The bestselling author of the Artemis Fowl series introduces a brilliant new chapter book series for younger readers. Acclaimed cartoonist McCoy lends his wickedly funny illustrations to take readers on an unforgettable trip through the world of a "kindly" librarian with a secret. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

Colfer (Artemis Fowl) launches a new series with this slender tale of two brothers, nine-year-old Will and 10-year-old Marty. Their mother, determined to find something educational for them to do during the summer, decides the boys should spend afternoons reading at the library. The librarian, Mrs. Murphy, reportedly hates kids and earned the nickname "Spud" because of a gas-powered potato gun she is rumored to hide under her desk with which she shoots noisy youngsters. "That's all I need.... Two more urchins messing up my shelves," grumbles the woman when the brothers arrive. She leads them to the children's section, a single box shelf with four rows of books, and forbids them to leave the patch of worn carpet in front of it. The tug of war between Spud and the siblings yields some humorous results, though the narrative becomes a bit syrupy when the boys, after days of pretending to read, actually get caught up in their books. In the ensuing weeks, "everything was wonderful. We had the time of our lives. Every new book opened the door to a new world." Spud predictably softens when she realizes that the brothers are hooked on books. The story's comic moments, brevity and message are well targeted to reluctant readers, but many middle graders will find this short on substance. Ages 7-up. (Sept.) Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information. From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information

Gr 2-4-This hilarious offering is the first in a new chapter-book series. When their parents become fed up with their boisterous behavior during summer vacation, Will and Marty Woodman are forced to do something educational: "Reading. It's perfect. How can you get into trouble reading a book?" The brothers will spend time at the library, despite their worries about the librarian, Mrs. "Spud" Murphy, who is feared by all children. According to the rumors, she uses a gas-powered gun to shoot potatoes at kids who make too much noise. When Mom drops them off later that afternoon, Mrs. Murphy leads them to the children's section and warns them that they are not to venture off of the carpet. Readers will immediately pick up that Marty has a problem following the rules and trouble ensues when he steps off the rug to cause some mischief. However, he has met his match in Spud, who silently appears on the scene like a "ninja librarian." The cartoon illustrations enhance the funny mood of the story. Youngsters, especially reluctant readers, will laugh out loud at this clever book, which can also be read aloud. A good choice for fans of Dav Pilkey, Jon Scieszka, and Ian Whybrow.-Christine McGinty, Albany Public Library, NY Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information. From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information

Eoin was born in Wexford, Ireland. He attended the primary school where his father taught, and after secondary school, embarked on a three-year degree course in Dublin, where he qualified as a primary teacher in 1986. Returning to Wexford he began teaching in a local primary school by day and wrote at night. Colfer also became involved in the local amateur drama group, starring in, directing and later writing many productions. He was also a member of Wexford's award winning Light Opera Society.

In 1991 Colfer left Ireland and spent the next four years working in Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and Italy. Resettling in Wexford after his arrival back in Ireland Colfer recommenced his teaching career, continuing his habit of writing after school. "Benny and Omar" was published by The O'Brien Press in October 1998 and was an immediate bestseller. It has since been translated into Danish, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish.

A hilarious sequel, Benny and Babe was published in June 1999 and was nominated for the Bisto Book of the Year award. His three titles in the O'Brien Flyers Series are amongst the most borrowed books from the Junior Section of the Irish Library Service. The Wish List, published in 2000, won a Bisto Merit Award in 2001. His huge best seller "Artemis Fowl" was published in hardback in 2001 and has since been optioned for a film by Miramax Films\Tribeca Productions.

Following the success of Artemis Fowl, Colfer gave up teaching and now writes full time.

(Bowker Author Biography) Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

Chapter 1 Ugly Frank	p. 1
Chapter 2 Stay on the Carpet	p. 15
Chapter 3 The Test	p. 33
Chapter 4 A Good Book	p. 51
Chapter 5 Off the Carpet	p. 61

Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.