Lantern & Shadow

by Fred Oliver

When they wake up in the wild where the hot Sahara Desert meets the cool jungle, they must learn everything from scratch. They discover strange animals, explore bright days and dark nights, and even bump into each other a little too often!
With teamwork, curiosity, and a lot of questions, Lantern and Shadow find their way back home—and learn that being different makes them the perfect team.
A fun and heartwarming story for young explorers ages 3–6.
Dear Parents, Teachers, and Caregivers,
Lantern & Shadow introduces children to early concepts in science, exploration, and problem-solving in a gentle and playful way.
Through the adventures of two curious robots, young readers learn:
Observation: noticing details in their environment
Inquiry: asking questions and exploring possibilities
Teamwork: combining different strengths
Creativity: naming animals and forming new ideas
Acceptance: appreciating how differences help us work together
The story also lightly reflects how scientists study new environments by gathering information, forming guesses, and learning step by step. This book is designed to spark curiosity, encourage laughter, and show that every child’s unique gifts have value.

31 pages, Paperback

Published April 9, 2026

About the author

Fred Oliver never expected to become a writer, especially in his sixties! His debut novel, Dormant Angels, brings together the influence of a multitude of elements from his personal and professional life. His travels throughout Europe and the Middle East have impressed in him how international events affect us all. Dormant Angels, no doubt, will be the subject of intellectual and spiritual debate.

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In 2024, Oliver had set his mind on giving something of value to the world, his storytelling.  Life is full of controversy. Religious and political beliefs have always divided mankind. The Catholic Church, like all human institutions, have changed through time. And like all human institutions, the Church has never been perfect, but today, what matters is the message of unity and brotherhood that it is putting forward.



The son of a U.S.  Army Combat Veteran and a dedicated mother, Oliver grew up in an unstable though nourishing,  home environment. His love for reading and natural curiosity about science, religion and mysteries of life have contributed to the backdrop of his first novel. He is a graduate of Inter-American University and the U.S. Naval Officer and Surface Officer Schools. His military experience taught him the importance of self-discipline in his writing.



Oliver's debut novel, Dormant Angels, explores how can dark forces influence our reality and how unrelenting faith can overcome it.