title: Harper and the Night Forest
author: Cerrie Burnell
description: <div><b>Praise for <i>Harper and the Circus of Dreams</i>:</b> "Brimming with charming illustrations and written with flowing wonderment, this is a fantastical slip of a story where magic and music combine to create enchantment. . . . A winsome tale that will make the minds of early chapter-book readers sparkle." <i>Kirkus Reviews</i><br><br> "This installment is sure to float into the hearts of readers looking for a new adventure." <i>School Library Journal</i><br><br> <b>Praise for <i>Harper and the Scarlet Umbrella</i>:</b><br><br>"A wonderful introduction to chapter books, filled with fun illustrations, young readers . . . will enjoy following Harper as she finds adventure at every turn."<i>Calgary Herald</i><br><br> "In this lyrical, action-packed fantasy, Harper is allowed to use her aunt's Scarlet Umbrella and later discovers that her cat is missing. The Scarlet Umbrella has magical powers; it leads her to the homes of others who are missing cats. As Harper works with her friends to find the felines and bring them home, they observe new strengths in one another. Dreamy Liesel, "with tangled, blonde hair and filthy nails," implements plans of action with impressive leadership skills. Liesel's poetic brother, Ferdie, is strong and courageous. Nate, who is visually impaired, assists with his ability to hear incredibly soft sounds and maneuver in the darkness. The kids meet and confront the Wild Conductor, who has enchanted the cats. A chase ensues, with Harper and Nate flying across town in the magical Umbrella. Harper uses her musical gifts to lure the cats back with "a song of stars and mist and hope. A song that spread across the sky, as if it came from the heavens." The kids successfully battle the Wild Conductor and bring the cats home. Line drawings throughout depict the smartly dressed and messy characters. Ample action keeps the story accessible for beginning chapter book readers. Originally published in the United Kingdom, this lively tale is sure to win fans in the United States, from cat lovers to music aficionados to fantasy fans. VERDICT: A winning tale of teamwork and artistry. A solid purchase for most chapter book collections." <i>School Library Journal</i><br><br> "This lushly-written, enchanting salute to magic, music and adventure is so intriguing that even this confirmed dog lover was rooting for Harper to be reunited with her beloved cat. I suspect readers of <I>Harper and the Scarlet Umbrella</I> will be left thinking about their own umbrellas in a whole new way." Nancy Krulik, <I>New York Times</I> bestselling author of Katie Kazoo and Project Droid<BR><BR>"<I>Harper and the Scarlet Umbrella</I> is a magical, musical tale that sings with whimsy and charm! There's not a wrong note to be found in this boisterous adventure, as children save the day as only children can. Fantastical, effervescent, and fun!" Micol Ostow, author of the Louise Trapeze series<BR></div> <b> Praise for <i>Harper and the Circus of Dreams<i>:</b> "Brimming with charming illustrations and written with flowing wonderment, this is a fantastical slip of a story where magic and music combine to create enchantment. . . . A winsome tale that will make the minds of early chapter-book readers sparkle." <i>Kirkus Reviews</i><br><br>
zlib_text: The Harpers
  
  Book 4
  
  The Night Parade  
  Scott Ciencin
  
  
  One
  
  
  She hated the storms.  
  Staring out at the walled city of Arabel through the grand window of her
  private chambers, Myrmeen Lhal closed her eyes and listened as the rain beat a
  staccato rhythm against the thick glass. The sound should have been
  comforting; it reminded her of a nervous habit her father had possessed,
  drumming his fingers on the side of the lute he had played for passersby on
  the streets of Calimport. She could still picture him as he sat on the
  pavement, entertaining the rich from sunrise to sunset, their gold dropping
  into the plumed hat at his feet. Turning her thoughts from that image, Myrmeen
  forced herself to smile. Tonight she did not want to think about her early
  life. At thirty-four she was the ruler of the second largest city in Cormyr
  and there was no reason for her to give in to the sadness that awaited her in
  the past.  
  It had been the storm, of course. The haunting sounds of the rain had brought
  