New York: HarperTempest ( Harper Collins), (2005). SIGNED hardcover first edition - The author's first fantasy novel for young adults. "From the hypnotic mask on the cover to its perfect fairy-tale ending, this astonishing fantasy compels readers onward. . . The story begins when a witch finds a baby so ugly that the note with it reads, "the devil's child for the devil's wife." The witch has no business with a child, but she fancies it, so she gets a bear to be its nanny and a hideous djinni to tutor it. Gruber cleverly weaves elements from familiar fairy tales into a saga that moves across forest, earth, and sea. But even more astute is his portrayal of the characters, especially Lump and his mother, who, locked in their own selfishness, must fight through disappointment, hatred, and anger to find forgiving love. This can be read at several levels, but those who plumb the deepest will reap the greatest reward." (Booklist) SIGNED on the title page. 377 pp. ISBN: 0-060761644.