The Emerald Atlas / John Stephens / 417 pages

I'm so happy this is the 1st book in a trilogy because now I can look forward to reading more! Three siblings, who sorely miss their parents, must take care of each other after being whisked away to safety on Christmas Eve and placed in a series of orphanages. After 10 years they end up in a wizard's home in Cambridge Falls & discover that they must save the world with the help of the wizard, dwarves, a sword-wielding giant and time travel. Kate, Michael & Emma encounter a terrible witch, wolves, zombie-like creatures called Screechers and other abominations. Their mission is to find the three hidden Books of the Beginnings that were written by magicians when humans and magicians lived together in the world. The first book is the Emerald Atlas that controls time. Wonderful story with characters that are brave, loyal, and true-hearted. Plenty of action and humor as well.