The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom (42 page)

“Oh, sure,” Ripsnard said. “’Cause we know a bunch of guys as tough as yerselves ain’t gonna let an insult like that go unanswered. We’re all eager to see what happens next.”

The princes exchanged glances.

“So are we,” said Liam.

Duncan sat down at the Official League Founding Table, pulled out a sheaf of paper and a quill, and began writing.

Gustav goggled at him in exasperated disbelief. “Where in the world did you get all that—ah, never mind.”

“What are you doing, Duncan?” Frederic asked.

“Writing a book,” Duncan replied. “These good people have given me an idea. Now that I am officially a hero, I believe it’s my responsibility to share my knowledge of heroics with the world—to offer some wisdom and advice to any other young men and women who might find themselves needing to save their kingdoms someday.”

“Some sort of handbook for would-be adventurers?” Frederic asked with a raised eyebrow.

Duncan nodded.

“And you think
you’re
the one to write it?” Gustav asked.

“Oh, I’d be very happy for any input you fellows are willing to give as well,” Duncan replied.

“Duncan, I think all four—or five—of us have a whole lot left to learn when it comes to being a hero,” Liam said.

“So it’ll be a work in progress,” Duncan responded, as he scribbled out the title of his book: PRINCE CHARMING’S GUIDE TO SAVING YOUR KINGDOM.

“Hey, take it from me, you never know what direction life’s going to take you in,” Ella said. “I’d be happy to add my two bits. But call it ‘The Hero’s Guide.’”

“I suppose contributing to a work of literature is much more my speed than storming a witch’s fortress anyway,” Frederic added.

“I think you’re wasting your time,” Gustav said.

The bearded pirate stepped up and slapped a handful of gold pieces down on the table in front of Duncan. “I’ll be wantin’ ten copies as soon as the writin’ of ’em’s been done.”

The princes looked at one another.

“Putting our names on something like that,” Liam said, “it’ll be a lot to live up to.”

Frederic smiled. “So let’s live up to it.”

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

M
uch like the princes, I couldn’t have done it alone. Endless thanks go to Noelle Howey, my secret weapon. I can’t say how lucky I am to be married to one of the best writers and editors alive. I get love, support, and expert literary advice all in one place. I can’t even count how many plot holes, inconsistencies, and awful jokes my readers were spared thanks to Noelle’s keen insight and good taste. We all owe her, really.

I also need to thank my daughter, Bryn, who, in addition to being the inspiration for Lila, also functioned as my test audience and was never afraid to say, “This part could be better, Dad.” Thanks also to her brother, Dashiell, for remaining a solid fan despite his unhappiness with the book’s lack of ninjas.

Gratitude must be expressed to my agents, the always supportive Jill Grinberg, who urged me to go for it when I first mentioned this whole Prince Charming idea, and the incredible Cheryl Pientka, who worked enough magic in getting this book sold to make me feel like I was in a fairy tale myself.

And a heaping helping of encomiums to Walden Pond’s Jordan Brown, who championed this book from the moment he read it and always pushed me to improve it. Working with Jordan has been a crash course in creating middle-grade fiction. And a whole lot of fun, to boot. To have an editor with such boundless enthusiasm and energy—not to mention one who knows his stuff so well—has been an amazing experience.

Last but not least, thanks to everyone who read
Hero’s Guide
in its earlier incarnations and provided priceless feedback: Neil Sklar, Ivan Cohen, Christine Howey, Brad Barton, Evan Narcisse, and Katelyn Detweiler. Every note and comment made a difference.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

CHRISTOPHER HEALY
spent years reviewing children’s books and media online and in print before setting off to write
THE HERO’S GUIDE TO SAVING YOUR KINGDOM
, his first children’s book. He lives with his wife and their two children in New Jersey.

You can find him online at www.christopherhealy.com.

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CREDITS

Cover art © 2012 by Todd Harris

Title lettering by David Coulson

Cover design by Amy Ryan

COPYRIGHT

Walden Pond Press is an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

Walden Pond Press and the skipping stone logo are trademarks and registered trademarks of

Walden Media, LLC.

The Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom

Text copyright © 2012 by Christopher Healy

Illustrations copyright © 2012 by Todd Harris

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