Review
If you're looking for some type of small gift for a certain little Pagan boy or girl, this book will do nicely. It presents a story of an ordinary little seven-year-old daughter, Rabbit, whose parents (a mom and a dad) are Pagan. Thus various Pagan concepts and experiences are seen and observed through Rabbit s eyes. The author, Ms. W. Lyon Martin, also made the illustrations for her book. My nine-year-old daughter loved these drawings.
Ms. Martin writes The purpose of this book is to remove some of the mystery surrounding an often misunderstood minority religious choice ... It is meant as a basic text, to explain to the elementary-age child who Pagans are, what they do, and how and why they do it.
In fact, this is a great read a Pagan parent can share with his/her child; whereas children a bit older can read it themselves. Right from the start, page two, the Pagan religion is presented as a group of people who honor nature and celebrate the four seasons. No Hollywood version of Pagan or witchcraft weirdness is found in this book.
Each of the topics in Rabbit s story covers another page. Again, the information is short and to the point to hold a child's attention span. It begins with a child version of a Paganing Ceremony, although I've heard this also called a Wiccaning. The idea of a God and Goddess is also established. As in the thought, each of us may give ours a different name, depending upon one s particular pantheon or which season Rabbit is in at the moment.
What is Magic? Special prayers that use thoughts and their energy. Energy changes when Pagans make magic. Then new things happen.
What are Circles? How to prepare, participate in and close a circle are easily explained.
The Wheel of the Year. Lots of fun for our little Rabbit here as each Sabbat is introduced and explained in a few paragraphs. As the seasons seamlessly flow into each other, so do the Sabbats come and go, too, beginning with winter s Imbolc to continue with spring equinox's Ostara. Beltaine s next with its maypole. Then summer solstice or Litha, Lughnasadh, then a fall equinox or Mabon. A fun Samhain continues the wheel, ending with a winter solstice or Yule.
Even the four moon phases are touched on. Sprinkled in this section is also Rabbit s encounter with fellow students taunting and how to handle such in a positive manner.
A few basic rituals are talked about, such as a home blessing, a Full Moon, and banishing bad dreams. As with many children's books I have read with my two daughters, where the story ends with the character going to bed to have peaceful dreams, this book ends on the same happy note. In conclusion, this is a great book to read at a child's bedtime. --If Journal
This is the book Pagan parents have been waiting for! An Ordinary Girl, A Magical Child offers a comprehensive, easy-to-understand glimpse into Pagan family life. The book explains the meaning of Paganism, Gods/Goddesses, the Wheel of the Year, the full moon and simple banishing. The story is written in children's language, but with a grace not typically found in a children's book.
The story of Rabbit is one that Pagan families will delight in and one that may be used to introduce non-Pagans to our way of life. Non-denominational, this book will fit any Pagan belief system since the core beliefs are essential --Blessed Be; Issue No.29
This book is ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL for children!! The artwork alone is incredible. W. Lyon Martin has covered everything possible in teaching children about being magical. I can't imagine any Pagan family that will not want a copy of this book. This is a beautifully illustrated book with a simplified explanation of paganism. We need more books like this one! --Pamela Yarborough ----Acorns Journal of Pagan Home Schooling
About the Author
A transplanted New Yorker now living in Missouri, W. Lyon Martin has been working as an illustrator for 25+ years.
Lyon's love affair with art and illustration began at an early age. One of her earliest memories is of sitting with a pile of crayons and papers strewn around her proclaiming to her parents that someday everyone in the world would be looking at her art. In spite of her parents' attempts to steer her toward a more practical choice, she never wanted to do anything else.
So, Lyon followed her heart and earned a degree in Fashion Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology, then continued her art education at the School of Visual Arts, earning a B.F.A. in Graphic Design. These disciplines can still be seen in her work in her strong lines, textures and detailed patterns.
Her career began in advertising and graphic design in New York, where she was often called upon to create spot art for a variety of clients, which included Fortune 500 companies such as Kraft, General Electric and Sears. After her move to Missouri in 2000, she turned her focus to her true love, children's books. An Ordinary Girl, A Magical Child, a children's book she both wrote and illustrated was released in 2005. When the original publisher folded, An Ordinary Girl, A Magical Child was picked up by a new house, edited and re-released in 2008, then went on to become a finalist in the 2009 international COVR awards. Four additional picture books and a coloring book quickly followed.
Lyon can still be found sitting around her studio with papers strewn around her creating stories and illustrations for children. She has since traded in her crayons for watercolor, pen and ink, and a computer.
