Angels, Horses and Other Worldly Lessons inspires young readers with its message of hope and importance of positive thinking.

by Thersa Sen

 If you think philosophy is exclusive for the entertainment of adults faced with the questions of mortality and those immersed in depression, think again. Angels, Horses and Other Worldly Lessons, the third book in the popular series of Angels and Horses written by Kimberly Wickham, successfully infuses fantasy and philosophy in an engaging plot that thrills young readers with its inimitable storyline. The entire series devoid of the staples of current trend in children’s literature- the monstrous, the mythical and the Para normal- has succeeded in creating a new trend in children’s literature, by the way it artfully blends in fantasy and philosophy with downright realism.

 The Angels, Horses and Other Worldly Lessons follows Tina as she becomes more responsible and mature enough to uncover and find meaning in the “mysteries of life”. In this series, Tina begins her journey as an anxious young middle school girl, who along with the growing pains is faced with many challenges that she can not endure on her own and cannot turn to adults around her for support. Her mother’s failing health and the domineering nature of her grandmother force her to find comfort in fantasy. In dark times, her pet horse Dancer offers her comfort and reassurance and together with the help of Marguerite, they transcend this disappointing earthly world through the cosmic lattice for more adventures in a parallel universe.  

 The common thread running through all the books in the series Angels and Horses is the “Law of attraction” – namely, positive thinking can affect the universe on a quantum level. In this book, Angels, Horses and Other Worldly Lessons, Tina once again embraces the real world concept of “Law of Attraction” to affect the way the world works for her – or to put it rather simply, her positive attitude changes her life for the better. Learning to navigate the Cosmic Lattice, Tina and her friends Chucky and Polly, escape the boredom of a mundane school day and find fulfillment in their adventure “off world”. Yet, these “off world” experiences help them deal a difficult friendship which they finally make work using strategies they learned in a parallel universe.

 Writing philosophy is tough and writing philosophy for children is even tougher. The “Other Worldly Lessons” offered by Kimberly Wickham are presented in an endearing manner and the readers enjoy every minute of their stay in the parallel universe.

Tina’s transcending the cosmic lattice to explore nether world rather has symbolic and philosophical connotations. The author prompts the young readers to scrutinize their own subjective experience identical to that of Tina. As with the other two books in the series, Angels and Horses and Summer of Magic Horses, the Angels, Horses and Other Worldly Lessons is accompanied by Kimberly Wickham’s unforgettable illustrations.  

 To read more about the series or to purchase Wickham’s books and prints, visit http://www.kimberlywickham.com/