Science, Nature & How It Works, Other, Technology 

Bestselling novelist Patricia Cornwell imagines an extraordinary and beautiful land with all the appeal of a Garden of Eden in her first book for children. In a compelling fable, she explores the temptations and pitfalls that accompany freedom and choice in all our lives. Jarrod lives far away in a land where children climb trees and soar without fear of falling, and sunlight keeps out dark shadows. As happy as Jarrod is living with his mother and his sister, he is also curious and daring. He wonders about the mysterious pond, the one place his mother wants him to stay away from. How deep is it? Why can't he go into the water? Why is his mother so afraid for him? One day he cannot resist going to the pond. And there he encounters the fierce, green-as-slime "god of the pond," who lives deep down in the abyss. He tantalizes Jarrod with whispered promises of giving him anything he wants if only he will come into the water. How Jarrod answers those whispers changes life not only for himself but for all the creatures who live in the pond. The books of award-winning novelist Patricia Cornwell have received critical acclaim and become national and international bestsellers. Cornwell is the recipient of the Edgar, Creasey, Anthony, and Macavity awards, as well as the French Prix du Roman d'Aventura and England's coveted Gold Dagger. This, Cornwell's first children's book, came about because of a visit to a second-grade classroom in Los Angeles. After reading their stories, Patricia Cornwell was asked by the class if she had written any stories for children. That started her thinking, and on the flight home, she opened up her laptop. Life's Little Fable is the happy outcome. A portion of the royalties for this book is being donated to the Virginia Literacy Foundation and Reading Is Fundamental(R)(RIF(R)), the nation's oldest and largest children's literacy organization. - from Amzon