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For November I have chosen two Christian novels for children. Two, because the first acts as an introduction and lays the foundations for the second which was published this year. Both written by E.M.Mohr. The first, 'The Kentle-Shaddy' introduces a very lovable green creature from a Pacific Island. He lives with his friend, Kwyatli (pronounced 'Quietly'). A friendly visitor to their Island invites the two friends back to stay with his family in Meralda Island. The two children become great friends of Kwyatli and the Kentle-Shaddy. The guests learn about modern facilities and the Kentle-Shaddy learns to read. The Kentle-Shaddy helps to heal the rift in the Community and unites two otherwise opposing families. Kwyatli also learns about his family history and meets a long lost relative. It is a bit confusing that the two sets of children are both called Patrick and Irene but I suspect this is done deliberately although not to confuse.
'The Kentle-Shaddy Knows Something' is a sequel and is offered as a possible alternative to parents who are unhappy about the set of stories about a certain boy wizard. This story is also full of adventure and interest. Kwai (he learnt at the end of 'The Kentle-Shaddy' that this was his real name) and the Kentle-Shaddy are joined on their travels by cousins Julia and Ezra. The Kentle-Shaddy is keen to put things right wherever he can and first turns his attention to Wozieria to help improve the lives of some of the people there. This angers the Emir and so the four friends need to hide - but not for long as they are brought to a beautiful and far off world where they encounter the followers of Sutramon whose ideas threaten to spoil the goodness there. Together with new friends Dantarongo and Nalkalla, the intrepid four aim to persuade Sobbalok, Seddimen and Sinkalon that their way is not the right one. I thoroughly enjoyed both books and found them difficult to put down. It seems very likely that there will be another sequel judging by the ending of the latter book and I hope to hear a lot more of the Kentle-Shaddy in the future. The Kentle-Shaddy by Eileen Mohr (Mohr Books) ISBN 0-9524604-0-8. £3.99 The Kentle-Shaddy Knows Something by E M Mohr (Crossbridge Books) ISBN 0-9524604-8-3. £5.98 Lynn Winter |
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page last updated 25 OCTOBER 2001 |
