Lily Evergreen, a hearing impaired 12-year-old, has always felt a deep connection to the enchanted forest surrounding her home. When she befriends Winston, a teenage Bigfoot destined to become the forest's guardian, Lily embarks on an extraordinary adventure filled with magic, courage, and the power of friendship.
Together, Lily and Winston must navigate the challenges of the mystical realm, facing ancient trials and forging an unbreakable bond. As Lily uncovers the secrets of her own heritage and the wisdom of the forest, she discovers her true purpose as a guide and protector alongside Winston.
"Finding Footprints" is a heartwarming tale of friendship, self-discovery, and the magic that lies within the natural world. Join Lily and Winston on their unforgettable journey as they learn the true meaning of bravery, compassion, and the enduring power of connection.
🎬 Visionary Creator | Award-Winning Author & Screenwriter | Family & Animated Stories Seen Around the Globe | Championing Wildlife Conservation Through Storytelling
Finding Footprints: A Sasquatch Saga written by the team of Erik Daniel Shein, Melissa Davis, and Karen Fuller, is set in the lush Pacific Northwest, where protagonist Lily Evergreen, a hearing-impaired girl with a deep connection to her Native American roots, explores the enchanted forests accompanied by her service dog, Malachi. The narrative takes a fantastical turn as Lily uncovers a portal to another world and meets Winston, a young Bigfoot. Faced with the choice of embarking on a daring quest or returning to her familiar world, Lily grapples with the decision, her journey exploring themes of courage and cross-species friendship.
The story's strength lies in its portrayal of Lily, who transcends her hearing impairment to engage with her environment in unique and insightful ways. Her friendship with Winston, characterized by non-verbal communication, beautifully illustrates the power of understanding beyond words. This narrative is a celebration of overcoming obstacles and forming unbreakable bonds. While the treatment of time in the story can sometimes seem fluid, with transitions between scenes that move swiftly, akin to a video game's dynamic cutscenes, this narrative style adds a layer of briskness and excitement to the unfolding events.
The book's concise length allows for a fast-paced journey that hints at deeper scenes and character developments, suggesting a broader world and story that could be expanded upon in future installments. This brevity ensures that readers are continually engaged, always anticipating more, and leaves them eager to explore more of the potentially epic moments and evolving friendships that lie within this rich narrative tapestry. The core of the story— the profound friendship between a girl, a Bigfoot, and a loyal dog—resonates deeply, emphasizing emotional connections without reliance on dialogue. The narrative is like a finely brewed cup of tea that has yet to reach its full flavor, yet it remains a commendable read for those interested in tales of adventure, cultural richness, and magical realism.
Finding Footprints: A Sasquatch Saga will engage young readers who are looking for an exciting and meaningful adventure that is rooted in folk tales and myths. It celebrates the beauty of diversity and the importance of friendship, especially those that are unexpected, and is sure to inspire and delight readers of all ages.
Lily Evergreen, 12, was unable to hear. But she "hears" through vibrations. She has a labrador, Malachi, who is her service dog. They are out on a Saturday morning in the forest. Her grandmother taught her to respect the spirits of the forest. She was taught about the spirit guardians. She has a special connection with nature because she listens with her soul not her ears. On one trip into the forest she finds a shimmering light. She and Malachi step through and find themselves somewhere other than California. Then before her eyes there is a teenage Bigfoot. She names him Winston. She then teaches him sign language. Now she is on a mission with him to learn. He has three missions to become a guardian and wants her to help him. A friendship develops between them as they take on this adventure together. A beautiful story of legends and hope and friendship beyond the normal.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.