Arc of Light

Rating:
Summary: A Book Children Will Love
Review: PCR 10-5-04 CS Silversheen

For you cultural warriors, and for old fashioned animal lovers, good news: At last, a book you will want your children to read and one they will want to read--"Arc of Light" by Linda Jane Roberts.

"Arc of Light" is the story of a raccoon, a possum, and a groundhog, two night creatures and a day creature, who leave their comfortable abodes in the garden of a manor house on a thrilling and dangerous journey of discovery. The adventurers experience new sights and creatures, some friendly and some dangerous, and discover that "adventuring has more to do with discovering ourselves than a new world."

Night creatures have eyes for moonlight and darkness, not for the bright light of day when, they believe, monsters with sharp teeth are about. Day creatures fear night's darkness, a time, they insist, when fierce monsters prowl. The journey's dangers and tribulations, as well as its joys, cause the adventurers to travel at times by night and at times by day. To cope with challenges, the animals have to rise beyond their limits and the limits of their own worlds.

The author is clearly a close observer of American wildlife. The characters she gives the animals are both believable and insightful. Her descriptions of streams and fauna, wildflowers and trees are poetic. Beautifully written and engaging for adults as well, it is a story grownups will enjoy reading to their children and grandchildren.

"Arc of Light" will introduce your children to a world beyond the video screen. After your children have experienced the adventures of Moonbeam, possum and groundhog, don't be surprised if you are asked for a walk in the woods, especially a forest with bridges and creeks and paw prints to observe.