THE OUT OF ABATON DUOLOGY
A thrilling high fantasy-adventure reimagining of Pinocchio.
REVIEWS
“Dangerous magic, strange machines, talking beasts. . . Bemis hasn’t just rewritten Pinocchio, he’s rewritten Pinocchio’s world!” — Tom Angleberger, New York Times best-selling author of the Origami Yoda series
“Young readers will find this reimagined adventure an exhilarating and insightful journey.” –Kirkus Reviews
“Pinocchio gets a new look in this curious, complex novel of betrayal, rebellion, and loyalty. . .the world-building is impressive, and the captivating setting will likely attract fantasy, steampunk, and adventure fans alike.” –Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“Flying lions, fiery salamanders, chimera, sylphs, gnomes, men with wings, and an enormous sea monster all play roles in this fantastical retelling of Pinocchio.” –School Library Journal
“In a masterful re-imagining of Pinocchio, John Claude Bemis weaves an enchanting, thrilling adventure for middle-grade readers.” –Children’s Book Council
“Pinocchio’s growth is sometimes uncomfortable, sometimes heartwarming, and bound to entrance readers.” –Booklist
“This book has a little bit of everything. An old fairy tale. An ancient city. A quest. Criminals. Alchemists. A puppet. A princess. Danger. Intrigue. Friendship. Love. I dare you not to get excited.” –Brightly (Listing The Wooden Prince as one of their 16 Great Middle Grade Books to Read in 2016)
"The story is filled with danger and a quest to save himself and his new found leadership. I really enjoyed the twists and turns that each chapter brought. Parents will be thrilled to read this one as well since it relays an important message about being yourself." ~ Book Hounds
Disney-Hyperion (2017)
ISBN 9781484707425
Ages 8-12
THE WOODEN PRINCE
OUT OF ABATON: BOOK ONE
The automa Pinocchio has always been duty-bound to serve in the floating palace of Venice's emperor. So when Pinocchio finds himself locked in a trunk and delivered to a new master-a wanted criminal and alchemist named Geppetto-he is curious about everything around him. But most curious is the way Pinocchio seems to be changing from a wooden servant into a living, human boy. Before Geppetto and Pinocchio can uncover the mystery surrounding the automa's transformation, Pinocchio is stolen away. Determined to find Geppetto again, Pinocchio begins a harrowing journey across the Empire, where danger in the form of half-beast outlaws and winged airmen abounds for a lost automa.
Meanwhile, Princess Lazuli, the daughter of the ruler of a magical kingdom called Abaton, is also on a quest through the emperor's territory. Her father, Prester John, has been captured by the Venetian Empire, and Lazuli is desperate to rescue him. With the emperor's airmen closing in fast, Lazuli learns the only hope for saving her father — and her beloved home — lies in Pinocchio and Geppetto.
Disney-Hyperion (2017)
ISBN 9781484707418
Ages 8-12
LORD OF MONSTERS
OUT OF ABATON: BOOK TWO
Pinocchio can't believe the Moonlit Court is his home. With royal banquets, a regal wardrobe, and a whole new set of rules, Pinocchio has a lot to adjust to in his new life as prester alongside Princess Lazuli.
But before they can get comfortable in their thrones, a fancy dinner at the palace is interrupted by an unwelcome guest-a monster. And this isn't just any monster; it's a manticore, a beast that was imprisoned centuries earlier. Desperate to locate the prison and make sure none of its other monsters were able to escape, Lazuli, Pinocchio, and their Celestial Brigade set out to save Abaton from these ancient beings.
Their journey requires intelligence, strength, and a dash of the magic only presters control. But when Pinocchio tries to use his powers, they have an unintended effect: he is turning back into a wooden automa. And if he's not careful, he may lose his human form forever.
An action-packed adventure that celebrates friendship, tolerance, and the power of being yourself.