I just
finished reading a delightful children’s book, called Jorie & the Magic
Stones, by Angela (A.H.) Richardson. I was drawn
into the story from the beginning and could hardly put it down.
Nine-year old
Marjorie, who prefers to be called Jorie, comes to live with her spinster Great
Aunt Letitia in Mortimer Manor. Shortly after her arrival she discovers a
mysterious and very old book, The Flying Dragons of
Varadwan. She learns the ancient past of Mortimer Manor and her mother’s
ancestor, Maalog Doonan. She meets a young friend, Rufus, who accompanies
her to Cabtynthius, an amazing world of flying dragons and strange kinds of
people beneath the tarn, deep pond, by her great aunt’s yard.
Interwoven
between the chapters about Jorie and Rufus are the chapters about the dark
world of Shyloxia and Lord Fodomalk, who can transform himself into a menacing
flying dragon. He is intent on capturing the three magical stones Josie and
Rufus are on a quest to locate. Rufus’ tutor, Professor Schrinch, joins
the evil efforts as well.
The momentum
of the story is maintained from beginning to end. Magic Stones deals
with classic themes of friendship and good versus evil while tossing in lots of
adventure and danger. It’s an engaging story for fantasy lovers from
middle elementary through middle school. The youngest readers may be challenged
a bit with some of the vocabulary or the unique spellings of names, but I think
they’ll manage it just fine with a little help. It will be a good
read-aloud choice, too. When readers finish this book, they’ll be eager
to follow Jorie’s adventures in Richardson's two sequels, Jorie and the River
of Fire and Jorie
and the Golden Key.
Author Angela
Richardson is multi-talented, as she writes, paints, sculpts, plays guitar, has
acted on stage, screen and television, and gardens. Originally from
England, she now calls Tennessee home. Her three sons are grown, and she has
three grandchildren.
Drum Rollllllll - - -
Now for the
drawing part of this post. To be eligible for a copy of Jorie and the Magic
Stones, first, "Like" this post. Then leave a comment
telling to whom and for what age you would like to read this book. Finally,
click here and comment Like on my Pinterest pin of this book.
I will draw and announce the winner on Wednesday morning, April 18.
I will draw and announce the winner on Wednesday morning, April 18.
third graders; 8-10 year olds
ReplyDeleteAnonymous, you've won the book, Jory and the Magic Stones. Please reveal yourself to me and give me your address so the book can be mailed to you. (a.little.red.wagon123@gmail.com) Congratulations! I hope you and your 3rd graders will enjoy the book! Jill
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