“An imaginative collection of stories filled with adventure, humour & life lessons”
Reviewed under the title Pre-Teen Lepralites.
Highly Recommended
Recommend for the coveted BookViral Crimson Quill.
A Whimsical Adventure of Friendship and Discovery
Written under the collective pseudonym AngJon Hornibrook, two authors—Angele & Jonathan Hornibrook and edited by Deirdre Tobin—Pre-Teen Lepralites is a heartwarming and imaginative collection of stories filled with adventure, humour, and life lessons. The book takes readers into a world where children and magical creatures embark on playful escapades, face thrilling challenges, and learn the values of friendship, trust, and self-discovery.
The narrative blends classic fantasy with the relatable experiences of childhood, creating an engaging mix of adventure and life lessons. Each story introduces unique characters, some human and others magical, as they navigate exciting, sometimes mischievous, situations in nature. Through their playful experiences, they uncover deeper truths about friendship, bravery, and the importance of embracing one’s identity.
One of the standout tales, Let’s Play, sets the tone for the book, drawing readers into a lively and immersive adventure. The story follows Clive and Katie, two adventurous siblings who love playing outdoors with their best friends, Titch-Ella and the blue-haired Hoaby—two playful Lepralites. Their fun takes an exciting turn when they discover an old tire swing hanging from a tree near a stream.
Katie, eager to swing, hops on but soon realizes she has no way to get down. Just as she starts to panic, a mysterious voice booms through the valley. Enter Kaloon, a retired warrior fairy who believes he is helping her by magically pushing the swing. However, his dramatic entrance startles everyone, including Clive’s dog, Cody. Kaloon, full of confidence and boasting about his past adventures, explains that he comes from a place called Dreams.
Kaloon proves to be a fun-loving, well-intentioned character who uses his magic to turn the river into a swirling mudslide—creating the ultimate playground for Clive, Katie, and their magical friends. The story captures the thrill of outdoor play, the joy of making unexpected friends, and the importance of trusting those who might initially seem strange.
Another compelling tale, The Hidden Digger, explores deeper emotional themes through the story of a cat who struggles with fear and self-identity. Unlike most cats, he does not enjoy hunting or killing, yet he feels pressured to act like a predator to fit in. His biggest fear, however, is magpies—black-and-white birds that once terrified him as a kitten. These birds, in his mind, are monstrous and dangerous, and his fear of them has only grown with time.
The cat’s journey is not just about overcoming fear—it is about self-acceptance. He learns that he does not need to hunt or pretend to be like other cats to be valid. His realization that he can exist peacefully in his own way makes for a powerful lesson about embracing individuality. The story beautifully blends emotion and adventure, making it one of the most thoughtful and moving tales in the collection.
A key highlight of Pre-Teen Lepralites is its illustrations, which complement the text. The illustrations serve as a visual gateway into the whimsical world of the Lepralites and their human companions, bringing the characters and their adventures to life.
Each drawing enhances the playful, mystical tone of the stories, helping readers visualize the characters—especially the unique and mischievous Lepralites. The fairy-tale quality of the illustrations aligns well with the book’s themes, capturing the blend of reality and fantasy that defines the narrative.
Beyond aesthetics, the illustrations serve as an engagement tool for young readers, helping them better connect with the characters and events. The balance between text and illustrations creates a reading experience that feels immersive rather than overwhelming, making it an excellent choice for both independent reading and read-aloud sessions.
The dialogue is natural and often playful, giving the characters a distinct personality that feels authentic. The writing balances humour and adventure while weaving in moral lessons without being heavy-handed and the book’s emphasis on outdoor play is particularly refreshing. In an age where digital screens often dominate children’s attention, Pre-Teen Lepralites encourages readers to embrace the joys of nature, friendship, and imagination. The children in the stories don’t rely on technology to entertain themselves—they explore, create, and learn from their surroundings.
With its blend of adventure, magic, and heart-warming themes, this book is sure to capture the imagination of pre-teen readers and make for an excellent read-aloud choice for parents and teachers.
It is highly recommended!
