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The Spirithaven Adventures #1
The Shadow in the Garden
Luna couldn't stand it anymore, so she escaped Grandfather's house and sought refuge in the backyard. And that's where she discovered the mysterious hedge-fence gate... Step with Luna into Spirithaven, a place between places where vibrant emotions become colorful traveling companions, memories are carefully sculpted--and fears grow into daring realities. There, a dreadful gnome strives to fashion Luna's unhappiest moods into a prison, but several extraordinary (or at least extraordinarily peculiar) new friends reveal that such places can often be reshaped with perspective. Sometimes the gloomy, lonely place is truly... ...the shadow in the garden.
49 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
19 people are currently reading
251 people want to read
About the author
Braden McElroy
2 books2 followersWhen Braden McElroy is not writing fantasy for children, he is usually preoccupied with the adult equivalent - developing financial forecasts for his employer in Houston, Texas. Proof resides somewhere in his attic that he earned degrees in agribusiness and Russian language and literature from Oklahoma State University, as well as an MBA from Yale University. In his spare time, he continues to help manage family cotton farming operations near his hometown in Oklahoma. Otherwise, his personal identity has been reduced to "Lisa's husband" and "Mara and Rowan's dad". Also, he is responsible for sifting the kitty litter.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 11, 2019
When done well, children's literature is on a par with some of the finest. I was intrigued by Braden McElroy's story and thought it would be a fun read. I was surprised to find it was so much more...
From the opening I was taken in with its elegant prose. Simple and clean, McElroy's style is sophisticated and yet flows with appealing ease. The story itself is touching, creative and, at times, humorous. As I read it I wondered what age it was written for, as it felt perfectly appropriate for an adult. It seems that great works of children's literature often do translate into good reads for adults.
McElroy's visual language and keen plot devices lead his reader head first into the descriptive world of Spirithaven. What appeals to me most about this story is its philosophical content. I love that it explores certain emotional experiences unavoidable to all of us, even children. "The Shadow in the Garden" dissects and examines psychological elements in a way that the early philosophers did. It made me think of Plato's "Symposium," a fictitious dialogue on love set in an atmosphere of reality. McElroy emulates Plato here in that he creates a fantastical setting in which his characters explore the very real feeling of grief. It's a beautiful way for anyone to view the journey of death, no matter your religion, belief, or faith.
Lastly, I'll mention the dolls. They have to be some of the most entertaining characters to grace the pages of a children's book. I couldn't stop laughing at their schoolyard behavior. "Toy Story" eat your heart out!
From the opening I was taken in with its elegant prose. Simple and clean, McElroy's style is sophisticated and yet flows with appealing ease. The story itself is touching, creative and, at times, humorous. As I read it I wondered what age it was written for, as it felt perfectly appropriate for an adult. It seems that great works of children's literature often do translate into good reads for adults.
McElroy's visual language and keen plot devices lead his reader head first into the descriptive world of Spirithaven. What appeals to me most about this story is its philosophical content. I love that it explores certain emotional experiences unavoidable to all of us, even children. "The Shadow in the Garden" dissects and examines psychological elements in a way that the early philosophers did. It made me think of Plato's "Symposium," a fictitious dialogue on love set in an atmosphere of reality. McElroy emulates Plato here in that he creates a fantastical setting in which his characters explore the very real feeling of grief. It's a beautiful way for anyone to view the journey of death, no matter your religion, belief, or faith.
Lastly, I'll mention the dolls. They have to be some of the most entertaining characters to grace the pages of a children's book. I couldn't stop laughing at their schoolyard behavior. "Toy Story" eat your heart out!
November 1, 2018
Good children's read
Was a good read for children. Fast moving and a tad of education. Sad and happy. I recommend it, quick read.
Was a good read for children. Fast moving and a tad of education. Sad and happy. I recommend it, quick read.
December 8, 2019
Gentle Allegory
Charming and poignant allegory. Could be helpful to children struggling with grief and difficult emotions. It was a brief, enjoyable read.
Charming and poignant allegory. Could be helpful to children struggling with grief and difficult emotions. It was a brief, enjoyable read.
May 19, 2012
Interesting novella with a shade of George Macdonald, but needs to be longer and with more a plot.
Luna is a young girl playing in her back yard with her dog, Tiffy. One day she sees a passage through the hedges maked To the Other Side, and she, Tiffy, and her Grandfather wind up in Spirithaven, a world with a kindly Gardener and a malicious Gnome. What will happen to her?
There's definitely a George Macdonald vibe here. It reminded me especially of Lilith. Very restrained and very metaphysical. Unfortunately the length of the book doesn't let the circumstances grow and develop. You go from short viginette to short viginette and then the book ends. I'm not sure of the word count but its under 40k words at best. It's a shame because it's alovely if a little melancholy.
Really, the length is the only issue I had with it. There's some very nice analogies, including one of the Holy Spirit that is done much better than most books do. Some fine situations and writing too:
Poor Doll Ann can't fight very well because she is soft for hugging. I'd love to see what he could do with a full length novel, or even a picture book, but the length the book is at now makes it tough to give high marks to.
Luna is a young girl playing in her back yard with her dog, Tiffy. One day she sees a passage through the hedges maked To the Other Side, and she, Tiffy, and her Grandfather wind up in Spirithaven, a world with a kindly Gardener and a malicious Gnome. What will happen to her?
There's definitely a George Macdonald vibe here. It reminded me especially of Lilith. Very restrained and very metaphysical. Unfortunately the length of the book doesn't let the circumstances grow and develop. You go from short viginette to short viginette and then the book ends. I'm not sure of the word count but its under 40k words at best. It's a shame because it's alovely if a little melancholy.
Really, the length is the only issue I had with it. There's some very nice analogies, including one of the Holy Spirit that is done much better than most books do. Some fine situations and writing too:
"You don't understand," Doll Ann said miserably. "If you're not a real doll you don't know what it's like. To lose your little girl, I mean. When one day she doesn't pick you up anymore to hug you or to talk to you. They call it growing up, but they should call it growing away."
Poor Doll Ann can't fight very well because she is soft for hugging. I'd love to see what he could do with a full length novel, or even a picture book, but the length the book is at now makes it tough to give high marks to.
May 25, 2012
Luna is having a bad day and escapes to her Grandfathers garden with her stuffed dog Tiffy. While there, she finds and a picket fence opening in the hedge-fence and a creepy gnome. Her Grandfather appears and decides that he would like to accompany her on this adventure. Luna and her Grandfather find themselves in Spirithaven. There they meet Mr. Gardener whom helps them find Tiffy when he gets lost in the hedge-fence. He also helps guide them on their way to the Emotive Arbiter.
There Luna and Grandfather have their emotions measured and are send on separate paths. Luna is deemed Lost and sent to The Nothing. There Luna learns more about herself. After making it through The Nothing, she meets Mr. Carpenter whom shows her a special house for dolls. She meets a special doll and them travels to Memory Lane where she meets Mr. Sculptor.
This is a heartwarming story. Poor Luna is so lost and alone when she begins the adventure. After meeting the different people and the challenges, she learns more about herself and what is going on around her. I like how the different challenges that help Luna to grow up in a sense.
There was only one thing that caught my attention. How old is Luna? I get the feeling that she should be older; maybe around 12 or 13 but at the same time she acts younger, maybe 7 or 8. For some reason I had a hard time with that concept.
Beyond that, I really liked this story. The ending was great and very sad. I recommend this book to everyone, especially those that feel lost or alone.
I received this book for free from the Book Rooster program in exchange for an honest review.
There Luna and Grandfather have their emotions measured and are send on separate paths. Luna is deemed Lost and sent to The Nothing. There Luna learns more about herself. After making it through The Nothing, she meets Mr. Carpenter whom shows her a special house for dolls. She meets a special doll and them travels to Memory Lane where she meets Mr. Sculptor.
This is a heartwarming story. Poor Luna is so lost and alone when she begins the adventure. After meeting the different people and the challenges, she learns more about herself and what is going on around her. I like how the different challenges that help Luna to grow up in a sense.
There was only one thing that caught my attention. How old is Luna? I get the feeling that she should be older; maybe around 12 or 13 but at the same time she acts younger, maybe 7 or 8. For some reason I had a hard time with that concept.
Beyond that, I really liked this story. The ending was great and very sad. I recommend this book to everyone, especially those that feel lost or alone.
I received this book for free from the Book Rooster program in exchange for an honest review.
March 29, 2012
Braden McElroy has a wonderful gift of storytelling. His writing style reminds me a bit of C.S. Lewis, L. Frank Baum, Lewis Carroll and George MacDonald all wrapped up in one - but still with a flair of his own uniqueness, which creates a captivating and enchanting tale. His story is heart-touching and has a wonderful lesson about loss and grief. The main character, Luna is a child who has suffered a loss and is a totally endearing character. She is a very dimensional and someone that every child (as well as adult) will be able to identify and connect with.
Although written as a child's story, this is a tale that all ages will appreciate. Even though it's geared to those that can read chapter books, don't over look it for the younger child. I suggest considering this as read-aloud story for the whole family, as the detail and imagery will captivate all, and Luna's adventure could create some great discussions - especially if you are having a hard time helping a child with dealing with the loss of a loved one.
I loved "The Shadow in the Garden" and look forward to seeing more from Mr. McElroy in the future.
I received a complimentary copy for review. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.
Although written as a child's story, this is a tale that all ages will appreciate. Even though it's geared to those that can read chapter books, don't over look it for the younger child. I suggest considering this as read-aloud story for the whole family, as the detail and imagery will captivate all, and Luna's adventure could create some great discussions - especially if you are having a hard time helping a child with dealing with the loss of a loved one.
I loved "The Shadow in the Garden" and look forward to seeing more from Mr. McElroy in the future.
I received a complimentary copy for review. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.
March 24, 2012
Although it is written for a young reader, I found it helped me also to deal with my feelings of loss. It helped me put some of my feeling into a different perspective. It takes the reader through the different stages of grief after the loss of a loved one in a very imaginative and well written way. You get the chance to explore your own feelings as you read the different chapters and hopefully deal with the feelings also. A young reader would have no trouble understanding what was happening and how to apply it to their own feelings...to understand why they are feeling the way that they are. I would recommend it to any young reader (and maybe a few adults also) who has recently experienced the loss of a loved one
March 28, 2012
I read the book in one sitting - 3hours flat :) This is a story that both adults and kids will enjoy though the focal audience is the young adult. Very creative with analogies that everyone can relate to.
Luna's journey into the mystery land, her tryst with emotions, the struggle between love and loss... if winter comes, can spring be far behind? A journey of sorrow always leads to joy... All the characters in the book - Mr Gardner, Mr. Carpenter, Grandfather... - convey a strong message, they all have a purpose in our life and are there to guide us on the right path. Definitely a must read!
Luna's journey into the mystery land, her tryst with emotions, the struggle between love and loss... if winter comes, can spring be far behind? A journey of sorrow always leads to joy... All the characters in the book - Mr Gardner, Mr. Carpenter, Grandfather... - convey a strong message, they all have a purpose in our life and are there to guide us on the right path. Definitely a must read!
September 23, 2012
The Shadow Garden is an amazing 48 page experience. Children might enjoy it as an adventure. Older readers might consider the trip into Spirithaven as an internal journey toward healing. Many live as though they are existing under a gray cloudless sky when depressed or grieving over events of which they have no control. Luna, her stuffed dog Tiffy, and a very colorful caste of characters including a gardener, a carpenter, and a sculptor allow a young girl to understand why we sometimes need those times of gray to really appreciate the life and color in our world. As adults we often seek the same answers that Luna seeks. How wonderful that a young girl can help us along that path.
March 1, 2015
I picked up this short story for free on Amazon and I am so glad I got the chance to read it. The story is very reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. The allegory for grief is such a refreshing take that I instantly fell in love. This will be an author I will be looking up and I expect I will read all the stories in this series in the future.
A wonderful tale that might just leave you crying in the end.
A wonderful tale that might just leave you crying in the end.
April 12, 2015
Great allegorical story of life and death told from the perspective of a little girl. I feel like I need to discuss and maybe write a paper on this story . . . there is a deeper meaning here and I think I will read it again to pick up on things I may have missed the 1st time around.
'Sanctuary Park is one of the entrances. The rest of Spirithaven begins at the gate on the other side of the courtyard. From there, you can take several paths, but they all lead to Memory Lane. Some are just harder to walk than others.'
I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be reading book 2 in the series.
'Sanctuary Park is one of the entrances. The rest of Spirithaven begins at the gate on the other side of the courtyard. From there, you can take several paths, but they all lead to Memory Lane. Some are just harder to walk than others.'
I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be reading book 2 in the series.
April 26, 2012
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my review. Although it is written for a young reader, this book is a great story about death (never an easy topic). One reader said it all when they wrote that this story "has the feel of an Alice in Wonderland or Never Ending Story adventure at the same time ... has a more spiritual undertone." A few editing errors, but nothing major. Great job Braden McElroy!
August 20, 2014
This is one of those books that startle you with how good they are. A real find. Sensitive, simple storytelling and a masterful handling of issues like grief and injustice. The author is that rare type who can make you cry over a seemingly small incident--like the part where the porcelain doll gets hurt by the other dolls and is healed by the gardener. He reminds me of Rumer Godden and Hans Christian Anderson. Religious undertones are subtle and not overdone.
July 11, 2014
I'm going to start this review the same way as my others. I am not a book critic but I know what I like and what I don't. I liked this story. It is a short story, only 42 pages long. When I started it it reminded me a lot of Alice in Wonderland or Narnia. The little girl travels to another place to help her understand what is going on. It had me in tears by the end of the story.
March 1, 2015
Healing
This allegory is one of the sweetest stories that will help you get through a time of sorrow. Follow Luna's journey through Spirithaven as shell falls into the Deep Depression and climbs her way out to Memory Lane and has many adventures along the way. Reminiscent of C. S. Lewis's Narnia, this tale will help you find a certain peace.
This allegory is one of the sweetest stories that will help you get through a time of sorrow. Follow Luna's journey through Spirithaven as shell falls into the Deep Depression and climbs her way out to Memory Lane and has many adventures along the way. Reminiscent of C. S. Lewis's Narnia, this tale will help you find a certain peace.
November 12, 2012
Pretty good... It was much like Pilgrim's progress.. but much shorter and as well much simpler.
It has much to do with emotions and the way that we deal with them.. as well as the spark of the divine that can enter our lives at times.
It has much to do with emotions and the way that we deal with them.. as well as the spark of the divine that can enter our lives at times.
August 9, 2013
A very nice little story.
September 25, 2013
This book was very sweet. The story was a little predictable, but should be fine for children. I particularly liked the descriptions and handling of depression for young readers
July 20, 2014
Spirithaven
Very well written! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the depth at which it takes you soul along the journey.
Very well written! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the depth at which it takes you soul along the journey.
July 26, 2015
Very good
This is a very good children's fantasy, that has well rounded characters. The plot is easy to follow so younger readers will enjoy this book.
This is a very good children's fantasy, that has well rounded characters. The plot is easy to follow so younger readers will enjoy this book.
February 14, 2016
Boring.
June 25, 2015
It was short, but cute. Read it in about 45-ish minutes give or take.
October 11, 2016
Seemed like a blatant, unengaging re-write of Alice In Wonderland to me.
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May 27, 2017Lovely fable
This is a charming tale about sadness, love (and it's cost) and the immeasurable value of memories. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am looking for a child to read it to. Many thanks to this author.
This is a charming tale about sadness, love (and it's cost) and the immeasurable value of memories. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am looking for a child to read it to. Many thanks to this author.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews