Wim Coleman and Pat Perrin, home, for YA readers and teachers

Wim Coleman and Pat Perrin —
the authors of novels, essays, and nonfiction for major publishers and dozens of books for educational publishers — are now writing novels for young readers.

But that's not all …
Click the bookcase above to
see more books, plays, and videos
for young adults and for teachers.

Free story! Pat's retold West African myth was originally published in READ magazine. Download
"Anansi and the Box of Stories."
(PDF file)

ChironBooks is an independent publisher
of fiction and plays for young readers by established authors.

Anna's World cover

Anna's World
by Wim Coleman and Pat Perrin
It’s the late 1840s. The United States is fighting a bloody war with Mexico. The nation is tainted by the terrible crime of slavery. Fourteen-year-old Anna Coburn is barely aware of these momentous issues.
She only knows is that she hates living with the people called Shakers. Too many rules, too little fun! And yet, Anna's life with them sends her on a sometimes dangerous journey of self-discovery. In the end, she faces a choice as overwhelming as America itself.
Learn more and download free PDF files.

Meet the authors

Payshapes and the Bear

January 2009

English and Spanish texts are set on facing pages.

ChironBooks is proud to publish the first U.S. edition of
Payshapes and the Bear/Péxeps y el Oso
by Lucina Kathmann
Somewhere in Latin America, a man named Payshapes (Péxeps in Spanish) lives in the deep forest. He and his best friend Bear (who is a bear) have many lighthearted adventures with a recurring cast of characters including a few dragons. Written for children, Payshapes and the Bear is a story that appeals to all ages. Unique illustrations by Fabián Nanni.

Lucina Kathmann is a novelist, short story writer, journalist, and essayist in Spanish and English. She is an International Vice President of International PEN. Péxeps y el Oso was originally published in Argentina by Editorial Biblioteca de Textos Universitarios.

Learn more about the book and meet the author.

"Fun, fast-paced adventure teeming with mythology … believable young characters…"
—Lisa L. Owens,
Children's Author/Editor

"Conjures up a tale of righting wrongs and conquering personal fears."
—Richard Keep,
Clatter Bash!

The Red Monocle Series
by Wim Coleman and Pat Perrin
Adventures in myths and legends from around the world —
beginning in early 2009.

The Taker and the Keeper
In the first book of The Red Monocle series, 12-year-old Gregory and his friend Yolanda realize that something is very wrong in their midwestern U.S. hometown. "All the best stories are missing from my favorite book," Yolanda complains. Does that explain why everyone is behaving so badly? The two youngsters encounter monsters, magic, and other challenges when they follow an eerie passageway into another world.
In their struggle against a mighty evil, they make surprising discoveries about themselves.

The death of the good wizard The Death of the Good Wizard
In the second book of the series, Gregory and Yolanda gain allies in their quest to save our world's important stories. But one of their friends is missing and a dragon seems determined to devour them. Even worse, if they succeed in preserving the famous story of King Arthur, the good wizard Merlin must die. This time, the two young heroes have to escape danger in both history and legend.

Two exciting books available now:
Treasure Island
by Robert Lewis Stevenson
retold by Wim Coleman and Pat Perrin for the
graphic novel format (Stone Arch Books)

Winner of the Ben Franklin Award
for Graphic Novels, given by the PMA (Independent Book Publisher's Association)
Buy Treasure Island from Amazon

Treasure Island

The Secret World of Unicorns
by Pat Perrin
In China, if you’re very lucky, you might see the K’i-lin, a unicorn considered to bring great fortune. Mist and Rain Fader unicorns are said to love the waterfalls of South America. And, rumor has it that unicorns have even been glimpsed in New York’s Central Park. In The Secret World of Unicorns, young readers will discover where they live, what they eat (some eat clouds and rainbows!), and how to decipher mysterious unicorn hoof markings. This gorgeously illustrated book features scrapbook pages, postcards, news clips, and treasured mementos. It includes 4 collectible unicorn figurines. (Silver Dolphin Books)
Buy The Secret World of Unicorns from Amazon

TOP

Go to our Plays on Ideas Website