Linda Chapman is the best-selling author of more than 200 books. The biggest compliment she can have is for a child to tell her they became a reader after reading one of her books. She lives in a cottage with a tower in Leicestershire with her husband, three children, two dogs, and one pony. When she's not writing, Linda likes to ride, read, and visit schools and libraries to talk to people about writing.Kim Barnes lives near the sea on the Isle of Wight, her childhood home, along with her fiancé and two children. Kim’s love of drawing began at a very young age and has led her to a career in illustration, specializing in children's illustration.

Gr 1-4–Star Friends are back for their 13th adventure. This series features a group of friends who realize they can communicate with animals that have traveled to Earth from the Star World. The animals teach the girls magic that helps them do good in the world. In this story, the girls suspect dark magic is at play when the adults in town start acting strange after a town Fun Run. Can the girls figure out who is behind the dark magic and stop it before things get out of control? Although a bit repetitive, the storylines in this series offer just enough action and danger to keep young readers interested and returning for the adorable magical creatures. Black-and-white illustrations are featured throughout. VERDICT Purchase where the earlier books circulate well. --School Library Journal