The Little Secret

When Jane is invited to spend her summer vacation with her newbut admittedly oddfriend, Staffa, it feels like a dazzling daydream. Jane is lured by the promise of beautiful gowns as delicate as cobwebs, fancy parties as elegant as castle balls, and more fun than she can possibly imagine. But there's something menacing about the gleam in Staffa's mother's eyes. Something not-quite-right about the long drive over the hills of Scotland. Something strangely alluring about the mysterious, glowing box she is told she must never open. Never, ever, for any reason . . . Until, of course, it is opened on her behalf. If Jane goes home with Staffaif she enters the world of the boxwill she be trapped forever? Or will she become every girl's secret idea of a princess? Kate Saunders takes readers into a wildly imaginative miniaturized world of castle balls, death-defying bee riders, and giant racing spiders. A world where wicked plots are hatched, exciting rescues staged, and where the power of friendship can be a match for even the most dastardly of villains.

KATE SAUNDERS worked as an actress until she was twenty-five and then became a writer. She has written books for children, books for adults, and many, many articles for magazines and newspapers. She lives with her family (and her cats) in London. She has never ridden a bee or drank a cup of Haw-Haw tea, but she's certainly had an adventure or two.

WILLIAM CARMAN draws pictures in his studio in Boise, Idaho, where he also has a family. Though his house is more like an Animal Garden than a Boy Garden, he enjoys living there anyway. He has received many honors for his artwork, including a Society of Illustrators Gold Medal. Whenever he has a chance, he fishes.

    “Before I leave, however,” Lady Matilda said, “I must remind you—both of you—to take very special care of the painted box.” The box was resting on a chair beside her. She patted it fondly. “Remember that it must never be tilted or jolted, but carried upright at all times. Staffa, if you're walking any distance with the box, please wear the harness—we can’t risk dropping it.”
     “Yes, Mother.”
     Jane saw that the painted box was immensely valuable. Staffa and her mother were very serious.
     “When you arrive at the hotel tonight,” Lady Matilda went on, “don’t allow anyone else to carry the box to its room. And don’t forget to set the two candlesticks in front of it right away. You’d better keep the key to the box’s room under your pillow. Most important of all—Jane, I hope you’re listening to this!”
     “Yes, Lady Matilda.”
     “Most important of all, THE BOX MUST NEVER BE OPENED! Do you understand?”

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Summary

Author Biography

Table of Contents

Supplemental Materials