The Magic

The Magic takes its readers on an unforgettable adventure and chronicles the story of a young boy named Paul, who lives in a small town in Montana. When Paul makes some unfortunate decisions and casually uses his "worry rock" for comfort, he awakens an ancient magic. After the rock's creator appears with a warning and guidance, Paul finds himself racing against the clock. For Paul to succeed, he must learn what The Stone wants in the most unique of ways, while enmeshed in the wilderness. Building upon each adventure, the series follows the emergence of an ancient fairy clan that created the worry rock. As Paul overcomes each worry, more of this cursed clan is freed. Threats of revenge against the other fairies leave Paul to use all he has discovered to save everyone.

"The Magic" features short chapters with attention-grabbing content focused on the young reader. This story reaches beyond traditional tools and cleverly weaves real-world scenarios with biology, mythology, and philosophy to establish nature as an ongoing teacher for everyday difficulties. Created to demonstrate ways of being versus a how-to guide, each book focuses on a particular virtue by way of an exemplary animal teacher. Through Paul's struggle and consequent connection with that virtue and animal, the reader is empowered to create their own connection to a virtue, nature, and self. The story's "factual fiction" structure makes it dynamic, appealing to children of all ages, parents, and educators. The adventure is followed by a scientific summary of each animal highlighted in the storyline, as well as questions and points of conversation included for book clubs. Whether for the recreational reader, parent, or teacher, "The Magic" is a truly holistic piece of fiction that promises to be an entertaining and educational experience.

Julie Ann Gandulla is a writer, philosopher, educator, mentor, and passionate lover of the natural world. Through the inspired creation of "The Magic," Julie enjoys sparking reconnection in her readers of all ages: reconnection to life, nature, and themselves.