Gabriel's Magic Ornament [Paperback]

Randall Bush (Author)

Book Description

A book packed with magical adventure, mystery, and suspense! In an imaginary Christmas Tree World called Arboria fragile Orna folk with thin skins and hollow hearts fall under a dark spell. Now that all the bridges are out, how can they make it to Tree Top where Tree King dwells? How can their hollow hearts ever be filled with the joy, light, and love of Christmas? Read to find out!

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-8-When Laura and Chris hang a magic ornament on their Christmas tree, they are transported to a parallel world called Arboria, which is dying due to machinations of the evil Lesnit. A guide and guardian called Lady instructs them to move from the lower branches, allegorically speaking, to the Star at Tree Top, which is in danger of being extinguished permanently. The children are charged with saving this dying world, which they do by absorbing lessons about issues such as commercial greed, the dangers of too much sugar, and war. This derivative fantasy lacks the inventiveness, graceful language, and charm of the "Narnia" books that it resembles in so many ways. Here the Christian symbolism is too obvious, the moral too overt, and the adventures of the children too contrived to keep readers' interest.-V. W.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

Blending Biblical and secular history reminiscent of Lewis's Narnia tales, author Bush offers an imaginative alternative to secularized holiday stories. -- Kathryn Lively, Catholic/Christian Book Reviews, April 2003

Delightful fantasy tale, that carries the reader along within a world comparable with that of C. S. Lewis's Narnia books. -- -Dr. Anthony C. Thiselton, Emeritus Professor of Christian Theology, University of Nottingham, England, and Canon Theologian of Leicester Cathedral and of Southwell Minster

Echoes of John Bunyan, C. S. Lewis abound, as do humorous side-swipes at the absurdities of our present-day world. -- Paul S. Fiddes, The Principal, Regent's Park College, Oxford

Like C.S. Lewis's book, children are magically transported into a world that they help save from evil." -- - Stephen Thomas, ninth grade

No Christmas tree will ever look the same again after you have read Randall Bush's piece of Christmas magic. -- Paul S. Fiddes, Principal, Regents Park College, Oxford

Oxford graduate Randall Bush continues in the tradition of Lewis Carroll, J. R. R. Tolkien, and C. S. Lewis." -- -Harry L. Poe, Program Director, C. S. Lewis Summer Institute, Oxford

Randall Bush has written a tale for Christmas that is destined to become a classic. -- - Harry L. Poe, Program Director,C.S. Lewis Summer Institute, Oxford

Randall Bush weaves a fascinating tale steeped in Christian metaphor. Entertaining for both children and adults. Rating: Five Hearts. -- Heartland Book Reviews, Reviewer: Laura Joy Francis

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 110 pages
• Publisher: Pristine Publishers (September 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0971663300
• ISBN-13: 978-0971663305
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,013,342 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Imaginative, January 13, 2003

By 

Susan McMillian (Houston, Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gabriel's Magic Ornament (Paperback)

As a reading specialist in the public schools, I would rate Randall Bush's book, Gabriel's Magic Ornament as a classic waiting to be discovered. Though replete with symbolism, it can be understood by youngsters at the same time that it will intrigue the imaginations of adult readers. I found it a liberating experience to read a children's book author who communicates an interesting story and meaningfully challenges the minds of his readers.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gabriel's Magic Ornament by Heartland Reviews, January 16, 2003

By 

Bob Spear (Leavenworth, KS) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gabriel's Magic Ornament (Paperback)

Reader: Laura Joy Francis

Chris and Laura's father brings home a Christmas tree ornament said to have the power to give an exciting Christmas dream. Chris and Laura place the ornament on the tree together and get more than they bargained for. They are transported to Arboria, where the wicked Lesnit is spreading greed and hatred throughout the land, and has set his sights on conquering the beloved Tree King, ruler of Arboria. Chris and Laura, protected by the angelic Lady, get first-hand experience with the struggle between good and evil, and come to understand the true meaning of Christmas. Randall Bush weaves a fascinating tale steeped in Christian metaphor. Both children and adults will find this story not only entertaining, but also meaningful on many different levels! We rated this book five hearts.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Fresh Book- A Timeless Message, January 14, 2003

By 

BW Ministries (Martin, Tennessee USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gabriel's Magic Ornament (Paperback)

An amazingly written children's book with powerful lessons for today's culture. Chris and his sister Laura are magically transported to the land of Arboria, which is dying due to the evil Lesnit. After arriving at the Star at Tree Top (with the help of the guardian "Lady") they aid to save this almost extinguished world. In this epic work, the siblings meet some unique characters that teach practical, applicable life lessons.

Gabriel's Magic Ornament is destined to be one of the 21st century's most notable books. Throughout the text, Randall Bush educates the reader with the issues that face youth in culture today. This book is written with profound imagery, yet, simplistic enough to grab the mind and heart. Children, and adults alike, will have their imaginations explode with curiosity as they tour with the characters on their journey.

Without a doubt, this book ranks with the likes of C.S. Lewis and Jr. Tolkien. Children from all walks of life have commented on how Gabriel's Magic Ornament has grabbed their attention. You, and your child, will think the same!