Childhood's not easy, at least not for the kids in this new five-story collection from award-winning writer Annie Reed.In "Uncle Charlie's Toy Store," a trip to a local toy store turns deadly serious for a boy out to buy his very first G.I. Joe. A time-traveler stuck in the wrong time tries to protect his granddaughter from a future war in "Harley and the Alien." The kids in "Firebug" have too much time on their hands and a brand new game they're dying to try. A lonely boy tries to make a new friend in a world overrun by the undead in "Jessie." And in "Missy and the Man," a little girl gets more than she bargained for when all she wants is to see her neighbor's new kittens."I've been a fan of Annie Reed's short stories for a long time." –Marcelle Dube, author of THE SHOELESS KID"The appearance of a new Annie Reed story is a treat. Try one and you'll be hooked." — Dave Hendrickson, author of CRACKING THE ICE"A friend recommended the works of Annie Reed. I was not disappointed. In fact, if her other shorts are as good as this one, I plan to read many more." — Carol Davis Luce, author of NIGHT GAME