Deborah Blake Dempsey

The Hoppernots Deborah Blake Dempsey

How do you become a hero when everyone thinks you're trouble? Around Lake Fibian, Max, Cristobel, and Spyder are notorious. Stories of their pranks and troublemaking ways have followed them all of their lives. When they hear the tales about a creature called the Hoppernot, they believe the Elders are making up stories to keep young frogs (okay, mostly them) in line. But when frightened Elders announce a Hoppernot sighting, the trio think they know exactly what to do. With a nose for adventure-and because the Elders are all talk and no hop-they sneak off to find out if the legendary creatures are real and discover Hoppernots not only exist, but they are destroying their home and putting lives at risk. The adventure begins when Max, Cristobel, and Spyder issue a call to action to drive the dangerous creatures away from their beloved home. Along the way, they discover a secret weapon, an unlikely alliance, and they must find a way to make the Elders forget their troublemaking past and trust them enough to follow them into a battle of survival and fight for the lake they call home or risk losing it . . . and their lives. Debut author Deborah Blake Dempsey weaves a fantastical tale for readers still young enough to be enchanted by woodland dwellers and for older readers who secretly believe in the magic and madness of the forest.