Books with author Karen Willis

In what is called the hundred days’ war, King Erro, ruler of Explendia invades King Olli and Queen Anni’s kingdom. With only Princess Amara as heir to their throne, Queen Anni uses her quick thinking and gives her daughter to her old nurse for safe keeping till the war is over. For one hundred days, King Olli and Queen Anni try to push the terrible King Erro out of their provinces, but he is too powerful for them. When King Olli sees that he isn’t winning the war, he decides to make peace with the greedy King Erro. The two kings decide that when their children are old enough, they will one day marry. But King Erro sees this as an opportunity to get more out of King Olli and make him promise that he will send all his outlaws to The Valley of Dead Bones to look for his missing treasure. King Olli agrees. With King Erro gone from their land, the king and queen rush to get Princess Amara, but she and the old nurse is nowhere to be found. Meet Pretty Witty, a young girl lost and alone. She doesn’t know much about herself. She is sold by some gypsies to a couple, the Carpentimes who make her believe that they are her parents. The Carpentimes who have four girls, take Pretty Witty to be their cinderella, but as the girl grows, they quickly realize that Pretty Witty is no cinderella. She prefers to be carefree and happy instead. In fact, she gives the Carpentimes much more trouble than they bargained for. She is not the neatest housekeeper, and she always breaks things. The Carpentimes really want to get rid of the child but fear being sent to the Valley of Dead Bones—buying children is against the law in King Alli and Queen Anni’s kingdom. So when Pretty Witty scales the walls of the Great Palace of Boogawagga, the Carpentimes sees this as a way to get rid of her. Pretty Witty is caught at the Great Palace of Boogawagga by Judge Rasmus Casmus Serious. He likes to send people to the Valley of Dead Bones. But he sees Pretty Witty as different. After all, he doesn’t hate all people. It is while the judge is thinking about what to do with Pretty Witty that she meets her new friend, Eddy Fraidy whose entire family has been banished by the judge for selling rotten fish. But fortune will turn to Pretty Witty. Judge Rasmus Casmus Serious is really a lonely man. He looks at Pretty Witty and remembers his son. Instead of sending Pretty Witty to the awful King Erro, he takes her home to be reared by his housekeeper and himself. But according to the books which he always lives by, no one can be adopted without the king and queen’s permission. The judge, his housekeeper, and Eddy Fraidy then come up with the perfect plan for Pretty Witty to be the judge’s child—they will put her in a disguise to go before the king and queen. But when Queen Anni sees the girl in her disguise, she is drawn to the girl. The queen has second thoughts but could find no real reason not to give Pretty Witty to the judge. Sometime after, Pretty Witty and her Friend, Eddy Fraidy will find themselves in Explendia where they attempt to free all of King Erro’s prisoners—including Eddy Fraidy’s family. But things don’t go quite as plan. In her ugly costume as a gypsy, Pretty Witty falls in love with King Erro’s son and he with her. This causes some dilemma because back in King Olli and Queen Anni’s kingdom, Princess Amara has been found and Prince Alric is destined to marry her.

Two children. Two journeys. Twin arrows.Ryla follows her father’s parting instructions as closely as she carries his gift. Her protectors are kind, and safety is certain inside the convent’s strong walls. But now she must leave and what lies ahead is uncertain...Her brother Drewin won’t wait any longer. The knight promised to escort him isn’t coming, and gossiping neighbors threaten to reveal his identity. He strikes out on his own, sure he can outrun the danger...

A failed test. Ruined crops. Night archers.The war against the rebels rages, and Riverside’s famous cavalry is called to the King’s aid, leaving behind the women, children, and Gavynn.Gavynn knows why he was the only man left behind. Every day in the town is a painful reminder. But storms, sickness, and sudden danger threaten his people, forcing him into an unexpected role.Could his failure be a blessing in disguise?

They were silent a moment each thinking of the strange clue and even stranger signature. Anna was first to speak. "It seems like some sort of treasure hunt."A boring summer vacation turns into an exciting adventure when Anna and her brother David discover a mysterious note. Soon they are hunting for clues, solving puzzles, and cracking codes--all on their own farm!

Rule one: Keep your hands clean.Rule two: Careful with the food trays.Rule three: Visit the soda fountain as often as you like, but don’t make yourself sick.Rule four: Enjoy the poodle skirt.Canary is excited to spend a whole week helping her newlywed aunt and uncle run a 50’s diner along with her older siblings Rose and Michael. Even the rules for working there are fun! But when a routine cleanup presents a mysterious, hand-drawn map, her vacation gets even more exciting than a banana split with hot fudge sauce. And that’s saying a lot!

No one would believe a school field trip to the county fair and an encounter with an old fortune teller would lead to a series of adventurous dreams. Well, that’s exactly what happened to five best friends at Holloway Hills Elementary School. Sydney, Taylor, Christina, Isabella and Maya were having the best time at the fair when Madame Chancey called to them from her booth. She asked if they would like their fortune told. They all said no, but one of them was curious. So, she asked one simple question that sent their reality into a dream adventure.Come along on this journey as the girls try to find a way to break this weird spell. Will they ever stop having these strange dreams?

They were silent a moment each thinking of the strange clue and even stranger signature. Anna was first to speak. "It seems like some sort of treasure hunt." A boring summer vacation turns into an exciting adventure when Anna and her brother David discover a mysterious note. Soon they are hunting for clues, solving puzzles, and cracking codes--all on their own farm!

Ideal for multi-cultural settings. Add meaning and muscle to your worship services with high-impact drama Presenting Lights, Drama, Worship! Diverse!---sweeping in different cultures and speaking to a broad array of issues Exciting!---packing a relevance and creative spark that will captivate your congregation Powerful!---brimming with dramas, sketches, and recitations that will touch hearts, break down barriers, and help people connect with God Each book in this four-volume series offers a variety of performance materials, from short, easy-to-perform sketches and readings to longer, more structured plays. Whether your church drama ministry is brand new or has been established for years, there's something for everyone, from beginners with little or no experience to seasoned players who want a challenge. Your one-stop drama resource covering . . . * Key aspects of Christian living---such as salvation, forgiveness, God's provision, love, persistence, and faith * Special occasions---Christmas, Easter, Mother's Day, Black History Month, and more * Each play includes---production tips for costuming * set design, props, and rehearsal notes * Scripture references * themes, summaries, and character lists * The volume also includes blocking tips * helpful tips from other dramatists * topical index Volume 1 Dramatic reading: God's Provision Reader's theater: Were You There? Sketches: The Gift Shop; How Is Your Quiet Time? Feature Play: Black Women Walking

Two children. Two journeys. Twin arrows.Ryla follows her father's parting instructions as closely as she carries his gift. Her protectors are kind, and safety is certain inside the convent's strong walls. But now she must leave and what lies ahead is uncertain...Her brother Drewin won't wait any longer. The knight promised to escort him isn't coming, and gossiping neighbors threaten to reveal his identity. He strikes out on his own, sure he can outrun the danger...