Curiosity House: The Shrunken Head: An Award-Winning Mystery Adventure About Orphans Solving Murders in a Museum for Children (Ages 8-12)

Curiosity House: The Shrunken Head: An Award-Winning Mystery Adventure About Orphans Solving Murders in a Museum for Children (Ages 8-12)

Edgar Award nominee for Best Juvenile Mystery The book is about, among other things: the strongest boy in the world, a talking cockatoo, a faulty mind reader, a beautiful bearded lady and a nervous magician, an old museum, and a shrunken head. Blessed with extraordinary abilities, orphans Philippa, Sam, and Thomas have grown up happily in Dumfrey’s Dime Museum of Freaks, Oddities, and Wonders. But when a fourth child, Max, a knife-thrower, joins the group, it sets off an unforgettable chain of events. When the museum’s Amazonian shrunken head is stolen, the four are determined to get it back. But their search leads them to a series of murders and an explosive secret about their pasts. This sensational new series—a 2016 Edgar nominee for Best Juvenile book and New York Times bestseller—combines the unparalleled storytelling gifts of Lauren Oliver with the rich knowledge of the notorious relics collector H. C. Chester. What you will find in this book: A rather attractive bearded lady - Several scandalous murders - A deliciously disgusting Amazonian shrunken head - Four extraordinary children with equally extraordinary abilities - A quite loquacious talking bird What you will NOT find in this book: An accountant named Seymour - A never-ending line at the post office - Brussel sprouts (shudder) - A lecture on finishing all your homework on time - A sweet, gooey story for nice little girls and boys Learn more about the series online at www.thecuriosityhouse.com With a dollop of Lemony Snicket’s hyperbole, a blob of J.K. Rowling’s take on journalism, and a splotch of sideshow allure, Oliver (The Spindlers, 2012) and Chester have crafted a wildly imaginative, over-the-top tale in this series starter, complete with a bearded lady, a dwarf, a fat lady, a magician, and an alligator boy. The continuous action, compelling mystery, and dark, brooding illustrations make this book impossible to put down. Perfect for kids who feel they’re different or those simply after a freakishly good time. - Booklist (starred review) “The continuous action, compelling mystery, and dark, brooding illustrations make this book impossible to put down. Perfect for kids who feel they’re different or those simply after a freakishly good time.” - Booklist (starred review) “A quick-paced plot is bolstered by the bonds of friendship these unusual yet endearing children form as they try to solve a mystery greater―and more personal―than they ever expected.” - Publishers Weekly “Stupendous and stupefying! A riddle wrapped in a mystery inside a shrunken head. If you aren’t curious about Curiosity House, somebody must have pickled your brain and put it in a jar. Read this book immediately.” - Pseudonymous Bosch, New York Times bestselling author of the Secret Series and Bad Magic “Will have readers lining up for their tickets to the next book.” - Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books PRAISE FOR LIESL & PO: “A gorgeous story--timeless and magical.” - Rebecca Stead PRAISE FOR THE SPINDLERS: “Richly detailed, at times poetic, ultimately moving; a book to be puzzled over, enjoyed and, ideally, read aloud.” - Kirkus Reviews (starred review) PRAISE FOR THE SPINDLERS: “This imaginative fantasy emphasizes individual initiative and the power of hope and friendship. With strong, self-reliant female characters and well-defined action, this is a strong addition to fantasy collections.” - School Library Journal (starred review) PRAISE FOR THE SPINDLERS: “Oliver’s magical, mesmerizing quest affirms the saving power of story, friendship, and love.” - Publishers Weekly (starred review) “Step right up! Step right up! Mystery, murder, curses, and sideshow freaks! Or are they superheroes? There’s only one way to find out... Read Curiosity House! You’ll be glad you did!” - Adam Gidwitz, New York Times bestselling author of A Tale Dark and Grimm series PRAISE FOR LIESL & PO: “A wonderfully imaginative, startlingly moving and at times wickedly funny fantasy. With nods to Dahl, Dickens, the Grimms and even Burnett, the author has made something truly original. Acedera’s frequent black-and-white illustrations are a perfect complement. An irresistible read: This book sings.” - Kirkus Reviews (starred review) PRAISE FOR LIESL & PO: “Classic fairy tale elements weave throughout this spirited, old-fashioned adventure. Invigorating and hopeful, this novel testifies to the power of friendship and generosity to conquer greed and depression.” - Publishers Weekly (starred review) The book is about, among other things: the strongest boy in the world, a talking cockatoo, a faulty mind reader, a beautiful bearded lady and a nervous magician, an old museum, and a shrunken head. Blessed with extraordinary abilities, orphans Philippa, Sam, and Thomas have grown up happily in Dumfrey’s Dime Museum of Freaks, Oddities, and Wonders. But when a fourth child, Max, a knife-thrower, joins the group, it sets off an unforgettable chain of events. When the museum’s Amazonian