Author: JaiLeen Shepherd Illustrator: Anna Finkel Publisher:Tic Toc Productions ISBN: 1-889743-54-2 No. of Pages: 52 Index: No Table of Contents: No Binding: Soft cover/Perfect
bound Volume Discounts: Yes, call to inquire Shipping Time: 2-5 Days
The author has made key revisions. The main one being the addition of
illustrations to make the story become more real for readers. The
illustrator captures the experiences of this very special horse. And just as
with the original, the vocabulary glossary is included with this 1st book of
the trilogy as with the two other books. This feature helps teach children
words without really "teaching."
This book is for all children, young and old, who feel or may have felt they do
not quite "fit." What is their purpose? Why are they "different" from the
others? Lea, a very special horse, learns that she is different as we all are. And
she learns to appreciate her difference and see just how much she can offer to
others.
In this day when many children are experiencing many challenges about
self-identity, unfortunately, moreso at earlier ages, Lea's Song is a book that so
beautifully tells their story and how they can positively direct these
challenges. With supportive parents, Lea does; parents and teachers will find this book
will provide them the support to give to their children.
This book is, especially, for the ten to fourteen year-olds. It is at this stage of pre-teen and early teen life, that many are most confused about identity or how to establish themselves. This book is for the youngster who feels s/he must be a bully to be heard or recognized. This work is for the youngster who receives the brunt of a bully's teasing. Lea's Song is for any child who needs to recognize her or his path through life.
This book should serve as an excellent source for home schools, private, or parochial school environments. Since there are no illustrations and its story is through the metaphor of a horse's experiences, Lea's Song transcends all genders and ethnic groups.
Lea is the first horse born with hooves into a herd of prehistoric horses-miniatures with soft toes. She has a multi-colored coat, unlike any member of the herd, and is not accepted because she looks different.
The story is her life's journey, venturing into The Forest where no horse of
The Meadow has ever gone before. She carries the love and strength taught by
her
parents into each challenge she faces, the ultimate one of meeting Star, The
Leader of The Gang. Lea becomes a legend; a strange little being who was brave
enough to leave a path of Love, Light and Laughter for others to follow. Lea
grows a spectacular horn; each time she helps someone, it grows a new knob.
Reviews
"Author JaiLeen Shepherd is a rare entity--a born storyteller...Shepherd's first book, LEA'S SONG: THE LIFE OF A SPECIAL LITTLE HORSE, is an exquisite mini-saga for children of all ages. Her heroine, a wee and gentle horse, named Lea is ostracized by her peers because of her looks. Bravely seeking friendships beyond the known world of The Meadow, she forages along into The Forest where she continues to follow the voice within her, which defines her path and teaches life lessons...Shepherd's story is so charming it appears to evoke the style of Antoine St. Exupery's brilliant THE LITTLE PRINCE. This reader look forward to reviewing Shepherd's sequel, ANAN."
--Patrice Tippee
Rapid River Art Magazine
North Carolina
