From the rarest crystal to the most common stone, gems from around the world are revealed in dazzling detail in this illustrated guide. Discover what exactly crystals and gems are, how they re formed, how to identify them, and how they can be used in everything from microchips to jewelry making. How can a rough diamond become a show-stopping centerpiece? Where does labradorite get its colors? Why are there quartz crystals in clocks and watches? How...

After Mercy Watson follows the delightful scent and delicious taste of the pansies her thoughtful neighbors plant to beautify their yard, animal control officer Francine Poulet is called out to handle the case, which brings unexpected results.

John Flanagan, author of the bestselling Ranger's Apprentice fantasy adventure epic, delivers a second prequel to Ruins of Gorlan, the novel that started it all, with Halt and Crowley preparing for war against a near-unstoppable enemy
 
When the former Baron Morgarath escaped to avoid punishment for treason, an uneasy peace fell on Araluen. But Morgarath, now in hiding, is already planning his next move, recruiting an army...