Magic Circles by Cindy Mock Tops the List of Best New Indie Kids' Books

Online, June 12, 2014 (Newswire.com) - A young girl's creativity merges with her natural surroundings as she encounters real and imaginary pond dwellers in MAGIC CIRCLES by Massachusetts native, Cindy Mock. As the days and seasons pass, our serene and visionary protagonist observes the changes in her backyard pond while also creating intrigue by introducing imaginary creatures and scenarios. It's a truly delightful tale, brought vibrantly to life by the expressive watercolor illustrations of Heekyung Hur.

"On the pond in my backyard, the lily pads are surfacing. It is getting warmer outside. Sunfish are making their white, round nests in the muck. Spring ducklings are hatching."

The book was inspired from an exercise in a children's book writing class. The prompt was to write about a special place from childhood. "Vivid memories of my days spent on the pond rushed back to me as if I was reliving those times," says Mock. "I hoped as I wrote and re-wrote my story, that children would be drawn into it as if they were experiencing it themselves. I'd like to encourage them to explore and research more on turtle hibernation, fish and frog and duck maturation and other plant and animal life in a pond habitat."

"Summer arrives. I spend the wonderfully warm days in the water.
In my mind, I become a mermaid, playing tag with the fish."

Cindy Mock grew up near Cape Cod and is inspired by the writings of James Herriot, Jan Brett, and Robert McCloskey. The house where she grew up remains in the family, and she still visits her special pond, taking her own children to fish and skate there. Heekyung Hur is a versatile artist and illustrator living in South Korea.

Magic Circles
Cindy Mock, Illustrated by Heekyung Hur
Upland Manor Books, Hardcover, $15.95
ISBN: 978-0578-10581-9
www.magiccircles.org

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