Kingdom of the silver cat
(Book)

On a seemingly normal day, an old school bus known as the "yellow beast" drives through a blue light in the road and is transported to an empty field in a strange land. When the bus gets stuck in mud and cellphones don't work, the driver, Ben, heads off to look for help. Adjusting to their curious environment, the children begin to experience strange powers: Gabrielle can fly on her skateboard, Annie can freeze motion, Emma can warp light, and Ted can make music by waving his hands around. When Ben fails to return, the kids explore the area, taking trails that appear and disappear. They encounter strange creatures, including playful clouds, thundering fireballs, talking fish, and bouncing bears. But when terrifying winged beasts begin hunting them, the children must flee for their lives. They become separated, some finding a land of colorful warrior fairies, while others meet an old hermit who has his own strange power. The children learn their powers are "gifts", but each gift has a weakness. And, the winged beasts have been sent by an evil ruler, Sidtarr, who seeks to use the children's gifts for his own purposes. Some of the children head south to the kingdom of a renowned silver cat who may protect them, while others head north toward Sidtar's realm, facing inner conflicts and personal hardships they journey through this mysterious land.