The Moon in the Morning: A Fairy Tale with a New Twist Kindle Edition

Set in the present, this richly illustrated allegorical novel is a coming of age tale in the digital age. Tapping into the power of creativity and the imagination the heroine, a 12-year-old girl named Jean, learns important lessons after her grandmother dies. Growing up in this fast-paced era of the Internet and technology has particular challenges, especially for girls. Women have come so far, yet where are they? Is there any time to look back? Have we thrown out the baby with the bathwater? In the novel, the heroine Jean unwittingly stumbles into the alluring web of tradition while trying to hang on to the last threads of childhood and cope with her feelings after the unexpected death of her beloved grandmother. Drawing on guidance from female characters from a variety of cultural and religious traditions, with support from her parents, her teacher, her aunt and uncle, and from books and the Internet Jean gradually pieces together her understanding of what is means to be female, to be human and find joy. Dancing, singing, and creating are good for the soul. She becomes emotionally un-stuck and can move on in her life. Neither Christian, nor pagan nor New Age, the story finds common ground every girl can relate to. Dust Bunnies (representing the Three Fates), a few special goddesses in animal form, plus folk, fairytale and biblical heroines, including Grandmother Spider, Isis, Brigit, Athena, Rachel and Psyche enrich the narrative. Through fairytale magic Jean liberates Arachne, the mortal condemned by Athena to the life of a spider, hidden and feared. A different being emerges, but who is she? By the end of the story, Jean has gained in wisdom and maturity, feels good about herself and hopeful for her future. 27 Illustrations with vivid colors and textural elements illuminate the story throughout the book. Read more