Books with author Mary Jane Auch

Believe it or not–and you better believe it–Josh’s dog Arful can talk! This is very useful to Josh and his pals who want to win the school talent contest. First the boys have to find out what the girls are planning for the contest. That’s when they send Arful to get an earful by spying on the girls. Just wait until show time to see what Arful the spy uncovers.

It sure is handy having Brian the Brain for a best friend—how else would Josh have a shot at first prize in the science fair and winning tickets to Wonderland Lake? But when Brian plans to hypnotize his dog, Arfie, into thinking he’s a cat, Josh knows he can say goodbye to Wonderland Lake—this scheme will never work. The next thing he knows, Josh is climbing trees and craving raw fish sandwiches. What’s going on? Will the real science project please meow?

It's tough to be an out-of-work princess. After her royal father decides to retire and become a wood carver, Princess Paulina has no idea what to do with herself. She can't survey the kingdom from her leaky cottage roof, and no one waves back when she proceeds through the town on her father's cart. When she hears that a neighboring queen is seeking a bride for her son, Prince Drupert, Paulina sees her chance to get back to princessing. But it will take all her wit and determination to pass the Queen's tests. . . . and in the end, maybe there are better fates than a royal marriage. Full of tongue-in-cheek references to stories like Rapunzel, Snow White, and the Princess and the Pea, this fractured fairy tale is an hilarious twist on traditional tales in which a young woman's practicality, good humor, and intelligence let her shape her own happy ending— with extra cheese and all the toppings her heart desires.

Mrs. Pennywort's hen, Pauline, can't seem to lay eggs like the others. . . . Until she finds some inspiration, and a strange talent. When she nests outside to get away from the noise and teasing of the others, Pauline manages to lay a beautiful sky-blue egg. Watching a ladybug in the grass, she lays a bright red spotted egg. The hen is confused, but Mrs. Pennywort is thrilled—and she takes Pauline on an adventure! Soon Pauline is laying eggs of all colors and patterns, to the delight of everyone who sees them. It seems like the perfect way to celebrate Easter. . . . even when the eggs start hatching into brightly colored chicks. Mary Jane Auch's funny text and vibrant illustrations will make this an Easter favorite. . . . and a year-round reminder of the importance of being true to yourself.

In the spring of 1815, Remembrance "Mem" Nye and her family set off in a covered wagon from their farm in Connecticut to the western New York wilderness. Mem and her mother see it as a journey to nowhere since there won't be any houses or neighbors, just endless forest. Their journey is filled with the uncertain danger of wild animals, raging storms, and cruel strangers. When Mem is unexpectedly separated from her family, she must face every danger alone while hoping to find her family again.

A funny and moving middle-grade novel for dog lovers by popular author Mary Jane Auch. Other dogs are K-9s. But K-10 is a cut above other dogs, and his mother gave hime the name to prove it when he was a puppy. Now K-10 is grown up and all on his own, because K-10 doesn't need friends--canine or human. He spends his time running away from owners and doing time in dog shelters, and that's just fine with him. But after K-10 escapes from a shelter with some other dogs, everything changes. These new dogs aren't so easy to forget, and all they can bark about is finding old and new owners. Will K-10 go back to being a loner, or can this not-so-old dog learn a new trick--friendship?

It's 1816 and Remembrance "Mem" Nye and her family are going through a cold, hard summer in their new home in western New York. There's barely any food since Papa's crops were destroyed by the late season frosts. Mem's mama has never gotten used to their new home. It's even harder for her to cope after she gives birth to baby Lily. Papa puts Mem in charge of caring for the baby, her younger brother, and their sick Mama. Though Mem struggles, it's hard to do the chores and watch them every moment. Then the worst happens . . . one stormy night Mama and Lily are gone.

In sunshine the old deserted house is a friendly landmark, and Gail even uses a shed on its grounds as a secret haven where she can write her poems. But by moonlight the house becomes eerie and terrifying. One night as Gail walks past it, a sudden sharp sound of knocking makes her whirl around. Someone seems to be trying to catch her attention, yet there is nothing but moonlit lawns and ghostly white walls to be seen. Where did that knocking sound have come from? And the weird voices -- whose can they be?When Gail wakes the next morning, she jumps out of bed. It is Saturday and she plans to do some writing. Then suddenly she remembers. Perhaps she shouldn't use the old shed as her secret room after hearing those noises and voices the night before...The highly original and intriguing explanation of this mystery leads Gail and her friend, Conan, to the solution of a series of robberies as well. A picturesque New England setting and some unusually attractive and believable characters make this suspenseful story one of Mrs. Jane's best.

When Neale and Margie Lawson hear that their father will have to sell his shore land and their beloved horse, Firefly, they are miserable. They can find no way to help until a strange red car, a lost cat, and the odd behavior of an eccentric old man draw them into a mystery involving the lost letters of a famous New England artist.The Lawsons and their friend Rupert Reed, son of the Ranger at the camp across the lake, are plunged into a bewildering tangle of strange doings. Neale thinks that his robot-burglar alarm might help to solve the mystery, and Margie is sure that her grandfather's books hold the key to the problem. Both children are right, but it takes two discoveries -- one in a cave on the mountain and one in the middle of Shadow Pond -- to set things straight.Mary Jane’s earlier mysteries, all exciting and fun to read, have found an appreciative audience. "Mystery at Shadow Pond" will add new friends to the large number of boys and girls who look forward to a book by this favorite author.