In 1939, after cruel treatment at her orphanage renders her mute, Lucy runs away and joins the circus, working with the elephants and unaware that the orphanage matrons are hunting for her.

Nine-year-old Nicholas Benedict, an orphan afflicted with an unfortunate nose and with narcolepsy, is sent to a new orphanage where he encounters vicious bullies, selfish adults, strange circumstances, and a mystery that could change his life forever.

"... the beady-eyed, green-tongued witch Truda Hangnail spreads evil along her path to succeed Queen Bluebell, enlisting the kingdom's rats and shrinking the good witches of Wadingburn to pave her way to the throne. Luckily, a sweet-natured orphan named Loobly is witness to Truda's evil spells and sets off to fetch help."--Jacket flap. When the quill writes "Go Go Go" frantically on the wall, and the House of the Ancient Crones heaves Gracie Gillypot...