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  THE WEAVER
Chapbooks for Tweens
Author: Kai Strand www.kaistrand.com
Hardcover ISBN: 978-1-61633-121-4; 1616331216
Paperback ISBN: 9781-61633-122-1; 1616331224
eBook ISBN: 978-1-61633-127-6; 1616331275
In a town of word weavers, Mary suffers through her third year of Novice Word Weaving. Mary thinks her troubles are over when she meets a gnome-elf who grants her a wish. But instead of weaving a better story, she's weaving strange yarn charms to accompany her still pathetic tales.
(BOOK EXCERPT)
The Weaver
Chapter 1
A Mother’s Shadow
Given ample sun and water, a flower grows strong and blooms full
But grown in shade it is spindly, weak, and off color
Tucked in a lush valley between two snow-capped mountains was the village of The
Tales. Those who lived in the village were known as Weavers. Each person in The
Tales could tell stories about anything at anytime, and they often did. Prose,
poetry, limericks or yarns; they told stories of all types and styles.
On a balmy spring morning, Mary Wordsmith and her mother, Abigail, made their
weekly visit to the produce market.
Thumping an acorn squash, Abigail said, “At last, here’s one that isn’t going
soft.” She handed the squash to Mary who absently dropped it in the basket on
her arm.
“Mother, must I recite today?” Mary grimaced at the thought.
Abigail placed a bunch of fresh spring carrots in Mary’s basket and offered a
reassuring smile before turning back to the vegetable displays.
“A child once stood at the side of Main Street watching carts and horses pass
her by. On the far side of the street the front window of the candy shop gleamed
and beckoned, and her pocket strained with the weight of coins.”
Mary blinked back tears and shifted behind Abigail, who scooped snap peas into a
brown bag as she wove her story. A knot of shoppers stopped to listen.
“Yet, the child never ventured across the street for fear of the traffic. Her
pocket eventually tore, its contents trampled, kicked and snatched away. And her
tongue never knew the sweet salty taste of fresh pulled taffy.” Abigail placed
the bag of pea pods in the basket and lovingly lifted Mary’s chin. “You can do
it, dear.”
Mary felt sure her mother was oblivious to the appreciative murmurs of the
dispersing crowd.
(continued)
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CHAPBOOKS FOR TWEENS are
6x9 inch. This book is also available as an ebook for
Kindles.
Ms.
Strand has woven a beautiful tale of her own that young readers will
want to read over and over. The vivid descriptions of the town and
the people allow readers to “see” the quaint village and to be
there, with Mary and her family. THE WEAVER would make a perfect
addition to grades 3 - 5 classrooms. After reading the book, the
students could then weave their own tales and illustrate them as
well. What a fun way to develop students’ creative writing skills. I
wish I’d had this book when I was teaching 3rd and 5th grades. And
the cover art by K. C. Snider is just perfect for the little village
of The Tale.
--Beverly Stowe McClure, originally published on
The Story of a Writer
Children’s author, Kai Strand expertly weaves together the art of
storytelling and holding one’s audience captive into a spellbinding
adventure of finding one’s place in the world.--Donna McDine,
originally published on
Write What Inspires You
Kai Strand is a master at storytelling. Her book is very unique in
that adults and children can learn a very valuable lesson. Each one
of us is special and we should strive to celebrate and accept each
other for who we are. I also loved the way Mary’s friend gives her
unrelenting support. We all need friends to support us in the times
of our greatest challenges. --Nicole Weaver, Read more:
http://blogcritics.org/books/article/book-review-the-weaver-by-kai/#ixzz1FZpctWMl
Downright adorable and middle grade readers should be very pleased with it.
I almost wish it was a big storybook with illustrations, because Mary's tale
is just begging for some lovely visual accompaniment.--Tiger Holland,
originally published on
All Consuming Books
Purchasing Guide: Guardian Angel Publishing books are rated for children of all ages (0-12)
This site Copyright 2011 Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
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