“Kozlowsky deftly intertwines imagination and adventure with sobering realities; while the story arc itself engrosses and the grandfather’s fairytale-like quest enchants, he underpins the novel with an unceasing melancholy that remembers the human heart, its pain, and its need for hope.” - Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review)
“In a story at once harrowing and touching, Kozlowsky enlivens the narrative with a deft hand, melding imagery that recalls the work of Neil Gaiman, Lemony Snicket, and Hans Christian Andersen. . . . This compelling read promises to draw reluctant and avid readers alike.” - ALA Booklist, about Juniper Berry
“The quirky plot (who knew brightly colored balloons could represent such dire consequences?) is nicely accented with a slightly out-of-time feel. . . . Kozlowsky wisely builds toward a rich and complex climax worth these often-splendid characters. - Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, about Juniper Berry
Description
"If you enjoyed the travels and adventure in The Hobbit, you'll love the action-packed pages of The Dyerville Tales" (Brightly.com).
The Dyerville Tales is a powerfully imaginative middle grade novel that blurs the line between fairy tale and reality.
Vince Elgin is an orphan, having lost his mother and father in a fire when he was young. With only a senile grandfather he barely knows to call family, Vince was interned in a group home, dreaming that his father, whose body was never found, might one day return for him.
When a letter arrives, telling Vince his grandfather has passed away, he is convinced that if his father is still alive, he'll find him at the funeral. He strikes out for the small town of Dyerville, carrying only one thing with him: his grandfather's journal.
The journal tells a fantastical story of witches and giants and magic, one that can't be true. But as Vince reads on, he finds that his very real adventure may have more in common with his grandfather's than he ever could have known.
- Perfect for Halloween reading
- A charming cozy seasonal pick
Genres
Pages336
Released2014
LanguageEnglish
PublisherHarperCollins
ISBN9780062312648
SellerHarperCollins
About the author(s)
M. P. Kozlowsky is the author of Juniper Berry. A former schoolteacher, he lives in New York with his wife and two daughters.
Brian Thompson is an art director, concept designer, and illustrator. He is the co-creator and art director of the critically acclaimed mobile adventure game FETCH as well as the Drawn adventure game series. Brian illustrated the covers of the popular trilogy The Otherworld Chronicles by Nils Johnson-Shelton. The Dyerville Tales is the first book featuring his interior illustrations as well as cover art. Brian lives and works in Seattle with his wife and their two children.
