Vivian Vande Velde Books

Sixteen-year-old Nyssa can enter into people’s dreams. Although the authorities of the medieval town of Lindenwolde would put her to death if they realized she was a witch, she feels compelled to practice her unique brand of witchcraft to answer the biggest question of her life: who broke into her father’s woodworking shop and killed her parents? Six years after the murder, Nyssa finally gets her chance to enter the dreams of the man she suspects is responsible. Suddenly she finds herself on a reckless, relentless journey that leads her through a maze of adventures—both in the real world and in the world of the unconscious. Nyssa risks death as she finally identifies the murderer in a shocking and unexpected climax.

A relentlessly delightful princess and her choleric fairy imposter switch places for three turbulent days in this magical yarn from Edgar Award-winning author Vivian Vande Velde. Princess Gabriella is accustomed to a certain kind of castle life. So when she wakes up one morning in a crowded hut, surrounded by squabbling fairy siblings, it takes all her princess training to maintain her poise and good manners.Meanwhile, across the kingdom, Fairy Phleg revels in Gabriella's luxurious lifestyle. As long as she can fool the castle into believing she's the real princess -- with a little help from her magical disguise -- then she's set to enjoy three glorious days of sweets and comfort. The mischievous fairies have placed a bet, and Gabriella is caught in the middle of it. Can she survive her time in the chaotic fairy household without failing the ultimate princess test and losing her temper? Phleg turns the castle upside down as she poses as Gabriella, but when an important guest arrives, will her antics unwittingly send the kingdom into war? An upbeat and hilarious fantasy from the masterful storyteller, Vivian Vande Velde.

Loveably chaotic Twitch the squirrel and Sweetie the Library Rat accidentally make their stage debuts in the school play in this hilarious 8 Class Pets chapter book series. When Twitch discovers the kids at school are putting on a Cinderella play, he can’t believe his luck. He loves good stories! But how to watch the play undetected? He convinces friend Sweetie the library rat to join his adventure to the auditorium, but of course it doesn’t go as planned! Twitch and Sweetie will go behind the curtain and even above stage before the day is over in this fourth book in the celebrated series. With energetic illustrations accompanying the short, hilarious chapters, told from Twitch and Sweetie’s alternating points of view, Squirrel on Stage is a perfect pick for young readers just starting to seek out longer texts—or a great read-aloud. For aspiring thespians, Squirrel on Stage also includes tips kids can use to put on their own play.

The narrative explores a high-stakes fantasy gaming world where players face numerous paths to victory, each fraught with danger. It delves into themes of competition and mortality within the gaming landscape, while also tackling issues of censorship. The story combines a stylish approach with a critical examination of the gaming culture, making it a compelling read for fans of fantasy and social commentary.

Fifteen-year-old Alys finds herself sacrificed to a dragon by her superstitious village, despite not being a witch. As she endures the cold and rain, thoughts of revenge fuel her desire to escape. However, Alys soon discovers that the dragon might be an unexpected ally in her quest against the townsfolk. This tale blends themes of empowerment and unlikely friendships, as Alys navigates her fight for justice and survival.

The book offers a fresh take on the classic Little Red Riding Hood tale by presenting eight new stories that explore various quirky characters and their unique traits. It challenges readers to rethink familiar roles, asking intriguing questions about fashion sense, fear, and strangeness among the characters. Through masterful storytelling, Vivian Vande Velde reimagines fairy tales, inviting readers to see them from a different perspective, ultimately transforming their understanding of this beloved narrative.

A school trip to the science museum takes a chaotic turn when Twitch the squirrel unexpectedly joins the adventure. His antics lead to a series of humorous events, creating pandemonium among the students and staff. This chapter book promises laughter and excitement as Twitch's mischievous nature adds an unexpected twist to the day’s educational outing.

Accused of murder, Selwyn finds himself trapped in a burial cave with the corpse of his rival, Farold. As he faces the threat of starvation, a witch intervenes, resurrecting Farold. Reluctantly, Selwyn must now collaborate with the very man he despised to uncover the true murderer. This unexpected partnership between the living and the undead leads to a tense and darkly humorous investigation that challenges their animosities and reveals deeper truths about loyalty and redemption.

Prince Telmund has been cursed to transform into a new animal every time he falls asleep and Princess Amelia has been kidnapped by the dangerous Prince Sheridan; if either of them want a happy ending they will have to work together.

Caught stealing some goose eggs from a witch, Howard is cursed for his heartlessness and turned into a goose himself, and he can only become human again by performing three good deeds. Reprint.