"Noble Prince Jen is the one person that his father, King Ta'i, trusts enough to send on a mission to the legendary kingdom of Tien-Kuo. The prince eagerly begins his quest bearing only enormous pride and humble gifts. From the onset, however, the young ruler marches headlong into misfortune, miscreants, and unexpected adventure. Separated from his faithful servant, the prince finds himself fending off murderers, falling prey to trickery, and searching for a village girl who plays a magic flute. But it isn't until he faces his most challenging personal trial that the heroic traveler fully realizes the astonishing power hidden in each humble gift. Steven Crossley's narration of Newbery Medal-winner Lloyd Alexander's remarkably inventive tale delivers all the mystery and magic that accompany the prince on his high adventure. A Parents' Choice Award-winner, this book is also a Booklists' Top of the List Fiction Award-winner. For another adventure by this wonderful author, listen to The Iron Ring."
"'Look into the tiger's eyes. I wish to show you lives different from your own,' Soma-Nandi tells the boy-king Tamar. When you join Tamar on his enchanted journey, you too can look into the tiger's eyes. But beware, for along the way, nothing is as it appears to be: forest creatures speak and populate hidden kingdoms, hacked-down vines regenerate before your very eyes, and holy men spring up from ant hills. In a dream, Tamar has lost everything to the impressive King Jaya in a game of dice. Tamar feels honor bound to obey the king's command: he must give up his kingdom to travel to a Jaya's domain. His obligation is confirmed when he awakens to find an iron ring on his finger. Inspired by the classic mythology of India, virtuoso storyteller Lloyd Alexander creates dazzling visions of high adventure and deep humanity. A sprinkling of Hindi and singsong verses add spice to this epic tale. Narrator Ron Keith's clear, compelling English accent adds vivid atmosphere and makes the extraordinary real."
"Cats don't really have nine lives, but they can visit nine different lives, anywhere, anytime. This is the secret Jason's cat, Gareth, tells him. When Jason hears this, he begs to go along. Soon cat and boy find themselves in ancient Egypt on the first of nine fantastic adventures. With the wink of an eye, Jason and Gareth are transported to alluring settings in world history. On their travels they meet interesting and famous people, such as St. Patrick, and Leonardo Da Vinci. Whether the destination is Renaissance Italy or revolutionary America, their appearance never fails to cause a stir. And wherever they go, Gareth leaves his inimitable pawprint on history. Filled with fascinating historical information and enchanting cat lore, Time Cat showcases the author's wonderful talent for capturing the imagination as he immerses you in other cultures. Ron Keith's delightful narration conveys all the humor and excitement as you travel through time with Gareth and Jason."
"Greater Dunitsa is the most wonderful place on earth. At least that's what the town leaders think. If only they didn't have to put up with young Rizka, the free-spirited gypsy girl. Ever since her mother died and her father moved on, she has lived with her cat Pesto in a cart just outside town. Rizka walks around Greater Dunitsa in her ragbag clothes, playing sharp-witted tricks on deserving rogues. The leaders are convinced she is bad for business. The day the chief councilor finds his roast chicken in Pesto's hungry jaws is too much for the frustrated man. He hatches a fail-safe plan to get rid of the sassy gypsy girl and her troublesome pet. But he doesn't plan on Rizka's brains or is it brasiness? Wherever there is trouble, Rizka is there, offering her own hilarious solutions. Award-winning children's author Lloyd Alexander packs this entertaining tale with fun-filled farce and and elegant comedy. Narrator Ron Keith's sunny interpretation celebrates all the good natured high jinks and warm-hearted surprises."
"Lucian, a young man of ancient Greece's Arkadia, embarks on a classical quest of danger, daring, and romance and encounters a remarkable cast of heroes, poets, seamen, horsemen, wise women, kings, and peasants."
"Garnering starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Booklist, this highly acclaimed novel is another triumph for best-selling Newbery Medalist Lloyd Alexander. After young Carlo Chuchio is dismissed from the service of his merchant uncle for daydreaming too much, he finds a treasure map and plunges headlong into an unimaginable adventure across Asia. 'Masterful storytelling tinged with romance and humor makes this an engaging read.'-Kirkus Reviews"
