hug." --Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Birdsall gives the coming-of-age theme a fresh spin in her inventive story, one that's filled with endearing, quirky characters and delicious intrigue....Enchanting." --Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Jeanne Birdsall grew up in the suburbs west of Philadelphia, where she spent most of her time reading and daydreaming. She decided to be a writer when she was ten years old, though she didn't circle back to that idea until she was all grown up and then some. Her first book was The Penderwicks, which won the National Book Award and was a New York Times Bestseller. Four other Penderwicks novels, all of which received glowing accolades and were New York Times bestsellers, followed to round out the series. She is also the author of several picture books and a chapter book. Jeanne's days involve plenty of time writing, gardening, and chasing around her two mischevious dogs.

Matt Phelan is an award-winning, New York Times bestselling author/illustrator of picture books, middle grade novels, and graphic novels for young readers. He has received the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction (The Storm in the Barn), the Carolyn Field Award (Around the World and Snow White), the Jefferson Cup (Bluffton), and has been nominated for five Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards. In addition to his own books, Matt has illustrated many books by renowned authors, including Flora's Very Windy Day by Jeanne Birdsall and The Higher Power of Lucky (winner of a Newbery Medal) by Susan Patron.