Click Here To Purchase The Dragonfly Secret: A Story of Boundless Love

Author: Clea and John Adams

Illustrated by: Barbara L. Gibson

Publisher: Feather Rock Books

ISBN: 978-1-934066-13-3 

The front cover of this beautiful children’s story about life and death is simply enchanting. The authors hope to show children that there is nothing to be afraid of or depressed about if someone passes away. They use the theme of nature, which I particularly liked, to illustrate their message.

On a bright summer morning, Lea played hide-and-seek in the garden with Tess, her butterfly friend. She hid among the flowers and giggled to herself. Suddenly, a boy appeared. He sat on the ground next to some daisies and rested his chin in his hands. Lea moved closer to get a better look. He turned towards her and smiled." This is the beginning of this lovely book that features a young boy. The young boy is introduced to Lea, a dragonfly, and her friend, Tess, the butterfly. They are both out in the garden playing hide-and-seek and encourage the boy to join in with their fun and games. Together the boy and Lea decide to hide from Tess in a hollow of a tree. They have such fun together and after many hours pass, it occurs to Lea that the lovely little boy hasn’t told her his name or where he lives. 

She flutters by him and asks why he hasn’t told her where he lives. The boy looks at Lea and says “how about I let you in on a secret?”

This little dragonfly loves secrets and promises not to tell anyone, however she must first carry out a mission. He tells her to land on a baseball cap in the colourful garden, illustrated here so wonderfully, and wait until she sees him. She wonders what all this is about but is told to wait until tomorrow.

Finally toward the end of this delightful book the message is revealed in more ways then one.  

I shall keep the rest secret but say that it moved me quite a bit. It is not something you’d expect to find in a children’s book but I think the message the authors try to convey are well thought and put together tenderly. The illustrations are so colourful and I loved the layout too. The paintings should attract children, especially the butterfly and dragonfly characters.

I wish I had painted the illustrations - they are beautiful and vibrant.

A book to give to someone you know who is suffering from a loss or as a gift to a child to help prepare them for the mortal values of life.

Click Here To Purchase The Dragonfly Secret: A Story of Boundless Love

The above review was contributed by: Jessica Roberts:  Jessica is a book reviewer for a local newspaper and has reviewed for a national women's magazine too. She has had various articles published in magazines and has now completed her novel. Jessica currently lives in West Yorkshire and enjoys walking in the dales and woodlands as part of her hobby as well as, of course, reviewing books. To read more of Jessica's reviews  CLICK HERE