The Book of Four Journeys by Veronica Del Valle

The Book of Four Journeys by Veronica del Valle
Publisher:  Silverwood Books
Format Read:  Paperback
Number of pages:   240 pages
Published:  May 18th, 2021
Source: Author Marketing Experts

Opening Lines: "I have a story to tell you.  A story about a well-kept secret." 

Alfalfa Spooly is very proud of being a postman, especially on the day when the Milner approaches him about delivering a yellow hat to Phineas in the bluest of blue houses in Blue.  His journey takes him across spiky hills, along a forsaken road through a tornado and across a river.  Once he reaches his destination, Alfalfa is given the opportunity to receive his own yellow hat, a thing of wonder and magic. Yet Alfalfa can't decide whether he should take the gift.   

The second story is about Mumik Opipok, not the most confident person in the world he is always filled with doubt, even over the simplest of things.  But on the day of the story, he makes his first choice, a wish to know something.  Yet, he did not know that his simple wish reveals he has a sibling he didn't know that he had.  A twin who he was separated from at birth.  One who lives in the south while the other is in the northernmost region.  Both chanters for their parts of the world.  Meanwhile, Pimnik, who has never doubted herself for one moment, always confident in her choices has her first instance of indecisiveness.   Pimnik still ventures in a ballon in search of her brother, who unbeknownst to her is traveling at the same moment to her by boat.  The story alternates between the two as they attempt to reunite.  

Neboo McCloudy sits in the white clouds of Floccusville, where he stands out because he is the only stormy grey cloud among the fluffy white ones.  Neboo is a very grumpy individual but luckily, he finds a scroll with a tale promising to lead him to a Great Treasure.  But finding the treasure may pose to be difficult as he must enter a formidable forest. 

The final story is of Lincoln Jax.  A young girl living in an orphanage who is visited by a crane bearing an invitation for her to venture toward a kingdom.  Before reaching it, however, she will have to pass three trials.  Lincoln is curious but impatient can she be truthful and rightful in answering the questions posed to her at each door?   As Lincoln enters each new doorway, she is faced with exploring her feelings and gains a better understanding of herself.  

The Book of Four Journeys takes four travelers on four incredible journeys.  Each story is filled with adventure, whimsy and surprisingly is very introspective.  My favorite tale is Neboo McCloudy's as he learns of kindness, selfishness, generosity and wisdom.  He learns about happiness and it's such an uplifting message.  The stories address friendship, exploration, and self-reflection.    The illustrations of each of the characters added to the reading experience.  An overall fun story with beautiful messaging.  

 I hope you'll check out all the other Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday posts at Greg Pattridge's blog HERE      

 **A huge thank you to Author Marketing Experts for the review copy in exchange for an honest review**