What do you think?
Rate this book
The Grotto Under the Tree by John A. Theo Jr.
THE GROTTO UNDER THE TREE SYNOPSIS In a small New England seaside town there grew an ancient oak tree. It sat on a small hill behind a red brick elementary school. Legend has it the tree was planted by a wandering monk just after the town was founded in 1757. No one recalls his name, but they did say he was tall and thin with long brown hair, and was known for the hooded cloak he always wore. Some say the cloak was used to hide his pointed faerie ears. Halloween night 1973, a New England nor’easter sweeps in off the ocean and the ancient tree is blown down. In the small space exposed on the underside of the tree two children, Sebastian and Sara, discover something extraordinary. They find a perfectly carved stone staircase spiraling down into a secret tunnel. The tunnel leads them into an underground grotto where they discover a pod of Mer people (mermaids, mermen and mer-children). A short while later they come face to face with the person who planted the tree. They are astonished to find out that he is not really a man, but a magical elven lord named Capri. For centuries Capri has searched for his lost tribe and his betrothed. He traveled the world planting these magical trees as beacons for his people. Capri leads the children on an adventure to the Arctic Circle in his flying galleon, Telestar. Upon reaching the far north they find the one human the elves have befriended. Someone who can help Capri find his tribe and his lost love. During their journey they are pursued by ghost-like creatures called The Kylo. These creatures prey upon the remaining magical creatures of the world. The elves are the last line of defense against the Kylo. If they fall then there is nothing to stop these creatures from hunting humans.
- GenresMiddle Grade
Mass Market Paperback
First published July 7, 2004
9 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
John A. Theo Jr.
17 books6 followersFor two decades, John has published in both fiction and non-fiction. His diverse portfolio includes roles as a movie critic, magazine freelancer, and college professor where he taught screenwriting. John received a bachelor's degree in psychology from Salem State University and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Pine Manor College in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts.
John's published novels include: The Grotto Under the Tree, Cape Ann, Mission Trip, Mission Trip, Genesis and Exodus, Clarke, White Mountains' False Flag, and Murder at Cluster Springs Raceway.
For more information log on to johntheo.com
John's published novels include: The Grotto Under the Tree, Cape Ann, Mission Trip, Mission Trip, Genesis and Exodus, Clarke, White Mountains' False Flag, and Murder at Cluster Springs Raceway.
For more information log on to johntheo.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 12, 2018
Quick easy read with lots of imagination and thought
Creative and easy read. It was very imaginative and sparked all my kid like thinking again. Oh the wonder of story telling. I look forward to more adventures into this world.
Creative and easy read. It was very imaginative and sparked all my kid like thinking again. Oh the wonder of story telling. I look forward to more adventures into this world.
October 8, 2013
(This review can be found on my blog The (Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Something Year Old Girl).
To be honest, I really didn't know what to make of this book when I first received the tour invite in my inbox. It sounded interesting, so I thought I'd take a chance on it. Luckily, the book turned out to be likable.
Sara and Sebastian are both in 5th grade and are best friends. While in school, the learn the legend of the big, old oak tree that sits outside their classroom window. During a storm, the oak is damaged. When Sara and Sebastian are walking by the now damaged oak tree, the notice a hole that leads them into a grotto filled with beautiful and magical beings. However, there are also dangerous beings in this grotto. Little do Sara and Sebastian know that they've just got themselves into a dangerous war between these creatures underground. Will Sara and Sebastian make it back home in one piece?
I think the cover is absolutely gorgeous! I love the magical feel of this picture! The grotto under the tree on the cover is breathtaking! The cover definitely suits the book.
The title is very straight forward. The whole setting is the grotto under the tree, so I think this is a fantastic title for this book.
I thought the world building, for a middle grade novel, was done fantastically! It's so easy to get lost in this magical world thanks to the author's great descriptions! In fact, I wanted to visit this grotto under the oak tree!
The pacing was a bit slow to begin with, and I was thinking that I had made a mistake in agreeing to review this book. Luckily, without even realizing it, the pacing picked up, and I was enthralled with this story.
The book definitely has an interesting plot. I love, love, love the idea of a grotto under a tree. There's not many subplots, but I think this is because it's a middle grade novel. I was quite happy there wasn't many subplots though. The use of mystical creatures as well as a traditional figure was interesting. I even like the way the author made up his own type of mythical creatures. The best thing about the plot was the life lessons found throughout the novel.
I liked the characters. I thought they sounded like they were really sweet. I would've liked to know more about them such as what they were like when they were in their normal existence. I did like the way they looked out for each other no matter what happened. It was touching to see how they were willing to sacrifice their own life for the other's many times. It was obvious how close these two were.
The dialogue was mostly written well for a middle grade novel. However, there were some words in there that I think tweens and younger teens might struggle with. Also, there were times when the children spoke that made them seem more like high school kids rather than elementary kids. Oh, and I found it annoying how the book had to mention every time they held hands or rested their head on each other. It got a bit repetitive. Other than that, the dialogue flows really well and suits a middle grade novel! There's no swearing although there is mild violence.
Overall, The Grotto Under the Tree is a very amusing read which will transport you into a magical realm. With only a few minor issues, this is a novel that children will thoroughly enjoy.
I'd recommend this to children aged 10 - 13 who would love to be transported into a magical and mystical universe!
(I received a free ebook of this title from the tour host in exchange for a fair and honest review).
To be honest, I really didn't know what to make of this book when I first received the tour invite in my inbox. It sounded interesting, so I thought I'd take a chance on it. Luckily, the book turned out to be likable.
Sara and Sebastian are both in 5th grade and are best friends. While in school, the learn the legend of the big, old oak tree that sits outside their classroom window. During a storm, the oak is damaged. When Sara and Sebastian are walking by the now damaged oak tree, the notice a hole that leads them into a grotto filled with beautiful and magical beings. However, there are also dangerous beings in this grotto. Little do Sara and Sebastian know that they've just got themselves into a dangerous war between these creatures underground. Will Sara and Sebastian make it back home in one piece?
I think the cover is absolutely gorgeous! I love the magical feel of this picture! The grotto under the tree on the cover is breathtaking! The cover definitely suits the book.
The title is very straight forward. The whole setting is the grotto under the tree, so I think this is a fantastic title for this book.
I thought the world building, for a middle grade novel, was done fantastically! It's so easy to get lost in this magical world thanks to the author's great descriptions! In fact, I wanted to visit this grotto under the oak tree!
The pacing was a bit slow to begin with, and I was thinking that I had made a mistake in agreeing to review this book. Luckily, without even realizing it, the pacing picked up, and I was enthralled with this story.
The book definitely has an interesting plot. I love, love, love the idea of a grotto under a tree. There's not many subplots, but I think this is because it's a middle grade novel. I was quite happy there wasn't many subplots though. The use of mystical creatures as well as a traditional figure was interesting. I even like the way the author made up his own type of mythical creatures. The best thing about the plot was the life lessons found throughout the novel.
I liked the characters. I thought they sounded like they were really sweet. I would've liked to know more about them such as what they were like when they were in their normal existence. I did like the way they looked out for each other no matter what happened. It was touching to see how they were willing to sacrifice their own life for the other's many times. It was obvious how close these two were.
The dialogue was mostly written well for a middle grade novel. However, there were some words in there that I think tweens and younger teens might struggle with. Also, there were times when the children spoke that made them seem more like high school kids rather than elementary kids. Oh, and I found it annoying how the book had to mention every time they held hands or rested their head on each other. It got a bit repetitive. Other than that, the dialogue flows really well and suits a middle grade novel! There's no swearing although there is mild violence.
Overall, The Grotto Under the Tree is a very amusing read which will transport you into a magical realm. With only a few minor issues, this is a novel that children will thoroughly enjoy.
I'd recommend this to children aged 10 - 13 who would love to be transported into a magical and mystical universe!
(I received a free ebook of this title from the tour host in exchange for a fair and honest review).
October 10, 2013
My favorite way to read Middle Grade fiction is to go into as if I was a young reader. I love to take the story at face value, get lost in it, look at it as both a young and an older reader. To me, the best kind of MG fiction is that which can peak the interest of any reader, no matter what the age! All of that being said, I thought that The Grotto Under the Tree had a lot of potential. Charming and fun, this is an easy romp in a new world.
It did take me a bit to get fully immersed in this story. Being a shorter read, things move very quickly for our young heroes. I found Sara and Sebastian to be very brave and fun to follow. Each a bit impulsive, and yet courageous, watching them navigate this magical land was intriguing. I loved how they played off one another. When one was scared, the other compensated. They were great at coming up with ideas to get out of sticky situations and, when it counted, they were always there for one another. I see a lot young readers will love in these two.
The thing that took me a while to get used to was how juvenile the dialogue between these two was. I don't mean this as a jab. What I mean is that the children come at problems exactly how a young reader might. Their solutions are simple, the fights are minimal, and things move effortlessly from one event to the next. As an older reader, I missed some of the action. I missed having even that minimal amount of tension that keeps me turning pages. Still, to the age group that this is aimed at, I'm sure it will be more than enough.
Overall, The Grotto Under the Tree was a quick and fantasy filled read. Young readers who love mermaids, talking animals, and any number of other fantasy elements, will likely fall in step with Sara and Sebastian very easily. If you have a reader at home who is looking for their next read, give The Grotto Under the Tree a shot.
It did take me a bit to get fully immersed in this story. Being a shorter read, things move very quickly for our young heroes. I found Sara and Sebastian to be very brave and fun to follow. Each a bit impulsive, and yet courageous, watching them navigate this magical land was intriguing. I loved how they played off one another. When one was scared, the other compensated. They were great at coming up with ideas to get out of sticky situations and, when it counted, they were always there for one another. I see a lot young readers will love in these two.
The thing that took me a while to get used to was how juvenile the dialogue between these two was. I don't mean this as a jab. What I mean is that the children come at problems exactly how a young reader might. Their solutions are simple, the fights are minimal, and things move effortlessly from one event to the next. As an older reader, I missed some of the action. I missed having even that minimal amount of tension that keeps me turning pages. Still, to the age group that this is aimed at, I'm sure it will be more than enough.
Overall, The Grotto Under the Tree was a quick and fantasy filled read. Young readers who love mermaids, talking animals, and any number of other fantasy elements, will likely fall in step with Sara and Sebastian very easily. If you have a reader at home who is looking for their next read, give The Grotto Under the Tree a shot.
October 7, 2013
Although this is young adult I found myself thoroughly enjoying this story. Following the adventures of two young children, Sebastien and Sara, and it is very reminiscent of fabulous books like Alice in Wonderland and my favorite from Neil Gaimen, Star Dust.
Much like Star Dust I found myself totally involved in the story, while the children were soaring through water or the air I was soaring with them. It was such a fast and really fun read but it is definitely not only for children, this is a book that I think everyone will love.
I loved both of the children, Sebastian with his curiosity really reminded me that curiosity can kill the cat but it can also lead to fabulous things! And although Sara was a lot more cautious, she was just as much fun to read about as Sebastian was. And not only are the characters fabulous but the imagination of John A. Theo really pulled me in! I could see what I was reading as if I were watching a movie.
The only slight issue I had was with some of the dialogue. It seemed a bit forced but honestly it wasn’t enough to stray me from wanting to read more. Thoroughly enjoyable!
Much like Star Dust I found myself totally involved in the story, while the children were soaring through water or the air I was soaring with them. It was such a fast and really fun read but it is definitely not only for children, this is a book that I think everyone will love.
I loved both of the children, Sebastian with his curiosity really reminded me that curiosity can kill the cat but it can also lead to fabulous things! And although Sara was a lot more cautious, she was just as much fun to read about as Sebastian was. And not only are the characters fabulous but the imagination of John A. Theo really pulled me in! I could see what I was reading as if I were watching a movie.
The only slight issue I had was with some of the dialogue. It seemed a bit forced but honestly it wasn’t enough to stray me from wanting to read more. Thoroughly enjoyable!
January 1, 2014
Although this is young adult I found myself thoroughly enjoying this story. Following the adventures of two young children, Sebastien and Sara, and it is very reminiscent of fabulous books like Alice in Wonderland and my favorite from Neil Gaimen, Star Dust.
Much like Star Dust I found myself totally involved in the story, while the children were soaring through water or the air I was soaring with them. It was such a fast and really fun read but it is definitely not only for children, this is a book that I think everyone will love.
I loved both of the children, Sebastian with his curiosity really reminded me that curiosity can kill the cat but it can also lead to fabulous things! And although Sara was a lot more cautious, she was just as much fun to read about as Sebastian was. And not only are the characters fabulous but the imagination of John A. Theo really pulled me in! I could see what I was reading as if I were watching a movie.
The only slight issue I had was with some of the dialogue. It seemed a bit forced but honestly it wasn't enough to stray me from wanting to read more. Thoroughly enjoyable!
Much like Star Dust I found myself totally involved in the story, while the children were soaring through water or the air I was soaring with them. It was such a fast and really fun read but it is definitely not only for children, this is a book that I think everyone will love.
I loved both of the children, Sebastian with his curiosity really reminded me that curiosity can kill the cat but it can also lead to fabulous things! And although Sara was a lot more cautious, she was just as much fun to read about as Sebastian was. And not only are the characters fabulous but the imagination of John A. Theo really pulled me in! I could see what I was reading as if I were watching a movie.
The only slight issue I had was with some of the dialogue. It seemed a bit forced but honestly it wasn't enough to stray me from wanting to read more. Thoroughly enjoyable!
April 27, 2013
I thought this book was charming and creative, although a bit difficult to dive in at first. Our main characters, Sara and Sebastian are very brave and extremely curious, falling into a magical land that reminds me a bit of The Chronicles of Narnia with some similar elements, albeit the author brings new ideas, making this a unique adventure.
The dialogues between the characters become a bit cheesy and the big problem is solved just like a child would solve it, simple, without emphasizing much violence. It’s okay though, considering this is addressed to the younger audience, there’s enough violence as it is surrounding our lives without it tainting our children’s books.
Overall, this story shows off how important it is to be loyal to your friends, to cherish them with all your heart and to be brave for them when they need it the most. Even when it seems that darkness is here to stay, faith in yourself and to Him above in heaven is the last thing that you should ever lose.
*This review first appeared at Cuzinlogic* http://cuzinlogic.com/2013/05/the-gro...
The dialogues between the characters become a bit cheesy and the big problem is solved just like a child would solve it, simple, without emphasizing much violence. It’s okay though, considering this is addressed to the younger audience, there’s enough violence as it is surrounding our lives without it tainting our children’s books.
Overall, this story shows off how important it is to be loyal to your friends, to cherish them with all your heart and to be brave for them when they need it the most. Even when it seems that darkness is here to stay, faith in yourself and to Him above in heaven is the last thing that you should ever lose.
*This review first appeared at Cuzinlogic* http://cuzinlogic.com/2013/05/the-gro...
October 15, 2013
I really enjoyed this middle-grade fantasy story for its entertaining mixture of magic and life lessons. It kept me entertained while at the same time made me think about the message that was lying beneath the surface of the story.
The two main characters, Sebastian and Sarah, are fifth grade students that decide to explore the fallen oak tree that has stood in front of their school for centuries. During their exploration they become trapped in a cave and discover a hidden world of magic, adventure, and problems.
This is one of those books that I have to share at least one of my favorite passages from. I hope it will convince you to enjoy this wonderful story and to share it with the kids in your life.
A girl with fair skin and curly auburn hair raised her hand from the back row. “Miss Storm, how do we know our tree is special if we don’t see anything strange ever happen?”
Miss Storm smiled. “Sara, in fairy tales as in life, there are times when you are asked to believe in things you may not be able to see.”
Originally posted on Gin's Book Notes .com
The two main characters, Sebastian and Sarah, are fifth grade students that decide to explore the fallen oak tree that has stood in front of their school for centuries. During their exploration they become trapped in a cave and discover a hidden world of magic, adventure, and problems.
This is one of those books that I have to share at least one of my favorite passages from. I hope it will convince you to enjoy this wonderful story and to share it with the kids in your life.
A girl with fair skin and curly auburn hair raised her hand from the back row. “Miss Storm, how do we know our tree is special if we don’t see anything strange ever happen?”
Miss Storm smiled. “Sara, in fairy tales as in life, there are times when you are asked to believe in things you may not be able to see.”
Originally posted on Gin's Book Notes .com
November 24, 2015
This story was pure magic, I really loved this story. I am a huge fan of fantasy and The Grotto Under the Tree ticked every box of what I would expect in a fantasy story, including magical creatures and action throughout the story. This story reminded me of Narnia in some ways, which made me enjoy it even more.
The writing was captivating and really draws you in. I think readers of any age would enjoy this story. I loved the way the story ends, but was a little sad it ended, I loved it so much I just wanted to keep on reading.
I fell in love with this new world in a matter of pages and I fell in love with the characters as well. As the reader, you get transported from our world into a whole new world. I enjoyed this world that Theo created and could just get lost there for hours. This is a story that I could read over and over again and still enjoy. Everyone should pick this up for a quick fantasy story.
Reviewed by Lauren Currie for The Bookish Blog
The writing was captivating and really draws you in. I think readers of any age would enjoy this story. I loved the way the story ends, but was a little sad it ended, I loved it so much I just wanted to keep on reading.
I fell in love with this new world in a matter of pages and I fell in love with the characters as well. As the reader, you get transported from our world into a whole new world. I enjoyed this world that Theo created and could just get lost there for hours. This is a story that I could read over and over again and still enjoy. Everyone should pick this up for a quick fantasy story.
Reviewed by Lauren Currie for The Bookish Blog
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews