Ordinary Girl - A Magical Child, An (Library Binding)

by W. Lyon Martin (Author, Illustrator), M.R. Sellars -- foreword (Editor)
Key Phrases: offering bowl, Dark Moon, Full Moon, Some Pagans

Editorial Reviews

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 #97

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! Reviewed by Pamela Yarborough ----Acorns Journal of Pagan Home Schooling

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 essentially the same and are based around the Wheel of the Year and God/Goddess love. Although the recommended age level for this is 6-10 years, the way it is written can easily be understood by a younger child and appreciated by an older one.

The illustrations are rich, vibrant and well done. Lyon's use of watercolor is extraordinary and unique, making this book even more of a treasure than the text alone could.

I highly recommend this to any Pagan family. It truly is a book that shouldn't be missed. Reviewed by Kristin Gaulin --Blessed Be; Issue No.29

Product Description
Chosen as a finalist for the 2009 COVR Visionary Awards.

Take a joyful romp with Rabbit around the Wheel of the Year as she learns about herself and her Pagan Ways in the first fully illustrated Pagan children's book to explore Wiccan magic, customs and holidays through a child's point of view.

An Ordinary Girl, A Magical Child is lavishly illustrated with original watercolor paintings. Written for school-aged children, whether they are being raised Pagan or just are curious about a Wiccan friend or relative's spiritual Path, this book explains in a clear and gentle voice just what a Pagan is, what a Wiccan believes and how one Pagan family celebrates throughout the year.

You will learn about:
- the 8 Sabbat celebrations
- a full moon celebration
- a home blessing ritual
- a spell to banish bad dreams
- and more...

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Library Binding: 48 pages
• Publisher: Magical Child Books (January 5, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0979683432
• ISBN-13: 978-0979683435
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #91,239 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Christian opinion--, May 4, 2006

By	B. A. Haeberle (Oklahoma) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: An Ordinary Girl, a Magical Child (Paperback)

I'm a Christian who believes we all benefit from trying to understand other religions. This book is a wonderful introduction to a world a lot of us know nothing about. I wish it could be in every church library. Knowledge tends to dispel fear--so important in the world today! I wish the author would do a series on other world religions, in the same gentle and lovely spirit.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Adorable and informative!, March 13, 2006

By	K. Blake (Flagstaff, AZ) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: An Ordinary Girl, a Magical Child (Paperback)

Finally, a book made for children on being pagan. I found this book absolutely delightful! It was written perfectly for a child's perspective. I look forward to beginning reading this book with my own son and the conversations it will inspire. Wonderful!!!!

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Magical Child is a magical book!, September 29, 2005

By	Trish Reynolds "Author of The Doctor and the ... - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: An Ordinary Girl, a Magical Child (Paperback)

An Ordinary Girl, A Magical Child is the best neo-Pagan children's book I have seen to date. Period.
It delineates the rituals of the most widely celebrated neo-Pagan sabbats in easy to understand language and breaks down the practices of a typical modern day Pagan family with delightful simplicity. Martin's water colours capture Rabbit's world in breathtaking detail that is certain to engage the imagination of any child.
Does it cover every tradition and every ritual and every pantheon? Of course not. It doesn't need to nor does it pretend to. An Ordinary Girl, A Magical Child covers the Wheel of the Year from a child's perspective as celebrated by Rabbit and her extended family. While it is non-threatening it opens the door to dialogue both within the Pagan community as well as the greater community beyond...and that can only be a good thing.