Most Popular Books by Elise Broach

From beloved duo Elise Broach and David Small comes an adorable picture book about a little boy who gets a free dino with purchase! Free gift with purchase: Dinosaurs! Wait—free what?! Just when a little boy thinks he’s going to die of boredom from running errands with his mom, the most remarkable, the most stupendous thing happens. He discovers that on this day, and this day only, stores everywhere are giving away a very special treat with any purchase. No, not the usual lollipop or sticker. Something bigger. Much, MUCH bigger. It’s a dream come true, except…what exactly do you do with these Jurassic treats? And how do you convince Mom to let you keep them?

The Barker brothers and their friend Delilah secretly climb up to Superstition Mountain one last time, hoping to solve the remaining mysteries, including whether the librarian is really the ghost of Julia Thomas, what was their uncle Hank''s role in discovering the gold mine, and especially, who is trying to kill them.

Hero changed into a T-shirt, grabbed a book, and padded barefoot into her sister''s room. The large windows overlooked the backyard. She could see the moonlight streaming over the trees and bushes, making long, crazy shadows across the grass. Was there a diamond hidden out there somewhere? She looked at Beatrice, already settled under the covers. She wanted to tell her about the Murphys, but at the same time, she didn''t. She wanted to keep the secret. To have something that belonged only to her. A missing diamond, a mysterious neighbor, a link to Shakespeare-can Hero uncover the connections? When Hero starts sixth grade at a new school, she''s less concerned about the literary origins of her Shakespearean name than about the teasing she''s sure to suffer because of it. So she has the same name as a girl in a book by a dusty old author. Hero is simply not interested in the connections. But that''s just the thing; suddenly connections are cropping up all over, and odd characters and uncertain pasts are exactly what do fascinate Hero. There''s a mysterious diamond hidden in her new house, a curious woman next door who seems to know an awful lot about it, and then, well, then there''s Shakespeare. Not to mention Danny Cordova, only the most popular boy in school. Is it all in keeping with her namesake''s origin-just much ado about nothing? Hero, being Hero, is determined to figure it out. In this fast-paced novel, Elise Broach weaves an intriguing literary mystery full of historical insights and discoveries. A JUNIOR LIBRARY GUILD SELECTION

Peter''s been invited to go on a safari. He''s brought: 1. Uncle Nigel, who''s an explorer 2. hiking shorts 3. a canteen But what he will need most is a bit of gumption. (Gumption: n. Courage; spunk; fortitude; resourcefulness; good sense.) Oh, wait...there are crocodiles in the river? Then he might need a lot of it!

A boy''s mother, reluctant to allow him even one pet, is increasingly unhappy as each pet wants a pet of its own. This charming picture book by a "New York Times"-bestselling author cleverly captures a universal wish--to love and care for something. Full color.x 11.

From the award-winning team who created Masterpiece comes a charming chapter book about a young bulldozer who is nervous about making friends and starting school. ★ "Broach and Murphy rev up for a promising new series…. An enthralling tale about doing the heavy lifting of making friends." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review ★ "This sweetly simple story addresses sometimes-challenging issues surrounding meeting new people with a light and understanding touch, and expressive drawings with muted orange accents bring Bulldozer and his world to life.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review “Broach offers young readers a compassionate tale about the jitters that often accompany starting school and cultivating new friendships… A touching story of overcoming social fears, perfect for early chapter book readers or those younger to read with a loved one.” – School Library Journal Bulldozer is shy when it comes to making new friends and nervous about starting school. But when he meets his new neighbor Millie and her little brother Jay, Bulldozer embarks on a daring adventure to rescue a stranded cat. With the help of his own machinery—and a plate of freshly baked cookies—Bulldozer overcomes his fears just by being himself. The beloved team of Elise Broach and Kelly Murphy are back with a compelling new series about an endearing bulldozer living in a human world. Each book contains five chapters, perfect for emerging readers learning how to read on their own.

Join Marvin the beetle on a hilarious adventure in the tiny world of bugs! In this Masterpiece Adventure, James is going on vacation for a week, leaving his best friend Marvin at home. Marvin has to play with his annoying cousin, Elaine, and the two quickly find themselves getting into all sorts of trouble—even getting trapped inside a pencil sharpener! As Marvin starts to worry about his friendship with James, he wonders if James will still be his friend when he gets home or if he''ll have found a new best friend. Perfect for beginning readers, Miniature World of Marvin & James is the first book in a companion series to bestselling author Elise Broach''s Masterpiece Adventures. With engaging illustrations and relatable themes of friendship, this early chapter book will delight kids who love tiny worlds, beetles, bugs, and exciting adventures. A Christy Ottaviano Book

Book 4 in the Masterpiece Adventures chapter book series featuring Marvin the beetle and his best friend, James. James''s father, Karl, and Christina, his friend from the museum, are getting married! James is the ring bearer and he is excited but also nervous. He loves Christina yet he is worried about losing his dad to a different family and a different life. And what if, at the wedding, James drops the ring? His beetle best friend Marvin promises to help him, but Marvin ends up with an even more critical job when something goes wrong. Will the whole wedding be ruined? Not if Marvin and James and Elaine can help it. This young chapter book for emergent readers captures the miniature world and friendship of Marvin the beetle and James. Complete with charming illustrations on every page by Kelly Murphy. Christy Ottaviano Books

Marvin the beetle finds adventure when his human friend James takes him to school.

In this follow-up to "Shakespeare''s Secret," Broach delivers a fast-paced mystery in which a young boy and a beetle attempt to pull off a staged art heist at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Illustrations.

There are some kinds of trouble you never see coming, like those thunderstorms that start from nothing at all. One minute the sky is bright blue and distant. Then, all of a sudden, it''s dark and thick with clouds, pressing down right on top of you. The leaves turn silvery and twist in the wind, the air starts to hum, and the rain comes, so heavy and fast you can''t even see. You almost never make it to the house on time. A dead body on the road—who is responsible and how will it affect the lives of three teens? For fourteen-year-old Lucy Martinez, the moment when everything changes comes one night during a long car trip with her older brother and his friend Kit. They are on their way to visit Lucy''s father for spring break, but never make it. While driving across northern New Mexico through a blinding rainstorm, their car hits something—an animal, they think. But when they backtrack, they find a dead body on the side of the road. With amazing insight and compelling prose, Elise Broach charts a suspenseful journey full of danger, loss, and painful self-discovery. What will happen to the lives of three teenagers who can suddenly no longer pretend innocence?

Little Bulldozer struggles to fall asleep in Bedtime for Little Bulldozer, a sweet and clever bedtime picture book by New York Times bestselling author Elise Broach with illustrations by Barry E. Jackson. Falling asleep isn’t always easy, especially for a loud and rumbling little bulldozer. Once he finally gets into bed, he can’t fall asleep no matter what he tries to do: has another drink of oil, gathers his favorite stuffies, and even reads his favorite book. Still, something’s not right, and only his sisters—a steamroller and a crane—can make it better. This reassuring and clever bedtime story is for young ones who need a bit of help “bull-dozing” off to sleep. Christy Ottaviano Books

Twelve-year-old Lizzie Durango lives in a zoo, spending her days taking note of the animals'' behaviors, then she meets runaway Tyler Briggs and together they investigate the wolves who are suddenly dying.

A Trip to the Country for Marvin & James is the fifth book in New York Times bestselling author Elise Broach''s Masterpiece Adventures chapter book series featuring Marvin the beetle and his best friend, James--featuring illustrations by Kelly Murphy. Marvin gets invited to spend a weekend with James visiting Karl and Christina in the country. And Marvin is bringing his cousin Elaine! Together, they partake in exciting outdoor activities. But a playful boat ride on a pond turns into an unexpected adventure. How will James and Marvin and Elaine find each other out in the wilderness? This fifth book in the Masterpiece Adventures series brings Marvin and James together in a celebration of friendship and family. Christy Ottaviano Books

"Marvin the beetle is going collecting with his family. All is good and well until Uncle Albert gets hurt. Marvin needs his human friend James''s help to save Uncle Albert before it''s too late"--

Bulldozer overcomes his anxieties before the first day of school in this second installment of the Bulldozer and Friends series, by the award-winning team who created The Masterpiece Adventure chapter book series. Bulldozer is nervous about his new school year and worried he won’t fit in. His friend Millie tries to reassure him, but Bulldozer isn’t convinced…especially when he gets to his classroom and things start going wrong. But just when he’s sure his day couldn’t get worse, something amazing happens! The first day of school proves to be special for everyone, all because of Bulldozer. Perfect for kids learning how to read on their own, the second book in this endearing series follows Bulldozer through the challenges and rewards of going to school.

A Thrilling Adventure Awaits on Superstition Mountain! Despite their harrowing first encounter with the dangers of Superstition Mountain, Henry Barker and his two brothers are determined to return. Joined by their friend Delilah, the Barker brothers soon find themselves entangled in more mystery and peril as they uncover a real treasure hidden on the mountain. But their discovery comes at a steep price—a barely survived avalanche. As they navigate the treacherous terrain, a lingering question haunts them: is someone after their treasure, or is the mountain itself seeking revenge? Treasure on Superstition Mountain is the second installment in Elise Broach''s gripping Superstition Mountain series. Perfect for young readers aged 9-12 who crave adventure, mystery, and a touch of the supernatural, this thrilling tale will keep them on the edge of their seats. Join Henry, his brothers, and Delilah as they brave the mountain''s secrets and unravel the truth behind the legend.

It''s summer and the three Barker brothers—Simon, Henry, and Jack—just moved from Illinois to Arizona. Their parents have warned them repeatedly not to explore Superstition Mountain, which is near their home. But when their cat Josie goes missing, they see no other choice. There''s something unusually creepy about the mountain and after the boys find three human skulls, they grow determined to uncover the mystery. Have people really gone missing over the years, and could there be someone or some thing lurking in the woods? Together with their new neighbor Delilah, the Barker boys are dead-set on cracking the case even if it means putting themselves in harm''s way. Here''s the first book in an action-packed mystery series by a New York Times bestselling author. Missing on Superstition Mountain is a Publishers Weekly Best Children''s Fiction title for 2011.

Read a sneak peek of THE WOLF KEEPERS! Twelve-year-old Lizzie Durango and her dad have always had a zoo to call their home. Lizzie spends her days watching the animals and taking note of their various behaviors. Though the zoo makes for a unique home, it''s a hard place for Lizzie to make lasting friends. But all this changes one afternoon when she finds Tyler Briggs, a runaway who has secretly made the zoo his makeshift home. The two become friends and, just as quickly, stumble into a covert investigation involving the zoo wolves who are suddenly dying. Little do they know, this mystery will draw them into a high-stakes historical adventure involving the legend of John Muir as they try to navigate safely while lost in Yosemite National Park.

Two children must find a way around their father''s "no pets" rule when a friendly dragon appears in their backyard.