Dancing with Dragonflies (Perfect Paperback)

by Jack Francis Gorfien (Author), Grace Turman (Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Dancing with Dragonflies is a fable written for children and adults of all ages. It may be read out loud in less than 20 minutes, making it a good length for a bedtime story. The tale is about a princess and a knight named Lirona and Zohar. They meet while on separate journeys and continue on different paths in search of treasure. With the help of a little magic supplied by a mysterious old woman called Adamina, they find themselves where they first met, and continue their journey together to discover something more valuable than any precious gem. Among other things, the book encourages the ability to see opportunity, and the courage to act upon it. It also advocates work, balance, cooperation, perseverance and self-determination. The words and whimsical illustrations work together to form a contemporary trip into the past and the future. Visit the author's website at www.dancingwithdragonflies.com "This little book shows dance as a common ground where two people from very different worlds can come together. On the dance floor, they're able to take down the defensive walls they've built and not only find each other but also find their inner strength to trust and love again. Some may find this a fairy tale. Others a life lesson." Karen Pfrommer, Co-owner and dance instructor Let's Dance in Rhythm Branford, CT About the author: Jack Francis Gorfien is a writer and licensed acupuncturist practicing in Madison, Connecticut. His inspiration for this story grew in part from having studied the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine. He found that the concept of balancing the opposing forces known as Yin and Yang to relieve pain and create a state of good health, apply to all areas of life. Inspiration for this story also grew out of his experiences with ballroom dancing. He discovered that ballroom dancing is an excellent metaphor for all types of relationships, and the benefits available to partners who are willing to strive for balance and help each other excel. The author's desire is to encourage people to look within themselves and others to focus on their qualities, and choose to cultivate those qualities to their most positive potential. In today's chaotic and sometimes frightening world, we will all be well served by nourishing what is best in others and ourselves whenever possible. About the illustrator: Grace Turman has a mother, a father, a brother, two sisters and a handsome prince who keep her life just as exciting as it should be. She needs water (preferably sparkling), shelter, and at least three different colored ink pens to survive. Grace also helped illustrate The Thimble Island Story Book, a collection of salty sea stories by Captain Bob Milne.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Perfect Paperback: 28 pages
• Publisher: Dog Ear Publishing, LLC (February 5, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1598582739
• ISBN-13: 978-1598582734
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.4 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,240,498 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Dragonfly Princess Tale, April 30, 2007

By	Marion "[e-mail]" (Louisiana) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

I have to say this is one of the best "new" fairy tales I've read in years. And being a hopeless dragonfly-lover, I particularly enjoyed the Princess in the story having dragonfly wings which she could sprout at will when she felt the urge to fly. (Would that we all could sprout dragonfly wings!) The original illustrations were refreshing and the moral of the story was perfect for adults and children of all ages. I plan to pass this book along to my grandchildren to read.

If you're looking for a fairy tale with an excellent moral that isn't the same old, same old, then this book is for you!! I hope Mr. Gorfien plans to write more stories similar to this one.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Story with a lesson, April 27, 2007

By	Sally L. Kruger "Reading Junky" (Michigan) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I had the pleasure of receiving a copy of DANCING WITH DRAGONFLIES direct from the author. It's a lovely story with beautiful illustrations. After reading it myself, I shared it some of my 8th grade students. They enjoyed it and surprised me by having a little group discussion about the theme - following your dreams. DANCING WITH DRAGONFLIES is a book to be enjoyed by anyone who appreciates a fine story.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Children's book with an adult message, May 20, 2007

By	Sandyebr (West Coast, USA) - See all my reviews

I enjoyed this book a lot. I'm not one that usually writes book reviews but I wanted to share what I loved about this book. This is a sweet book with an empowering message, just the type story that you want to share with children because it introduces a more honest view of what relationships ask of us in the real world, Its not about a prince riding in and spiriting the princess away...its about being honest with yourself about what being with another person really means and going into that with your eyes open. To me, that's a more satisfying message to read and pass on than most of the stories that I grew up with. The illustrations were perfect for the story too. Its a deeply satisfying book to read and discuss, I'm happy to have this book on my shelf.