KEYNOTE: A bone-chilling new tale that pays homage to classic ghost stories of the past. Dillweed's parents go on adventures and leave him behind with Umblud the butler and Perfidia the maid, who treat him like their slave. Neither Umblud or Perfidia or the parents appreciate Dillweed's cherished pet, a creature named Skorped. When they threaten Skorped's life and well-being, Dillweed opens his black box and casts the runes, which releases smoky monsters, who do the dirty deeds. And then it's Dillweed turn to go on adventures. Filled with nasty characters, beautiful details, and subtle humor, this stylish book follows in the tradition of the deliciously dark work of Edward Gorey, so Dillweed's happy ending undoubtedly means the end for someone else. AUTHOR Florence Parry Heide is an award-winning author of more than a hundred children's books, including the Treehorn series, illustrated by Edward Gorey, and Princess Hyacinth (The Surprising Tale of a Girl Who Floated), illustrated by Lane Smith ILLUSTRATOR Carson Ellis has illustrated such books as The Composer is Dead by Lemony Snicket and The Beautiful Stories of Life: Six Greek Myths, Retold by Cynthia Rylant. She's also done many promotional illustrations for the band the Decemberists. AGES 10+ GRADES 5 +