Category: Children Publisher: Lulu
ISBN-10: 0970900252
Type: Fiction
Pages: 96
Copyright: Nov 6, 2011
ISBN-13: 9781257985425
See with more than just your eyes. Join Pell Shade as she begins her exciting adventure by folding a seemingly simple sheet of paper.
What if your heart's greatest wish could be granted by simply folding the right corner of a sheet of paper just a bit there, then crease it here, tuck in that corner... Oh, and you mustn't forget the words. Twelve year old Pell Shade is just not excited with her Aunt Syne's simple gift - even though the 'guardian' of the Rare Finds Shoppe insists she needs it. After a few careful folds and two special words, she quickly changes her mind though. Pell's happiness soon turns sour because Awl Blott wants the paper as well - every last sheet! Awl Blott wants the paper as well - every last sheet! He is not above manipulating orphans or kidnapping disagreeable aunts to get what he desires. How can Pell give up what she's always longed for? But how can she not? Can a few paper allies and an odd brother and sister help her or will Pell lose everything?
Excerpt
"Say the words," Aunt Syne encouraged. "Remember to focus."
Aunt Syne's send off of Horatio flashed into Pell's mind. She closed her eyes. After taking a deep breath, all her thougths went to Nibs and then in a breathy voice, she whispered, "Statua Magis."
At first she dared not open her eyes. She waited for something she knew not what. Perhaps it was for a 'ta-da' or a 'whoosh' -- something to let her know it had worked. She was so afraid. It was not of 'what she would see', but of 'what she would not see'.
Professional Reviews
Captivating
A few years ago I read a book that my oldest daughter told me I must read… and she was right. That night I finished reading the book by her younger sister’s nightlight. It was that captivating. While I was reading Pell Shade and the Mysterious Paper I kept thinking, ‘This book is just as wonderful.’ If you (or your favorite little people/person) love The Anybodies by N.E. Bode you/they will love this book. My 11 year old read it 3 times this weekend and fell in love with a couple of the characters. Pell Shade and the Mysterious Paper has all the elements of an instant classic. There is a perfectly un-enjoyable villain, a compassionate (but stubborn) aunt, an overprotective brother with a frail and loveable little sister, and a young heroine, plus there is a little pinch of magic, oh, and a paper cat. All the elements there and Mrs. Condoleo brings them to life wonderfully on paper. Statua Magis. Sarah Winters Author of The Strongest Fire
Spell Binding Adventure
Pell Shade and The Mysterious Paper written by Christy Condoleo
Reviewed by JD Holiday 6-28-12
The socially awkward Pell Shade liked nothing more than staying in her darken room nursing her allergies, asthma, reading, and longing for a pet she could not have. Her Aunt Syne is about to change all that. She knew just the place to find the prefect gift for Pell.
The mysterious Rare Finds Shoppe is overstuffed with odd treasures like a large rock from the road less traveled and other weird things that are only sold to the right person. It’s guarded by trolls and mischievous spirits and all patrons are welcomed by their own musical bird chimes. And to add to it, is its strange guardian, Gampi Raido who knew just what Aunt Syne was looking for before she did.
When Pells Aunt Syne brings her the thick stack of colored paper it looks like nothing more than a boring gift! It isn’t long before she learns that with the right book, one that tells more than you read in it, and some special words she has an extraordinary present no ordinary child should play with.
It's not long before a man known as Awl Blott comes for Pell's gift that he said is his and the unbelievable happens. With the questionable aid of a rude and infuriating boy, and his vulnerable sister, who has a fear of water yet pledges to help Pell as a spellbinding adventure begins.
For young teens, Pell Shade And The Mysterious Paper is a clever and imaginative tale. Along with Pell's mystery the story is charming and a fascinating read for most everyone. Christy Condoleo's next installment will be eagerly awaited!
Pengey Penguin takes us on a memorable journey where an unlikely character, twists of fate, and minor miracles help him and his rag-tag Army of little fury animals save Christmas.325 page read to me 4-8 - 9 up reads very quickly.
