This book is wonderful to do a chapter a day and a picture a day to learn the alphabet.

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Product Description

Words are disappearing from the world. Something is lurking in the deepest waters, devouring all the words that are no longer used. No one has noticed, but the world is slowly growing darker. For many years no children have come to the Enchanted Islands in search of Wisdom, and the Wise Enchanter is growing old. Four children from the corners of the earth have been sent on a quest to rediscover each letter, unlock the treasure of language, and thereby grow wise. Time is running out; if the children do not reach the castle of the Wise Enchanter in time, Wisdom and light may vanish from the world altogether.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #276254 in Books
• Published on: 2005-06
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 159 pages

About the Author
Shelley Davidow is originally from South Africa. She was a nominee for the first Macmillan Writer's Prize for Africa in 2002, and is the author of numerous books for children and young adults. She now lives in the U.S. with her husband and son. Shelley is also the author of the popular book for young people, Spirit of the Mountain.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
"We’re trying to get to the castle of the Wise Enchanter,’ Michael said. ‘It’s very difficult."

"But you have found your way to the Enchanted Islands," said the hermit. "That is the first step, and that is good. I can’t tell you which way to go, since I have no idea. You see, very few people have ever reached the castle itself, and no one has been there since I have been here, but I can tell you one thing…if you keep going straight through the forest, it will end. At the end, there are two paths. One path is the Right Way. The other is the Left Way. One of these paths is the true way, and will take you where you need to go; but you can only know which is which once you have gone along the way of your choice for some time."

"What if the Right way is the wrong way, or the Left way is the right way?" Lauren asked. "It sounds confusing."

"Yes, yes, of course it does. But once you’ve done it, everything will be perfectly clear."

—from The Wise Enchanter

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Customer Reviews

Magical children's book
Oh, if only there were more kids books like this one. Stunning illustrations, clever and beautiful use of the letters of the alphabet and a captivating story all make this a wonderful read. I enjoyed reading it to my 6 year old almost as much as he enjoyed hearing it. Read it with your younger kids or let your older independent readers enjoy it on their own. I really can't say enough about the pictures, My kids had a blast trying to figure out where all the 'letter shapes' were in each illustration. This reminds me a little bit of those old Elsa Beskow and Enid Blyton books from my childhood - the ones I still remember. Can't wait to see if this author writes another kids book. Her other stuff seems to be for older teens/young adults.
Gina Harris,
Florida

Fabulous!
The Wise Enchanter will spark the imagination in children of all ages! It is wonderfully well written and beautifully illustrated. This is a great book to read with small children and older children will be excited to read it on their own! Even adults will enjoy this magical journey through the alphabet. I really enjoyed reading this book and can't wait to share it. I look forward to seeing what other adventures this wonderful author has in store for the future.

What happened to the colour?
Great story, but am I missing something? These illustrations would have been terrific if some of them at least were in colour, not just the touched up cover ones. Even sharp black and white instead dull midtone grey would have made a major difference.