REDWOOD CITY, Calif., June 16, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Life is tough -- for anyone. The story of Mandy in the Magic Pond tells us that no matter how bad our situation is, there is hope and a solution. The Magic Pond, written for young adults also appeals to readers of all ages. Skillfully crafted, it is poignant, at times funny, very imaginative and rich in life's lessons including the power of love, loyalty, determination and perseverance.
Mandy has it tough. Her mother is kidnapped immediately after her birth by an evil wizard, Gordox, who has also cursed Mandy at her birth, just as he cursed her brother and sisters who are all animals. But Gordox's powers are waning as he is suffering from memory loss. Mandy is only partially animal. All she has is her kind and wise grandmother and her animal siblings to help love and raise her.
When her Granny dies of old age, she learns of cruelty at the hands of nasty old Mrs. Lot, but she has never forgotten what her grandmother taught her -- to remain good and kind. The words of her grandmother have always kept her focused and strong, despite the harshness of close-minded people and the difficulties of an unfair life.
Mandy and her animal siblings embark on the seemingly impossible search for the Magic Pond. Is the pond real or just a fairy tale? All Mandy knows is what her grandmother told her: the fabled pond has the power to grant wishes to anyone who has a pure heart. Mandy hopes that the legend of The Magic Pond is true because it is their only hope to reverse Gordox's evil curse.
Their adventure leads them to exotic worlds and undiscovered cities where they experience a series of death-defying exploits. Meanwhile, the evil wizard has kept an eye on them, as he too wants to find the mystical pond -- to enhance his diminishing power.
"I love the story. It is a compelling page-turner," Darrin Goodness of San Francisco said after reading a copy of The Magic Pond.
For more information, log on to www.themagicpondbook.net or www.Xlibris.com.
About the Author
Sol Manaay has been writing since childhood. Born in the Philippines, and coming to America in the 1980s as a Media Attache, Sol now concentrates on writing children stories and young-adult fiction. Professionally, she has worn many hats -- as publisher and editor of a community paper, freelance columnist, and assisted-living director. Currently, she is the President and CEO of Care On Call, Inc., an in-home senior care agency based in Northern California. Soledad delights in the company of her daughter, Solitaire, an aspiring child-development specialist and Bebe, their lovable Terrier. She lives in the San Francisco bay area.
The Magic Pond * by Sol M. Manaay
Publication Date: June 13, 2009
Trade Paperback; $19.99; 189 pages; 978-1-4415-2108-8
Cloth Hardback; $29.99; 189 pages; 978-1-4415-2109-5
To request a complimentary paperback review copy, contact the publisher at (888) 795-4274 x. 7479. Tear sheets may be sent by regular or electronic mail to Marketing Services. To purchase copies of the book for resale, please fax Xlibris at (610) 915-0294 or call (888) 795-4274 x. 7876.
For more information, contact Xlibris at (888) 795-4274 or on the web at www.Xlibris.com.