Synopses & Reviews
Strange things have been happening at Franny's new school.
First it was the Jelly Worm Fad.
Then came the exploding headaches that kept students home for days.
When the latest creepy phenomenon lands her sister in the hospital, Franny and her new friend, Beamer, try to get to the bottom of it.
Following a hunch, Franny discovers the one link that all these kids share -- they're rabid fans of I. M. Fine, author of the mega-popular Chillers series.
But I. M. Fine is nowhere to be found ... or is he)
Admirers of Diane Stanley's celebrated nonfiction picture-book biographies and her critically acclaimed novel, A TIME APART, are in for a treat as she shows her playful side in this quirky, fast-paced, and humorous mystery.
Review
“A light-heartedly charming mystery for kids. Unpretentiously fun.” Kirkus Review
Review
“Superior entertainment, this work should engage both ambitious readers and diehard fans of the genre it satirizes. ” Publisher's Weekly
Review
“…this gently satiric mystery will give goosebumps to readers who appreciate genre fiction and thoughtful comedy.” Books Bulletin of the Center for Children's
Review
“…kids who have spent time with Goosebumps will enjoy this sly takeoff of a phenomenon run amok.” ALA Bookist
About the Author
Diane Stanley is the author andillustrator of beloved books for youngreaders, including
The Silver Bowl, whichreceived three starred reviews;
Saving Sky,winner of the Arab American Museum'sArab American Award and a Bank StreetCollege of Education Best Book of the Year;
Bella at Midnight, a
School Library JournalBest Book of the Year and an ALA
BooklistEditors' Choice;
The Mysterious Case of the Allbright Academy;
The Mysterious Matter of I. M. Fine; and
A Time Apart. Well knownas the author and illustrator of award-winningpicture-book biographies, she isthe recipient of the Orbis Pictus Awardfor Outstanding Nonfiction for Childrenand the
Washington Post-Children's BookGuild Nonfiction Award for the body ofher work.
Ms. Stanley has also written andillustrated numerous picture books, includingthree creatively reimagined fairy tales: The Giant and the Beanstalk, Goldie and the Three Bears, and Rumpelstiltskin's Daughter.She lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico.