Still Life

The Books of Elsewhere: Volume 5

Illustrated by Poly Bernatene
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Paperback
$10.99 US
5"W x 7.75"H x 0.88"D  
On sale Jun 02, 2015 | 352 Pages | 9780142422977
Grade 5 & Up
Reading Level: Lexile 720L

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The fifth and final book in the magical horror series that's perfect for fans of Small Spaces, Nightbooks, and Wednesday

This house is keeping secrets . . .

Olive is sure Annabelle McMartin is dead—for good this time.

But something scarier lurks just out of sight, watching, waiting, preparing to strike. Then a field trip reveals a shock—what Olive finds will create a chain of events that propel her to discoveries she may not want to uncover, involving Morton's vanished parents and the very deepest, darkest, most terrifying roots of Old Man McMartin's strange, painted world. In this fifth and final book, Olive must seek the full, complex story of Elsewhere, its origins, and its creator, and in so doing, face her own fears and limitations . . . and possibly the destruction of Elsewhere itself. How far will Olive go to save the people and home she loves? And what will be the final cost?

Welcome to Elsewhere . . .

First, a pair of enchanted spectacles. Next, a deadly book. Then, magical paints from which a world called Elsewhere spills like a dream turned nightmare. And lastly, strangers, come to take it all for themselves—if even darker forces don’t prevail. At the center: the flawed and tenacious Olive, three talking cats, two remarkable friends, and a hard-won trust that binds them all. This is the scary, must-read series widely praised and adored by kids, adults, and critics alike.
© Robert Meyer
A two-time Pushcart Prize nominee for poetry and author of the critically and kid-acclaimed Books of Elsewhere series, Jacqueline West lives amid the bluffs of Red Wing, Minnesota, with her husband and their dog, Brom Bones. View titles by Jacqueline West
Poly Bernatene is an illustrator who graduated from Buenos Aires Art School and has worked across many different genres including advertising, animation, and comic books. He has published more than 60 children's books all over the world. He lives and works in Argentina. View titles by Poly Bernatene
PRIASE FOR THE BOOKS OF ELSEWHERE, VOL. 5: STILL LIFE:
“The suspenseful and well-realized world that West has created comes to a satisfying conclusion. . . . Hand these books to fans of Lemony Snicket, Pseudonymous Bosch, and Angie Sage.”—SLJ 
*“This final volume emphasizes the importance of friendship and support. . . . Olive’s efforts bring great rewards for herself and her readers. . . . Order the series.”—VOYA (starred review)
"A thoroughly satisfying reward for loyal fans of the series."—Kirkus 
“West is a fine plot-spinner . . . Still Life winds up the McMartin saga with emotional complexity and suspense, and the denouement of the tale is generous and joyful.”—Minneapolis Star Tribune 
"It's like Coraline meets Harry Potter."—Nerdist 
“If you or your kids are enthralled by the darker side of storytelling—think Neil Gaiman and Roald Dahl—then The Books of Elsewhere should be on your reading list. Full of magic, mystery, curiosity, and just enough danger . . . impossible to put down.”—Geekmom

About

The fifth and final book in the magical horror series that's perfect for fans of Small Spaces, Nightbooks, and Wednesday

This house is keeping secrets . . .

Olive is sure Annabelle McMartin is dead—for good this time.

But something scarier lurks just out of sight, watching, waiting, preparing to strike. Then a field trip reveals a shock—what Olive finds will create a chain of events that propel her to discoveries she may not want to uncover, involving Morton's vanished parents and the very deepest, darkest, most terrifying roots of Old Man McMartin's strange, painted world. In this fifth and final book, Olive must seek the full, complex story of Elsewhere, its origins, and its creator, and in so doing, face her own fears and limitations . . . and possibly the destruction of Elsewhere itself. How far will Olive go to save the people and home she loves? And what will be the final cost?

Welcome to Elsewhere . . .

First, a pair of enchanted spectacles. Next, a deadly book. Then, magical paints from which a world called Elsewhere spills like a dream turned nightmare. And lastly, strangers, come to take it all for themselves—if even darker forces don’t prevail. At the center: the flawed and tenacious Olive, three talking cats, two remarkable friends, and a hard-won trust that binds them all. This is the scary, must-read series widely praised and adored by kids, adults, and critics alike.

Author

© Robert Meyer
A two-time Pushcart Prize nominee for poetry and author of the critically and kid-acclaimed Books of Elsewhere series, Jacqueline West lives amid the bluffs of Red Wing, Minnesota, with her husband and their dog, Brom Bones. View titles by Jacqueline West
Poly Bernatene is an illustrator who graduated from Buenos Aires Art School and has worked across many different genres including advertising, animation, and comic books. He has published more than 60 children's books all over the world. He lives and works in Argentina. View titles by Poly Bernatene

Praise

PRIASE FOR THE BOOKS OF ELSEWHERE, VOL. 5: STILL LIFE:
“The suspenseful and well-realized world that West has created comes to a satisfying conclusion. . . . Hand these books to fans of Lemony Snicket, Pseudonymous Bosch, and Angie Sage.”—SLJ 
*“This final volume emphasizes the importance of friendship and support. . . . Olive’s efforts bring great rewards for herself and her readers. . . . Order the series.”—VOYA (starred review)
"A thoroughly satisfying reward for loyal fans of the series."—Kirkus 
“West is a fine plot-spinner . . . Still Life winds up the McMartin saga with emotional complexity and suspense, and the denouement of the tale is generous and joyful.”—Minneapolis Star Tribune 
"It's like Coraline meets Harry Potter."—Nerdist 
“If you or your kids are enthralled by the darker side of storytelling—think Neil Gaiman and Roald Dahl—then The Books of Elsewhere should be on your reading list. Full of magic, mystery, curiosity, and just enough danger . . . impossible to put down.”—Geekmom