THE TALE OF THE PHANTOM SCHOOL BUS

Minstrel/Pocket, New York, 1996, 1^st pr.  ISBN 0-671-53672-9.  Trade soft cover, 132 pages.  Some edge and cover wear, tight binding, no discernible reading creases; small water mark at upper corner and fore-edge of front wrap.  Prior owner’s name neatly inked on first page along with paw stamp; remainder of interior clean and unmarked; pages tanned/browning.  Glow in the dark front cover.  ‘It’s too late to get off.  “Sorry, son,” says the driver, closing the door.  Why do the kids have such empty, haunted gazes?  “Help us!”  It’s barely a whisper.  They’re looking at him with pleading eyes.  The bus is picking up speed.  Joey’s scared.  “Let me off!” he yells.  But the driver can’t stop.  He’s lost control.  It’s Joey’s last chance as he forces the door open, tumbles to the ground – and sees the bus plummet over the cliff, into the fog. … It must be a dream.  But it’s not.  The next time Joey’s ready for school the bus will be waiting.  Just for him. …’ (from rear wrap)