Tommy Trouble and the Magic Marble

In the living room Tommy sat on the time-out rug.
Mom made him sit there whenever he got into trouble.

And it was all his pesky younger brother Bradley's fault. When big, tough Spencer offered to sell Tommy an unusual playing marble for ten dollars, Tommy recruited Bradley to help him pick Mom's prize-winning roses. For that Tommy ended up on the time-out rug. Bradley was nothing but trouble. And always at his side! Tommy was so furious he started throwing rocks at a beehive. But it was Bradley who was stung by the angry bees and had to be rushed to the hospital. Tommy sat himself down on the time-out rug and thought. Maybe owning the magic marble wasn't as important as having a little brother who thinks you're someone special ....

Ralph Fletcher has created an entertaining, fun-filled story that is sure to appeal to children who have graduated from beginning readers. Be it an older sibling, a younger one, or an only child, readers will be taken with this book's well-defined characters, crisp dialogue and fast-moving plot. Ben Caldwell's humorous illustrations add even more to the fun.

Ralph Fletcher is the author of many well-received books for children, from picture books to middle grade novels to young adult poetry. His book I Am Wings is a highly acclaimed collection of love poems for teenagers. Ralph Fletcher lives with his family in Durham, New Hampshire.

Ben Caldwell studied illustration at Parsons School of Design. This is the first book he has illustrated for children. He currently works as a toy designer and lives in New York City.