Books with author Cushman

1996 Newbery Medal Winner From the author of Catherine, Called Birdy comes another spellbinding novel set in medieval England. The girl known only as Brat has no family, no home, and no future until she meets Jane the Midwife and becomes her apprentice. As she helps the sharp-tempered Jane deliver babies, Brat--who renames herself Alyce--gains knowledge, confidence, and the courage to want something from life: "A full belly, a contented heart, and a place in this world." Medieval village life makes a lively backdrop for the funny, poignant story of how Alyce gets what she wants. A concluding note discusses midwifery past and present. A Newbery Medal book.

"My name is Seymour Sleuth. I am the greatest detective in the world." Travel to Egypt with the famous wombat detective Seymour Sleuth, and his able assistant, Abbott Muggs, to solve the baffling case of the missing Stone Chicken of King Karfu. Follow along in Seymour's fascinating casebook as they interview suspects, uncover clues, and catch the culprit after a high-speed camel chase across the desert. But the case isn't over yet! Decipher the secret code and discover the ancient Lost Treasure to bring the case to a deliciously satisfying close.Meet the world’s greatest detective, Seymour Sleuth! Follow along in his fascinating casebook as he travels to Egypt to investigate the case of the missing Stone Chicken. If he can find the Chicken, he may be able to find the Lost Treasure of the ancient pharaoh, King Karfu. Readers will uncover clues, interview the suspects, and even decode the secret code right alongside this daring detective to discover the tasty treasure and find out . . . whodunit!Full of maps, mementoes, and hilarious snapshots that chronicle this exciting case, young detectives won’t be able to resist this amazing adventure. 1997 Notable Trade Books in the Language Arts (NCTE)

In 1881, 12-year-old Rodzina Clara Jadwiga Anastazya Brodski wishes she didn’t have to board the orphan train in Chicago. But she has no home, no family, and no choice. Rodzina doesn’t believe the orphans are on their way out West to be adopted by good families. She’s sure they will become slaves to strangers. Anyway, who would ever adopt a large, tough, stubborn girl of Polish origin? As the train heads west, all Rodzina has is a small suitcase and her family memories from the past. Will Rodzina ever step off the train to find the family that deep in her heart she’s searching for?

Into the fascinating, pungent setting of Blood and Bone Alley, home of leech, barber-surgeon, and apothecary, comes Matilda, raised by a priest to disdain worldly affairs and focus on spiritual matters. To Matilda's dismay, her work will not involve Latin or writing, but practical tasks: lighting the fire, going to market, mixing plasters and poultices, and helping Peg treat patients. She is appalled by the worldliness of her new surroundings, and the sharp-tongued saints she turns to for advice are no help at all. Filled with the witty dialogue and richly authentic detail that Karen Cushman’s work is known for, Matilda Bone is a compelling comic novel about a girl who learns to see herself and others clearly, to laugh, and to live contentedly in this world. Author’s note.

‘Aunt Eater is back to celebrate Christmas and, of course, to solve a mystery at every turn. In each of these four short, easy-to-read chapters, she finds a small, usually happy, sometimes silly set of circumstances that call for her brand of deductive reasoning and logic. Cushman keeps everything moving with his brisk, well-paced, yet accessible text and bright, lively watercolor illustrations of fully dressed animal characters and bustling activities. A festive addition to beginning-reader shelves.’—SLJ.

Meggy arrives in London expecting to be welcomed by her father, who sent for her, but he doesn't want her to assist in his laboratory when he sees that not only is she female, she needs two sticks to walk. Sent on trivial errands, she learns to navigate the city, which is earthy and colorful as well as dirty, noisy, and filled with rogues and thieves. Meanwhile she is befriended by the alchemist's former assistant, and when it appears that her father may be arrested and beheaded for practicing magic, together she and her new friend devise a plan to save him. Building strength and street smarts, Meggy goes from helpless to confident and from friendless to surrounded by warmth and love. Elizabethan London has its dark side, but it also has much to offer Meggy Swann.

A Hula-Hooping moose, a badger with a bumblebee umbrella, a rabbit in a cashmere sweater, and a very wet bear star in this unpredictable and laugh-out-loud picture book in which having fun gets the best of a grumpy bear.It looks like a wet and dreary day for Bear and his trio of friends. How could he possibly have fun when he is soaked? But Badger, Rabbit, and Moose don't seem to mind. In fact, Moose can still hula hoop! And it looks like so much fun. Might Bear like to try? Here is a story that shows that fun is not dependent on sunshine and blue skies. In fact, it might be more fun to be soaked!

If you were a ghost haunting a castle and moat,Rattling thick chains, making underpants float,When you stopped all your moaning and screeching in fright,How would you tell your phantom papa good night?On Halloween night, creatures around the world tuck their little ones into bed. How do skeletons say goodnight? What about werewolves, mummies, or vampire bats? In this silly Halloween romp, young children can take a trip through spooky castles and haunted graveyards to find out!