Once upon a Wonder

By Daphne Yakinthou

Embark on a mesmerizing journey through "Once upon a Wonder," a captivating collection of fairytales that weave together the magic of dreams, the power of kindness, and the timeless quest for love and understanding. Within these pages lies a treasure trove of stories, each penned with the grace of a poet's heart and the wisdom of ancient tales, inviting readers of all ages to explore realms where miracles are born from the simplest wishes and the purest hearts triumph.

"Once upon a Wonder," is not just a fairytale collection; it's a gateway to worlds unseen and tales untold, where every turn of the page brings you closer to enchanted lands of infinite imagination. From the courage of a little breeze that sought to find its strength, to the transformative journey of a witch and a fairy who discovered the true essence of beauty, each story is a testament to the enduring power of magic that resides within and around us.

Crafted with care and adorned with the artistry of legend, this collection stands as a beacon of hope, a mirror of our deepest desires, and a celebration of the wonders that bind us. "Once upon a Wonder," is an invitation to lose yourself in the dance of shadows and light, to find solace in tales of unyielding courage, and to be enchanted by the promise of ever after.

Perfect for those who cherish the warmth of a good story by the fireside, for dreamers who gaze upon the stars and see stories unfold in the constellations, and for anyone who believes in the magic that whispers in the heart of the forest. Let "Once upon a Wonder," be your compass to a world where the fantastical becomes possible, where fairytales are not just stories, but doorways to the truths that dwell in the soul.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Daphne Yakinthou
• Release date: Mar 29, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224766284

Daphne Yakinthou

Daphne Tzamali-Yakinthou was born in sunny Greece during the month of August in the year 1981.             As an only child with a difficult childhood, she discovered a way to escape by taking refuge in the world of her favorite fairy tales. Soon she began creating her own stories.             While watching films she often found herself trying to enter into the world of the movie she had been watching and completely change the story unfolding on the TV screen, creating a tale of her own, where she could be a heroin or even a deus ex machina, a sudden powerful magical helper coming to aid the hero and defeat the villain.             As she was growing older, during her adolescence, she began writing fairy tales while studying music and classical singing in the conservatory.             Later, in her twenties, she completed her series “The amazing journey of the star” comprised by five adventures of a bright, heavenly child in faraway worlds and strange dimensions. Then she published with Ocelotos publishing house her first children’s story with her own illustrations “Astrozaharenia Istoria”, a tale about a beautiful ballerina, queen of living toys, and a little clown so in love with her that he dares to travel to a frozen land to fight the fierce dragon who has stolen her favorite thimble.             Since then she has written and illustrated many books, articles and e-books.

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Once upon a Wonder

Copyright © 2024 by Daphne Tzamali Yakinthou

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher at the address below.

Daphne Tzamali Yakinthou

Sofias Sliman 26-28

Athens, Greece, 11526]

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The Pirate of Wonders

Once, in a strange place, lived a pirate unlike any other, known as Captain Aether. While most pirates usually plunder and loot, he did not take but gave to people something much more precious than coins and jewels; he gave miracles that could make every hope a reality.

On his ship, he did not have an ordinary crew but toys—living toys that he had brought to life with one of his miracles: dolls, beautiful ballerinas, happy clowns, little soldiers, and teddy bears. He crafted these miracles in his workshop, hidden in the ship's hold. The recipe was from his kind grandmother, an elf with fairy blood, the daughter of a great and wise wizard.

His miracles resembled precious stars with

varied and unexpected shades, and he launched them with a slingshot into any home in need. He had made many and kept them in a large cave on Dream Island, a place where many magical and strange things happened.

But one day, he woke up and, when he looked for his map and compass, which he needed to travel there, he could not find them. Surely someone had stolen them. He asked the toys, but none of them had seen or heard anything.

Then he saw another ship sailing away.

Oh, woe is us! he exclaimed in despair. Whirlwind, the strongest and most wicked corsair on the seas! He stole my map and my silver compass. What will I do now?

What do you mean, captain? said his right hand, a plush bear named Bobo. We will fight him and win.

If only it were that simple! Whirlwind has been at sea for years, and with his magical pirate hat, he can transform. If he becomes a dragon or a lion, or even worse, one of those dreadful mice that I'm terrified of, what will become of me? He will do as he pleases.

Then we must find a way to take his hat, and then you can challenge him. 

Everyone agreed, and so they set off for the harbor, where the chief corsair Whirlwind often went to drink and celebrate after his raids. It took them a while to arrive, but finally, they anchored and scattered across the pirate island. There, one could only see pirates with hooks and colorful parrots, and corsairs with wooden legs and eye patches. But Captain Aether, not being a fighter, was strong and lacked nothing in his body. He had no hook, no eye patches, no wooden legs. And he was allergic to parrots, which affected him even from afar.

Suddenly, a little bean ran towards him, agitated.

Come quickly, captain! he shouted. Captain Whirlwind is throwing all your miracles into the sea. Hurry, maybe something can be saved!

What?

Captain Aether jumped as if struck by lightning. Indeed, when they arrived outside the tavern, they saw that Captain Whirlwind with his crew, the boatswain Bonecrusher, the navigator Crookedhook, the cook Barrel, doctor Cutbein, and others were emptying the chests of miracles into the sea. How did they manage? There go the bright miracles! Who will now make people's dreams come true?

Attack them, sailors! Attack them, my beloved toys! Captain Aether shouted. Charge and we shall devour them!

Alas, the poor toys had never fought