Deas and Other Imaginings

Psychologist and award-winning author Valerie Tarico and acclaimed artist Tony Troy weave a tapestry of ten timeless folktales and create a world in which ideas - "Deas" - come to life. Escape with your child to a magical and morally challenging world where ethical lessons are taught by trolls, animal guides, menacing interlopers, and magi who guide young heroes and heroines to safety … but only after an adventure which teaches essential and eternal spiritual values: Hope, Empathy, Perseverance, Love, Compassion, Honor, and Courage. In the title story, "Deas," a young girl sets out to free her insubordinate father from jail and ends up liberating her entire village from their fear of creativity unfettered. In another tale, a shepherd defies tradition, stigma, and common sense in order to save newborn twins, who in time repay his kindness. And in another story, a sacred tree decorated by strangers brings comfort to a mother and daughter who are separated by time and distance. Invariably, these parables reflect the triumph of the human spirit, the rewards of persistence, the beauty of the ordinary, and the healing power of steadfast love. This poignant collection, originally composed by Dr. Tarico for her own children, is now mesmerizes young and old readers alike. Written in the style of traditional wisdom tales, these stories have layers of meaning that are fun and accessible to children, gratifying to adults, and inspirational to both. Moreover, the depth which is woven into each tale is enhanced by the author's innately spiritual nature. Somewhere between Zen and folktales, child's play and wisdom, dreaming the world and healing it, these parables reflect humanity's shared moral values. Ideally, these tales should be read aloud - to your child, to your love, or to yourself - in a sacred setting of your own imaginings.