The Leaf: book reviews
Reviews from amazon, goodreads and other websites
| 5.0 out of 5 stars Book Review: The Leaf, May 30, 2009 "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.
Gina Hendrix
Vessel Project Book Reviewer
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| 5.0 out of 5 stars The Tree of Wisdom, April 28, 2009 This is a novel about a young man's journey into maturity. David listen's to his grandfather Edward share many stories about a place called Bellager. Bellager is known as beautiful land that reaches into the skies above illuminating a heavenly place on earth. David believes these stories to be true and embarks on a journey deep within his soul to find peace. David is a leaf collector and goes on a search to find The Tree of Wisdom his grandfather mentioned in his stories. David's search is a longing for peace. It is a place he was willing risk his life to find. In so doing, he found his soul.
This novel is a depiction of the struggle between good and evil, and the journey into one's soul for inspiration to find what lies within us all. This place is where wisdom is found. Our journey outside of ourselves creates an inner strength that guides us all the way. You will come away feeling good after reading this book. It is a reflection upon what lies deepest within us all. It is a journey into your most authentic self. It is your journey home.
The Path into Healing |