"The charm and humor of "The Princess Bride" and the intelligence of "A Series of Unfortunate Events,""-Steven V. Monte, author of "Selected Poetry of Victor Hugo"

In this vivid and complex child's-eye view of the world, we meet nine-year-old Billy, who lives in a row house in New York City with his very odd grandmother. When their house is invaded by mysterious "birdfrogs" who leave three-footed prints but are never seen, Billy's grandmother takes drastic action. Their adventures lead them deep under the streets of New York, past woolly mammoth fossils to a shaft where the birdfrogs-and other creatures-lie in wait. Off beat humor, crazy villains, and the final triumph of family loyalty combine to delight anyone with an imagination.

B.B. Wurge lives in an elevator in Manhattan. He turned to writing after leaving his first career as an entertainer in a primate house. He says, "I've been told the world is crazy, more now than ever. That may be true, but children should know they can navigate successfully through our crazy world if they stick to fundamental principles: loyalty to family and friends, compassion, and an open imagination."