EDGEWATER, Md. - Nov. 28, 2020 - As we are challenged by another surge of coronavirus cases, it is more important than ever to remember Minnesota Children's Hospital's advice that, "Reading to a child, or together as a family, has never been more critical to strengthen those family bonds and help kids feel loved and secure."
The Little Kobold, a beautiful newly released children's book by Dan Terrell with illustrations by Jane Connolly, is reminiscent of classic fairy tales, perfect for children familiar with the Brothers Grimm and their Disney counterparts.
The book is set in Southern Germany and begins reliably like so many classic stories, and then veers off into its own modern-day tale. A sister and brother, visiting their grandparents' house, wander into the dark, dangerous woods-to discover that kind, loving creatures are looking out for them.
One of them is the Little Kobold named Albrecht. Kobolds are small forest gnomes who secretly help the humans in their valley. He rescues Annika and Martin and brings them to shelter with his family in their magical oak tree home. They are welcomed and protected, but the Green Witch waits outside, and she seems angry!
The Kobolds, along with their animal friends and the Green Witch, a protector of the environment with magical powers, show the children how creatures can live in harmony with nature and one another.
The book is intended for children 5-11 years old.
"The Little Kobold will capture the attention of readers and readers to be, "said educator Marsha Kirby. "It's a great book for adults to enjoy with their young ones."
"The Little Kobold is meant to connect with children on several levels, "said author Dan Terrell. The Green Witch teaches Annika and Martin an important lesson about caring for the environment. The book teaches caring for one another regardless of background. In addition, it highlights a different culture as well as language. Some simple German words are included in the text with translations."
The watercolor illustrations by Jane Connolly depict a highly realized setting and a wide range of human, animal, and mythical characters and emotions. They convey the overall tone of the book marvelously; this is a gentle, kind, and playful fantasy world.
About the Author
Dan Terrell, a career U.S. Foreign Service Officer, has written a trio of novellas for children and adults set in Erzgebirge, the Ore Mountains, of formerly East Germany. They are The Little Kobold (originally published in German in Germany as Albrecht, der Kleine Kobold), The Green Witch, and Mitzy & Blitzy. He has also written On Deep Bachground, a novel of mayhem, murder, music, and romance set in Leipzig during the 2000 Bachfest.
About the Illustrator
Jane Conolly, the author's sister, is a Washington D.C. based artist trained at the Torpedo Factory in Arlington, Virginia. She has worked for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer on movies in England, Ireland, Spain, and Italy.
Hardcover $19.99
76 Pages
ISBN 978-1734859607
Available at: Amazon.com https://www.amazon.com/Little-Kobold-Dan-S-Terrell/dp/1734859601
Barnes& Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-little-kobold-dan-s-terrell/1137454327?ean=9781734859607
For more information, review copies or a media kit contact Biff Barnes of Stories To Tell
info@StoriesToTellBooks.com 888-577-9342
Contact
Biff Barnes
Stories To Tell
info@storiestotellbooks.com
