The Dyerville Tales by M. P. Kozlowsky, Brian Thompson (Illustrated by)

He's an orphan living in an orphanage and he tells tales to keep his hope alive and entertain the other children.  His hope is dying and he's nearing despair when he gets the notice his grandfather has died.  When he asks to attend the funeral, he's told no!

Waldon Pond Press and Edelweiss allowed me to download and read this book for review (thank you).  It will be published April 22nd.  It's written for ages 8-12.

Vince hopes that his father might be still be alive.  After all, they never found his body.  If he is, surely he would go to his father's funeral, right?  The head of the orphanage says it would take too much money and manpower to get him there and he can't go.  This determined young man doesn't take no for an answer.

With the help of a couple friends, he escapes the orphanage and begins the trip to the funeral.  He has to hide from the orphanage staff, who are determined to capture him and take him home.  This part of the story reminds me of a recurring dream I have.  Folks are searching for me and I'm always hiding, usually not well.  Vince does OK and gets away.

He makes some strange friends along way.  One family takes him in and helps him get ready for the funeral.  While he's waiting to go, he keeps reading his grandfather's journal.  It has to be fantasy.  It talks about witches, giants, magical books, and evil spirits.  Suddenly fact and fiction are intertwining and Vince's quest to find his father might be otherworldly.  He won't know unless he takes the chance...

The story moves well and is interesting and intriguing.  The illustrations feel ethereal and otherworldly.  What do you or don't you see?  What would you be willing to trade to get what you want?  And are you brave enough to do it?

Happy reading.