Kathryn Brown

Boris von der Borch is the fiercest, meanest, and greediest pirate ever to sail the seven seas! He looks exactly like a pirate should: massive, scruffy, and incredibly tough. His entire crew is just as rough and terrifying, spending their days being brave, fearless, and totally unstoppable on their giant ship. But when a sneaky young boy manages to stow away on board, he starts observing the terrible pirate captain closely. Soon, the boy discovers that there is much more to Boris than his scary reputation. When a sudden tragedy strikes the captain's beloved pet parrot, the tough exterior of the crew begins to crack. Can a fearsome pirate show his true feelings? Uncover the surprising truth about bravery, sadness, and hidden kindness in this thrilling ocean adventure!

How do you keep from feeling lonely when you have outlived all your friends? For one clever old woman, the answer is simple: she only names the things she knows she will never outlive. She names her sturdy house Franklin, her comfortable bed Roxanne, and her trusty car Betsy. But one day, a shy, scruffy brown puppy appears at her front gate. The old woman refuses to give the puppy a name, afraid that she might outlive him, too. Even as the playful dog visits her every single day, she tries her best to keep her distance. But you will soon see that some friendships are just meant to be! This tender and heartwarming story shows how a little bit of love can melt the most guarded heart. It is a beautiful tale about opening yourself up to new friends, taking chances, and discovering that you are never too old to find someone special to love.