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The Sexy & The Undead
Sexy Witches
Charity Parkerson
2014 Bronze Medal
193 Pages
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Romance - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Tania Staley for Readers' Favorite
The Sexy and the Undead is a deliciously sexy new romance novel by Charity Parkerson. Ella is your normal, single young woman trying to make it on her own and longing for companionship during that harsh holiday known as Valentine’s Day. That is, if your definition of normal is a modern-day witch who has charged herself with watching over Freddie, a former stud turned zombie because of his wandering eye and a very jealous and powerful girlfriend. When Ella’s loneliness and desire for companionship of the non-walking-dead variety gets the better of her, she concocts a spell to summon her dream man. In a noxious explosion, her potion backfires, but brings her someone she would never have dreamed of — the kilted and shirtless angel, Samuel, and his sarcastic and flirty companion, the pixie, Tam. Now, not only has her life gotten even more complicated, as she realizes there are realms beyond even her comprehension, but it has gotten a whole lot hotter as she discovers that sometimes dreams — even one you didn’t know you had — do come true.
Charity Parkerson’s novel is a quick, steamy read that I was hesitant to put down. Ella is a fun heroine to follow, and her awkwardness in relationships is something that I think many can relate to. Samuel’s hunky physique and passionate attitude is sure to get readers’ hearts racing. Parkerson’s tongue-in-cheek wit about romance and sex will have you laughing and blushing at the same time. The Sexy and the Undead is quite enjoyable, and I recommend it to anyone looking for a fun and sexy romance novel. I can’t wait to read more from Charity Parkerson and find out what is in store for these characters.
The Sexy and the Undead is a deliciously sexy new romance novel by Charity Parkerson. Ella is your normal, single young woman trying to make it on her own and longing for companionship during that harsh holiday known as Valentine’s Day. That is, if your definition of normal is a modern-day witch who has charged herself with watching over Freddie, a former stud turned zombie because of his wandering eye and a very jealous and powerful girlfriend. When Ella’s loneliness and desire for companionship of the non-walking-dead variety gets the better of her, she concocts a spell to summon her dream man. In a noxious explosion, her potion backfires, but brings her someone she would never have dreamed of — the kilted and shirtless angel, Samuel, and his sarcastic and flirty companion, the pixie, Tam. Now, not only has her life gotten even more complicated, as she realizes there are realms beyond even her comprehension, but it has gotten a whole lot hotter as she discovers that sometimes dreams — even one you didn’t know you had — do come true.
Charity Parkerson’s novel is a quick, steamy read that I was hesitant to put down. Ella is a fun heroine to follow, and her awkwardness in relationships is something that I think many can relate to. Samuel’s hunky physique and passionate attitude is sure to get readers’ hearts racing. Parkerson’s tongue-in-cheek wit about romance and sex will have you laughing and blushing at the same time. The Sexy and the Undead is quite enjoyable, and I recommend it to anyone looking for a fun and sexy romance novel. I can’t wait to read more from Charity Parkerson and find out what is in store for these characters.
Recommend this book:
The Vampire Girl Next Door
Richard Arbib
2014 Finalist
312 Pages
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Romance - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite
Mark Sheridan’s life is taking a strange turn; three curiously related murders had taken place within twenty-four hours of each other, and both murder scenes had happened within close proximity to him. The strangeness only intensifies with the arrival of Sylvia Martin from London, a mysterious pretty girl with weird eyes. She moved in after Mark’s loud and obnoxious neighbor was murdered in his apartment one night. Enchanted by her, Mark could not help but feel truly infatuated with her, ignoring his friends’ advice to be cautious, including a priest’s ominous warning about Sylvia. The Vampire Girl Next Door is a fast-paced, immersive supernatural fiction by Richard Arbib.
Narrated from a first person point-of-view, readers could tell right away that protagonist Mark is an average guy with a busy life schedule – gym, Kung Fu and film classes as well as working thirty hours per week selling advertising for a weekly newspaper. Readers don’t have to wait long for the eerie supernatural scenes to start. Right at the start of the novel Richard Arbib introduces Sylvia, whom Mark’s friend Dave caught staring at him from outside the gym’s window. As he walked home, Mark was attacked by three young thugs but he was saved by someone or something that swiftly killed two of them without being seen. We could already guess who his ‘savior’ was.
Overall, the story’s pace is definitely a fast one, and yet it does not feel rushed at all. The plot is adroitly written and I myself feel drawn to the mysterious Sylvia. This is perhaps the best supernatural fiction that I have read this year.
Mark Sheridan’s life is taking a strange turn; three curiously related murders had taken place within twenty-four hours of each other, and both murder scenes had happened within close proximity to him. The strangeness only intensifies with the arrival of Sylvia Martin from London, a mysterious pretty girl with weird eyes. She moved in after Mark’s loud and obnoxious neighbor was murdered in his apartment one night. Enchanted by her, Mark could not help but feel truly infatuated with her, ignoring his friends’ advice to be cautious, including a priest’s ominous warning about Sylvia. The Vampire Girl Next Door is a fast-paced, immersive supernatural fiction by Richard Arbib.
Narrated from a first person point-of-view, readers could tell right away that protagonist Mark is an average guy with a busy life schedule – gym, Kung Fu and film classes as well as working thirty hours per week selling advertising for a weekly newspaper. Readers don’t have to wait long for the eerie supernatural scenes to start. Right at the start of the novel Richard Arbib introduces Sylvia, whom Mark’s friend Dave caught staring at him from outside the gym’s window. As he walked home, Mark was attacked by three young thugs but he was saved by someone or something that swiftly killed two of them without being seen. We could already guess who his ‘savior’ was.
Overall, the story’s pace is definitely a fast one, and yet it does not feel rushed at all. The plot is adroitly written and I myself feel drawn to the mysterious Sylvia. This is perhaps the best supernatural fiction that I have read this year.
Recommend this book:
The Astrologer's Daughter
Elyse Douglas
2014 Finalist
376 Pages
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Romance - General
Reviewed by Trudi LoPreto for Readers' Favorite
The Astrologer’s Daughter by Elyse Douglas is a sure winner. The story is a romance that is shared by two generations, mother and daughter, father and adopted son. Joanna Halloran loves her isolated beach home in New York. She loves to walk the sandy shore and think about the charts she is preparing for her astrology clients. Life will change forever the day she finds a man floating in the ocean and pulls him out. Robert Harrison is a rich Senator holding on to his crashed plane. Joanna and Robert quickly fall in love and spend fairy tale days at the beach house. Unfortunately, Robert has to return to the real world too soon. His parents, his fiancée, Connie, and the Senate are commitments he just cannot ignore. We then get transported twenty-five years into the future. Maya, who is Joanna’s daughter, and Matt, the adopted son meet and fall in love. Once again circumstances change the lives of all four characters. I was drawn into the story as each must now face their own truths and values, and make new life choices.
Love is the main message that Elyse Douglas has offered us, that between mother and daughter, father and son, and husband and wife. The Astrologer’s Daughter has happiness, sadness, joy, and sorrow blended together to form a beautiful story. I found myself crying and laughing, unable to put the book down until I reached the end. My only hope is that Douglas writes a sequel and we can share in the future life of the Halloran and Harrison families. The Astrologer’s Daughter is a dream come true for all romance readers.
The Astrologer’s Daughter by Elyse Douglas is a sure winner. The story is a romance that is shared by two generations, mother and daughter, father and adopted son. Joanna Halloran loves her isolated beach home in New York. She loves to walk the sandy shore and think about the charts she is preparing for her astrology clients. Life will change forever the day she finds a man floating in the ocean and pulls him out. Robert Harrison is a rich Senator holding on to his crashed plane. Joanna and Robert quickly fall in love and spend fairy tale days at the beach house. Unfortunately, Robert has to return to the real world too soon. His parents, his fiancée, Connie, and the Senate are commitments he just cannot ignore. We then get transported twenty-five years into the future. Maya, who is Joanna’s daughter, and Matt, the adopted son meet and fall in love. Once again circumstances change the lives of all four characters. I was drawn into the story as each must now face their own truths and values, and make new life choices.
Love is the main message that Elyse Douglas has offered us, that between mother and daughter, father and son, and husband and wife. The Astrologer’s Daughter has happiness, sadness, joy, and sorrow blended together to form a beautiful story. I found myself crying and laughing, unable to put the book down until I reached the end. My only hope is that Douglas writes a sequel and we can share in the future life of the Halloran and Harrison families. The Astrologer’s Daughter is a dream come true for all romance readers.
Recommend this book:
Tales of the Dragonfly
In Flight
Tamara Ferguson
2014 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Romance - Suspense
Reviewed by Faridah Nassozi for Readers' Favorite
Crystal Rock chief of police Sam Danielson could not have been happier with the way things were going; he finally had a chance at a life with Penny Wentworth after over twenty years of waiting. He did not even mind taking on her special-needs teenage son as his own. After dropping Penny off at the airport, Sam noticed a car tailing him which turned out to belong to the FBI; they were following him just in case his ex-wife Vanessa, who it turned out was actually still his wife, contacted him. Then all hell broke loose when Vanessa's body was discovered, a few days after her father had been murdered. Sam and his team, together with the FBI, started investigating the murders, and in the process he discovered the dark and sad life Vanessa had lived at the hands of her sickening father and his business partners. And the truth behind the murders was not at all that they had expected.
The Tales of the Dragonfly Series: Book II: In Flight by Tamara Ferguson is a brilliantly written, compelling, and fast-paced story with the sheer ability to completely captivate your mind and draw a real connection with the character. Each page of the novel is filled with drama and adrenaline racing action with characters that are truly believable and a plot that feels real. Tamara Ferguson produced a perfect fusion between the dark and light sides of the plot to create a novel with a flawlessly balanced reading thrill that feels like riding on a roller coaster in a perfect breeze, but at twice the normal speed.
Crystal Rock chief of police Sam Danielson could not have been happier with the way things were going; he finally had a chance at a life with Penny Wentworth after over twenty years of waiting. He did not even mind taking on her special-needs teenage son as his own. After dropping Penny off at the airport, Sam noticed a car tailing him which turned out to belong to the FBI; they were following him just in case his ex-wife Vanessa, who it turned out was actually still his wife, contacted him. Then all hell broke loose when Vanessa's body was discovered, a few days after her father had been murdered. Sam and his team, together with the FBI, started investigating the murders, and in the process he discovered the dark and sad life Vanessa had lived at the hands of her sickening father and his business partners. And the truth behind the murders was not at all that they had expected.
The Tales of the Dragonfly Series: Book II: In Flight by Tamara Ferguson is a brilliantly written, compelling, and fast-paced story with the sheer ability to completely captivate your mind and draw a real connection with the character. Each page of the novel is filled with drama and adrenaline racing action with characters that are truly believable and a plot that feels real. Tamara Ferguson produced a perfect fusion between the dark and light sides of the plot to create a novel with a flawlessly balanced reading thrill that feels like riding on a roller coaster in a perfect breeze, but at twice the normal speed.
Recommend this book:
Eli Arnold and the Keys to Forever
It's About Time
John Carter
2015 Honorable Mention
180 Pages
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Children - Action
Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
Eli Arnold and the Keys to Forever: It's About Time by John Carter is a delightful storybook for children. Eli and his brother, Brady, head to Florida for their summer vacation to have some fun. Eli is unaware of the fact that he is the chosen one to save the world. Eli finds himself amid an old battle between the Order of Disorder and the Keepers. As the story progresses, readers see Eli in many dangerous situations, and his adventurous journey takes readers with Eli, traveling in time as he tries to find his brother and also recover the Keys to Forever before heading home.
Switching between the past and the present, the story is exciting and has just the right doses of adventure and humor to make it an engaging read. The character of Eli is well portrayed and refreshing. He is brave, honest, adventurous and intelligent. The narration is detailed and vivid, making it easy to visualize the scenes and events in the story. The laser guns, UFOs, mind reading, dragons, fair maidens and gryphons make the plot fast paced and also give it a whimsical touch. The book caters to readers of all age groups. Along with the adventure and mystery, the author manages to weave in some humor that adds to the charm of the story. The drawings add to the mystery element of the story. The twists and the turns in the plot are interesting and they keep up the pace and movement of the story.
Eli Arnold and the Keys to Forever: It's About Time by John Carter is a delightful storybook for children. Eli and his brother, Brady, head to Florida for their summer vacation to have some fun. Eli is unaware of the fact that he is the chosen one to save the world. Eli finds himself amid an old battle between the Order of Disorder and the Keepers. As the story progresses, readers see Eli in many dangerous situations, and his adventurous journey takes readers with Eli, traveling in time as he tries to find his brother and also recover the Keys to Forever before heading home.
Switching between the past and the present, the story is exciting and has just the right doses of adventure and humor to make it an engaging read. The character of Eli is well portrayed and refreshing. He is brave, honest, adventurous and intelligent. The narration is detailed and vivid, making it easy to visualize the scenes and events in the story. The laser guns, UFOs, mind reading, dragons, fair maidens and gryphons make the plot fast paced and also give it a whimsical touch. The book caters to readers of all age groups. Along with the adventure and mystery, the author manages to weave in some humor that adds to the charm of the story. The drawings add to the mystery element of the story. The twists and the turns in the plot are interesting and they keep up the pace and movement of the story.
Recommend this book:
The Lost Castle Treasure
Sir Kaye the Boy Knight Book 2:
Don M. Winn
2015 Finalist
184 Pages
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Children - Action
Reviewed by Faridah Nassozi for Readers' Favorite
In The Lost Castle Treasure, Book One by Don M. Winn, young Kaye finally got his wish, and he earned his place in the Knights. However, in earning his place he also earned enemies. Now in Sir Kaye the Boy Knight: Book 2, he was back at the castle, ready to serve the queen, but those enemies would not let him serve in peace. The country was in trouble, they were unable to meet their financial obligations to the neighbouring country, and this was threatening their peace. The late king, before his passing, emptied the treasury and hid all the treasure to protect it. Now the treasure was needed but was nowhere to be found. But the king had left behind a clue and Kaye was determined to use it and find the treasure, even if all other knights had tried and failed. With his two accomplices, the treasure hunt began, but a lot stood in the way, and time was running out.
The Lost Castle Treasure - Sir Kaye the Boy Knight: Book 2 continues with the thrilling adventure of Kaye and his friends and again Don M. Winn delivers a thrilling tale for children that is guaranteed to take them on a one of a kind adventure - a treasure hunt, spooks, clues and secret passages. There is something about the way Don M. Winn starts his stories that gets you hooked right away. The setting, tone and writing style are all just perfect for young minds and the incredible illustrations bring more depth to the story and make it more vivid. The Lost Castle Treasure is a fun and easy way to teach kids about loyalty, trust, perseverance, patience and other important life values. It is a definite five-star children's story and I can't wait to see what awaits the reader in Book 3.
In The Lost Castle Treasure, Book One by Don M. Winn, young Kaye finally got his wish, and he earned his place in the Knights. However, in earning his place he also earned enemies. Now in Sir Kaye the Boy Knight: Book 2, he was back at the castle, ready to serve the queen, but those enemies would not let him serve in peace. The country was in trouble, they were unable to meet their financial obligations to the neighbouring country, and this was threatening their peace. The late king, before his passing, emptied the treasury and hid all the treasure to protect it. Now the treasure was needed but was nowhere to be found. But the king had left behind a clue and Kaye was determined to use it and find the treasure, even if all other knights had tried and failed. With his two accomplices, the treasure hunt began, but a lot stood in the way, and time was running out.
The Lost Castle Treasure - Sir Kaye the Boy Knight: Book 2 continues with the thrilling adventure of Kaye and his friends and again Don M. Winn delivers a thrilling tale for children that is guaranteed to take them on a one of a kind adventure - a treasure hunt, spooks, clues and secret passages. There is something about the way Don M. Winn starts his stories that gets you hooked right away. The setting, tone and writing style are all just perfect for young minds and the incredible illustrations bring more depth to the story and make it more vivid. The Lost Castle Treasure is a fun and easy way to teach kids about loyalty, trust, perseverance, patience and other important life values. It is a definite five-star children's story and I can't wait to see what awaits the reader in Book 3.
Recommend this book:
Lars the Monkey Flies a WACO Airplane
Meaghan Fisher
2015 Silver Medal
26 Pages
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Children - Animals
Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
Lars the Monkey Flies a WACO Airplane by Meaghan Fisher is a cute little story of Lars the monkey. Lars enjoyed his ride in the WACO airplane at WACO Field in Troy, Ohio. His dream is now to fly one of these WACO airplanes all by himself. He loved flying in loops. One Saturday,the pilot does not not turn up to give rides. All the passengers are disappointed that they cannot go on the airplane ride. Lars shouts that he can fly the airplane. But is he able to do it and bring joy to the faces of the waiting passengers?
An endearing story of courage and passion. Lars is someone whom all the readers will love and many of them will be able to identify with his passion for flying. The author has written a story incorporating animals, flying, and the historical WACO club. Children are exposed to many new things at the same time which makes the story more appealing to them. The illustrations are lively and colorful, just like the enthusiasm Lars shows in the story. It is a book that children will enjoy because it has animals and an airplane and the theme is flying.
The book is short and delightful and is a good book to introduce children to reading. It makes a good story for read-aloud sessions in the library and classrooms, and can be read out as a bedtime story, too. Lars, the monkey, will remain in your hearts for a long time with his delightful character.
Lars the Monkey Flies a WACO Airplane by Meaghan Fisher is a cute little story of Lars the monkey. Lars enjoyed his ride in the WACO airplane at WACO Field in Troy, Ohio. His dream is now to fly one of these WACO airplanes all by himself. He loved flying in loops. One Saturday,the pilot does not not turn up to give rides. All the passengers are disappointed that they cannot go on the airplane ride. Lars shouts that he can fly the airplane. But is he able to do it and bring joy to the faces of the waiting passengers?
An endearing story of courage and passion. Lars is someone whom all the readers will love and many of them will be able to identify with his passion for flying. The author has written a story incorporating animals, flying, and the historical WACO club. Children are exposed to many new things at the same time which makes the story more appealing to them. The illustrations are lively and colorful, just like the enthusiasm Lars shows in the story. It is a book that children will enjoy because it has animals and an airplane and the theme is flying.
The book is short and delightful and is a good book to introduce children to reading. It makes a good story for read-aloud sessions in the library and classrooms, and can be read out as a bedtime story, too. Lars, the monkey, will remain in your hearts for a long time with his delightful character.
Recommend this book:
Clive the Clever Crow
Sandra Novello
2015 Finalist
24 Pages
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Children - Animals
Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
Clive the Clever Crow by Sandra Novello is a charming and adorable story for kids. Clive the crow lives near a school. Clive likes all the food that is left out for him to eat. He finds it delicious and yummy. He flies around to see if there are any open lunch boxes around when the school session is going on. And he is really happy that he does not have to dig for worms or search for ants anymore. Clive knows that even if they see him on trees and branches, they will never be able to catch him. As you read along each page, the reader needs to search and find out where Clive the crow is hiding.
The story is really cute and I loved Clive the crow. He will have to go digging for his worms again once the kids finish reading this story because it will remind them to close their lunch boxes. It an ideal book to introduce to kids when they start to read. Grandparents and parents will enjoy reading it out to their grandkids and kids. The book is good for read aloud sessions too in classrooms and children's libraries. The illustrations are beautifully done and they complement the story well. They breathe life into the characters and give pace and movement to the scenes. The letter written by Clive the crow is very clever. The story is simple and clear, making it easy for young readers to comprehend.
Clive the Clever Crow by Sandra Novello is a charming and adorable story for kids. Clive the crow lives near a school. Clive likes all the food that is left out for him to eat. He finds it delicious and yummy. He flies around to see if there are any open lunch boxes around when the school session is going on. And he is really happy that he does not have to dig for worms or search for ants anymore. Clive knows that even if they see him on trees and branches, they will never be able to catch him. As you read along each page, the reader needs to search and find out where Clive the crow is hiding.
The story is really cute and I loved Clive the crow. He will have to go digging for his worms again once the kids finish reading this story because it will remind them to close their lunch boxes. It an ideal book to introduce to kids when they start to read. Grandparents and parents will enjoy reading it out to their grandkids and kids. The book is good for read aloud sessions too in classrooms and children's libraries. The illustrations are beautifully done and they complement the story well. They breathe life into the characters and give pace and movement to the scenes. The letter written by Clive the crow is very clever. The story is simple and clear, making it easy for young readers to comprehend.
Recommend this book:
The Gift of Sunderland
An Australian Fantasy Adventure
J.E. Rogers
2015 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Children - Animals
Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
The Gift of Sunderland: An Australian Fantasy Adventure is an epic fantasy for children and preteens written by J.E. Rogers. This book is a sequel to The Sword of Demelza, but it can be read as a stand-alone novel. Waylond Ayers is a Numbat who lives in the forests of Sunderland with his father, Roland, and his brother, Morland. Waylond has been chosen by Verdigris, the former Guardian of the Forest, to be the next Guardian, but he's not sure whether he is capable enough to assume the role his father had held before him; he's content with being a blacksmith. His brother Morland is furious at being passed over for the honor and is determined to claim the role of Guardian for himself. To do that, he must find the green crystal that fits within the hilt of the Guardian's sword.
J.E. Rogers' epic fantasy for preteens and children, The Gift of Sunderland: An Australian Fantasy Adventure, is exciting and fast-paced. Waylond is a marvelous character, and I could easily see why the Forest chose him to be the next Guardian. The illustrations that are placed throughout the text are intricate and beautifully rendered pencil drawings that give the characters personality and bring them to life. Rogers also includes a glossary filled with pictures and drawings of Australian locations for this story, as well as information on the bilbies, wombats, dibblers, and the other species that appear in this book. I was fascinated by the diversity of the wildlife of this country, and saddened by the statistics of the many endangered animals. The Gift of Sunderland: An Australian Fantasy Adventure is epic fantasy at its finest, and it's most highly recommended.
The Gift of Sunderland: An Australian Fantasy Adventure is an epic fantasy for children and preteens written by J.E. Rogers. This book is a sequel to The Sword of Demelza, but it can be read as a stand-alone novel. Waylond Ayers is a Numbat who lives in the forests of Sunderland with his father, Roland, and his brother, Morland. Waylond has been chosen by Verdigris, the former Guardian of the Forest, to be the next Guardian, but he's not sure whether he is capable enough to assume the role his father had held before him; he's content with being a blacksmith. His brother Morland is furious at being passed over for the honor and is determined to claim the role of Guardian for himself. To do that, he must find the green crystal that fits within the hilt of the Guardian's sword.
J.E. Rogers' epic fantasy for preteens and children, The Gift of Sunderland: An Australian Fantasy Adventure, is exciting and fast-paced. Waylond is a marvelous character, and I could easily see why the Forest chose him to be the next Guardian. The illustrations that are placed throughout the text are intricate and beautifully rendered pencil drawings that give the characters personality and bring them to life. Rogers also includes a glossary filled with pictures and drawings of Australian locations for this story, as well as information on the bilbies, wombats, dibblers, and the other species that appear in this book. I was fascinated by the diversity of the wildlife of this country, and saddened by the statistics of the many endangered animals. The Gift of Sunderland: An Australian Fantasy Adventure is epic fantasy at its finest, and it's most highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Royal Palm
Mrs. D.
2015 Silver Medal
40 Pages
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Children - Concept
Reviewed by Lee Ashford for Readers' Favorite
The Royal Palm by Mrs. D. joins this author’s growing collection of richly illustrated and highly imaginative stories for children. In this latest tale, a beautiful specimen tree has been planted in a special garden, fulfilling her life-long wish to leave behind her small island and move to the mainland. While pondering the circumstances which brought her to that point, the silvery Royal Palm reflects upon the true friends she left behind, who accepted her just as she was in spite of her assumed arrogance toward them. She recalls the hurricane she thought would destroy her, and remembers how the smaller, more common palm trees rallied round her to protect her from the blowing sand, waves and wind. While she expects to be happy in her new life, she comes to the realization that she will always miss her old friends, regardless of how many new friends she may one day have.
The Royal Palm is a wonderful fantasy, told in the flowery language one might expect from an anthropomorphized tree, the wind, and other elements of a tropical paradise. Intended to facilitate the growth of a child’s imagination, this story also comes complete with a valuable life lesson. As they become a part of the story, young readers will learn to appreciate the other people in their lives. They will learn that it is not always wise to prejudge those around them because a day of reckoning may come when those whom they might think poorly of will become the ones on whom the child must depend for help. Although understated, The Royal Palm shouts loud and clear to young readers: “Don’t judge by appearances. It’s what’s inside that counts.” This very well-written tale from Mrs. D. is a must-have, particularly for early/intermediate readers.
The Royal Palm by Mrs. D. joins this author’s growing collection of richly illustrated and highly imaginative stories for children. In this latest tale, a beautiful specimen tree has been planted in a special garden, fulfilling her life-long wish to leave behind her small island and move to the mainland. While pondering the circumstances which brought her to that point, the silvery Royal Palm reflects upon the true friends she left behind, who accepted her just as she was in spite of her assumed arrogance toward them. She recalls the hurricane she thought would destroy her, and remembers how the smaller, more common palm trees rallied round her to protect her from the blowing sand, waves and wind. While she expects to be happy in her new life, she comes to the realization that she will always miss her old friends, regardless of how many new friends she may one day have.
The Royal Palm is a wonderful fantasy, told in the flowery language one might expect from an anthropomorphized tree, the wind, and other elements of a tropical paradise. Intended to facilitate the growth of a child’s imagination, this story also comes complete with a valuable life lesson. As they become a part of the story, young readers will learn to appreciate the other people in their lives. They will learn that it is not always wise to prejudge those around them because a day of reckoning may come when those whom they might think poorly of will become the ones on whom the child must depend for help. Although understated, The Royal Palm shouts loud and clear to young readers: “Don’t judge by appearances. It’s what’s inside that counts.” This very well-written tale from Mrs. D. is a must-have, particularly for early/intermediate readers.
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