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Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
Undina’s Spell is an epic fantasy storybook for children written by Ayn Cates Sullivan, Ph.D. and illustrated by Belle Crow duCray. Eva was a gifted young girl who instinctively felt at home in the forests and woodlands. She could converse with the animals and plants she found there and knew about the healing properties of every plant, tree, and vine. Eva was asleep in the meadow one day when the animals and the water spirit, Undina, came to see her. The animals sang an ancient and magical song as she slept. White Stag and the assembled creatures believed that Eva was the one being who could find the Dragon’s missing emerald and restore harmony to the planet. When Eva awoke, Undina explained what had happened and asked for Eva’s help. Could Eva be the one who finds the missing emerald and returns it to the Rainbow Dragon?
Undina’s Spell gave me shivers as I followed Eva’s acceptance of her quest. I especially loved how the author merges modern-day concerns for the environment with the classic fantasy theme of her story. I appreciated the influence of classic fantasy visionaries like George McDonald and Hope Mirelees, and found this a story worth reading over and over. Belle Crow duCray’s colorful and lovely illustrations work so well to enhance the story and display its roots in both nature and high fantasy. Each panel is a work of art suitable for framing and hanging on a child’s wall or in a classroom. Sullivan’s choice of a young girl for the quest sends a marvelous message for young girl readers. Eva is not a princess but a quest-taker whose courage and intelligence are summoned to save the world. A perfect selection for story-time or bedtime, this book is also suitable for new readers to read on their own. Undina’s Spell is most highly recommended.
