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How Josh Met Mr. Miserable

by James Antonio

60 pages; quality trade paperback (softcover); catalogue #99-0076; ISBN 1-55212-326-X; US$13.50, C$17.95, EUR11.70, £8.10

This is a novel of fantasy for young readers ten years and up (perhaps younger, too, and for anyone else), full of adventure, and with a definite message.

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about the book      about the author      sample chapter      catalogue info

About the Book This is a novel of fantasy about a boy, Josh, who comes upon a rocketship and rides through outer space to a far-off planet called Diamond. The planet Diamond is ruled by Mr. Miserable, a tyrant who is unhappy because he can never be wealthy enough. Josh finds a large diamond in the desert and is rewarded for it; although he cannot keep the diamond for himself (he must give it to Mr. Miserable), he is put in a crystal house full of toys to play with whenever he wants. Josh sees the contrast between the Diamondites who work in the diamond mine for room and board and have no money but are happy; and Mr. Miserable, who has excessive wealth and is just plain miserable.

About the Author James Antonio was born in Niagara Falls, Ontario and attended Brock University, becoming a French teacher. It was while at university that he became interested in writing. He now runs the family business. James is married to Susanne and has two sons, Jacob and Jordan, who are eight years old; and a stepdaughter, Karrie-Anne.

Excerpt

He continued trudging across the small sand dunes. It was hot. His T-shirt was wet and clung to him. His jeans stuck to his legs like wet towels. He took a deep breath and walked more quickly, hoping to find water.

Just outside the oasis he saw a large diamond sitting in the sand. Bigger than his hand, it sparkled and glittered and gleamed like nothing he had ever seen. It can't be real, he thought in disbelief, bending over to pick it up. He clasped it in his hand, shielding it from the suns. It looked real enough and weighed about as much as one of the big potatoes he peeled for his mom. He looked around to see if he could see anyone. (He knew something like this must have an owner.) But he was alone. The rocketship appeared small this far away. The doorway was just a black dot.

Josh heard the voices again. This time they were louder and clearer. He tried to stuff the diamond into the pocket of his jeans but it was too big. He clasped it tightly with his hand and pressed it against his stomach like a football. He shuffled forward.

The air was cooler here. Josh heard running water, which made him fell even more thirsty. He peered into the lush green vegetation. It was spooky. He smelled something cooking on a fire, chicken maybe, mixed in with the sweet smell of hickory. They're going to take this away from me, he thought, looking at the diamond. He didn't want that to happen. He wondered if he should just turn around and take his prize back to the rocketship and fly home. Three white parrots suddenly appeared out of nowhere, squawking discontentedly. They flew out over the sand making an ellipse and then disappeared back into the oasis. "I'm so thirsty," Josh said aloud.

The sound of running water seemed almost deafening now. His mouth was so parched he could barely swallow. He decided he would go and find the water, take a long drink, then hurry back to the rocketship before he was discovered by whoever was doing all the talking. The chatter was coming in bits and pieces, loudly, voices talking at the same time.

Catalogue Information