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9781534112865

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Morel and Miroslavova lend a fairy-tale-like air to a pastoral story, which hinges on the fleeting moments when autumn sits just on the cusp of winter. Crisp, careful lines set the scene as ""autumn trotted into the valley on frosty hooves,"" and a pale-skinned family drive through harvest-ready farmland. Encountering two deer, the parents share familial lore suggesting that the animals can ""disguise themselves as people and walk among us."" Later, spotting the same cervid duo, the child invites them to attend that evening's harvest dance. Predictably, but no less entrancingly, two mysterious guests in old-fashioned attire briefly appear on the floor, their steps ""as delicate as the last leaves of autumn slipping into the wind."" They depart before anyone can unravel their identities--except perhaps for the knowing child protagonist. Earthy-hued depictions of figures dressed in mid-20th-century fashions and references to rural chores give the book a quaint throwback feel that emphasizes the tale's mythic qualities. Background characters are portrayed with various skin tones. Ages 6-7. (Aug.)-- ""Publishers Weekly"" (6/12/2025 12:00:00 AM)

Mary Morel has written a delightful modern-day fairy tale.--Annie Peters ""Los Angeles Book Review"" (9/1/2025 12:00:00 AM) Imagination and the magic of community togetherness join hands.-- ""Kirkus Reviews"" (8/2/2025 12:00:00 AM) Morel and Miroslavova lend a fairy-tale-like air to a pastoral story, which hinges on the fleeting moments when autumn sits just on the cusp of winter. Crisp, careful lines set the scene as ""autumn trotted into the valley on frosty hooves,"" and a pale-skinned family drive through harvest-ready farmland. Encountering two deer, the parents share familial lore suggesting that the animals can ""disguise themselves as people and walk among us."" Later, spotting the same cervid duo, the child invites them to attend that evening's harvest dance. Predictably, but no less entrancingly, two mysterious guests in old-fashioned attire briefly appear on the floor, their steps ""as delicate as the last leaves of autumn slipping into the wind."" They depart before anyone can unravel their identities--except perhaps for the knowing child protagonist. Earthy-hued depictions of figures dressed in mid-20th-century fashions and references to rural chores give the book a quaint throwback feel that emphasizes the tale's mythic qualities. Background characters are portrayed with various skin tones. Ages 6-7. (Aug.)-- ""Publishers Weekly"" (6/12/2025 12:00:00 AM)

Author Information

Mary Morel lives in Colorado with her husband, Tom, where they are ceaselessly entertained by an abundance of wildlife on their property. She has a BA in Political Science from the University of Colorado and has written for numerous publications, including Cricket Magazine, Spider Magazine, Pioneer Valley Press, Front Street Press, and Scholastic Books. Mira Miroslavova grew up in the beautiful forests near the city of Sofia, Bulgaria and lived in Manchester, UK where she graduated with textile design and visual art. Her love for illustration began at an early age and her style was influenced by a mixture of classic fairy tales, beautiful forests, old movies and animations. She likes to experiment and find new hobbies to inspire her and push her to create picture books, comics, covers, editorial and magazines illustration.

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