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Tales from Farlandia #1
Ozette's Destiny
Ozette, a rare and beautiful white squirrel, must flee Earth World when she is wrongly blamed for the destruction of their sacred forest simply because she is different. Clutching only a golden acorn, which was gifted to her by her beloved grandmother, Ozette escapes to Farlandia, a magical kingdom where her grandmother has said the young squirrel will find her destiny. With innate innocence and sweetness, Ozette quickly forms close friendships with the residents of Farlandia including zany elves, fairies and animals, and soon finds herself tapped to be the caretaker of this old-growth forest. Forging strong alliances through the challenges of life, Ozette and her magical friends will have you laughing and crying as you follow them through adventures that will warm your heart with gentle lessons of kindness, loyalty and self acceptance. And, as a charming goodbye gift at the end of the book to delight all ages, the author sends off her readers with real recipes for many of the fantastical treats that the Farlandia residents enjoy.
164 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
20 people are currently reading
127 people want to read
About the author
Judy Pierce
8 books10 followersOriginally from Washington state, Judy lives on 17- forested acres in the mountains of North Carolina with her husband, Jim, and rescued dogs. After earning her master's degree from the School of Journalism at Southern Illinois University, Judy moved to the SE and taught mass communication courses at the university level.
Her interest in herbs led her to also teach adult education classes on their uses, and she has published extensively on incorporating herbs in cooking, medicines and cosmetics.
She was instrumental in expanding a conservation education program for the island of Guam and has published numerous articles on the environment.
Judy's writing is influenced by her love of nature and work with Bichon Frise rescue and wildlife rehabilitation. When she's not writing, she loves to garden, bicycle, hike, camp, photograph white squirrels and visit family on the West Coast.
Tales from Farlandia: Ozette's Destiny was written after Judy had been writing short stories for several years for an online group. After much urging, her friends convinced her she should write a book about the lovable white squirrel. Ozette is a composite of the white squirrels in Brevard, NC, and at Ochlockonee River State Park in Florida.
Judy has two children, four grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
She is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.
Her interest in herbs led her to also teach adult education classes on their uses, and she has published extensively on incorporating herbs in cooking, medicines and cosmetics.
She was instrumental in expanding a conservation education program for the island of Guam and has published numerous articles on the environment.
Judy's writing is influenced by her love of nature and work with Bichon Frise rescue and wildlife rehabilitation. When she's not writing, she loves to garden, bicycle, hike, camp, photograph white squirrels and visit family on the West Coast.
Tales from Farlandia: Ozette's Destiny was written after Judy had been writing short stories for several years for an online group. After much urging, her friends convinced her she should write a book about the lovable white squirrel. Ozette is a composite of the white squirrels in Brevard, NC, and at Ochlockonee River State Park in Florida.
Judy has two children, four grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
She is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 21, 2013
This is such a sweet story teaching valuable lessons to children. I thoroughly enjoyed the story as it provides examples of helping other selflessly, accepting both who you are and others, and working with others as a team. It was a very refreshing story and the imaginative characters created by the author provides for an enjoyable read. I highly recommend this book.
May 14, 2013
Judy Pierce has created a magical world where animals and nature live in harmony. I can easily see it as a t.v show, as each chapter feels like an episode. Ozette will surely steal your young kids heart as the sweet and fair Queen of Farlandia. The recipes section is a great idea, I'll be sure to try them. Can't wait for more adventures!
August 7, 2013
Ozette is a beautiful white squirrel marked with just a touch of gray down her back and on her head. She has come to the forest known as Farlandia on the advice of her grandmother, The Divine Miss Piddlewinks, who had given her a golden acorn. Ozette had been blamed for the encroachment of humans into their world because she was different from other squirrels. Upon reaching Farlandia, she planted a golden acorn. The forest bloomed with life, fairies, elves, nature, royalty, and all sorts of mythical creatures.
This book will entertain anyone from age seven through seventy. Its characters spin a tale of adventures that teach many lessons, cooperation, team work, loyalty, bravery, self-sacrifice and numerous others. At the beginning of the book we meet a scruffy white dog named Duchess Zorina who got lost while exploring outside the palace of Queen Beatrix. This turns out to be the beginning of Ozette’s adventures as she and her friends rescue “ DK.” Ozette gets to ride on a unicorn to visit the palace. The Queen insists on rewarding Ozette, giving her a crown and making her queen of the forest. Ozette has long been the humble caretaker of the forest, and her friends involve her in many of their foibles. She experiences life as a hummingbird, rides a parachute, and has her fur dyed pink! She remains a steadfast friend and never deserts a friend in need, even when he has been sprayed by a skunk! Like a true mother hen, Ozette feels a responsibility for all the creatures of the forest. She does not fear responsibility, but she is never overbearing nor does she want to impose her will upon others.
There are many touches of humor. Oliver’s boxer shorts disappear only to emerge as an elaborate bungee jump game for Ozette’s coronation festivities. The spiders weave an elaborate web parachute for her that has been dyed lavender. The Spice Squirrels are singing on stage, while birds and cicadas maintain a steady beat! Oliver, the elf has been busy in his kitchen baking all sorts of goodies. In fact, the author provides a list of delicious recipes that the reader will enjoy making and eating after reading the book.
Young children will enjoy the book if it is broken up into chapters as a read aloud. Older children and adults will fly through its approximately 160 pages as the fast paced story will compel you into quickly finishing it. I am looking forward to reading many more of Ozette’s adventures and the nuggets of wisdom that she drops for us.
This book will entertain anyone from age seven through seventy. Its characters spin a tale of adventures that teach many lessons, cooperation, team work, loyalty, bravery, self-sacrifice and numerous others. At the beginning of the book we meet a scruffy white dog named Duchess Zorina who got lost while exploring outside the palace of Queen Beatrix. This turns out to be the beginning of Ozette’s adventures as she and her friends rescue “ DK.” Ozette gets to ride on a unicorn to visit the palace. The Queen insists on rewarding Ozette, giving her a crown and making her queen of the forest. Ozette has long been the humble caretaker of the forest, and her friends involve her in many of their foibles. She experiences life as a hummingbird, rides a parachute, and has her fur dyed pink! She remains a steadfast friend and never deserts a friend in need, even when he has been sprayed by a skunk! Like a true mother hen, Ozette feels a responsibility for all the creatures of the forest. She does not fear responsibility, but she is never overbearing nor does she want to impose her will upon others.
There are many touches of humor. Oliver’s boxer shorts disappear only to emerge as an elaborate bungee jump game for Ozette’s coronation festivities. The spiders weave an elaborate web parachute for her that has been dyed lavender. The Spice Squirrels are singing on stage, while birds and cicadas maintain a steady beat! Oliver, the elf has been busy in his kitchen baking all sorts of goodies. In fact, the author provides a list of delicious recipes that the reader will enjoy making and eating after reading the book.
Young children will enjoy the book if it is broken up into chapters as a read aloud. Older children and adults will fly through its approximately 160 pages as the fast paced story will compel you into quickly finishing it. I am looking forward to reading many more of Ozette’s adventures and the nuggets of wisdom that she drops for us.
October 25, 2013
Ozette’s Destiny by Judy Pierce is the extreme of children’s fairy tales! Author Judy Pierce has woven with words a beautiful, fantastical dream in the world of fairy tales through the least expecting character, a white squirrel named Ozette!
Through the perfectly detailed mystical, magical kingdom called Farland land there sits an ‘exquisite jewel’ in the territory called Farlandia were you will share in Ozette’s destiny. If you like fanciful fairies, majestic unicorns, daring elves, loving princesses, and helpful talking animals friends of all sorts, then you will like sharing all their fun-loving, good-natured adventures.
Follow Ozette and her friends as they get themselves into some pretty unique situations through dares of bravery, and learn how they find their way out them through their love of friendship.
A delightful tale all wrapped up with hilarious gags, games and a fairy tale feast fit for royalty! We thoroughly enjoyed Ozette’s Destiny by Judy Pierce and we will enjoy the unexpected sweet treats at the end of the book for times to come!
5 Stars!
We look forward to more adventures from Author Judy Pierce.
Suitable for parents to read at bedtime and for readers age 8-up.
Through the perfectly detailed mystical, magical kingdom called Farland land there sits an ‘exquisite jewel’ in the territory called Farlandia were you will share in Ozette’s destiny. If you like fanciful fairies, majestic unicorns, daring elves, loving princesses, and helpful talking animals friends of all sorts, then you will like sharing all their fun-loving, good-natured adventures.
Follow Ozette and her friends as they get themselves into some pretty unique situations through dares of bravery, and learn how they find their way out them through their love of friendship.
A delightful tale all wrapped up with hilarious gags, games and a fairy tale feast fit for royalty! We thoroughly enjoyed Ozette’s Destiny by Judy Pierce and we will enjoy the unexpected sweet treats at the end of the book for times to come!
5 Stars!
We look forward to more adventures from Author Judy Pierce.
Suitable for parents to read at bedtime and for readers age 8-up.
April 24, 2013
"In the land of Farlandia there are lush woodlands rich with giant hardwoods, evergreens, fern groves and flowing streams lined with lush moss banks."
This is a tale of a white squirrel and her friends--elves, fairies, duchesses, princesses, unicorns and assorted birds--all those animals that live in the forest and many others who only live in our imaginations. This story will delight both children and adults. (The recipes in the back will be fun for all ages too.) This was a fun and easy read. I loved Judy's imagination of the world, characters and the food. (She made me hungry.) Some of my faves were walnut-encrusted jumbledberry scones, honeysuckle tea, nutty fruitinas, hazelnut tarts filled with raspberry jam, moon nuts, star nuts, almond-veggie smackaroons, and roasted vegetable razzle-dazzles. I wanted to taste all of these.
This book had a disneyland feel to it--all fun, smiles and a happy ending.
This is a tale of a white squirrel and her friends--elves, fairies, duchesses, princesses, unicorns and assorted birds--all those animals that live in the forest and many others who only live in our imaginations. This story will delight both children and adults. (The recipes in the back will be fun for all ages too.) This was a fun and easy read. I loved Judy's imagination of the world, characters and the food. (She made me hungry.) Some of my faves were walnut-encrusted jumbledberry scones, honeysuckle tea, nutty fruitinas, hazelnut tarts filled with raspberry jam, moon nuts, star nuts, almond-veggie smackaroons, and roasted vegetable razzle-dazzles. I wanted to taste all of these.
This book had a disneyland feel to it--all fun, smiles and a happy ending.
June 18, 2013
Ozette's Destiny is a magical tale about a beautiful white squirrel that escapes to Farlandia after being wrongly blamed for the destruction of the forest. Ozette is a charming, delightful protagonist that evolves as the story progresses, leaving readers with an important message about self-acceptance.
As Ozette fulfills her destiny, we are introduced to many interesting characters, such as Duchess Zorina (a royal Bichon Frise), Maxwell (a most helpful unicorn), and Oliver (an adventurous elf and my personal favorite!). Ozette's Destiny leaves the reader with a warm afterglow due to its positive nature. It emphasizes friendship and the importance of helping one another, which makes it a wonderful read for both adults and children alike!
As Ozette fulfills her destiny, we are introduced to many interesting characters, such as Duchess Zorina (a royal Bichon Frise), Maxwell (a most helpful unicorn), and Oliver (an adventurous elf and my personal favorite!). Ozette's Destiny leaves the reader with a warm afterglow due to its positive nature. It emphasizes friendship and the importance of helping one another, which makes it a wonderful read for both adults and children alike!
March 10, 2013
If I still had little ones at home, I would take this and read it every night as a bedtime story for my kidlets. But you don't need kids to adore this story. I simply loved Ozzete and thought she made a wonderful queen. I loved that this book showed the importance of the golden rule was necessary, along with many other things like being kind, honest, noble and courageous, and that in doing that you find the best path in life for not only for yourself but others. It's well done, with fleshed out characters, and a smooth story. Recommended for all ages.
December 25, 2014
I liked this book. The story had a lot of nice descriptive details that gives you a sense of what there magical world looked like. There were some funny parts in the story too. That was funny when Oliver the Elf's boxers went missing and later on Ozette's corination night he finds them hanging in a willow tree like pouches and lots of animals bouncing up and down inside them. That was funny. I would like to read the second book.
June 1, 2013
This is an absolutely delightful tale of friendship, kindness, and finding the courage to fulfill one's destiny even if that destiny is not of your choosing. This story is a fun read for adults as well as children. I highly recommend it!
November 25, 2013
This is a delightful tale of the adventures of Ozette, the squirrel and her fairyland. The author is gifted at world-building and created such an interesting cast of characters to immerse yourself in. Children and adults alike will have fun reading this book. Plus it's filled with cute animals!
June 23, 2014
#bookadaychallenge Sweet book with an interesting cast of characters. Ozette is a white squirrel with a destiny to fulfill. She is friends with a wide variety of different characters, caring for each other but still having fun.
March 17, 2015
Adorable
Cute story for all ages. Kids, teens and adults. Sweet and fun read. Found myself smiling at times. No animals hurt. Pleasure to read. Recipes included to make with kids or class after reading.
Cute story for all ages. Kids, teens and adults. Sweet and fun read. Found myself smiling at times. No animals hurt. Pleasure to read. Recipes included to make with kids or class after reading.
March 14, 2013
A lovely story for children and adults alike. Well written so the story pulls you in. Definitely one to read for the children at bedtime.
March 25, 2013
Wonderful story about a cute little white squirrel. Children of all ages will surely love this one! I know I did!!
September 21, 2013
I read Ozette's Destiny to my daughter and she loved it as much as I did! The little white squirrel is adorable, it's a great book for children and adults. I highly recommend it!
November 10, 2013
A must-read! Love the whimsical magic of the forest animals!
April 25, 2018
so cute - I wish my girls had been younger when we discovered Ozette!
July 4, 2013
In Ozette's Destiny a pretty little white squirrel has been banished to Farlandia for a wrong doing, but that turns out to be a good thing Farlandia is beautiful old growth forest filled with nuts and goodies that squirrels love.
The story meanders a bit with a variety of woodland critters, elves, and fairies facing difficulties which they must overcome. The author has given voice and character to animals and birds much like other children's fables have done in the past. The animal-characters exhibit good morals, kindness, and goodness even though some have to learn this lesson the hard way.
The critters love their old growth forest and dread the wicked humans who destroy the forest and cause the critters loss of food and a place to live. The story is strongly environmental and I resent this being inserted into children's tales. Ozette's story could easily been told effectively without this insertion of conservation and environmentalism.
The vocabulary is most likely beyond the capability of the young audience to which it is directed and who would enjoy the story unless the book were a read-to-me story book which it could easily be. However, I envisioned Tales from Farlandia Ozette's Destiny as a delightful children's early chapter book. The cover is beautifully drawn and invites the reader into the pages of the book. The book desperately needed some illustrations to help capture the fancy of the young reader for whom this story seems most suited.
DISCLOSURE: I received a free copy of Ozette's Destiny from the Library Thing Early Reviewers program.
The story meanders a bit with a variety of woodland critters, elves, and fairies facing difficulties which they must overcome. The author has given voice and character to animals and birds much like other children's fables have done in the past. The animal-characters exhibit good morals, kindness, and goodness even though some have to learn this lesson the hard way.
The critters love their old growth forest and dread the wicked humans who destroy the forest and cause the critters loss of food and a place to live. The story is strongly environmental and I resent this being inserted into children's tales. Ozette's story could easily been told effectively without this insertion of conservation and environmentalism.
The vocabulary is most likely beyond the capability of the young audience to which it is directed and who would enjoy the story unless the book were a read-to-me story book which it could easily be. However, I envisioned Tales from Farlandia Ozette's Destiny as a delightful children's early chapter book. The cover is beautifully drawn and invites the reader into the pages of the book. The book desperately needed some illustrations to help capture the fancy of the young reader for whom this story seems most suited.
DISCLOSURE: I received a free copy of Ozette's Destiny from the Library Thing Early Reviewers program.
April 16, 2015
Anyone who knows me knows I had to read this book because: squirrels. The book starts out when Ozette rescues an animal in trouble and gains the favor of the queen, but then it devolves into a series of episodic tales that aren't really building up to anything. The book lost it for me when some animals are rescued from the water by an eagle, who tells them, "Grab onto my wings!" Yes, sadly, I can suspend disbelief and accept talking animals, fairies, elves, winged unicorns...but not that an eagle would tell drowning animals to grab its wings rather than just plucking them out of the water with its talons. How's it going to fly with animals hanging off its wings? The illustrations are great, but lack of narrative meant it was "OK".
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews