Samuel DenHartog's Blog: The Road to 1,440, page 11

Leap onto the Lily Pads in "Nighty Night Frog Tales"

Bouncing from lily pad to lily pad, leaping into the unknown, and exploring hidden wonders, the stories in "Nighty Night Frog Tales" capture the boundless energy and playful spirit of a group of adventurous frogs. Each tale whisks readers away on a new journey, whether it’s Diego’s unexpected rise to heroism with a single flick of his tongue or Skippy’s discovery of the magic within his rainbow-colored eyes. The vibrant world of the pond comes alive, full of friendly creatures and surprising twists at every turn.

Through late-night swims and hidden grotto explorations, the frogs in these stories show that even the simplest activities can turn into extraordinary adventures. Tessa, the wise frog teacher, leads her curious students on a fascinating field trip, while Jeremiah’s discovery of a secret grotto behind a waterfall becomes a serene escape for him and his closest friends. The tales are filled with the joy of discovery and the thrill of taking risks, reminding readers that the best adventures often begin with a single hop.

From the cozy warmth of a campfire under the stars to the whimsical antics of a frog-run fashion show, the stories bring a touch of wonder and a whole lot of fun to bedtime. Whether it’s organizing the first-ever Pond Olympics or setting off on a quest to restore a unicorn’s lost magic, these frogs prove that the pond is full of endless possibilities. "Nighty Night Frog Tales" will captivate young readers and take them on adventures they’ll want to revisit time and again.

Hopping into Adventure with "Nighty Night Rabbit Tales"

Writing this new collection of bedtime stories has been a wonderful experience, as I’ve had the pleasure of creating tales that transport young readers into a world filled with magic, adventure, and playful rabbits. Each story is crafted to ignite the imagination and bring joy to bedtime. From magical mishaps to daring adventures, this book is designed to take children on delightful experiences that they won’t want to end.

In one of the tales, readers will meet Flopsy, a caring rabbit who discovers an abandoned nest of baby birds. Her story is a tender exploration of love and kindness as she learns how to care for her feathered friends. Another story follows Snooze, a dreamy rabbit who finds a magical hammock that takes her into a world of daydreams, where anything is possible. Her adventure is filled with whimsical wonders, perfect for little dreamers.

The stories in this collection are not just about fun and discovery—they also carry heartwarming messages about friendship, bravery, and the magic that can be found in everyday life. Whether it’s William’s wild ride down a big hill in a red wagon or Petal’s creation of the most beautiful flower crown in the meadow, each tale is filled with moments that will resonate with young readers. I’m excited to share these stories with you, and I hope they become a cherished part of your bedtime routine.

Saddle Up for Adventure with "Nighty Night Horse Tales"

Writing this book has been a wonderful journey into the world of horses and their magical adventures. Each story is crafted to take young readers on a unique ride, where they can join brave horses like Blaze, who conquers the tallest mountain to discover what lies beyond, or Star, who chases after a mysterious shooting star and finds an unexpected friend in the night sky. These tales are filled with excitement, wonder, and the kind of imagination that makes bedtime something to look forward to.

One of the tales that I particularly enjoyed creating features Honey, a horse who loves the fall season and helps gather the harvest. She leads her friends on a festive hayride, filled with fun and laughter, turning the simple joys of autumn into a heartwarming celebration. Then there’s Sundance, who embarks on a radiant journey closer to the sun than she ever imagined, meeting firebirds along the way and discovering the beauty of solar winds. It’s an adventure that’s as thrilling as it is heartwarming.

These stories are designed to inspire, entertain, and provide a peaceful close to the day. From the icy peaks of Silver’s snowy escape to the mystical adventures in Midnight’s moonlit ride, the tales in this book offer something for every young reader to enjoy. I hope that these stories bring joy to your bedtime routine and that your child finds as much delight in reading them as I did in writing them.

Meet Giants, Ghosts, and Golden Knights in "Fables from Sweden"

I've always been fascinated by the rich folklore that thrives in all corners of the world, and Sweden's tales have long called to me with their unique blend of magic, humor, and wisdom. While creating my new book, “Fables from Sweden,” I delved deep into the stories that have been passed down through generations—tales of cunning huntsmen, mischievous giants, and brave young heroes who defy the odds. Each story seems to hold its own piece of Sweden’s soul, a reflection of its ancient forests, rugged landscapes, and the enduring spirit of its people.

One of the delightful tales that I uncovered was the story of a young shepherd who stands toe to toe with Stompe Pilt, a giant who thinks himself unbeatable. Rather than relying on brute strength, the shepherd uses his quick wit and cleverness to outmatch the giant, hurling insults that sting like arrows and sending the mighty creature fleeing back into his hill. And then there’s the story of the prince who dons armor forged from silver and gold, riding up a glass mountain to prove his worth, each attempt more dazzling than the last until he finally captures the heart of a princess. The way these stories blend whimsy with courage brings a fresh perspective to the timeless battle between cleverness and might.

But it’s not all about grand quests and battles. Some stories unfold in quieter places—like a humble inn where Lady Margaretta, with her unwavering courage and clear mind, confronts a ghost demanding justice for his own murder. Then there’s the story of a huntsman named Lars who gains the unnatural power of unerring aim, only to find that his skills come with a terrible price—a solitude that grows deeper with each passing day. Each tale is a reflection of human nature in its many shades, exploring how our choices, for better or worse, shape our lives in unexpected ways.

What I’ve loved most about writing this collection is the chance to breathe new life into these tales, imagining new dialogues, fresh details, and unexpected twists. I’ve tried to capture the original spirit of the stories while also making them accessible and engaging for today's readers. There’s a magic in these Swedish fables that speaks to something universal in us all—the courage to face the unknown, the ingenuity to outsmart the powerful, and the hope that no matter how dark the forest, there is always a way through

Unveiling Mystical Creatures and Heroes in "Fables from Korea"

As I prepared to write "Fables from Korea," I was drawn to the enchanting world of Korean fairy tales, where the mundane and the magical are intricately intertwined. Each tale offers a different window into this captivating realm — from the mischievous sprite who delights in pranks yet reveals unexpected moments of kindness, to the brave woodcutter who finds himself caught between earthly love and the call of the heavens. The stories are rich with lessons, whether they come from creatures as mysterious as the Tokgabi or from simple village folk who navigate life's joys and sorrows with wit and courage.

What struck me most was the deep humanity present in each story. Even in tales filled with supernatural elements, like that of the mighty tiger tricked by his own reflection or the dragon kings of the sea searching for cures in unexpected places, there are always elements of the human condition that shine through — themes of love, loss, cleverness, and the eternal struggle to do what is right. I have taken great care in crafting these stories to retain their original charm while adding modern details and descriptions that make them accessible to readers today.

In writing these tales, I’ve also aimed to highlight the vibrancy of Korean culture. The fables explore not just the fantastical elements but also the everyday life of the people who passed down these stories over generations. Whether it’s the story of a humble frog trying to honor his mother’s wishes or the dramatic journey of a young archer crossing rivers on the backs of fish, there’s a sense of place and heritage that brings each tale to life. The landscape itself often plays a vital role, whether it’s a majestic mountain, a hidden river, or a cozy village kitchen bustling with life.

I hope that these retellings bring readers as much joy and wonder as they have brought me in the process of writing them. "Fables from Korea" is an invitation to experience a rich tapestry of folklore that has shaped the imagination of Korean people for centuries. Whether you're new to these tales or revisiting them with fresh eyes, I trust you'll find them both entertaining and thought-provoking, a celebration of storytelling that transcends time and place.

Meet the Brave, the Cunning, and the Magical in "Fables from Scotland"

I’m excited to share that my newest book, "Fables from Scotland," is finally here! This collection of stories dives deep into the rich and mysterious folklore of Scotland, bringing together tales of ancient prophecies, enchanted creatures, and the timeless struggle between fate and free will. You’ll journey through the mist-covered moors, enchanted forests, and mysterious lochs, encountering unforgettable characters who embody the spirit of Scotland.

Within these pages, you'll find the tale of Thomas the Rhymer, a poet ensnared in the realm of the Fairy Queen, gifted with a truth that brings both fortune and hardship, revealing how even the boldest are at the mercy of otherworldly forces. You'll also encounter the haunting story of the Banshee and Fergus More, where a warrior returning from war meets a prophecy of death sung by a spirit in a dark pool, a chilling reflection on fate and destiny. Another fable follows a young hunter who dares to ride the fearsome Water-Horse, a creature emerging from moonless lochs, only to discover the perilous price of entering a realm that defies human understanding.

Among the many tales, you’ll find the gripping adventure of a young girl who outsmarts the Kelpie of Loch Ness, a mythical water horse known for its dark, alluring beauty and treacherous intentions. With quick thinking and courage, she manages to bridle the beast, compelling it to serve her rather than lure her to a watery fate. Another story brings to life the legend of the Elfin Knight, who haunts a lonely moor, appearing only once in seven years. Only the bravest dare to venture into his realm, where cleverness and faith are the only weapons against his enchantments.

"Fables from Scotland" offers a journey into a world where the boundaries between the mortal and the mystical are ever-shifting, and where every tale holds a lesson woven from the fabric of the land itself. I invite you to join me in exploring these ancient stories brought to life once more, tales with a touch of magic meant for fireside readings and deep reflection. I hope these stories inspire you as much as they did me when I wrote them.

Explore the Natural and Spirit Realms in "Fables from Blackfeet"

I'm excited to announce the release of my new book, "Fables from Blackfeet." This collection of stories opens a window to the world of the Blackfeet people, where the forces of nature and the spirit realm are intertwined, and each tale holds a lesson or a mystery waiting to be unraveled. The book brings to life the ancient fables passed down through generations, tales that still resonate with the power and wisdom of the past.

Among these fables, you will encounter the thunder that does more than roar—it takes what it desires, stealing a woman away and forcing a brave husband to confront Thunder himself in a quest to bring her back. You’ll meet the Raven Chief, who offers his own dark wings as a shield to those daring enough to confront the unknown. His mysterious medicine helps a desperate man journey to the lodge of Thunder to reclaim what was taken, a feat that no mortal has accomplished before. In other tales, you’ll follow a grieving father who dares to venture into the land of the dead, guided by strange dreams and mysterious old women, determined to bring back his wife from the ghostly realm. You will feel the weight of his choices as he navigates a world where one wrong move could mean his death and the loss of his wife forever.

You'll also step into the world of a hunter who sets out on a path no man should walk, encountering a ravenous spirit whose desire for revenge knows no bounds. He learns that no distance is far enough to escape a ghost that clings to life even after death. The campfire burns low as he discovers that some spirits cannot be tamed by courage alone. In another story, you’ll learn the legend of the buffalo stone, a sacred object that grants power to those who possess it. When a starving woman finds the stone, it sings to her and offers a promise of salvation for her people. Through songs and rituals taught by the stone, she brings back the buffalo, breathing life into the land once more.

And then, you’ll read of a band of Blackfeet warriors who stumble upon the mysterious traces of their ancestors. As they follow the path into the unknown, they come face to face with things best left unseen—ghostly camps where past and present blur, and the dead speak through strange signs and hidden medicine. These stories offer glimpses into a world where spirits roam freely and the line between life and death is thin. The fables in this book are lessons in courage, love, and the strength to face what cannot be seen or fully understood. Each story is woven with a sense of wonder, drawing you into a realm where the ordinary meets the extraordinary, and the living share their world with the spirits of those who came before.

Journey Through Enchanted Forests in "Fables from Russia"

I’m delighted to announce that my newest book, "Fables from Russia," has arrived! This collection immerses you in the enchanting world of Russian folklore, where every tale carries a hidden secret, each character conceals a twist, and magic thrives in the most unexpected places. As I explored these stories, I found myself captivated by a realm where a seemingly ordinary act can unfold into a grand adventure, where the mundane meets the mystical, and where the forces of fate are always at play.

What sets these stories apart is their endless ability to astonish and delight and the surprising encounters they hold. In one tale, a humble Cossack finds himself resting by a quiet lake, only to discover that his casual carelessness sets a haystack ablaze. From the flames, a mysterious maiden appears, pleading for his help. He rescues her with nothing but a pike in his hand, only to learn that she is a bewitched princess cursed by Koshchéy the Deathless. And so begins his quest through the mysterious Kingdom of Tin, where magic is woven into every corner of the castle walls.

In a different story, a brave youth named Petrúsha finds himself face-to-face with the Devil himself, a deal offered and a challenge laid before him. Guided by a stolen maiden, he navigates a dark and treacherous underworld, outsmarting the forces of darkness to bring light back to his village. In another tale, a Tsar's wife, disguised as a humble harpist, journeys to a distant kingdom to rescue her imprisoned husband from an evil ruler. Armed only with her wit and her music, she gains entry to the fortress, cleverly securing his release before vanishing into the night.

From the eerie cottage of Baba Yaga perched on chicken legs, surrounded by poles topped with glowing skulls, to the cunning tricks of a peasant who manages to turn every misfortune to his advantage, these stories brim with wonder and wisdom. They delve into themes of courage, trickery, love, and the eternal battle between good and evil. Each narrative takes you deeper into a world where the impossible is always within reach and where the heart's deepest desires might just come true—if only one is brave enough to seek them.

The book stays true to the essence of these timeless stories while bringing them to life for a modern audience. Each tale is an invitation to step into a world where magic exists in every corner, where heroes and villains are not always who they seem, and where the unexpected awaits with every turn of the page. I hope these stories inspire you, surprise you, and leave you filled with wonder. Come, turn the page, and embark on a journey through a land where imagination knows no bounds.

Discover My Greatest Works Yet: Two Magical Tales of Coal Mountain

After writing over 100 books, I find myself reflecting on two that I believe stand out as my finest achievements yet. For those who have followed my work, you'll know this is not a claim I make lightly. I believe this is the first or, at most, second time I've ever made such a statement about any of my books.

The first of these is “Goblins of Coal Mountain”, a novel deeply inspired by “The Princess and the Goblin” by George MacDonald. While I like to think this might be one of my best works, much of the credit belongs to MacDonald; it is, after all, his timeless story that I've reimagined in a new setting—the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia. With all my love of reading, I confess that I hadn’t read “The Princess and the Goblin” as a child or prior to this, so discovering it while crafting this book was a revelation and a true delight.

The success and satisfaction I found in creating “Goblins of Coal Mountain” compelled me to expand upon the story's universe. In MacDonald's original tale, the young girl Princess Irene becomes a young girl named Sarah in my adaptation, but I decided to delve deeper into her lineage. George MacDonald did write a sequel, “The Princess and Curdie,” which I have yet to read, but he left many questions unanswered—chief among them how Irene's great-great-grandmother became a fairy.

My second book in this series, “Magic of Coal Mountain,” fills these gaps. It traces the roots of Sarah's great-great-grandmother, also named Sarah, who was born after her parents from England arrived to settle in the Virginia Colony. This book spans the entirety of her life, exploring her journey, her love, and, ultimately, her transformation into a fairy. Along the way, the story is rich with fairy lore, bandits, a mysterious witch, a giant, and a dwarf, woven seamlessly with the everyday life of sheep herding, coal mining, and the dramatic backdrop of the Revolutionary War.

I genuinely believe that these two books, my 104th and 105th, represent the pinnacle of my writing career so far. I know my extensive bibliography can be a lot to keep up with, but if you’re considering diving into my works, I wholeheartedly recommend starting with these two. While very different, they capture the magic, mystery, and depth that I strive to bring to all my stories.

Looking ahead, I plan to continue this series with two more books, following Sarah and Jamie’s adventures after the events of “Goblins of Coal Mountain”. But don't let that stop you from diving into these two books now; each one stands alone as an engaging and complete story with its own magic and mysteries to explore.

While they are my two favorites to date, it is hard to judge your own work. I eagerly await your feedback—your thoughts here on Goodreads or your ratings and reviews on Amazon—to tell me if you, my readers, share my belief in these books as my best.

Coal Mountain (2 book series) Kindle Edition (amazon.com)

Unlock the Secrets of the Appalachian Wilderness in "Magic of Coal Mountain"

I'm thrilled to introduce you to my latest book, "Magic of Coal Mountain." Set generations before the events of “Goblins of Coal Mountain,” this new tale brings you to the heart of the untamed Appalachian wilderness, where magic weaves through the air and ancient secrets lie hidden just beyond sight.

In “Magic of Coal Mountain,” you’ll meet Edmund Haywood and his wife Eliza, a young couple from England who brave the rugged slopes of Coal Mountain to carve out a new life for themselves. With their flock of sheep and dreams of freedom, they prepare to battle the elements, discovering that this land is alive with mysteries they never imagined. As they build their homestead, their young daughter Sarah is drawn to the enchantment around her. With her heart full of wonder and curiosity, she ventures deeper into the mountain’s secrets, uncovering a hidden realm of ancient spirits and fairies watching over the land.

This is a story of courage, discovery, and the untamed magic of Coal Mountain, where every rock, tree, and whispered breeze holds a piece of its legacy. As the Haywood family learns to embrace both the beauty and danger of their new home, they uncover an ancient power that will shape their family’s destiny for future generations.

Join Edmund, Eliza, and Sarah on their adventure, where courage and belief unlock doors to a hidden world, and the mysteries of Coal Mountain are waiting to be discovered. I hope you enjoy this journey as much as I did writing it and it inspires you to see the magic in the world around you!