The Lives of Seven Saints - Jeannie Meekins and Melissa Cleeman - 15-Minute Books Book 1203

Joan of Arc: The Girl Who Fought For France

15-Minute Books 1203

Jeannie Meekins

Melissa Cleeman

Learning Island

eISBN 9781310250330

ASIN B00QLEBNXC

This is the eighth volume I have read in the 15-Minute Books series from Leaning Island. Learning Island seems to have had a number of different series, the 15-Minute Books, Fun Facts Books, other biographies, and books about place ancient wonders. This is part of a series tagged as 15-Minute Books, which are geared to get children reading for 15 minutes a day. Based on what I have read I do not believe the author is not Catholic, but it is a biography of a Catholic saints. The books I have read in the series have been hit or miss, some are excellent some were disappointing. This one a collection of all the biographies of Saints in the series. 

The description of this volume is:

“Throughout history men and women have done incredible things. Some of these people have been recognized by the Catholic Church, and made into saints. But in the beginning these were just ordinary people going about their ordinary lives.

This compilation of 15-minute biographies tells the stories of seven saints and how they lived. Included are the full texts from the following books:

Saint Nicholas: The Man Who Became the Patron Saint of Children

Saint George: Dragon Slayer

Saint Valentine The Man Who Became the Patron Saint of Love

Saint Patrick: Ireland's Beloved Saint

Saint Francis of Assisi: The Patron Saint of Animals

Saint Joan of Arc: The Girl Who Fought For France

Mary MacKillop: Australia's First Saint

Find out more about these great people in this set of seven 15-minute biographies.

LearningIsland.com believes in the value of children practicing reading for 15 minutes every day. Our 15-Minute Books give children lots of fun, exciting choices to read, from classic stories, to mysteries, to books of knowledge. Many books are appropriate for hi-lo readers. Open the world of reading to a child by having them read for 15 minutes a day.”

The description of the Series is:

“LearningIsland.com believes in the value of children practicing reading for 15 minutes every day. Our 15-Minute Books give children lots of fun, exciting choices to read, from classic stories, to mysteries, to books of knowledge. Many books are appropriate for hi-lo readers. Open the world of reading to a child by having them read for 15 minutes a day.”

I have read and reviewed each of the volumes individually. And this edition has the 7 books in one collection. It has a working Table of Contents so you can jump to any specific book, or saint. When I reviewed these books they ranged between 2 and 5 stars. The price of this collection is much better than buying the seven volumes individually. 

Saint Patrick Ireland Beloved Saint (3/5 Stars)

Saint George: Dragon Slayer (4/5 Stars)

Saint Valentine: The Man Who Became the Patron Saint of Love (4/5 Stars)

Saint Francis of Assisi: The Patron Saint of Animals (2/5 Stars)

Saint Nicholas The Man Who Became the Patron Saint of Children (4/5 Stars)

Joan of Arc: The Girl Who Fought For France (5/5 Stars)

Mary MacKillop: Australia's First Saint (5/5 Stars)

The Lives of Seven Saints (4/4 Stars)

Overall I would say they are for the most part good quick introductions to each of the saint. I give this volume a 4 star review. It would be good but please see the few warnings in the individual reviews.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2024 Catholic Reading Plan! 

Other books about Joan of Arc:

Coached By Joan of Arc - Alexandre Havard

Joan of Arc - Paul Dunn and Colin Jeffery - CTS Biographies

Saint Joan of Arc: God's Soldier - Susan Helen Wallace – Encounter the Saints

Saint Joan The Girl Soldier - Louis de Wohl – Vision Books

Joan of Arc The Maid of Orléans - Andrew Votipka

Joan of Arc The Girl Who Fought For France - Jeannie Meekins

…

Posts related to Clare and Francis of Assisi:

The Way of the Cross: According to the Method of St. Francis of Assisi - TAN Books 

Saint Francis of Assisi: The Patron Saint of Animals - Jeannie Meekins - A 15-Minute Biography   

Message of Assisi The Shrine of St Francis of Assisi - Chris Simpson - CTS Christian Shrines 

Clare of Assisi Her Life and Message - John Paul Kirkham - CTS 

Saint Francis of Assisi - Jennifer Moorcroft - CTS Great Saints 

Clare of Assisi - John Paul Kirkham - CTS Great Saints 

Saint Clare of Assisi: A Light for the World - Marianne Lorraine Trouvé and Mary Joseph Peterson - Encounter the Saints Book 26 

St. Francis of Assisi - Alice Curtayne 

Saint Francis of Assisi Gentle Revolutionary - Mary Emmanuel Alves - Encounter the Saints Book 4 

Saint Clare of Assisi: Runaway Rich Girl - Kim Hee-Ju

Peace of Heart Francis of Assisi - John Kirvan - Great Spiritual Teachers 

Prayer of the Day Saint Francis Prayer

…

Books in the 15-Minute Books Series about Saints:

Saint Nicholas The Man Who Became the Patron Saint of Children - Melissa Cleeman 

...

Books by Jeannie Meekins:

Saint Patrick Ireland Beloved Saint 

Saint George: Dragon Slayer

Saint Valentine: The Man Who Became the Patron Saint of Love

Saint Francis of Assisi: The Patron Saint of Animals

Joan of Arc: The Girl Who Fought For France

Mary MacKillop: Australia's First Saint

The Lives of Seven Saints

…

Saint Nicholas The Man Who Became the Patron Saint of Children - Melissa Cleeman - 15-Minute Books Book 617

Saint Nicholas: The Man Who Became the Patron Saint of Children

15-Minute Books 620

Melissa Cleeman 

Learning Island

eISBN 9781310873478

eISBN 9781311668349

ASIN B00HAX48LC

This is the fifth volume I have read in this series but the first by this author. The first was excellent, the second was meh, the third one was the middle and is a pretty good read, This one was back to excellent. I picked this up to read after reading Mary MacKillop: Australia's First Saint, from the same author in the same series. I enjoyed that first one so much, I picked up the eight volumes in the series about saints. Prior to reading this I have read a number of volumes about Saint Nicholas. 

Melissa Cleeman has 9 distinct works according to Goodreads. Seven of them are from this series but this is the only one about saints, and 2 that are co-written with Jeannie Meekins who wrote the rest of the books in this series that are about Saints. This is part of a series tagged as 15-Minute Books, which are geared to get children reading for 15 minutes a day. 

The description of this volume is:

“Have you ever wondered where the legend of Santa Claus or Father Christmas came from? Maybe you’ve heard of the Saint Nicholas who is a patron saint and known as the Guardian of Children. He is one of the most popular and celebrated saints throughout the world.

Many years ago there really was a man named Nicholas who became a saint. In this story, we discover how a rich orphan became one of the most generous and widely-accepted saints today.

Find out more about this man who became the patron saint of children and sailors, and inspired Christmas in this 15-Minute biography.

Ages 8 and up.”

The website is now defunct, but Learning Island when I checked the internet archive machine appears to have been a site with contributors from around the world. The oldest archived versions show books available for download in PDF format and exercises to go with the books. Later iterations of the site show link to purchase cheap eBook and later even print editions of the works. There are some numbered even into the1000’s. With the most recent being from early 2013 and numbered at 1014. But I only find 163 when I search Kindle. The description of the Series is:

“LearningIsland.com believes in the value of children practicing reading for 15 minutes every day. Our 15-Minute Books give children lots of fun, exciting choices to read, from classic stories, to mysteries, to books of knowledge. Many books are appropriate for hi-lo readers. Open the world of reading to a child by having them read for 15 minutes a day.”

The sections in this booklet are:

A Saint to Many

Early Life and Becoming Bishop Nicholas

Nicholas and the Storm

Nicholas and the Poor Man's Daughters

Nicholas and the Innocent Men

Nicholas, Rescuer of Children

And the Stories Continue

Nicholas’ Death, Mysterious Healing Powers and the Case of the Bone Snatchers

Saint Nicholas Throughout the World

From Saint Nicholas to Santa Claus

Saint Nicholas Today

This little booklet provided a wide range of information. It is a good introduction to the Saint or as a source of additional information about him. It is a quick read. One warning to Catholic parents, the about the author section right after the text starts with the fact that she lives with her boyfriend.  

Based on my other readings there are a couple of possibilities for the saint that translated to modern day Santa Claus, This volume looks at Nicholas or Myra. I enjoyed this book. I have picked up a number in the series and will continue to read and review them. This was a good little introduction and for the intended audience would be a good read. But even in my 50’s I appreciated the book. I can recommend this book as a starting point for exploration of Saint Nicholas, the man and the legends around his life, with the parental warning above. 

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2024 Catholic Reading Plan! 

Other books about Saint Nicholas:

Nikolaos A Retelling of the Saint Nicholas Story - Taylor R. Marshall - A Sword and Serpent Novel

Saint Nicholas The Wonderworker - Andrew Votipka - Mr. Baker Books 2

Kringle - Tony Abbott

…

Books in the 15-Minute Books Series about Saints:

Saint Nicholas The Man Who Became the Patron Saint of Children - Melissa Cleeman 

...

Books by Jeannie Meekins:

Saint Patrick Ireland Beloved Saint 

Saint George: Dragon Slayer

Saint Valentine: The Man Who Became the Patron Saint of Love

Saint Francis of Assisi: The Patron Saint of Animals

Joan of Arc: The Girl Who Fought For France

Mary MacKillop: Australia's First Saint

The Lives of Seven Saints

…

Nikolaos A Retelling of the Saint Nicholas Story - Taylor R. Marshall - A Sword and Serpent Novel

Nikolaos: A Retelling of the Saint Nicholas Story

A Sword and Serpent Novel

Taylor R. Marshall
Saint John Press
ISBN 9780999658673

ASIN B0CNYJRKXP

I read the original Sword and Serpent trilogy and through that it was an epic story. This latest offering in the same historical fiction world hits it out of the ball park. In this work Taylor Marshall takes on the legend of Saint Nikolaos is amazing! Dr. Marshall in the acknowledgements states:
“I still believe in the real Saint Nikolaos. May this short novella remind people of the countless miracles that God accomplished through his servant Nikolaos who died as a revered bishop at the age of 73 on December 6 AD 343. The plot of this book takes place 44 years prior when he was a newly ordained Christian presbyter ministering in Myra. The novella retells the famous story of Nikolaos assisting three poor daughters on the brink of being sold into prostitution and is the origin story for Nikolaos’s reputation of sneaking into homes and leaving gifts on Christmas morning.”
The description of this book is:
“In the heart of the Roman Empire, presbyter Nikolaos faces an otherworldly battle far beyond anything he has ever experienced.
Melitta, daughter of a fallen merchant, teeters on the precipice of slavery, her family's fate entwined with a demonic force gripping her father's soul. Nikolaos is tasked with the impossible: to free Melitta’s father from the demon’s malevolent clutches and save Melitta and her sisters from a life of shameful servitude. Can he overcome his own uncertainties to confront the demon and unravel the secrets binding Melitta's family to a fate worse than death?
As the feast of the Nativity approaches, the boundaries between faith and fear blur, and miracles are forged in the crucible of desperation. Will love, courage, and the spirit of the season prevail over the evil threatening the Empire’s very soul?”
We encounter many new historic figures in this book, and also get to visit with old friends including Georgius aka Jurian, Christophorus - Menas, Mari, and Macarius. The dedication of the book states:
“This book is dedicated to all the good bishops and priests who, like Saint Nicholas, have lovingly served our family as good shepherds of the sheep.”
 This story is very well written. Each of the 4 novels I have read from the pen of Marshall have great characters, a solid plot, and excellent prose. The story draws you in and keeps your attention. IT presents the reality of the spiritual battle and the spiritual realm. About thirty years ago Frank E. Peretti was very popular in evangelical circles; I loved his books This Present Darkness and Piercing the Darkness but by the time I read his book The Oath I felt like I was reading a Christianized Stephen King, just sprinkle some Jesus on it. When I finished The Oath I felt slimed, like I needed to go to confession. This volume does an amazing job of showing the darkness we fight against, in a fictional manner, and yet does not cross that like to where the focus becomes the strength and power of evil. It is a delicate balance and Marshall handled it masterfully. 
It was wonderful to read about Nikolaos and his experiences serving his people. His turning to prayer again and again, his bilocation to help save friends at sea. His battling evil and demons in the name and power of Jesus. And his seeking for God’s guidance and will for how to save three young women of his flock from a fate worse than death! Nikolaos’s invocation in his final confrontation with the demon are moving and powerful. Even though this is a fiction offering it has helped deepen my prayer life this advent, as I have read this story and continue to reflect upon it.
As of the writing of this review I have read 446 books so far this year. Of the novels this one is one of the best. It is a wonderful read. It will be appreciated by those who are into historical fiction. Buy those who are Christian or Catholic and want a real glimpse of what like would have been like prior to Christianity becoming an approved religion. It is part of an epic story and that really is the best kind! This piece of the Sword and Serpent series is an excellent offering. 
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2023 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by Taylor R. Marshall:
Thomas Aquinas in 50 Pages: The Layman's Quick Guide to Thomism
Saint Augustine in 50 Pages: The Layman's Quick Guide to Augustinianism
God's Birthday: Why Christ Was Born on December 25 and Why it Matters
Infiltration: The Plot to Destroy the Church from Within
The Rosary in 50 Pages: The Layman’s Quick Guide to Mary’s Psalter

...

Sword and Serpent Series:

Nikolaos

…

Sword and the Serpent
The Tenth Region of the Night
Storm of Fire and Blood

...

The Origins of Catholic Christianity Series:
The Crucified Rabbi: Judaism and the Origins of Catholic Christianity
The Catholic Perspective on Paul: Paul and the Origins of Catholic Christianity
The Eternal City: Rome & the Origins of Catholic Christianity

...

Saint Nicholas The Wonderworker - Andrew Votipka - Mr. Baker’s Book Series Book 2

Saint Nicholas: 

The Wonderworker

Mr. Baker’s Book Series Book 2

Andrew Votipka

Bearded Books

ISBN 9798574685655

ASIN B08PPCWCDM

 

This was a wonderful follow up book in the Mr. Baker’s Book Series, but nor the book I was expecting. I was expecting a volume on Aloysius Gonzaga. And hope we still get that one soon. But even with it being on an unexpected saint, this was a wonderful volume. I could hardly put it down. I loved the first book in this series on Abba Moses, in part because he is a much less known saint. But this one is an excellent read. For readers of all ages. I stated before that in some ways this story reminded me of the Chime Travelers series by Lisa M. Hendey but geared for an older audience. And in some other ways it reminded me of the Douglings Adventures by Carissa Douglas. Fans of both of those series will love this book. Though this is geared more for an older reader, late middle grade, tweens or teens. 

The description of this volume is:

“Book two in the Mr. Baker's Book series is out! Class is back in session. Well, not really. In fact, Mr. Baker's class is off for a Christmas break, but that won't stop everyone's favorite time travelling eleven-year-old from breaking into the church, finding Mr. Baker's book, and going off on an adventure all by himself! What could go wrong? A trip to an ancient Mediterranean maritime town with a beautiful beach doesn't sound so bad, if you're fine with tyrannical Roman emperors, graveyards, and sinking boats. Join Theo as he meets a few characters from the Bible, avoids manual labor, assists in shaping world history, and befriends one of the most famous of all the saints. A man so well loved, his name alone brings smiles to the faces of children and adults the world over. Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker.”

In this one instead of the trio travelling through time, it is just Theo, and he travels to many times and places. But All in relation to Nicholas of Myra. 

The chapters in the story are:

Preface 

1. A Ship at Sea

2. Finding the Book

3. Patara

4. An Unexpected Meeting

5. The Young Boy

6. A Surprising Guest

7. Pursuit

8. Mystery Solved

9. A Gathering

10. The Young Bishop

11. A Miracle on the Waters

12. Land

13. Innocents Abroad

14. Eustathios

15. In the Nick of Time

16. The Closet

17. A Christmas to Remember

A Historical Note

Saint Nicholas Traditions

The author in the preface to book one stated that:

“I’ve imagined this book as a family read aloud. The reader may feel free to add, edit, delete, and supplement. You can make the Egyptians sound like British villains or Irish leprechauns (those are my personal go-tos). You can talk about the differences between a cenobitic and an eremitic monk if you happen to know the difference. You can buy a prayer rope and teach your kids how to use it. Be creative!”

And yet this volume has no preface to set it up. Maybe that is because he expects all readers to have familiarity with Saint Nicholas, and depending on where they live and their heritage a variety of traditions around him and his feast day or Christmas directly. In the Historical Note at the end of the volume Andrew states:

“There once was a bishop of Myra named Nicholas. He lived between the end of the third and beginning of the fourth centuries, and he attended the Council of Nicaea. That is the entire historically reliable biography of jolly old Saint Nick. Ho, ho, ho. 

To make the historical record even more complicated, in the sixth century there was another man who would also become a Saint Nicholas. Saint Nicholas of Sion. He took the name Nicholas in honor of the bishop of Myra (which tells us something about our Saint Nicholas’s popularity in the early church), and this Nicholas of Sion even made a trip to visit the tomb of his namesake. For many centuries, their legends were intertwined, and it wasn’t until fairly recently that serious scholarship was able to untangle the threads.”

Now having a Religious Studies Degree with a focus on Roman Catholic Thoughts I am well versed with the two Nicholas’s even if you omit the slap to the face. And yet it was fascinating to read this volume. 

This book really does bring to life the life and times of Saint Nicholas and by hopping around it time, we encounter the man at many different points in his life. 

This is a great story to read or to be read aloud. It helps bring part of the long history of Christianity to life and bring awareness to a younger generation. Pick it up and give it a try and join the three youngster as he get transported back and experience this early saint in a fascinating and fun way first hand.

This book was a wonderful read in what is shaping up to be an excellent series. I greatly enjoyed it, and am rereading in with my son while he is in the hospital and plan to read it again with my youngest daughter once back home. I will pick up any future offering in this series. This book brought to life this Saint Nicholas in a wonderful new way. I highly recommend this volume.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews 2021 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by Andrew Votipka:

Mr. Baker’s Book Series

Abba Moses

Saint Nicholas

Joan of Arc

Aloysius Gonzaga

…

Kringle - Tony Abbott

Kringle
Tony Abbott
Greg Call (Illustrator)
Scholastic
ISBN 9780439749428

Kringle is an epic story, or really a series of epic stories woven together. We have Kringle and the Goblins, Kringle and the pirates, Kringle and the magic sled, Kringle and the elves, and Kringle and Saint Alban. But what we have most of all is story and story at its finest.   Madeline L'Engle says about the power of story: "We are all strangers in a strange land, longing for home, but not quite knowing what or where home is. We glimpse it sometimes in our dreams, or as we turn a corner, and suddenly there is a strange, sweet familiarity that vanishes almost as soon as it comes. In literature the longing for home is found in the many stories of paradise, of the forgotten place where we once belonged." This longing is filled through story, and as such, story encourages and challenges all aspects of spirituality, and if we allow it all aspects of life.  This story has that power.

Over the last six years I have read 22 books by Tony Abbott, spanning from young readers to some very good fiction.  I have enjoyed many, reread a number with my children and loved a number of them. Yet even with saying all of that, his one is by far the best I have read yet. C.S. Lewis stated "It is very rarely that a middle-aged man finds an author who gives him, what he knew so often in his teens and twenties, the sense of having opened a new door." in On Stories: And Other Essays on Literature, and this book achieves that feat.  

This is not your typical retelling of the story of Kringle, Pere Noel, Father Christmas, Father Frost, Father Christmas that has been taken over and obscured by popular culture. Nor is it the retelling of Nicholas of Myra or Bari depending on the legends you know. But is melds the legends, into story and the story into truth that will speak to our hearts.

This story is set in the early 400's as the Romans are pulling out of Britain , the pirates of Saxons were raiding aplenty, and hermits and holy men like Alban roamed the countryside. Into this time of darkness, the light of the elves is fading, and the darkness of the goblins rising. And into this battle is born one, an orphan from birth, named for the sound of a bell is Kringle. And the fate of all is wound with this young man, for by his faith and his determination he slowly figures out what is to be done and how to do it. 

The goblins have been getting bolder as the Romans retreat; they have a plan to take over the whole realm. To do this they are kidnapping children, and forcing them into slavery first in mines and then working a great war beast. For there is a prophecy of a child who will defeat the Goblin king and as such he is trying to get all children. Kringle as has been said has many adventures, and with the aid of friends and creatures is working to stop the goblins and save the children. 

This was an incredible read. Maybe the best fiction book I have read in a long, long time. The story is wonderful, the characters amazing and the attention to detail in the scenery and travels amazing. On a side note I tend not to read many physical books these days, and this has been in my to be read pile for a few years because it is only available in physical. But it is also a stunning book to hold and read. It has a full color hard back book, the pages are edged in golden gilding, there are a number of full page illustrations by Greg Call that would be amazing to have framed in my den. There are also numerous drawings throughout the book and Celtic knots across the top of each page.

This book is an incredible read and I highly recommend it!   

Books By Tony Abbott:
Goofballs
1. The Crazy Case of Missing Thunder (2012)
2. The Startling Story of the Stolen Statue (2012)
3. Superhero Silliness (2012)
4. The Mysterious Talent Show Mystery (2013)
5. The Scary Story of the Ha-Ha-Haunted House (2013) 

Underworlds:
1. The Battle Begins (2012)
2. When Monsters Escape (2012)
3. Revenge of the Scorpion King (2013)
4. The Ice Dragon (2013)

Danger Guys
1. Danger Guys (1994)
2. Danger Guys Blast Off (1994)
3. Hollywood Halloween (1994)
4. Danger Guys Hit the Beach (1995)
5. Danger Guys on Ice (1995)
6. Danger Guys and the Golden Lizard (1996)

Time Surfers
1. Space Bingo (1996)
2. Orbit Wipeout! (1995)
3. Mondo Meltdown (1996)
4. Into the Zonk Zone! (1996)
5. Splash Crash (1997)
6. Zero Hour (1997)
7. Shock Wave (1997)
8. Doom Star (1997)

Weird Zone
1. Zombie Surf Commandos from Mars (1996)
2. The Incredible Shrinking Kid (1996)
3. The Beast from Beneath the Cafeteria! (1996)
4. Attack of the Alien Mole Invaders! (1996)
5. The Brain That Wouldn't Obey! (1996)
6. Gigantopus from Planet X! (1997)
7. Cosmic Boy Versus Mezmo Head! (1997)
8. Revenge of the Tiki Men! (1997)

Secrets of Droon
1. The Hidden Stairs and the Magic Carpet (1999)
2. Journey to the Volcano Palace (1999)
3. The Mysterious Island (1999)
4. City in the Clouds (1999)
5. The Great Ice Battle (1999)
6. The Sleeping Giant of Goll (2000)
7. Into the Land of the Lost (2000)
8. The Golden Wasp (2000)
9. Tower of the Elf King (2000)
10. Quest for the Queen (2000)
11. The Hawk Bandits of Tarkoom (2000)
12. Under the Serpent Sea (2001)
13. The Mask of Maliban (2001)
14. Voyage of the Jaffa Wind (2002)
15. The Moon Scroll (2002)
16. The Knights of Silversnow (2002)
Special Edition 1. The Magic Escapes (2002)
17. Dream Thief (2003)
18. Search for the Dragon Ship (2003)
19. The Coiled Viper (2003)
20. In The Ice Caves of Krog (2003)
21. Flight of the Genie (2003)
Special Edition 2. Wizard or Witch? (2004)
22. The Isle of Mists (2004)
23. The Fortress of the Treasure Queen (2004)
24. Race To Doobesh (2005)
25. The Riddle Of Zorfendorf Castle (2005)
Special Edition 3. Voyagers of the Silver Sand (2005)
26. The Moon Dragon (2006)
27. The Chariot of Queen Zara (2006)
28. In the Shadow of Goll (2006)
Special Edition 4. Sorcerer (2006)
29. Pirates of the Purple Dawn (2007)
30. Escape from Jabar-Loo (2007)
31. Queen of Shadowthorn (2007)
Special Edition 5. Moon Magic (2008)
32. Treasure of the Orkins (2008)
33. Flight of the Blue Serpent (2008)
34. In the City of Dreams (2009)
Special Edition 6. Crown of Wizards (2009)
35. The Lost Empire Of Koomba (2009)
36. Knights of the Ruby Wand (2010)
Special Edition 7. The Genie King (2010)
Special Edition 8. The Final Quest (2010)

Don't Touch That Remote
1. Sitcom School (1999)
2. The Fake Teacher (1999)
3. Stinky Business (announced, not published)
4. Freak Week (announced, not published)

Cracked Classics
1. Trapped in Transylvania: Dracula (2002)
2. Mississippi River Blues: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (2002)
3. What a Trip!: Around the World in Eighty Days (2002)
4. Humbug Holiday: A Christmas Carol (2002)

5. X Marks the Spot: Treasure Island (2003)
6. Crushing on a Capulet: Romeo and Juliet (2003)

Haunting of Derek Stone
1. City of the Dead (2009)
2. Bayou Dogs (2009)
3. The Red House (2009)
4. The Ghost Road (2009)

The Copernicus Legacy
The Forbidden Stone (2013)
The Serpent's Curse (2014

Novels
Kringle (2005)
Firegirl (2006)
The Postcard (2008)
Lunch-Box Dream (2011)

Author profile interview with Tony Abbott.