Books published by publisher Frances Foster Books

World-renowned artist brings the magic of Prague and its legends to lifeIn this allegorical tale, a man in a hot-air ballon is thrown off course in a violent storm, landing him in the city of his youth. He finds the way to his old home, but the house is dark, with three rusty padlocks on the door. A black cat with eyes of fire appears and leads him through Prague's silent streets and monuments in seach of the three golden keys that will open the door of his boyhood home and restore the city to life. In this reissue of one of his most personal works, Peter Sís recaptures the wonder of his own lost childhood in Prague and celebrates the city's wonderful cultural heritage, reborn after forty-five years of Communist rule. He wrote it for his young daughter, Madeleine, who is growing up in the New World, so that when she is old enough to understand it she will have a record of the strange and wonderful heritage that is her birthright. An utterly magical book on every level.

Getorix has one last opportunity to gain his father’s regard and earn welcome into the Celtic Otherworld as a hero. At almost fifteen winters, he marches beside his father, a defeated leader, in the Roman triumph – a celebration that ends in death. Courage to face the ordeal of sacrifice before the Romans will truly be his man-making. Instead, the gods throw him entirely different challenges. Can Getorix accept friendship with the Roman who spares his life if the cost is his honor? Can he face the realities of the world he lives in, even if the truth is not as he has been taught?Modern readers will relate to the difficulties these two youths from opposing cultures face in reconciling their differing experiences and value systems. The ancient Roman setting lends a fantastic quality, yet the political turmoil and social upheaval evoke parallels with our own time. "Compelling tale of ancient Rome. The fully-realized characters make the past come alive for readers of any age." —Sharyn McCrumb, best-selling author of PRAYERS THE DEVIL ANSWERS"Thoroughly grounded in the world of ancient Rome, with its convoluted political intrigues, ... gives the reader a contemporary sense of being there ...Tightly woven plot, well developed characters, and all the historical details... mental adventure film keeps the pages turning." — Gloria Houston, best-selling author of Miss Dorothy and Her Bookmobile"Booksense Recommended Read: The story line … characters … varying levels of Roman … illustrations … add greatly to a reader’s vision of what it may have been like to live in the century before Christ." —Bob Spear, Heartland Reviews"Compelling novel, both for young adults and adults that teaches a great deal about Rome of about 100 BCE.” —Trudi E. Jacobson, Historical Novel Review"Swiftly moving action story … Great attention to detail ... A wonderful first novel.” —N.S. Gill, Guide to Ancient/Classical History, About.com"Whopping adventure tale … brings the city and its inhabitants to life." —Irene Hahn, Roman History, Books and More"Superbly crafted and original..." —Midwest Book Review"Geary's knowledge of the Roman Republic in the first century BCE is intimate; yet, this book … is a rattling good story… devoted historical scholar and able storyteller." —schuyler kaufman, CML Magazine“The view of the life of Roman slaves is one rarely seen, particularly for young people. The friendship between the two boys, Celt and Roman, both misfits in their own cultures, and how they help each other to grow touches deep chords.”—Ann Chamberlin, award-winning author of Gloria:The Merlin and The Saint.GETORIX: The Eagle and the Bull, along with the curriculum co-authored with Sandra Horton, is recommended for classroom use by the NC Dept. of Public Instruction and by Southern Regional Education Board in 16 other southern states.

Celtic raiders clad only in blue paint strike at the heart of Rome's wealthiest neighborhood at a monument to the Roman victory over the Celts. When the smoke clears, Lucius, the Roman general's son, is gone, kidnapped. A token left in the street points to Getorix, son of the defeated leader. Getorix must retrieve Lucius alive, then save him from members of his own family, to clear the way for his own return to his homeland. Based on the political events of 100 BCE, this novel takes the reader on an adventure in Rome before the Caesars. Long live Getorix ... May his adventures continue! --Steven Saylor, author the series Roma Sub Rosa " Games of the Underworld is a fast-paced and exciting story filled with great dialogue and lots of historical detail. Rome is brought to life as a living, breathing city; everyday life and complicated politics are woven into the story without feeling crammed in, and readers of all ages will be able to relate to the characters. ...Very enjoyable and very recommended."--Heather Domin, Historical Novel Review, Feb. 2012 "Very few authors have the skill to pull their reader into the time and place as if they are actually there, walking along the streets, experiencing sights, sounds, and smells. Judith Geary does this with much finesse, ... Her portrayal of the political turmoil in Rome at that time through characters and scenarios is fascinating and informative. The plot is fast-moving and suspenseful and readers will be reluctant to put the book aside.” – Christy Tillery French, Midwest Book Review "With deceptive ease, Judith Geary leads the reader through a maze of Roman politics and religious thought. ... The story is chock-full of details of Roman life during this historical period, interwoven so skillfully in the fabric of the pages the reader, caught up in the unfolding drama, is unaware of the impeccable research that went into the creation of this superbly ambitious novel. The story is peopled with characters from history as well as fictional characters sprouting from Geary’s fertile imagination. Suspense is established in the first pages, sweeping the reader along with the mounting travails of the young protagonists until the very end. There is no rest for the weary in this captivating tale of friendship, loyalty, love, political intrigue and honor." -- Danielle Bussone, All About Women "The authentic setting, dialogue, and characterization beckon readers to travel to worlds of long ago. ... Getorix will be of interest to readers because many of the themes—love, friendship, honor, freedom, acceptance, cultural conflict, patience—are as applicable today as they were in the past. History teachers will appreciate the book because of its educational value." – ForeWord Magazine "[Geary’s] knowledge of the Roman Republic in the first century bce is intimate; yet, this book, aimed at young adult readers, is a rattling good story. ... Author gossips chattily about [the historical characters] in her Notes, providing the context for understanding the historical and cultural milieu of the story. Especially, her Glossary and character Biographies, written in an occasionally downright catty tone, show her to be a devoted historical scholar and able storyteller." – schuyler kaufman, CML Magazine