The Epic of Gabriel and Jibreel

by Marin .

The Epic of Gabriel and Jibreel is a cautionary tale of the ultimate friendship. It is a heartbreaking story of two boys, a refugee, and a child from a wealthy suburb. Gabriel lives with his father in a large house surrounded by other large houses. One day, while exploring the beach, Gabriel meets Jibreel. Jibreel lives with his father in the upside-down boat that brought them across the sea. With similar stories of devastating loss, yet joyful dreams and a love for flying, the boys form an incredible and indestructible friendship. This is a heartbreaking story – a children’s picture book with a powerful message that is worth hearing.

Genres: Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

Published November 10, 2020

About the author

His name is Marin. He marinates his children's picture books in a creative concoction brewed on the very beach of the Atlantic Ocean.
Marin writes and illustrates the stories. He designs the covers, arranges the layout, and publishes the books. If his protagonists require it, he creates new fonts for some titles to make them complete art pieces.
His food-for-thought creations contain only natural emotional ingredients, and they cover well the wide spectrum of human feelings. His stories are conversation-starters and perfect for a balanced brain diet.
WARNING: Marin's books tend to inspire young readers!


ISBN and ASIN numbers of Marin's books:

THE ADVENTURE OF ALEX AND ER
ISBN hardcover: 978-1-989661-35-2
ISBN paperback: 978-0-9809748-3-6
ISBN electronic: 978-0-9809748-1-2
ISBN audio: 978-0-9809748-2-9
ASIN: B08NWNBYTZ

THE JOURNEY OF YUAN AND KIAN
ISBN hardcover: 978-1-989661-37-6
ISBN paperback: 978-0-9809748-4-3
ISBN electronic: 978-0-9809748-5-0
ISBN audio: 978-0-9809748-6-7
ASIN: B08NWPJPL9

THE TALE OF WAS AND DAS
ISBN hardcover: 978-1-989661-38-3
ISBN paperback: 978-0-9809748-7-4
ISBN electronic: 978-0-9809748-8-1
ISBN audio: 978-0-9809748-9-8
ASIN: B08NWPWQ1Z

THE EPIC OF GABRIEL AND JIBREEL
ISBN hardcover: 978-1-989661-39-0
ISBN print: 978-1-7753787-2-3
ISBN electronic: 978-1-7753787-4-7
ISBN audio: 978-1-7753787-3-0
ASIN: B08NWTHGJR

'TWAS THE NIGHT
ISBN hardcover: 978-1-989661-40-6
ISBN paperback: 978-1-7753787-9-2
ISBN electronic: 978-1-989661-16-1
ASIN: B08NWQP9CV

OAKY
ISBN hardcover: 978-1-989661-42-0
ISBN paperback: 978-1-7753787-1-6
ISBN electronic: 978-0-9809748-0-5
ISBN audio: 978-1-7753787-0-9
ASIN: B08NWPQFDR

WEENY MEENY'S HALLOWEEN
ISBN hardcover: 978-1-989661-41-3
ISBN paperback: 978-1-989661-00-0
ISBN electronic: 978-1-989661-01-7
ISBN audio: 978-1-989661-02-4
ASIN: B08NWTML1P

THE STORY OF BEN AND BUTTON
ISBN softcover: 978-1-7753787-6-1
ISBN electronic: 978-1-7753787-8-5
ISBN audio: 978-1-7753787-7-8
ASIN: B08NWRPXQ9

NADIA'S SHOES
ISBN hardcover: 978-1-989661-44-4
ISBN paperback: 978-1-989661-23-9
ISBN electronic: 978-1-989661-22-2
ISBN audio: 978-1-989661-17-8
ASIN: B0B6D582KH

LEO THE LION
ISBN hardcover: 978-1-989661-18-5
ISBN paperback: 978-1-989661-43-7
ISBN electronic: 978-1-989661-20-8
ISBN audio: 978-1-989661-19-2
ASIN: B09GKSD788

THE SMILE
ISBN hardcover: 978-1-989661-36-9
ISBN paperback: 978-1-989661-24-6
ISBN electronic: 978-1-989661-26-0
ISBN audio: 978-1-989661-25-3
ASIN: B0B1VYPCFW

ART
ISBN hardcover: 978-1-989661-21-5
ISBN paperback: 978-1-989661-34-5
ISBN electronic: 978-1-989661-27-7
ASIN: B0CLVNCMH9

BEMBE'S HEART
ISBN hardcover: 978-1-989661-31-4
ISBN paperback: 978-1-989661-30-7
ISBN electronic: 978-1-989661-28-4
ISBN audio: 978-1-989661-29-1 (in production)
ASIN: B0CZK3BN9F

Reviews

[Stace · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com

Gabriel is from a well-off family, he lives in a big house with a father, his mother died the day he was born. His father rarely notices or interacts with his son, he also doesn’t like people who are not like them.

Jibreel is a refugee living in a self-made house on the beach with his father, his mother died when they were crossing the ocean and their boat capsized. His father works 7 days a week to keep them both fed.

One day the boys meet and through a love of the beach and aircraft, they become firm friends, but with them both being from different cultures and backgrounds they keep their relationship a secret.

Having read author Marin’s book ‘Twas the Night back in July which was about dreams and reality mixing I was looking forward to reading this book. I have to say the two are very different in both the messages they are trying to get across and their illustrations. Whereas in ‘Twas the Night the message and moral of the story came across strong, this book I have a feeling what its message is, but I’m not 100%.

The only thing that kept on repeating itself in the book was the quote ‘Life isn’t Fair’ whether you are rich or poor, which judging by the age the book is aimed at I’m not sure this is a great message to share without adding more. Yes, life isn’t fair but that does not mean we have to accept it. Children should be encouraged that they can help to make a change. It is like saying to someone you live on a council estate, your parent(s) are working-class so you shouldn’t try to get yourself a good education and become that lawyer you have always dreamt of becoming. Life is what you make it!

I’m also not a fan of the ending, I can’t really say too much without giving away the plot but I understand children need to realise the horrors and sadness in the world but not like this.

Having said the above, the book also deals with cultures coming together, refugees, friendship, and imagination. The full-page artwork is amazing throughout. Just a pity I didn’t enjoy it more, I think the author and I have very different views on life.

[Richard Dominguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

After having read "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas" and "The Kite Runner" I promised myself I would stay away from heart wrenching stories. But "Life isn't Fair" (quote from the story) and I came across "The Epic of Gabriel and Jibreel".
From the inside cover page the author lets us know before the story begins that "Gabriel is the Christian messenger who is entrusted to bring God's words from His mouth to humanity. In the Qur'an the angel is named Jibreel and his main responsibility is to communicate the words of Allah to His prophets."
The Epic of Gabriel and Jibreel is a heart wrenching short story (28 pages), that is cautionary at it's core as well as a beautiful story of innocence and friendship.
The copy I received from the author is a beautiful tall hardcover book (11 x 8.5 inches) with the image of the 2 main characters Gabriel and Jibreel on the cover. The pages are made of a high quality paper that has a smooth feel to it and a semi-gloss look that adds beautifully to the illustrations. The illustrations are absolutely amazing. The colors are deep and engaging, enhancing the moods the story conveys at the moment. The drawings of the 2 boys has a photographic quality that causes their images to seem elevated above the background. The layout of this book is one of the best I have seen in a long time from front cover to the back.
Gabriel and Jibreel are friends in a world that does not take kindly to outsiders (in this case refugees). Their friendship is innocent and loyal, rising above the current state of those living around them. They story touches on several points that force us to think about what we feel about those we are not invested in.
As the blurb on the back cover reminds us "Sadness, danger and loss will always be a part of our lives. Exposing our children to these inevitabilities gives them the opportunity to learn how to deal with strong emotions." I couldn't agree more and the the author does it with compassion and hope, but refuses to pull any punches.
I hesitate to call this a children's book, it has a powerful and important message that needs to be told, but most importantly it needs to be heard. I believe that by calling it a children's book those of us who are in a position to hear the message and do something about what the message offers are likely to dismiss it as just another children's story. The Epic of Gabriel and Jibreel is so very much more.
This one belongs on your shelf (yes you), it belongs there because it is a story that should be read over and over, to yourself, to your children and to our prosperity.

[Darryl Chislett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful!

[Dei Lono · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Epic of Gabriel and Jibreel is a moving and gently educational story articulated through extraordinary art. If you want to open your child's mind to how much people have in common, despite how different their lives may look, gift them this. Marin Darmonkow is an amazing storyteller with a true talent for speaking to the mind of a child.

[Helen Combe · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Epic Of Gabriel and Jibreel is a short, beautifully illustrated book which packs a serious punch. As with all of Fontreal’s books, the illustrations are beautiful yet have a surreal feel to them. Like all good children’s books, this one works on two levels. There is the fairytale element for younger readers which softens the blow of quite a shocking ending, while there are many elements that provide the adults with serious food for thought.

While the book is in no way religious, the names of the boys are significant. While Gabriel and Jibreel are considered to be the same angel, they are believed to serve two different gods. In the same way, the boys are very similar, they have the same dreams and ambitions and the only difference between them is that they have been born into different cultures. Gabriel is wealthy and lives in a smart house, while Jibreel is a refugee living with his father in a shack made from a boat.

The story not only covers racism and the sometimes extreme hatred shown by indigenous people towards refugees, but also covers materialism, avarice and greed. Gabriel’s father complains that the refugees have ruined the beech, yet they are out of sight in a secluded bay, and his complaint is unfounded since he never gets out of his car to enjoy it or spend time there with his son. Loneliness is another theme. Gabriel has so much in the way of material belongings, yet his life is empty. Jibreel has so little, yet their greatest source of joy is in the friendship they find in each other.

I wavered over the grading of the book. I initially thought 4 stars, mainly because I found the content rather shocking and was at a loss to put a lower age level on the book. However, I come from the generation who watched the original Dr Who TV series from behind the sofa. I assume that the children of today are more hardened to the world and nowadays, difficult topics are discussed rather than glossed over. I increased the rating to 5 because I found myself thinking a great deal about the book after I finished reading it, and took a great deal from it. As an educational tool, the book may be short but it’s steeped in topics for discussion.

[Steve Kent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Marin’s unique approach to storytelling is powerful.

[Lawrence Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Epic of Gabriel and Jibreel is a magnificent children's picture book which touches the human soul with its message of equality, love and friendship.

[Jiri Soukup · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great, thought provoking book with superb illustrations. However, unlike most children books, it does not have a happy end. It ends in a heart wrenching tragedy, and I would highly recommend an adult participation on the first reading. The story is so deep and well consructed that, I believe, it has a potential to become one of the all-time favorites such as Cinderella or Hansel and Gretel. The short note from the title page explaining the origin of the names Gabriel and Jibreel is of a key importance in spite of its small print.

[Paz Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Epic of Gabriel and Jibreel is a wonderful children's book. The author does his own illustrations and they are hauntingly beautiful. The story of two young boys, from different economic and social backgrounds, have a friendship that transcends all their differences. It is sad toward the end, but it is magical. I absolutely loved this story!

[jennifer kessler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved the story, and the boys deserved better from they're father's but at least they're together... Would definitely read more than once and recommend... ❣️

[Keith Maurice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of The Epic of Gabriel and Jibreel

My initial reaction on first seeing this book was Wow! The graphics are stunning – almost photographic in their vivid impact. The boys are right there in front of the reader. Is it the rough texture of the images or the line-of-sight drawn just below eye level? Who knows? – it’s amazing. Even the unique font seems to match the special nature of this tale.

This dramatic and sad story is written in a terse, though sensitive, style. The scene is skilfully set, and the characters are rapidly developed to attract us into their lives and contrasting struggles.

If anything, the writing is understated which effectively adds to the tension and engagement of the reader. Adults considering obtaining this superb book for their children will recognise that younger readers may not have the refined life-skills to interpolate the nuanced points of tension and pathos in the text, but that is more than compensated for by the force of the illustrations. The harmony of the text and paintings is truly inspired: they must be viewed together as a unity.

Perhaps the emotional impact of the blended written words and pictures is most dramatically illustrated on page 28 when the two fathers – shadowy, desperate figures – are looking for their sons amid the pathetic wreckage. The forlorn silhouettes and scant text allow the reader to bring their own emotional contribution to the story and its heart-wrenching outcome. So much is left unsaid in this story – yet it communicates so much, so richly. For example, the men ‘…crossed paths several times. They didn’t see each other.’ A poignant irony that says it all.

Significant motifs are cleverly woven into the book: the short poem on a scrap of paper, the white toy aeroplane on the bedroom floor, the cell phones…. Pebbles, a seashell, and footprints in the sand. It’s real and gritty.

‘Life is not fair,’ both fathers communicate. No, life isn’t fair; but Gabriel’s angel would have averred that the Christian God understands and guides us through demanding situations to help us survive and grow. Jibreel’s angel may have communicated other coping strategies. But evil actions intervened. The joint plane project of the two friends and their mystical departure unites them in the friendship that briefly enriched them both on that remote and clandestine beach before ignoble tragedy struck.

Keith Maurice Brown

[Tonja Drecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this is a picture book, it is not one for younger listeners but hits a theme and story line, which breaks the heart and offers more than a little food for thought.

Gabriel lost his mother at a young age and, now, lives alone with his father in a large house. They often go to the beach, where a group of refugees camps nearby. Despite his father's warnings and obvious hate for the people, Gabriel meets a refugee about his age, and they become great friends. The boy, Jibreel, lives in an over-turned boat with his father. His mother drown while they were crossing the ocean. The two boys meet in secret and plan to turn the boat into the most awesome airplane ever. But such secrets are impossible to hide for long.

This is not a book for more sensitive readers and hits a tone, which listeners need to have a certain maturity to hear. But that also means that this one serves a punch, which makes thoughts sit and leaves a lasting impression on the reader. Even adults can read this one and find themselves touched and left to churn through emotions.

The story follows Gabriel, a very usual boy, who is easy to connect with. The illustrations are true to life and bring across the emotions well. Readers will have no trouble identifying with Gabriel and understand the problematic behind the situation from the various standpoints. It's a tale which definitely deepens empathy and opens up to discussions concerning hate crimes, refugees, immigration, and racial issues. The story is well told and draws in, which makes the ending hit even harder. While the author does soften the blow with a sense of illusion, the situation is still clear.

This is a great book for slightly older groups (I'd recommend maybe 7 to 10), who want to embark on discussions surrounding refugees and racial hate. It fulfills its purpose masterfully and leaves an impression, which isn't easy to forget.

I received a complimentary copy and was impressed with the depth of this book.

[LitPick Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Epic of Gabriel and Jibreel by Marin Darmonkow is a story about an unlikely friendship of Gabriel and Jibreel. Coming from different walks of life, the two formed a bond like no other. Sharing the same hobbies and passion of becoming pilots one day, they played and created a digital aircraft using Jibreel’s house. It was a lot of fun! On the day that they were set to launch a digital take-off of their plane, an unfortunate event occurred that changed everything. Read on to uncover the adventures and friendship of Gabriel and Jibreel!



Opinion:
The Epic of Gabriel and Jibreel is a very relatable and timely story of friendship and underlying aspects of socioeconomic status, technology, and corruption. While children who would read this book would very much relate to the story of friendship and bond of Gabriel and Jibreel, little do they know that they are also being exposed and shown real-life happenings and misfortunes all because of the disparity between socioeconomic statuses. The book also discusses the use of advanced technology such as the toy Gabriel and Jibreel play with which is very relatable to the children of the modern times. The ending also exposes, subtly, the issues about corruption and politics. Exposure and discussion on these types of matters at this age is very crucial and important, and the book certainly did its part. The book is very well-rounded as it discusses issues that are relatable to its readers. To add to that, it has very good art, which shows a lot of textures and emotions. The text is also formatted in a way that is easy to read. Overall, Marin created an outstanding book, and it is recommended to be used for discussing friendship as well as other sensitive issues that the world is facing today.

[Rebecca · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a really sad book. It definitely has some vocab above what I would expect most kids to know, but the amount of advanced vocabulary is good to challenge the kid without being too much. The thing I don't like though is that the story seems to be trying to tell how kids can be friends even when they come from different circumstances or maybe that there are people who live in much less fortunate circumstances than others, or maybe it's trying to point out that skin is just skin and the colour of it doesn't matter, but none of those are clearly laid out in the story. If an adult can't tell the main moral of the story, then it will not be clear for a child. I think this author has some potential, but I was a bit disappointed that the book didn't contain a clear moral message or actionable message for kids to learn. I would've liked the book to have Gabriel talk to his dad about why he was friends with Jibreel, and maybe Gabriel could've taught him to be more understanding. The main point of the book seems only to be "Life isn't fair" which is not wrong, but the way this is written it sort of feels like the full statement would be "Life isn't fair, and there's nothing you can do about it, and you might just get murdered for no reason" and that is just the least helpful way to express inequality over all. Again, it's not wrong, it's just not what I would want to be teaching my kid at the age this book seems to be aimed at, and it's not the way I would want to teach that sort of lesson.

[Literary Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Epic of Gabriel and Jibreel, by Marin Darmonkow, is a children illustrated book filled with deep themes, hidden by the genre of the book. It narrates the story of two children Gabriel and Jibreel, who can’t be friends as one is a refugee, whereas the other one is a normal child living there, whose father is xenophobic.

Darmonkow uses vivid colors in the illustrations and makes them as realistic as possible, making it appealing to children while giving a hint that it refers to situations that happen in our world, giving readers a connection with reality. Furthermore, I appreciated the choice of the boys’ names as both Gabriel and Jibreel are two angels but belonging to two different religions and cultures. This contrast and the friendship between them represent the clash of culture that we find whenever a refugee meets a native and vice versa.

The Epic of Gabriel and Jibreel, by Marin Darmonkow is a quick read, but takes on important and actual themes, so I would recommend it to both children and adults. Furthermore, the plot reminded me of the book The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyle, which deals with similarly deep themes.

This is a thought-provoking children's book exploring friendship, with provocative commentary on society and detailed imagery that readers will spend plenty of time looking at and appreciating.

[Children's Librarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting? Yes.

Thought-provoking? Yes.

Well-written? No.

It's so tedious to read a book that is just telling, telling, telling...

I had to put it away a few times as I was annoyed. I wanted to be IN the story. I wanted to see for myself and to hear the dialogue, instead of constantly being told. I understand that most people will not even know the difference, but those who are well-trained in writing will notice.

I don't mind the sad ending, that is not the problem for me.

The illustrations were ok, but they looked too much like photos. I doubt they were illustrated from scratch, they look like digitally altered photos and I prefer to see actual illustrations in picture books; the images in this book just looked too real for me.

Should you read it? Sure - go ahead. In my opinion, the storytelling is weak but the idea behind is great and it delivers a powerful message. What message? Read the book yourself to find out - I'm not telling...

[Nigel Tetley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Underneath the simple narrative line of this children’s book by Marin Darmonkow lies a subtext of moral complexity which puts the story into the category of allegory. On the surface, the story is about the consequential friendship between two boys called Gabriel and Jibreel, and therein lies the first clue to the story. The boys' names are taken directly from the Judaeo-Christian and Islamic traditions in which Gabriel/Jibreel is one of the principal angels of divine revelation; and the central allegorical themes of the story are equally Biblical: loss, exile and redemption. The author deftly handles these difficult ideas with astonishing skill, and the double-edged ending takes your breath away. This is not your typical bedtime story, but it is beautifully written with sensitive art work throughout. If you want to teach your child about the meaning of friendship, then this is it.

[Adam Swain · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of the book from the author for free, and in all honesty it took me a lot of effort to finish this short book. I feel that there is a missed opportunity to teach a lesson about the power of friendship in overcoming adversity; however, the book takes a dark and tragic turn and simply leaves the reader with "life isn't fair" (which can be true enough). The formatting was sometimes hard to follow, and images look more like photographs that have been run through a few photoshop filters, and sometimes don't even make sense with the context of the book (especially page 20). I hope that in the future the author considers a professional illustrator, editor, and formatter. I hate leaving negative reviews, and give the author stars for effort - but this book simply does not have a place in my library.

[Sara Ring (inthelifeofsara) · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were a lot of topics raised in this book that would prompt further thought and discussion: socioeconomic status, race, individual life experiences (loss of a parent). Overall, I found the story to be heavy with aspects that would be hard to understand for younger readers. I could see these topics being explored in more detail in more of a short chapter style book for a bit more advanced of a reader. At this length, there is a lot left unsaid or places where you need to read between the lines. The art style is unique and could come across a bit creepy to a younger reader.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like all of Marin's books, there is a worthwhile message, a lesson to impress upon children. Not only is this the case in the story of Gabriel and Jibreel, but it also gives the reader a powerful punch of reality, honestly told what we deal with in our society. A truly unforgettable story about love and neglect, friendship and understanding and acceptance—beautifully illustrates the tragedies suffered by the hands of ignorant minds. "Prejudice is ignorance spelled differently."

[K.A. Mulenga · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book highlights the sad reality of prejudice in the world and I believe tweens would understand it better. Gabriel was a loner and his father never had much time for him. His friendship with Jibreel was touching but the tragedy was heartbreaking . However these are the harsh realities in our world today. The illustrations are realistic and another lesson to learn form this book is that we as parents need to spend as much time with our children as we can.

[Kevin Fan · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Epic of Gabriel and Jibreel" is a poignant short story with stunning illustrations. It explores themes of friendship, racism, and materialism, offering a powerful message. While not a typical children's book, it delivers essential lessons on compassion. The ending, though impactful, may be challenging for younger readers. A thought-provoking narrative with beautiful artwork that leaves a lasting impression.

[Debbie Henriksen-Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this book could be considered sad, it is beautiful to me. Although Gabriel and Jibreel come from very different backgrounds they form an unbreakable bond as they build an aircraft of which they want to fly away in. This story is magical and bittersweet. Marin is fast becoming one of my favorite authors with his very unique perspective!

[Jennifer Cyr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book…not sure what to say! I think this story should be read by adults, especially those who have a lack of understanding for those fleeing to our country. Hate breeds more hate, and hate brings hurt and tragedy-this story illustrates that brilliantly.

[Bonnie Lieberman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I don't think a read-aloud should have a tragic ending, this was a book I had to rate 5 stars. I could not put it down because the transition throughout was done extremely well. The story was engaging and relevant, the conversations real.

[Danna Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a heartwarming story of a boy who wanted to feel the love of a mother, He keeps on asking his father to have a small house with a mother instead of having a big house without a mother. I can feel his longing to have company until he meets a friend. A good book to read.

[Carolyn Watson-Dubisch · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful, yet tragic story of friendship. The art and story come together in this short book and it's really quite moving. It's an impressive accomplishment to write a story for children that depicts such a serious topic. Well done.

[Lily L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book cover is intriguing and really hooks your attention. This is a bittersweet story but offers a number of great life lessons for every reader.

[Carol Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Epic of Gabriel and Jibreel by Marin
Review

Summary
City boy and refugee boy meet in a bay. City boy Gabriel named after an angel and refugee Jibreel become friends.
Their life styles are contrasting as one lives in a large house and the other in an upside down boat. They share a common bond, both boys lost their mothers in death. Both have fathers that love them and both fathers agree in a statement “life isn’t fair”, how true!
The friends meet in secret as Gabriel’s dad does not like refugees.
Both boys share a dream of flying and becoming pilots. Using Gabriel’s phone, they find directions on the Internet on how to make a digital airplane.
They build a digital airplane name the “Phoenix” (the immortal bird). They create imaginary digital intergalactic angel pilots, one with dark skin and dark hair (Jibreel) and one with white skin and light hair (Gabriel).
Gabriel and Jibreel are ready to fly their digital plane. Seated inside the upside-down boat house, ready to launch their digital plane, a loud bang is heard.
A disaster ignites all around them. A fire is started on the refugee camp by Gabriel’s father and his friends. A comforting scene is created by the author as the boys hold each other in their arms.
The vivid description of both boys suffering in the burning boathouse is sufficient to make the reader know both children do not survive.
An ugly point is manifested in this story as the reader now understands, Gabriel and his friend die because of the hatred for refugees that lashes out in this heinous act. Gabriel probably does no fully comprehend his father and his friends are responsible for this tragedy. They are the “antagonists” in this story.
A hint of a possible miracle flies out from the burning boathouse. A shiny white airplane with its engines roaring dusts the embers and ashes off its wings and flies to the sky above.
Could it be Gabriel and Jibreel are inside? I would like to think so.

Review Notes-- The finality is brilliant

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this brilliant short story. It is beautifully illustrated with vivid colorful pictures that enhance the story. It teaches some of life’s lessons.
Two men are desperately looking for their sons. One is Gabriel’s father and the other Jibreel’s father. Their paths cross in the search without knowing who they are.
Neither man saw the white plane soaring in the air nor the two angels inside.
They both agreed “life isn’t fair”.
This epic tale goes beyond fiction because it introduces a reality that has always existed in our society, man’s hatred toward his fellow man.
Sometimes tragedy teaches a lesson. What we give out to others, often comes back upon us. Often times, innocent people suffer at the hands of their foes as this tale goes.
The descriptive scene of the fire in the boathouse tells all. The physical engagement between the two boys represents the camaraderie that quickly developed between them. They feel safe and secure with each other and probably do not process the danger that surrounds them.
As their digital airplane suddenly becomes real and soars into the sky, sadness flies away into victory as two angels flee to their destiny.
The reader can us his own imagination in this story, here they can create the place where the angels will never be found.
We are not told if the two father’s ever meet or understand what became of their sons. Gifted writers do not always tell everything, they leave room for the imagination.

Reviewed by:
Carol Smith, Author of “Tales of Wonder Woods”

[Thomas Mitchem · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a word, "Wow!!". This is a compelling and engaging story of two young boys from opposite sides of the track that meet. The pictures are digitally interesting but the message is powerfully strong. Having read many children's books to PreK thru 4th grade I strongly suggest an adult read it alone first before reading it to tender young minds and preparing them because... life is not fair. I have received a copy of the book from the author for free.