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by Thomas M. Carroll (Author), Linda Huang (Illustrator), Jackie Carroll (Illustrator)
A routine morning ride on a school bus plunges fifteen children into a mysterious world. A story of adventure, friendship, danger, and magic.
On a seemingly normal day, an old school bus known as the "yellow beast" passes through a light in the road and is transported to an empty field in a strange land. When the bus gets stuck in mud and cellphones don't work, the bus driver heads off to find help.
Adjusting to their curious environment, the children begin to experience strange powers: Gabrielle can fly on her skateboard, Annie can freeze time, Emma can warp light, and Ted can make music by waving his hands around.
When the bus driver fails to return, the kids explore the land, taking trails that appear and disappear, and encountering strange creatures, including playful clouds, menacing mist, thundering fireballs, and talking fish. But when terrifying winged beasts begin hunting them, the children must flee for their lives.
They become separated, some finding a land of colorful warrior fairies, while others meet an old hermit who has his own strange power. The children learn their magical powers are "gifts", but each gift has a weakness. And, the winged beasts have been sent by an evil ruler, Sidtarr, who seeks to use the children's gifts for his own purposes.
Some of the children head south to the kingdom of a renowned silver cat who may protect them, while others head north toward Sidtar's realm. Along the way, the children face inner conflicts and personal hardships. They find help in unexpected places and endure trials and dangers as they journey through this mysterious land.
