JOHN STEPHENS (@johnrstephens) spent ten years in television, and was executive producer of Gossip Girls and a writer for Gilmore Girls and The O.C.  He holds an MFA from the University of Virginia and was inspired to write novels for children after reading Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy.

A snowy winter's night. Three small children are chased from their home by the forces of a merciless darkness. Ten years later, Kate, Michael and Emma are no closer to the truth about what separated their family.

The answer lies with an enchanted atlas.

Brimming with action, humor, and emotion, The Emerald Atlas is the first book in The Books of Beginning series & the beginning of a journey that will take Kate, Michael, and Emma to strange, dangerous lands and deep within themselves. It is the story of three children who set out to save their family, and end up having to save the world.

The next book in the series, The Fire Chronicle, hits stores this Fall.

Here's the trailer for The Emerald Atlas:

• Visit the official website and watch more videos!
• Join the discussion on Facebook
• Follow John Stephens (@johnrstephens) on Twitter