Princess Irene finds a staircase and enters a mysterious world. For in the highest tower, is an old lady spinning magic thread beside a fire made of roses. When Curlie the miner boy encounters goblins plotting against the royal household, Irene must trust the lady if they are to save the palace.

The time has come for Eilonwy, Princess of the Royal House of Llyr, to become a lady, although she would much rather be seeking adventures with assistant pig-keeper Taran.

The adventures of Desperaux Tilling, a small mouse of unusual talents, the princess that he loves, the servant girl who longs to be a princess, and a devious rat determined to bring them all to ruin. Ages 9+. Winner of 2004 Newbery Medal.

'You're not Mia Thermopolis any more, honey,' Dad said. 'You're Amelia Mignonette Grimaldi Thermopolis Renaldo. Princess of Genovia.' A Princess?? Me??? Yeah. Right. One minute Mia's a totally normal Manhattan 14-year-old. Next minute she's heir to the throne of Genovia, being trailed by a trigger-happy bodyguard.

When the family business collapses, Beauty and her two sisters are forced to leave the city and begin a new life in the countryside. However, when their father accepts hospitality from an elusive and magical Beast, he is forced to make a terrible promise.