PERFECT STRANGERS

Every day, she sits at the top of the stairs leading to the beach.

Always writing in her little notebook.

Always watching.

Watching the loving big brother, so caring and attentive to his little sister.

Watching the handsome lifeguard with his golden tan.

But no matter how closely she watches, she can't begin to know the secrets behind the perfect facades of their lives.

And they can't begin to know the truth about the strange, sad girl who each day sits alone -- and watches.

James Howe is the author of more than ninety books for young readers. Bunnicula, coauthored by his late wife Deborah and published in 1979, is considered a modern classic of children’s literature. The author has written six highly popular sequels, along with the spinoff series Tales from the House of Bunnicula and Bunnicula and Friends. Among his other books are picture books such as Horace and Morris but Mostly Dolores and beginning reader series that include the Pinky and Rex and Houndsley and Catina books. He has also written for older readers. The Misfits, published in 2001, inspired the nationwide antibullying initiative No Name-Calling Week, as well as three sequels, Totally Joe, Addie on the Inside, and Also Known as Elvis. A common theme in James Howe’s books from preschool through teens is the acceptance of difference and being true to oneself. Visit him online at JamesHowe.com.