Tree Girl

Rating:
Summary: Soft and whispery, sweet as a mother's love
Review: A sweet story of a young girl's search for self. If you've ever stood in a sun-dappled forest and felt that it had a soul, or if you've ever wanted to, this book will speak to you. I can't say that I didn't see the end coming, but I truly enjoyed getting there.

Rating:
Summary: Skilled nature romp
Review: Anyone who's read "The Ancient One" and the Merlin books will know that TA Barron is a dedicated lover of nature. In his first work since the epic Merlin series, Barron returns to those roots (pun intended) in a delightful, smaller tale that any fan of his style will enjoy.

A young girl named Rowanna lives in a seaside cottage with an old man named Mellwyn, who found her abandoned under a tree when she was a baby. She is determined to find her mother and her past, but Mellwyn warns her that the forest around the High Willow is haunted by tree ghouls, which supposed are carnivorous, sharp-clawed creatures in their "dark and shrieking groves." Despite his warnings, Anna makes her way closer to the forest, and befriends a tree spirit.

Even so, Mellwyn's protection starts to suffocate Anna as she searches for the truth. Disregarding his claims about terrible creatures in the forest, she ventures in to the High Willow on Hallows Eve. She soon finds that there are no tree ghouls, that Mellwyn has been keeping her outside the forest for a reason ' and finds who and what she is.

As always, Barron doesn't resort to cheap tricks, strained plot twists or bids for character sympathy. He simply lets the story unfold in a very simple but beautiful way, with his usual excellent prose lacing the storyline. In size and complexity, this may be a little more suited to kids intimidated by the 300-plus books that he has penned before, but will give them a taste of Barron's writing. Speaking of his writing, it is less detailed than his books for older kids, but it retains the metaphors that help make his writing so unique: "faded like a footprint in the sand," "painted as bright as shells."

Anna herself is reminiscent of Rhia from the Merlin series, with her nature-oriented viewpoint and deep compassion for other creatures, such as the part with the little sparrow she rescues. It hints at her nature long before actually revealing who and what Anna is, without making her seem too peculiar. Mellwyn easily could have become a stereotype, but is thankfully saved from that. And despite the lesser role of Anna's friend he remains three-dimensional as well.

It's significantly shorter than all of Barron's prior 9-12 works, but is still an excellent read for people who enjoy his works. Read and enjoy.

Rating:
Summary: An enchanting fantasy for young readers.
Review: As a small baby, Anna was found by a fisherman in the forest, at the base of a great willow tree. He took her to his small cottage by the sea to raise, and now, nine years old, Anna wonders just what happened to her parents. Mellwyn, the fisherman, insists that the fierce ghouls inhabiting the forest must have killed them. But Anna's curiosity gets the best of her, and one day she wanders into the forest, only to find a world of magic and beauty, not evil and danger. When Mellwyn discovers that she has been to the forest, he forbids her ever to go there again. But Anna feels compelled to return, and especially feels drawn to the willow tree, where she believes she will finally solve the mystery of her origins. I highly reccomend this enchanting fantasy novel.

Rating:
Summary: Great reading!
Review: Rescued as a baby by a crusty old curmudgeon of a fisherman, Anna still feels the ache of wanting to know who are her parents, and what happened to them. Her answers lie within the forest, but her mentor has warned her to stay away from it. It is a dark, dangerous place, haunted by spirits who could destroy her, as they did her parents.

Yet, this gentle soul is also brave, and she must learn the truth. What lies ahead will amaze her, for her quest will give her more answers than she was looking for, ones about not only her parents, but about who she is herself.

***** With this book, Mr. Barron reaches out to a younger audience than many of his books appeal to. It is, as are his other works, heart warming and insightful. What struck me most is the affirmation of the importance of one's heritage and parents in a time when young people learn earlier and earlier to rebel. If you loved the story ANIMAL FAMILY by Randall Jarrett, this book will speak to the same place in your soul.

Rating:
Summary: Tree Girl Hits The Top Ten
Review: This book is a classical book for anyone who enjoys Barron's "Merlin" books. I surely love all his books! Teens and young readers with a taste of classic will give it a 5 too!

Rating:
Summary: Tree Girl
Review: This is a well-written story of a young girl trying to learn of her roots. At nine years old she knows little about her mother or father. She lives with an old fisherman. The old man has told her he found her in the woods, but warns her to stay away, or the ghouls in the forest will get her.

Young children, especially girls, will enjoy this story.


Rating:
Summary: Ghosts, Goblins, Ghouls and a Great Willow
Review: Tree Girl by T.A. Barron, is the story of a girl, lost from her mother, on the mysterious adventure to find her mother. The book is a childish, fantasy world, with a wonderful story and good lessons to tell. The book is seen through the eyes of young Anna who is eager to find her mother. As the story progresses Anna matures and learns things every step of the way. I could appreciate this portrayal of a "coming of age" type situation. This is one of the bigger themes in the story. Another theme, believing in your self, is shown throughout the book, as young Anna wanders off into the woods, despite this being forbidden. The book is well written and an easy read, while it can still be appreciated by all ages and gender, some may not like it's childish manner.

Rating:
Summary: Ghosts, Goblins, Ghouls and a Great Willow
Review: Tree Girl by T.A. Barron, is the story of a girl, lost from her mother, on the mysterious adventure to find her mother. The book is a childish, fantasy world, with a wonderful story and good lessons to tell. The book is seen through the eyes of young Anna who is eager to find her mother. As the story progresses Anna matures and learns things every step of the way. I could appreciate this portrayal of a "coming of age" type situation. This is one of the bigger themes in the story. Another theme, believing in your self, is shown throughout the book, as young Anna wanders off into the woods, despite this being forbidden. The book is well written and an easy read, while it can still be appreciated by all ages and gender, some may not like it's childish manner.

Rating:
Summary: A wonderful new fantasy tale from T.A. Barron.
Review: Young Anna -- short for Rianna -- has never known the truth about her past. She has always lived with a cranky master next to a haunting, beautiful forest. Warned of the terrible tree spirits that are said to haunt the forest, Anna becomes more determined than ever to find the truth about the mysterious forest. Befriending a bear who is much more than he seems, Anna becomes drawn to the intrigue and mystery of the forest and its creatures. The forest contains many dangers and secrets, but she has a desire to unlock the secrets of her past. But will that mean endangering her life -- and more than she knows? Tree Girl, a wonderful new fantasy by T.A. Barron, the author of the Lost Years Of Merlin quintet. It is a thrilling, wondrous read that I highly recommend.