The Child of Denys
By Nicole Gillette
Genre: Young Adult/Middle Grade Fantasy Fiction
Publication Date: 10/31/2012
Blurb:
When Katie finds a cat hiding in her mother's garden, she has no idea the kinds of adventure that await her.A new kid appears in school at the same time Katie's friends and family begin having nightmares, and she begins to have amazingly vivid dreams. In her dreams this new cat speaks to her, telling of darkness that has invaded the Dream Realm and encouraging her to begin a journey to help save not only the Dream Realm but the real world as well.
Max, the new kid in school, has a dog that seemed to adopt him. Just as the cat had claimed Katie. Max's mom recently died in a car accident and his father had a very difficult time dealing with her death. That left Max alone and without any friends other than his new dog.
Katie, her family and her friends learn that a simple, caring gesture is sometimes all it takes to change the course of the world. Join Katie and Max as they learn the true power of our dreams and the importance of our friendships.
Review:
The Child of Denys has a really cool concept of good versus evil in a fantasy land full of both the cute/cuddly and dark/mysterious. However, it is rooted in the imagination and dream-like qualities in children, more specifically Katie and Max. In the tradition of Doctor Who, these kids have companions in the form of a cat and a dog that seem to come from nowhere but instantly bond with their child and take them on some serious adventures. Being able to save the world seems to be in the cards for Katie and every one seems to believe she is the key to saving their world and her own.
The great thing about this book was the fact that it was grounded. I believed the story that was being told about Katie and how she goes about her tasks. She didn't have super powers or magic, she was simply just a kid. She needed help but that was understandable. The book didn't hide behind this fantastical image of a kid doing things that aren't possible for a kid to do. She worked hard, she was brave and she got the job done, all while maintaining that innocent quality that should accompany a story like this one. It explores a lot of topics that can be tough for even an adult to take in, but the way the author explores things like grief , anger or dark and light in the eyes of a child succeed for me.
That kind of writing is what makes me believe this is one of those books that I would recommend reading with a child. Whether that be your own children, nieces and nephews, friends etc. The Child of Denys would be a great read along story. Something to discuss and interpret with someone else while still reading a fascinating story all together. For that reason and the fact that a children's story kept me entertained throughout I would definitely recommend you buy this book!- My Opinion-Buy it!
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Excerpt:
Back in the classroom, Mrs. Daily had us work on writing. “I’d like you all to try writing a creative story. We will work on the stories for the next few weeks. Today I’d like you to write down some ideas for your stories.” Mrs. Daily explained. “You don’t have to actually write the story, just jot down some ideas and you can begin to weave the ideas together as your story develops.”As I began to write down ideas, I recalled the dream I had the night before. I wrote about the horses, the palace and the book. I also wrote about Dennis, and how she could talk. Next to me, Max was writing as quickly as I was. I could hear his pencil as he scratched words in dark slashes across his paper. I tried to read what he was writing, but his slouching shoulder blocked my view of his paper.Later on the bus, Tasha and I talked about the stories we were writing. I told her about the dream I had the night before, about the cat I had found and about how my dad was making me look for her owner. “Maybe he is right.” Tasha said. “If she is that special of a cat she probably does have someone looking for her.” Frustrated with Tasha, I asked “Didn’t you hear what I was telling you? She TALKS to me. She told me she doesn’t have an owner.” Tasha didn’t believe me.
About the author:
Nicole Gillette (or Nikki to her friends and family) describes herself as a wife, mother, crafter, gardener, chef and whatever else is needed. She stays busy following her two children around to sporting events, creating amazing art pieces, writing, and running her online business "Creating Amidst Chaos". ( http://www.etsy.com/shop/CreatingAmidstChaos)
Growing up in Northern Michigan Nikki learned to appreciate spending time outdoors. She enjoys camping, hiking and fishing and collects memories and mementos on her trips to use in scrapbooks, crafts, art projects and writing. Nothing is off limits to use!
As she began to explore different art techniques her friends and family encouraged her to teach lessons on scrapbooking and mixed media art. As a result she developed a series of written tutorials that are now available in e-book format.
In addition to the crafting tutorials she has written children's books that are engaging and entertaining for children and adults as well. Most of the inspiration for her writing come from the wonder she sees in the eyes of her children as they explore our world.
Nikki ensures us that as a 'Jack-of-all-Trades' you can be sure of only one thing. As time goes by she will develop and change so you can expect her projects and writings to do the same.
Check her out:
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