Selene's Search — Susan Simon

Selene is an eight year old who has lived with her grandparents since her mother abandoned her when she was a baby. The family lives at the edge of an old forest that holds many secrets. Selene believes that her mother lives somewhere in the forest. Selene with her teddy bear, Jem, runs away into the forest in search of her mother. SELENE'S SEARCH is the story of a young girl's adventures during three days and nights in the forest. Selene faces her own fears and discovers her strength and courage in interactions with friends and foe. Selene is not only searching for her mother, but also for the answer to the question, "Why did you leave me?" Selene learns about narrow-mindedness when imprisoned in the Thorny Throng patch. She is taught the importance of caring for our earth by the Moss Mite family and the Waterfall Fairies. Glorion, an omniscient star, shares her wisdom of believing ini yourself and your dreams when Selene resets in her star pocket. Glorion later sends her fastest comet, Aramantha, to rescue Selene from a giant bird's nest where she is held prisoner high in the treetops. After wandering through the forest for two days, Selene enters a magical cave where she encounters the old hag, Trenunda. Trenunda enthralls Selene with a tale of the magical wall drawings in the blue-lit cave. These drawings provide the final clue that will lead Selene to her mother. A special golden fawn, Promise, leads Selene to a cabin nestled in a clearing filled with wildflowers and rainbows of butterflies. Is this the cabin where Selene's mother lives? If it is her mother's cabin, will her mother accept and love Selene? Selene's Search combines fantasy and reality in a story for older young to middle readers.