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Books in Sterling Unabridged Classics series

  • The Secret Garden

    Frances Hodgson Burnett, Scott McKowen

    Hardcover (Sterling, Oct. 1, 2004)
    The illustrations for this series were created by Scott McKowen, who, with his wife Christina Poddubiuk, operates Punch & Judy Inc., a company specializing in design and illustration for theater and performing arts. Their projects often involve research into the visual aspects of historical settings and characters. Christina is a theater set and costume designer and contributed advice on the period clothing for the illustrations.Scott created these drawings in scratchboard ­ an engraving medium which evokes the look of popular art from the period of these stories. Scratchboard is an illustration board with a specifically prepared surface of hard white chalk. A thin layer of black ink is rolled over the surface, and lines are drawn by hand with a sharp knife by scraping through the ink layer to expose the white surface underneath. The finished drawings are then scanned and the color is added digitally.Born in India, the unattractive and willful Mary Lennox has remained in the care of servants for as long as she can remember. But the girl’s life changes when her mother and father die and she travels to Yorkshire to live with her uncle. Dark, dreary Misselthwaite Manor seems full of mysteries, including a very special garden, locked tight for 10 years. With the help of Dickon, a local boy, Mary intends to uncover its secrets.
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  • The Call of the Wild and White Fang

    Jack London, Scott McKowen

    Hardcover (Sterling, Oct. 1, 2004)
    The illustrations for this series were created by Scott McKowen, who, with his wife Christina Poddubiuk, operates Punch & Judy Inc., a company specializing in design and illustration for theater and performing arts. Their projects often involve research into the visual aspects of historical settings and characters. Christina is a theater set and costume designer and contributed advice on the period clothing for the illustrations.Scott created these drawings in scratchboard ­ an engraving medium which evokes the look of popular art from the period of these stories. Scratchboard is an illustration board with a specifically prepared surface of hard white chalk. A thin layer of black ink is rolled over the surface, and lines are drawn by hand with a sharp knife by scraping through the ink layer to expose the white surface underneath. The finished drawings are then scanned and the color is added digitally.Two of Jack London’s best-loved masterpieces, in their entirety. Call of the Wild tells a compelling tale of adventure during the Yukon Gold Rush, and fully captures the unquenchable spirit of Buck, a kidnapped dog trying to survive in the harshest of environments. Also set in Alaska, the powerful White Fang follows the often savage life of the magnificent title character, a mix of wolf and dog.
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  • Frankenstein

    Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, Scott McKowen, Arthur Pober Ed.D

    Hardcover (Sterling, Nov. 1, 2007)
    Mary Shelley’s groundbreaking classic—begun as a ghost story for friends—is a potent blend of science fiction and horror that has inspired countless movie and other adaptations. Nothing, however, equals the depth and beauty of Shelley’s original, which emains as relevant as ever. In his arrogance, Dr. Victor Frankenstein dreams of discovering the very secret of life…and he succeeds, bringing a new creature into existence. But should man ever play God—and if he does, what does he owe his creation?
  • The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

    Robert Louis Stevenson, Scott McKowen, Arthur Pober Ed.D

    Hardcover (Sterling Children's Books, Sept. 6, 2011)
    A kind and well-respected doctor is transformed into a murderous madman by taking a secret drug of his own creation. Includes discussion questions.
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  • Pinocchio

    Carlo Collodi, Scott McKowen, Arthur Pober Ed.D

    Hardcover (Sterling Children's Books, Sept. 2, 2014)
    Pinocchio, in Carlo Collodi's original version, is an adventure-filled, menacing fairy tale with a moral. Made by the woodcarver Geppetto, the puppet Pinocchio dreams of becoming a real child. But his unrestrained curiosity, dishonesty, and selfishness put him in constant peril. As he journeys from the deceptive “Field of Miracles,” where he plants gold coins to make them grow, to the land where lazy boys turn into donkeys, Pinocchio's path is paved with mistakes, willfulness, and danger.And all the while his nose keeps growing bigger and bigger and bigger every time he tells a fib, so all the world can see what a liar he is . . .
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  • Grimm's Fairy Tales

    Jakob Grimm, Wilhelm Grimm, Grimm Brothers, Scott McKowen, Arthur Pober Ed.D

    Hardcover (Sterling, Aug. 4, 2009)
    Based on the brothers’ first volume of folk tales, Children’s and Household Tales, this collection features many of the Grimms’ most popular retellings, as well as some lesser-known ones. The tales include “The Frog Prince,” “Rumpelstiltskin,” “Rapunzel,” “The Fisherman and his Wife,” “Tom Thumb,” and many others.
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  • The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Other Stories

    Washington Irving, Scott McKowen

    Hardcover (Sterling Children's Books, Aug. 6, 2013)
    Washington Irving's haunting, macabre stories will give wide-eyed young readers delightful chills. This spooky anthology of timeless tales includes “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” the eerie “Rip Van Winkle,” the funny “The Specter Bridegroom,” and “The Devil and Tom Walker.” It's perfect for Halloween, campfires, or anytime kids want a fun scare!
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  • Robinson Crusoe

    Daniel Defoe, Scott McKowen, Arthur Pober Ed.D

    Hardcover (Sterling Children's Books, Sept. 6, 2011)
    Nearly four centuries after it was written, Robinson Crusoe remains the quintessential story of a man shipwrecked and forced to rely on his own wits. Against his parents' wishes, Crusoe sets off for adventure on the high seas-until a storm leaves him stranded on a seemingly deserted island. There, alone and despairing, he gradually learns to survive off the land and create what he needs; he even finds human companionship. But will Crusoe ever see his home again? One of the most popular books of all time, Robinson Crusoe will appeal to a new generation of readers.
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  • Pollyanna

    Eleanor H. Porter, Scott McKowen, Arthur Pober Ed.D

    Hardcover (Sterling Children's Books, Aug. 6, 2013)
    Chatty, idealistic Pollyanna can always find something to be glad about. Even when the newly orphaned girl has to live with her cold, unloving Aunt Polly, she remains full of hope and joy. But then a horrible accident leaves her crippled—and it may finally be too much for Pollyanna to bear. Will all the people whose lives she's brightened be able to make her happy again?
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  • The War of the Worlds

    H. G. Wells, Scott McKowen, Arthur Pober Ed.D

    Hardcover (Sterling Children's Books, Sept. 2, 2014)
    What would happen if Martians landed on Earth—and none of our weapons could stop them? H.G. Wells's timeless masterpiece—which spawned many a movie adaptation—imagines this frightening scenario. The horrifying bug-like extraterrestrials, which can wipe out entire crowds with a single heat-ray and poisonous gas, first appear in the English countryside … and then wreak havoc. Narrated by an unnamed protagonist who flees home to seek out safe ground, this terrifying tale creates a shockingly realistic vision of what might happen if fearsome, technologically superior aliens attacked us. Beautifully illustrated by acclaimed artist Scott McKowen, this Unabridged Classic will rivet kids and adults alike.
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  • Little Women

    Louisa May Alcott, Scott McKowen

    Hardcover (Sterling, Oct. 1, 2004)
    The illustrations for this series were created by Scott McKowen, who, with his wife Christina Poddubiuk, operates Punch & Judy Inc., a company specializing in design and illustration for theater and performing arts. Their projects often involve research into the visual aspects of historical settings and characters. Christina is a theater set and costume designer and contributed advice on the period clothing for the illustrations.Scott created these drawings in scratchboard ­ an engraving medium which evokes the look of popular art from the period of these stories. Scratchboard is an illustration board with a specifically prepared surface of hard white chalk. A thin layer of black ink is rolled over the surface, and lines are drawn by hand with a sharp knife by scraping through the ink layer to expose the white surface underneath. The finished drawings are then scanned and the color is added digitally.The beautiful Meg, artistic tomboy Jo, doomed Beth, and selfish Amy: since the publication of Little Women in 1869, these four sisters have become America’s most beloved literary siblings. Louisa May Alcott’s rich and realistic portrait has inspired three movies and stirred the emotions of countless young girls. Set in New England during the Civil War, the novel follows the adventures of the March sisters as they struggle to pursue their dreams.
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  • Anne of Green Gables

    Lucy Maud Montgomery, Scott McKowen

    Hardcover (Sterling, Oct. 1, 2004)
    The illustrations for this series were created by Scott McKowen, who, with his wife Christina Poddubiuk, operates Punch & Judy Inc., a company specializing in design and illustration for theater and performing arts. Their projects often involve research into the visual aspects of historical settings and characters. Christina is a theater set and costume designer and contributed advice on the period clothing for the illustrations.Scott created these drawings in scratchboard ­ an engraving medium which evokes the look of popular art from the period of these stories. Scratchboard is an illustration board with a specifically prepared surface of hard white chalk. A thin layer of black ink is rolled over the surface, and lines are drawn by hand with a sharp knife by scraping through the ink layer to expose the white surface underneath. The finished drawings are then scanned and the color is added digitally.One thing’s for certain, no house that Anne’s in will ever be dull.” That’s what Marilla Cuthbert says about Anne, the lively red-headed orphan she and her brother Matthew adopt. For decades, girls have agreed, eagerly reading every book in Lucy Maud Montgomery’s series that chronicles Anne’s coming of age.
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