To Find A Wonder

by Jennifer Carson

Mortimer is the best squire in Sir Emberly's troops, but his liege refuses to recommend him for promotion to knighthood. When Mortimer demands to prove his knight-worthiness, Sir Emberly charges him with an impossible task-finding a wonder in five days. With the help of his faithful mare, a scatterbrained wizard, a frog prince and a very special vegetable, Mortimer creates his own wonder-the first dragon to ever breathe fire! How much trouble could one fire-breathing creature cause anyway? Mortimer certainly discovers and learns along the way that being a knight is more than being talented with a sword.

80 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Jennifer Carson lives in Michigan with her husband, four sons and many four legged friends. She grew up on a steady diet of Muppet movies, and renaissance faires and would occasionally be caught reading under the blankets with a flashlight. Besides telling tales, Jennifer likes to create fantasy creatures and characters and publishes her own sewing patterns. Her artwork and patterns can be seen online at thedragoncharmer.com.

Jennifer’s work has been featured in national magazines like Cloth, Paper, Scissors, Faerie Magazine, Soft Dolls and Animals, and Dolls United. In the spring of 2008, Jennifer was featured on the ABC affiliate, WMUR tv show, New Hampshire Chronicle. Her sewing patterns have recently been translated in Dutch and in April 2009, she received the NE-SCBWI Ruth Landers Glass Scholarship for her writing.

Reviews

[Kristine Asselin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennifer Carson masterfully weaves a sweet and powerful story about a squire discovering what it takes to be a knight. Young squire Mortimer wants nothing more than to be a knight, but his liege refuses to knight him unless Mortimer can return with a Wonder, in 5 days no less. Knowing that most knights never find a single Wonder through lifelong quests, Mortimer heartily agrees and takes his trusty mount, Lady, on the journey of a lifetime.

Not only does Mortimer return with multiple Wonders, he creates one or two of his own along the way. He also learns the power of friendship, loyalty, and honor. Memorable characters such as Percival, the fire breathing dragon; Goon, the minstrel; a bumbling Wizard; and a frog prince pepper this lively story. Kids, young and old, will enjoy the adventure. “May your heart be true and your sword be loyal.”

[Aymee · Rating 5 out of 5]

An insanely cute and funny book about friendship and manners, set in a medieval time. Mortimer begins his journey with only one thing on his mind - to find a wonder of the world and bring it home so that he may become a knight. By the end of the story, he's amassed a motley crew of companions and a whole new outlook on his life.

A great way to instill good habits in your kids. They'll love the lighthearted tone of the story as well as the crazy characters and won't ever realize that they're learning something from it. Between the well-written prose and the beautiful illustrations, it's a sure hit with kids and adults alike.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

My children and I enjoyed reading this book together. Ms. Carson has a gentle way of drawing her readers into her interesting world made up of creatures that we found funny and engaging. Can't wait for the sequel!

[Annette Hart · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked some of the ideas and some of the characters behind this story. For example, the central character, Mortimer, was able to communicate with animals and as aresult I enjoyed the characters given to Lady the mare and Perceval the dragon. Unfortunately, I wasn't so keen on Mortimer himself; his attitude distanced me and so I wasn't that interested in his dilemmas. I know the book is aimed at children but I found him too childish to be a 'man', too selfish to be likeable and you need something to like to keep you reading.

[Laura Pauling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mortimer, a cocky squire, desires to become a knight. But his liege refuses to recommend him unless Mortimer can procure a wonder in five days. So Mortimer sets off on his quest with his faithful mare - who he can understand. Not only does Mortimer find a wonder but he creates one with the help of a special vegetable. But the problem is - can Mortimer bring his wonder back within five days.

Jennifer Carson's tale is full of twists, colorful characters, and excellent writing. Many young boys and girls will enjoy this story.