Tales of the Crib

When everyday mothers discover the extraordinary power within, they must navigate fantastical challenges that test the limits of their strength and ingenuity. Tales of the Crib is the newest part of the T.A.L.E.S. short story collection, bringing readers a summer read all about moms in magical situations. From birth moms to found moms, the stories range from fun and light to a bit darker, but none are connected so readers can dive into whichever tale calls to them. In "Unannounced Guest" by D.C. Gomez and Jamie Dalton, a ghostly child named Maggie seeks refuge in the infinite repository of T.A.L.E.S., where the sentient library hatches a plan to bring Maggie together with a precocious young girl named Cassie, whose supernatural connection may hold the key to protecting the stories within. Meanwhile, in "Haunt and Seek" by A.N. Sage, retired journalist Agatha Caldwell inherits a haunted manor that holds more than just creaky floorboards and lost memories - and she must uncover its dark secrets to keep her family safe. Readers will also discover tales of a mother's desperate measures to protect her son's magical abilities from a power-hungry government in "Always and Forever" by Stephanie B. Whitfield, a found family of witches banding together to keep their enchanted villa in "Five Witches and a Villa" by R.L. Medina, and a brilliant alchemist grappling with her conscience when her research demands unthinkable sacrifices in "Mother of Necessity" by Amy Campbell. Plus, the collection includes the story "Marissa" by Yvette Bostic, about a widow whose guarded world is upended by an unexpected visitor. No matter which stories readers choose, Tales of the Crib promises fantastical adventures that will test the limits of imagination and the power of a mother's love.