The #Pixies are Coming. M. C. #Arvanitis new #fable to be out soon.

COMING ATTRACTION  

'PIXIES OF THE FERNS; Fernella’s Magic'

M. C. Arvanitis will be bringing to her readers the next fabled character, Fernella, a young Pixie of the Northwest this summer when her third mid grade Fable, 'PIXIES OF THE FERNS; Fernella’s Magic' becomes a published book.

The tale takes place in the beautiful mountains of Oregon, and tells of the adventure of Fernella, the seventh daughter of the Mayor of Fernsville. Seventh children are born with special magics. She must find her magic before her father will give his blessings to her marriage with Freddie. When the humans threaten to develop the Pixie's village near Sandy Waters, Fernella and Freddy take off in his flyer to find a new place to live. The flyer crashes leaving Freddie badly hurt. Fernella gets lost in the wilds of the Mt. Hood foothills where she meets a Puk-Wud-Jie. But what good is he?  He knows her magic but won’t divulge it to her. He only leads her into more trouble. She is attacked by the vicious flying Imps and captured by moles. Who will help her escape? How can she find help for Freddy? And above all how will she find her magic?        

STAY TUNED!!!  The published date will be announced here.

A COVER BEGINS

 A peek into the studio of our Cover Artist, Mariah Matthews.

Ms. Matthews is finishing up the cover for ‘Pixies of the Ferns: Fernella’s Magic.”

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The Journey of Research

PIXIES

Pixies are said to be "small, and harmless and friendly. In some discussions pixies are presented as wingless. That is the case in our story. They are "great explorers familiar with the caves of the ocean, the hidden sources of the streams, and the recesses of the land." Pixies like to hang around forests, rocks, ferns, or mushrooms.

The late 19th century English poet Nora Chesson summarized pixie mythology fairly well

in a poem entitled The Pixies.

Have e’er you seen the Pixies, the fold not blest or banned?

They walk upon the waters; they sail upon the land,

They make the green grass greener where’er their footsteps fall,

The wildest hind in the forest comes at their call.

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Pixies’s Favorite food are the new growth of ferns called Fiddleheads. They make a special wine out these fiddleheads. 

Pixies  build their villages under the ferns in the forest. 

Follow this path and you may see a Pixie.

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What is a Pukwudjie?

 In the north eastern part of the United States there’s a legend of some tribes of nature folks called the pukwudgies.  The  legends are from the Native American Tribe the Wampanoag and of the Delaware Indians.  Interestingly, the Wampanoag are the tribe that celebrated the first Thanksgiving with the Pilgrims. Who's to say that these little people didn't migrate across the US to the Northwest .. where the mountains are plentiful and the last of the shape shifting pukwudgies can live in peace? 

Puk-Wudjies are mentioned in “The Song Of Hiawatha” – “The Death of Kwasind” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
He refers to them as mischievous pukwudjies, fairies, pygmies, little people.

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IMPS:  enemies of the Pixies 

Image  information found at: www.santharia.com/bestiary/imp.htmwww.santharia.com/bestiary/imp.htm

An imp is a mythological being similar to a fairy or demon, frequently described in folklore. It is sometimes described as a sentient tiny beast that is said to resemble a thin lizard-like goblin with wings. Additionally, the Imp has an unusual looking face that resembles a smooth, bone-like mask with glowing red eye

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imp

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Pixies 

  (M. C. Arvanitis)

Be careful where you tread my child

When you walk near woods so green.

Keep your feet upon the path.

They say Pixies can’t be seen.

But if you listen you may hear

Laughter, that makes your heart feel free.

While walking in the woods, believe,

And a Pixie you may see.

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M. C Arvanitis writes fables (tales embodying a moral and using legendary characters. A legend or a myth.) Her Fantasy stories also entertain readers, ages 8 and up. She has authored two other 'fables'.  'The Legend of ELPanda Paws' and 'Forbidden wings; A Mermaid's Story.' You can find her e-books at Smashwords.com or Amazon.com. Both are in print books and are sold at Amazon.com.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007JEWTR2

 http://www.smashwords.com/book/view/120937

 http://www.amazon.com/Forbidden-Wings-Mermaids-Story-ebook/dp/B009UO7HAI/

 http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/247283

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What's Hiding Behind the #Ferns? #Fantasy at it's best. All about #Pixies, #Magic, #Puk-Wud-Jie, #Imps. #Adventure for #Midgrade #readers.

WHAT'S HIDING BEHIND THE FERNS? 

Fernella, the Pixie

Fantasy author, M. C. Arvanitis will be bringing her out of her hiding place sometime in the summer of 2014,  when her third mid-grade Fable, 'PIXIES OF THE FERNS; FERNELLA'S MAGIC' is launched.  The tale takes place in the beautiful mountains of Oregon, and tells of the adventure of a young Pixie, Fernella. Fernella is the seventh daughter and seventh children are born with special magics. She must find her magic before her father will give his blessings to her marriage with Freddie. When the humans threaten to develop the Fern Pixie's home near Sandy Waters, Fernella and Freddy take off in his flyer to find a new place to live. The flyer crashes leaving Freddie badly hurt. Fernella gets lost in the wilds of the Mt. Hood foot hills when she goes to find help. There she meets a Puk-Wud-Jie. But what good is he?  He knows her magic but leads her to nowhere. Fernella is attacked by the vicious flying Imps and captured by moles. Who will help her escape? How can she find help for Freddy? And above all how will she find her magic? STAY TUNED!!!

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WHAT IS A PUK-WUD-JIE?     

Puk-Wudjies are mentioned in “The Song Of Hiawatha” – “The Death of Kwasind” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, who refers to them as misievous pukwudjies, 9fairies, pygmies, little people. 

In the north eastern part of the United States there’s a legend of some tribes of nature folks called the pukwudgies.  The  legends are from the Native American Tribe the Wampanoag and of the Delaware Indians.  Interestingly, the Wampanoag are the tribe that celebrated the first Thanksgiving with the Pilgrims. Who's to say that these little people didn't migrate across the US to the Northwest .. where the mountains are plentiful and the last of the shape shifting pukwudgies can live in peace?  

*research taken from http://terrainwalker.wordpress.com/2011/03/25/pukwudgies-–-book-reviews-other-info-links/

*Puk-Wudjies are mentioned in “The Song Of Hiawatha” – “The Death of Kwasind” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.He refers to them as mischievous pukwudjies, fairies, pygmies, little 

people.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Read Ms Arvanitis's much reviewed books, especially written for mid-grade readers.

 

Ms. Arvanitis is a graduate of the Institute of Children's Literature and a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers. Her occupation as a preK and early grades teacher gives her insight into the stories children like to read. Now retired, she writes mid grade readers books she calls "fables." She brings mythical creatures such as fairies, elves, mermaids, pixies, and other strange beings to her stories. She now offers her first two 'fables' for Mid graders. "THE LEGEND OF ELPANDA PAWS," and "FORBIDDEN WINGS, A MERMAID'S STORY" in both as e-books and in print books.

You can find M.C.Arvanitis's other Fables at 

Authors Amazon page. http://www.amazon.com/M.C.-Arvanitis/e/B007UJWLC4/

Buffalo Stampede on the Nebraska Prairies. A YA Western Novel

A low rumbling interrupted Hank's thoughts. He noticed a dark cloud behind them. He ran toward the wagons. “Dust storm coming.” he hollered. 

Uncle Mac, shading his eyes, looked back. A look of horror came to his face. “Saints preserve us! They be buffalo!” he shouted, “Square up the wagons,  J B!” He galloped toward Hank, calling, “Laddie run!” 

The ground shook under Hank’s feet. The roar of thousands of buffalo stampeding toward them deafened him. He glanced behind. The huge animals were about to run him down! He stretched his legs as far as they could possibly stretch.  

Taken from Hank of Twin Rivers, Book One, Journey of Change. 

Read more of this pioneer boy's story. 

Your choice of an e-book or a print book 

purchase at: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/336710

or at Amazon.com 

http://amzn.com/1494427001

Just as Becca stepped on the ground and picked up her basket, an unearthly moan sounded across the valley. Becca dropped the basket and scrambled back up the tree. “What was that?” she whispered.

The eerie sound sent a chill through Hank’s body. “I ‘m not sure. I’ve heard it once before when I was looking for mushrooms. Maybe it’s a wildcat.”

Another drawn-out moan floated from the willows. It sounded almost like a human cry. Whatever it was, he didn’t want to tangle with it. He saw movement near the trees. “There it is,” he whispered.

A hunched back creature waving fur covered arms and dragging one foot hobbled toward the tree. Wild white hair stood out from its head. It made a crying sound and reached its arms toward them. 

The creature limped around the tree looking up at them. Once again it reached up toward them calling out in a high shrill wail. Becca squeezed Hank's arm. “What if it climbs the tree?” she whispered. 

Soon to be launched: READ MORE OF Hank's Coming of Age Story in Book Two: The Eagle's Nest

Due to be published in Late Summer or early Fall, 2014. 

In book three follow Hank on the  Chisholm Trail       

           Hank hobbled the horses off the trail near the thick growth of trees and looked for a sheltered place to build a fire. He spied a small cave in a cliff on the other side of the creek. He patted Lady on the rump.“I'll be right back, Girl. Gonna check out that cave. It looks big enough for us and it would get me out of this dang rain.” He took off his boots and waded across. As he reached the opening of the cave he heard a snort behind him. He looked around. A bear lunged across the creek toward him. He turned to run inside the cave but a pair of cubs blocked his way. The bear charged him. He picked up a stick and swung it hitting its face. With a roar, the bear attacked. Hank felt terrible pain as its paws wrack him across his thigh knocking him down. The bear was on top of him raking its claws over his chest, arms, and shoulders. Hank had never felt such pain. He tried to push the bear off but he didn’t have the strength. He crossed his arms over his face and screamed. 

  

In the Hank of Twin Rivers Book series Author, M. C. Arvanitis. brings back the days when  pioneers settle the Mid West. Historically correct, the books tell of the struggles families had and of the travels across the land to find new land.  How one motherless boy grows from a shy and withdrawn twelve year old  to an eighteen year old young man, a capable horse handler, who learns to make his own way.

YA Western Novel Catches on Fire with More Five Star Reviews.

Book Review- Reader's Favorite: 

Five star review for Hank of Twin Rivers, Book one; A journey of Change. 

http://readersfavorite.com/book-review/25694Reviewed by Brenda Casto for Readers' Favorite
Brenda Casto writes

Hank of Twin Rivers was such a delightful read that I hated to see it end. It's the story of young Hank Heaton, and takes place in 1855. Hank and his family live in a soddy along Buck Creek in a small Iowa settlement. It was the spring of that year when Hank was on the verge of turning twelve that his whole world changed. Young Hank lost his beloved mother and young sister Amanda to cholera. While Hank recovered from the dreaded ailment, he was troubled with a weakened leg, but the worst thing was the fact that his pa changed; he would no longer call Hank by his name, instead he called him 'boy.' There is one person Hank can rely on, his uncle Mac, who often softens the harshness that his father doles out. He does have a pet cow and is often plagued by a mean goose that loves to attack him. When his father decides to leave their home and head to Nebraska to homestead, Hank doesn't want to go but has no choice. Will they make it west, and what adventures await young Hank? One thing is for certain, Hank's life is about to change forever.

This young adult read is a wonderfully written adventure that allows readers to step back in time and travel along with Hank and his family as they move west. M.C. Arvanitis expertly creates a very endearing character in Hank, who fights his emotions because his pa says that Heaton men don't show their emotions in public, but young Hank certainly grieved the loss of his ma and sister. The descriptions of the characters and setting grabbed my imagination and wouldn't let go. The sights and sounds that are woven into the book, from a brush with Indians to the teasing that Nora inflicted upon Hank as they traveled together, flow so well that once I started reading the book I couldn't put it down. I found myself laughing out loud when the goose refused to stay behind, but also felt sadness when he had to give up his pet. I figured this story might be similar to Little House on the Prairie, but honestly it was richer, more detailed and realistic. There is struggle and hurt, but there is also joy and hope within the pages of this coming of age story. Perfect reading for young adults, but honestly I think it will appeal to adults as well. Hank of Twin Rivers is a story that left this reader anxious for the next book in the series!

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TWO THUMBS UP!!!

A TWO THUMBS UP review for Hank of Twin Rivers, Book One, Journey of Change. From Book worms for Kids Blog. Book Reviewer, T Drecker. http://bookwormforkids.blogspot.com/2014/01/hank-of-twin-rivers-by-mc-arvanitis.html …

My Tidbits

Historical fiction for children, especially when it isn’t about a well-known figure, isn’t easy to do, but M.C. Arvanitis has done a terrific job.

After losing his little sister and mother, Hank helps his father and uncle pack-up the wagon and head West in hopes of settling down in the Platte River Valley. On the way, they not only face many adventures, but Hank learns more about himself and the world around him.

When I started this, I was skeptical simply because wagon trail stories for this age group tend to either get a little boring or incorporate too much adventure and become unrealistic. Here, this was not the case. Hank is a very realistic boy: not the strongest but willing, not heroic but ready, and usually obedient but not always. He has to overcome the problems and adventures which historically occurred on such a journey—exciting and still, not blown out of proportion—as well as deal with the difficult relationship with his father, who has troubles coming to terms with the mother’s death.

The writing is great for this age group, adding just enough description and tidbits to keep the reader informed without getting wordy. The journey is exciting and historically sound. The characters are sympathetic and realistic, having good qualities as well as faults. And, one of my favorite things for this age group, the book isn’t too long. At 108 pages, even reluctant boys won’t moan and groan at the length—and yes, I believe this is a story they will really enjoy. In other words, I give this a big, fat, hearty. . .Two Thumbs up. 

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DON'T MISS THIS FIRST BOOK OF THE HANK SERIES

In e-book and print

Places to purchase it:

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/336710

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00E7NKYSY

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E7NKYSY

MORE OF HANK 

After you read Hank's Journey of Change you will want to 

watch Hank growth into manhood in this coming of age series. 

(to be published in 2014)  

                                                                                     

(Covers designed by Artist, Dori Murnieks)

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Hank's Adventure at Chimney Rock

Chimney Rock

Famous landmark on the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails

In 'Hank of Twin Rivers Book Two, Eagle's Nest', Hank joins the Wranglers who are seeking the wild horse herds in the Sandhills of western Nebraska. On the way they pass Chimney Rock, a geological rock formation.

 The covered wagon migration of 1841-1866 followed the Platte River through Nebraska on their way West. When they arrived in Western Nebraska, the sight of Chimney Rock towering to the sky added to their adventure.  Rising nearly 300 feet above the surrounding North Platte River valley, the peak of Chimney Rock is 4,226 feet above sea level. It can be seen miles away. During the middle 19th century it served as a landmark along the Oregon Trail, the California Trail, and the Mormon Trail, which ran along the north side of the rock. It was visible for many miles before reached. The sight of Chimney Rock protruding in the air, in the middle of nowhere, signaled the end of the long, laborious, journey through those sand filled, treeless plains. Those passing by stopped to carve their names in the rocky formation, still to be seen this day.

(follow the dotted lines to where, with the wranglers, found his horse, Lady.)

Read about Hank's adventure with the horse wranglers in the second of the Hank of Twin Rivers Series.  Soon to be launched as an E-book. 

GET ACQUAINTED WITH HANK HEATON

Join him in his wild west adventures in book one, Journey of Change 

Find Hank of Twin Rivers Book One: Journey of Change here.

For twelve and older.

E- book:

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/336710

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00E7NKYSY

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E7NKYSY

Paper: http://amzn.com/1494427001

For twelve and older

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 Danger waiting in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Hank and his family left their home in Buck Creek, Iowa. They followed the Missouri River to Council Bluffs where they would cross by ferry over the Missouri River into Nebraska.  

Why did Hank's Pa decide on homesteading in Nebraska? 

In the winter of 1853 General A. C. Dodge, one of the Iowa senators was traveling through Fremont County on horseback on a tour of investigation of the condition of western Iowa, its settlement, and the character of the country west of the Missouri. He became impressed with the importance of organizing all the country now included in Kansas and Nebraska as Nebraska Territory, and on his return to Washington he introduced such a bill. When it came back from the committee on territories, of which Senator Douglas was chairman, it was so amended as to provide for the organizing of two territories, one to be called Kansas and the other Nebraska." This movement was to be called the The Kansas–Nebraska Act of 1854 and created the territories of Kansas and Nebraska. Since Kansas was the scene of many bloody battles between those who wanted slavery and those who did not, and since this treaty protected the settlers from dealing in the slave traffic, it seemed to be the safest place.  

(Excerpt from Chapter 10, The Butler Brothers, where Hank decides to explore the riverfront.

A commotion from a near by saloon caught Hank's attention. He walked to the open door and looked in. The two men who had almost run him down earlier were arguing with a young Union soldier. The scar-faced man shouted, “What’d ya say, Yankee?" 

“I said,” replied the soldier shaking his fist at the Butler brothers, “That the northern states will never allow slavery." 

Scarface turned to his brother. “Did ya hear that, Hector?” Hector sneered his answer, “the only good Yank is a dead Yank!” At this the two men shoved the soldier out of the door. He stumbled and fell against Hank’s legs. Hank fell on top of the soldier. In an instant the scar-faced man pulled a pistol from his belt and aimed it at the soldier. 

Hank froze! The gun barrel pointed directly at him- - - -.

 Read more of Hank's adventures in this saga of pioneers of the Wild West.

(In e-reader form or print book)

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/336710

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00E7NKYSY

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E7NKYSY

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More of 'Hank of Twin Rivers' Adventures to come soon

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