Other Books by P. W. Catanese

By Talia Lamb

The Thief and the BeanstalkEveryone knows the story of Jack and the Beanstalk. Everyone also knows that Jack's adventure made him a very rich man. But what they don't know is what happened a long time after Jack... That’s where Nick comes in. Orphaned and desperate, Nick joins a nasty band of thieves in hopes of a warm meal and a little protection. In exchange Nick must help them break into the lavish white castle rumored to belong to an old man named Jack. Legend says it’s full of riches from Jack’s quest up a magical beanstalk decades ago. When Nick’s dangerous mission leads him straight to Jack, he sees a chance to climb the famed beanstalk for himself. But what Nick doesn’t know is that things are different from when Jack made his climb. There are new foes at the top now. Ones with cruel weapons and foul plans – plans that could destroy the world as Nick knows it. Will Nick come down the beanstalk a hero? Will he come down at all?

The Brave Apprentice“Seven at one blow!” That’s what they said about the Brave Little Tailor – he killed seven villains with a single blow. But no one can prove it’s even true. And besides, that took place a long time ago, and the Brave Little Tailor is now an old man. So what happens when an army of brutish trolls invades his kingdom? Meet Patch Ridling, a simple tailor’s apprentice in the remote village of  Crossfield. He’s a hard worker who’s never wanted for much, except a little adventure. When he rescues his friend Osbert from an aging and decrepit troll, Patch finds himself something of a town hero. Word of his bravery quickly spreads throughout the countryside, and Patch is summoned to the king’s castle. King Milo needs his help to wage war on a gang of trolls threatening to destroy the kingdom. Soon Patch finds himself engaged in an all-out battle against the trolls. With the help of a giddy fool named Simon, can Patch figure out the troll’s fatal flaw? Or is the kingdom destined to perish?

The Eye of the WarlockOnce, a young brother and sister were lost in the forest, where they fell into the clutches of a terrible witch. They were lucky to escape with their lives – and a fortune in gold and jewels. Many years have passed, and Hansel and Gretel are long gone. Now Rudi, a hot-tempered boy, lives in the same rundown house, along with his cruel Aunt Agnes, his oafish Uncle Hempel, and two little sisters that the family has taken in. When his aunt and uncle abandon the girls in the woods, Rudi rushes in to save them. This is just the beginning of a perilous adventure, as Rudi comes face to face with the unspeakable, ageless evil that lurks in the heart of the forest.

The Mirror’s TaleThe fourth “Further Tales” adventure picks up the classic tale of Snow White over a century later. Among the lovely heroine’s descendants are twin brothers Bertram and William – one of them (no one is sure which) destined to become a baron someday – always in trouble, one leading and the other following – and finally, too much trouble for their parents to deal with any longer. Bert is packed off to an unfriendly uncle’s gloomy castle on the borders of the feared and hated Dwergh. Will is given lessons in warfare and personal combat. And a forgotten evil that turns love into hatred, that poisons minds and destroys lives, awakens

The Riddle of the GnomeA boy cursed to bring bad luck to anyone who comes near lives a sad and solitary life. One day a foul-tempered gnome promises to end his curse...but only if the boy accompanies him on a harrowing adventure. Like the other Further Tales, The Riddle of the Gnome tells about what happens many years after a classic fairy tale. So if you ever wondered what happened to Rumpelstiltskin...here's your chance to find out. And watch for big surprises as the story unfolds!