New Releases by LOREN LONG

In the late 1800s, a baseball with strange powers belonging to their late father works wonders for three children and a travelling baseball team which must raise $10,000.

The year is 1899, and the Travelin'' Nine are crisscrossing the good ol'' U.S. of A., raising money to pay off the Payne family''s big-league debt! As the team heads into the River City, Griffith is beginning to realize that there''s more at risk than meets the eye, something beyond the need to raise money -- something involving the ball that could put his entire family in danger. Ruby is eager to help solve the mystery of the ball and plans on keeping her eyes and ears wide open and writing everything down. She knows the answer is out there. All she has to do is see the things that others don''t. And figure out what those things mean. Then there''s Graham, who usually only thinks about how to get more time on the baseball field. Even he''s beginning to notice that there are strange and shady characters at just about every turn. Finally there''s the Chancellor, one of the wealthiest and greediest businessmen in the entire world. And it looks like he''s got his eye on the ball!

The trucks speculate about what could be inside a beautifully wrapped gift box.

A stunning holiday book by beloved Otis creator Loren Long In this charming Christmas story, a toy drummer boy embarks--accidentally--on a journey on which he plays his drum and warms the hearts of everyone he encounters, from a rat to a snowman. Set against a snowy landscape by the bestselling Loren Long, this is a perfect read for chilly winter evenings. Long brings this story of an unforgettable little drummer boy to vivid life with his timeless and magical art.

PREGAME RECAP As the Travelin'' Nine head to Chicago, the team is filled with hope and optimism. After a disappointing loss in Cincinnati at the start of their baseball tour, the heroes of the Spanish-American War bounced back in Louisville. Doc and Woody came through with timely fielding, Crazy Feet and Tales smacked clutch hits, and champion horses provided that extra kick, helping the barnstormers to their come-from-behind victory. By the end of the thrilling contest, there was no doubt in the minds of Griffith, Ruby, and Graham that the baseball their Uncle Owen had given to them on the night of their father''s funeral was magical. Indeed, the mysteries surrounding their baseball, which their uncle had urged them to keep secret, were deepening. And as excited as they were by the barnstormers'' win, the Payne siblings'' fears and worries continued to grow. Uncle Owen''s tattered, bloody letter had warned them about the Chancellor. What''s more, they''d seen the Chancellor''s men lurking at the Louisville game. Griffith and Ruby now realized that their adventure was about far more than raising money to pay off a family debt. But what exactly was it about? After the Louisville match, Griffith confronted his mother. She denied that the Chancellor could be involved, but she promised to answer all of Griffith''s questions on the train to Chicago...

The trip to Chicago for Griffith, Ruby, and Graham becomes an adventure in itself after they realize their Uncle Owen has gone missing and the Chancellor has set his sights on the money the Travelin'' Nine have been trying to raise.

In the late 1800s, a baseball with strange powers belonging to their late father works wonders for three children and a travelling baseball team which must raise $10,000.

In the late 1800s a baseball with strange powers belonging to their late father works wonders for three children and a traveling baseball team that must raise $10,000.