In ‘The Tale of Meadow Grove,’ Lynn D. Wheeler shares a poignant story about imagination and its crucial role in empowering young people to overcome adversity
Escondido CA— As the COVID-19 pandemic began to pick up steam in the U.S. in early 2020, many people had to reckon with the realities of more time spent inside their homes. For debut author Lynn D. Wheeler, this provided an opportunity for her to put pen to paper and finish the children’s book she had been working on for many years. Tapping into the magic of classic fairytales, “The Tale of Meadow Grove” follows 5-year-old twin sisters Chloe and Emma as they embark on fantastical adventures with animal friends. But a darker force simmers underneath the book’s cheerful narrative.
Chloe and Emma’s household is dysfunctional, unsafe, and haunted by a menacing character named Mr. Jingles. At night, the girls escape the sadness and fear they feel at home to a magical land alive with creatures both great and small. Mr. Jingles tries to find them, but the girls remain hidden with their animal friends who give them the courage to make it through difficult times. Due to their strength and fearlessness, Chloe and Emma find a way to endure and persevere despite dire circumstances. Deep within themselves, they also discover the need to protect the vulnerability of others.
“The creation of this story started two decades ago,” Wheeler said. “I was young and had moved into a rental home on a street called Meadow Grove. The backyard was huge and wild, and I loved nothing more than to spend time relaxing in it. I have always loved to write, and I am a big fan of fairytales and the lessons that often accompany them. I hope that this book will encourage strength, fearlessness, and perseverance within children who are facing great odds.”
“The Tale of Meadow Grove” is a poetic cautionary tale but also one of empowerment, bravery, and survival in response to adversity. It aids parents in being able to start difficult conversations by supplementing relatable characters, embraces the power of a child’s imagination and the ability to overcome great odds, and emphasizes the notion that the tiniest voices often speak the loudest and have the greatest need to be heard. “The Tale of Meadow Grove” was written to celebrate the incredible power of a child’s imagination and to inspire confidence and bravery regardless of who, or what, Mr. Jingles represents.
“The Tale of Meadow Grove”
By Lynn D. Wheeler
ISBN: 978-1-6657-0147-1 (hc); 978-1-6657-0146-4 (sc); 978-1-6657-0148-8 (e)
Available through Archway Publishing, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon
About the author
Lynn D. Wheeler lives in Escondido, Calif., with her partner AJ, their three rescue Akitas, and their rescue Andalusian. Wheeler has long worked with animal rescues, both exotic and domestic, where she has witnessed horrors, as well as hope, resiliency, and recovery; leading her to recognize the powerful magic of the bond between people and animals, and how impactful they are to comfort and healing. “The Tale of Meadow Grove” is her first book, and it was one of the most highly requested manuscripts at the 2020 Book to Movie Pitch-Fest in Las Vegas. To learn more, please visit www.LynnDWheelerAuthor.com.