“As part of the Bona Fide tradition, it was customary for children to exchange bookmarks as their Christmas gifts to one another. Reading was a way of life in Bellager. Each bookmark given was to remain in one book as it’s companion and protector, preventing a reader from committing the terrible act of folding pages.” - from “The Leaf“, by Jo_Ann Rodriguez
A joy to read, this book was filled with imagination, wonder, and innocence. A perfect book to read to your child at bedtime or story time.
The setting is the land of Bellager; Bella the Spanish word for beautiful and ager, the Latin word for land. It is the home of rare trees, unexpected places, and hidden secrets. Leaf collecting was a tradition in this land of unique trees.
The story focuses on young David Earl, an inquisitive dreamer who dared to take his grandfathers ’stories’ as true even though all others believed them to be fables.
His journey’s takes him through many adventures both great and small, good and evil. Along the way, David meets elves, and fairies, and Kings, and Princes on his way to the Great Tree of Wisdom from which he hopes to gain the Leaf that would restore peace to the land of Bellager.
Imaginations are sparked in this children/young adult novel. Jo-Ann Rodriguez has captured her daydreams and recorded them for telling or reading. I especially like emphasis and high importance of lifelong reading, a valuable instruction for children.
I enjoy this book. As I write this review, I can imagine the faces of children as their mother or father reads this story to them or as they read it for themselves.
A very inspiring children/young adult novel, recommended highly.
- Paperback: 152 pages
- Publisher: AuthorHouse (March 25, 2009)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1438941242
- ISBN-13: 978-1438941240
