The story is about the ancestors of modern-day birds. Subtitled a "Bedtime Story Reader," the author initially wrote it for his then eight-year-old daughter, who asked one day if he would write her a story. Whenever the author finished a chapter he would read it to her before she went to bed. This experience of reading to his older child enriched both their lives, and from that point forward he encouraged friends with older children to continue reading them bedtime stories.

"Far to the east of the great mountains, across the vast savanna, south of the inland sea, at the edge of the ancient forest... there dwelled the last remaining clan of Arkies." So begins the tale of Confuchsia, a strange creature born amid the sole survivors of the Arkie clan. She looks nothing like her kin and is soon banished from the clan and left on her own to discover who she is and hopefully to find others like her. Confuchsia encounters many fascinating and unusual creatures as she travels through the ancient forest in search of her destiny. She eventually meets Braxus, the wise old ruler of the ancient forest, who advises her and tells her to listen to her inner voice. He gives her hope that she may one day find her purpose in life. But Confuschia must overcome much if she is to prevail.

Alan Paul was a magazine editor and writer for more than 30 years, specializing in sports and fitness publications. He is currently retired and lives in northern New Jersey with his wife, Jan. His passions include writing, photography and wrestling with his guitar.