by Josie a. Parker (Author), Brian W. Parker (Author)
What is The Wonderous Science? Imagine the ability to invent incredible wonders, imbued with the power to bend the very laws of nature. Now, imagine that power in the hands of a 12-year-old girl. Zora Sparks is a genius by all accounts. Having grown up in the foster care system, she has learned through experience to rely on herself and her own abilities, specifically her amazing skill in the Wonderous Science - a fabled knowledge that has raised kingdoms with unimaginable artifacts, and toppled societies with terrible weapons. The Laurel Society has made it their mission to guide and protect those with this amazing ability, and "contain" those that have used it for evil. Now it falls to Ms. Daisy Kidd, a member of The Wardens Division of the society, to watch after Zora and her precocious little brother, Nate. But, unknown forces are plotting in the shadows, and they have plans for the young prodigy. Can Daisy, Zora, and Nate discover what lies in the secret history of The Laurel Society before it's to late?
Author Biography
Brian W. Parker - AUTHOR, ILLUSTRATOR, and CREATOR OF THE FANTASTICAL I grew up in Alaska, then Mississippi, and have always been in love with storytelling in every medium. Literature, movies, art, you name it! I have a BFA in graphic design and illustration, as well as a MA in writing and publishing, and worked as a graphic designer and illustrator for almost 15 years in music publishing, corporate marketing, and sports/entertainment. Now I spend my days working on in youth publishing (so cool, right?) and teaching about the creative process. I'm always trying to learn and grow in my craft, and find that I am happiest when I'm striving to bring the works of my imagination to life, as well as sharing that experience with others. Crow in the Hollow was my first novel length work, but I have written ten picture books, and self published one graphic novel series titled YOU CAN RELY ON PLATYPI. Josie A. Parker - CURATOR and ARTISAN OF IMAGINATION and WONDER I grew up in the South, and I'm a southern girl at heart. My love of creativity has been life-long, and is deeply rooted in my love for helping others. I've spent my adult life as a caregiver and para-professional with children and adults with special needs. My husband and I are also foster parents, and are strong advocates for children in the foster care system. Through my experiences, I've learned that I find great joy and inspiration in helping others find their own creative voices. Although I'm a poet and writer in my own right, I've found that I'm most happy in helping cultivate art within others, and guiding them through the ups and downs of the creative process. Through Believe In Wonder, I bring to bear all of my experience to create classes and creative exploration events for children and young adults. I feel that by expanding our imaginations and our sense of wonder, we can achieve great things in our own lives, and help better the lives of others.