A routine morning ride on a school bus plunges fifteen children into a mysterious world in this sparkling debut fantasy for middle grade and young adult readers.

On a seemingly normal day, an old school bus known as the “yellow beast” passes through a blue light in the road and is transported to an empty field in a strange land.  When the bus gets stuck in mud and cellphones don’t work, the driver, Ben, heads off to look for help.

Adjusting to their curious environment, the children begin to experience strange powers: Gabrielle can fly on her skateboard, Annie can freeze time, Emma can warp light, and Ted can make music by waving his hands around.

When Ben fails to return, the kids begin to explore the land, taking trails that appear and disappear, and encountering strange creatures, such as playful clouds, thundering fireballs, talking fish, and bouncing bears. But soon terrifying winged beasts begin hunting them, and the children must flee for their lives.

They become separated, some finding a land of colorful warrior fairies, while others meet an old hermit who has his own strange power.  The children learn their powers are called “gifts”, but with each gift comes a weakness. And, the winged beasts have been sent by an evil ruler, Sidtarr, who seeks to capture the children and use their gifts for himself.

Some of the children head south to the kingdom of a renowned silver cat who may protect them, while others head north toward Sidtar’s realm. Along the way, the kids face inner conflicts from the weaknesses that accompany their gifts and personal hardships they have endured. They find help in unexpected places and undergo trials and dangers as they journey through this mysterious land.

Kingdom of the Silver Cat is a story of friendship, adversity, self-discovery and trust in a magical world. It is the first book in the Sapphire Fruit Chronicles series.