The Hole in the Sky (Book I in a trilogy)
by: Barbara A. Mahler
Published by: Sea Turtle Publishing
Buy From Amazon.com
Reviewed by Beth Cummings
This is a wonderful new addition to the world of children’s fantasy for the 8-13 age. To start with, it is a lovely book with a beautiful colored front and back cover, a detailed map on the inside cover pages, and tasteful, well-drawn illustrations throughout. It even has satin ribbon bookmarks attached.
The story itself is meant to be the first in a trilogy about red-haired Kaela Neuleaf and her cousin Shawn. In this book, 13-year-old Kaela is struggling with the death of her mother after a long illness. Her father has withdrawn into his own grief and has been emotionally unavailable to her. While looking through some old things that belonged to her mother, Kaela finds a beautiful necklace with a wonderful blue butterfly pendent. It seems almost magical.
The plot does have elements of other children’s fantasy books – a visit from a small, old wise creature that is called a wizen; a magical hole in the closet floor that leads to an alternative world; and of course the conflict between good and evil. But the world on the other side of the “hole in the sky” has its own special cast of characters – tree people who live in and around an ancient limba tree; butterfly women who travel between the worlds to aid with healing with kindness and love; plus kings, queens, and a confused tribe of people called Rugus. Kaela has to learn to overcome her grief and loss and to face her own worst fears in order to help people plagued by a wicked curse.
Barbara Mahler is a practitioner of traditional medicinal healing in her non-author life. She was inspired to write the book to demonstrate the healing power of love and the beauty of the human spirit – based on 20 years of working with the chronically ill and with cancer patients. She succeeds quite well.
I found the book to be a truly enjoyable experience. I’m sure young girls in particular will share my enthusiasm for this book.
Armchair Interviews says: Lovely book in both words and illustrations for older child/middle reader.
Author’s Web site: http://www.TheHoleintheSky.net
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