The Magic: Beginnings

By JA Gandulla

The Magic takes its readers on an unforgettable adventure and chronicles the story of a young boy named Paul, who lives in a small town in Montana. When Paul makes some unfortunate decisions and casually uses his "worry rock" for comfort, he awakens an ancient magic. After the rock's creator appears with a warning and instructions, Paul finds himself racing against the clock. For Paul to succeed he must learn what the stone wants through creativity and unconventional thinking while he is enmeshed in the wilderness.

Building upon each adventure, the series follows the emergence of an ancient fairy clan that created the worry rock. As Paul overcomes each worry, more of this cursed clan is freed. However, revenge against the other fairies threatens, ultimately leaving Paul to put all he has discovered to use in order to save everyone.

As the first book in the series, The Magic features short chapters with attention-grabbing content. The Magic reaches beyond traditional tools, cleverly weaving real-world scenarios with biology, mythology, and philosophy, to establish nature as an ongoing teacher for everyday difficulties. The story's "factual fiction" structure makes it dynamic, appealing to children of all ages, as well as parents, and educators. The adventure is followed by a scientific summary of each animal highlighted in the storyline, and there also are questions and points of conversation included for book clubs. Whether for the recreational reader, parent or teacher, The Magic is a truly holistic piece of fiction that promises to be an entertaining and educational experience for all.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Apr 21, 2021
• ISBN: 9781098369002

Book preview

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Copyright © 2021 Julie Ann Gandulla

All rights reserved.

ISBN: 978-1-09836-899-9 (printed)

ISBN: 978-1-09836-900-2 (eBook)

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

A Package Arrives

The Stone

Something to Worry About

Help Arrives

Keep It Close

Magic

It Begins

Rude Awakenings

Ready, Set,…GO!

Who Hooted?

Let the Hunt Begin

Wakey, Wakey

Fears

The Sidhe

How the Sidhe Say Goodnight

Survival of the…

Most Patient

An Owl’s Patience

Learning to Soar

The End?

Owls

Northern Pygmy Owls

The Magic – Book Club

About the Author…

For Aidan and Fallon

My greatest teachers and brightest blessings

Acknowledgements

~ To my sister Stephanie, whose support was infinite.

~ To my dearest friend Michael, who never shrank from, Will you please check this out?

~ To my mother Susan, who’s supportive in all I do.

Special Thanks

~ To Kristen Braymer, and Jenny Schroeder of Hawk Hill Raptors for their generous contributions of owl pellets – we’ve never looked forward to receiving animal regurgitation, until now!

~ To Panzer Gnauck for the contribution of his beautiful photograph of the Northern Pygmy owl.

A Package Arrives

Only small patches of snow spotted the tips of the Bridger Mountains. A sure sign that spring had arrived, and summer was on its way. But locals knew it was still too early to begin planting. Rather, the remaining patches of snow were a sign that avid gardeners could begin planting seeds indoors. Sunshine gleamed brightly through the kitchen windows of the little home, as Kenai, the family’s old Malamute, lay napping on the cool linoleum floor. Suddenly, footsteps pounded up the stairs shattering the peace, as Paul and his little sister Eileen came barreling in from the backyard.

Hey! Watch it you two! Shouted their mother Ann as she juggled a huge box in her arms. Side stepping the snoring dog, she danced this way and that, until she finally brought the box in for a landing on the center of the kitchen table. Laughing lightly and brushing strands of her dark brown hair from her face, she shot a mock stern look at her children. A washcloth lay draped over her shoulder, a sure sign she was cleaning. She would often forget and wear it around all day. Ann was small in frame but big in voice, or how most people put it, a small person with a big personality.

Whoa! What is that Mom? Asked Paul. Always curious and a bit mischievous, Paul was already at the table and making a grab for the box. Meanwhile Eileen was still scrambling onto a chair of her own. Eight years apart the siblings were very different but very close. Paul’s hiking boots often littered the entryway, his bike was always ready for a voyage, and gaming rounded out most of his evenings.

Although Paul’s processor functioned at top speed, he would sometimes feel lost for words and a bit drained in groups. Eileen always had huge Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle pillows piled on her bed, her countless ballet dresses made up the colors of the rainbow, and she could often be found singing and dancing throughout the house. Eileen had no problem telling people how she felt - often very loudly. And as far as Paul was concerned, he was hers and no one else’s.

Ruffling Paul’s messy brown hair, Ann laughed. That massive thing is a gift from your Auntie. And it is meant for everyone, so don’t get any ideas.

Did I get something too Momma? Asked Eileen, who jumped up and down in the seat she had finally claimed.

Of course you did Buttercup! Your Auntie Teto would never forget you! Packages from