Thank you, John, for having me here today to share the news about my final children’s book, “Tree Fairies and Their Short Stories.”
In Tree Fairies, I spend some time talking about the fairies caring for their redwood forest. Although I use an unusual reason that someone wants to chop the whole thing down, I stand behind, keeping our giant trees safe. They have seen so much and survived even more.
Redwood and Sequoia Forest Facts:
- There are about 12,000 acres of redwood forest left.
- Giant Sequoias live in the Western Nevada Sierra between 4000-8000 feet and only grown in central California. This is what I have in my front yard, thanks to a wonderful Mother’s Day present.
- Redwoods live by the Pacific Ocean in northern California, Oregon, and Washington.
- There is a difference between a Giant Sequoia and a Redwood Tree. The Sequoia is the largest tree in the world by its large reddish-brown trunk. The Redwood is the world’s tallest tree and can reach 300 feet, while its brown trunk is slimmer than the Sequoia.
Fun Finn Facts
- I’ve seen bears, foxes, raccoons, mountain lions, coyotes, skunks, squirrels, lizards, deer, snakes, birds, and a possum roam around our yard. I consider them, and fairies, my extended family.
- I love to watch the birds, especially the little wrens. I wish I could soar with them and the fairies.
Blurb
When reality and magic meet in the forest
It’s 1969, and twelve-year-old Daniel Burns is camping in the redwood forest with his family. Danny wants to listen to his music and read, but his family has other plans. S’mores around the campfire and stories end their first day. The family is sleeping soundly in their secluded tent when Danny wakes up and finds his sister, Colette, is missing. Assuming she went to use the outhouse, he goes after her. When he finds his sister, they discover there is a thin veil between reality and fantasy.
Two bonus short stories offer a glimpse into the magical world that finds Danny and Colette. These hidden beings not only share our world but have a role in protecting their forest.
Excerpt
GOLDIE
2005
The full moon filtered down through the giant trees, bathing the forest in a glow that made it easy for the fairies to see. A woodpecker had done its job clearing out the insects it found in the old redwood. As the tree grew, so did an opening that became an animal den. A fisher—a member of the weasel family—nestled there with her four babies. Her long, fluffy tail, half the length of her sleek body, was protectively curled around her brood.
Goldie and her little brother, Oren, quietly watched them sleep. It had become Goldie’s habit to check the animal dens to make sure they were safe. The fishers, who were no bigger than the cats humans kept as pets, held a special place in her heart. They were adorable, with their big, bearlike ears, pointed faces, and huge eyes. Their dark brown fur was so soft it was hard not to pet them. They didn’t trust tree fairies, and she didn’t blame them. The fairies would zap animals, birds, or insects that developed too much curiosity or mistook them for food.
Oren spoke in a voice Goldie strained to hear. “I’m watching for owls.”
Not wanting to wake the fishers, Goldie responded in a softer tone. “Thanks. They are pests.”
Oren nodded solemnly and looked behind him. They’d seen a brown-and-gray horned owl hunting earlier in the evening. Its yellow eyes had widened in hunger as it dove at them. A quick jolt was all the discouragement it needed to stop bothering them. Would those birds ever learn fairies weren’t on their menu?
Oren had settled in a holding pattern, looking over Goldie’s head into the den. They made eye contact, and she jerked her head in a motion to leave. Their silver wings glowed at night, making the fairies easy targets if they weren’t careful. They rested briefly on a lower branch of the redwood.
Oren smiled as he swung his bare feet, making the branch sway. “Thanks for bringing me along this time, Sis.”
Purchase Link
Author Bio
- L. Finn is an independent California local who encourages everyone to embrace their inner child. She was born and raised in the foggy Bay Area, but in 1990 she relocated with her husband, kids, dogs, and cats to Nevada City, in the Sierra foothills. She immersed herself in reading all types of books but especially loved romance, horror, and fantasy. She always treasured creating her own reality on paper. Finally, surrounded by towering pines, oaks, and cedars, her creativity was nurtured until it bloomed. Her creations include adult fiction, poetry, a unique autobiography, and children’s books. She continues on her adventure with an open invitation to all readers to join her.
D.L. Finn Links:
