Eli's Picture Books

An elf solves a mystery in her forest home in this picture book. In Cucuruzzu, Eli, a “moon elf,” is perplexed that sugar crystals in the forest are “turning anyone who touched them into hard rock candy.” Then Eli’s bunny friend Luna discovers that her baby, Doudou, is afflicted. Eli and Luna immediately seek help. A magician explains the phenomenon occurs when the Hallowshine dragon’s tears become sugar crystals, which “can be broken with a drop of his saliva” if done “by the next nightfall.” Fairy Lexie says to locate the dragon, they must retrieve a pair of magical golden shoes. Eli finds the shoes, which fly her and Luna to the dragon’s cave. They confront the sobbing creature, who feels guilty and lonely. Eli empathizes, noting: “I…am the only moon elf I know. But the animals of the enchanted forest have been kind to me, and I know they would be kind to you, too.” The dragon escorts them home, but night has fallen—it’s too late to save Doudou. When Eli cries, her tears cause the crystals to vanish, freeing Doudou and shocking the elf. The dragon vows: “Tears no more…and friends, forever.” Cabanel’s eventful tale offers an imaginative spin on a hero’s quest to save the day. Readers will enjoy following Eli in an ethereal setting filled with colorful characters. Ilchenko’s fantastical images feature lush forest scenes with vivid details like twisty trees and distinctive critters. An inventive, nicely illustrated fantasy emphasizing determination, bravery, and magic.

Eve Cabanel’s picture book story, Eli and The Mystery of the Hallowshine Dragon, is a story about love and friendship. Filled with everything one would expect in a good fantasy – dragons, fairies, unicorns, and lots of magic – the plot is an epic adventure of discovery, a quest of sorts. The language is simple to help young readers read and follow along. The illustrations are spectacular, almost magical in themselves, and they certainly add another dimension to the story. The characters are well developed, and some of the events are a little comical, like Grandpa Numa’s hocus pocus spell to find the right book. It flies off the shelf, landing on his head. There is a touch of mystery to the story, too, as the two friends learn a little bit more about the Hallowshine dragon with each magical encounter along their journey. The key message is about the power of love and friendship, and this is beautifully and effectively portrayed. Lovely story!

Eli and the Mystery of the Hallowshine Dragon hits all the marks of a child's favorite picture book: unicorns, fairies, magical rainbows, and dragons. The wildly imaginative story is perfect for the youngest readers, inviting them on a journey of friendship, courage, and acceptance. The translucent quality of the book’s lush illustrations adds to the dreamy effect of the whimsical story. This book is sure to become a read-aloud favorite for families with young children.

Must read 🏆 This interesting mystery tale accompanied by strikingly attractive illustrations, took my breath away. A must-read for kids of all ages! This wonderful book is suitable for kids of all ages because of its positive storyline. It also reinforces a good message about being courageous and believing in yourself. It introduces fantastical characters to young imaginative minds...

I have always held Faerie to be roughly dived into sections: the lighter childlike area full of mystery and wonder tempered with real danger and grief, the regions seemingly governed by capricious forces with a cruel sense of ironic humor where humans are far more likely to encounter danger than not, and the places between. Tolkien calls it the Perilous Realm for a reason. And Eli and the mystery of the Hallowshine dragon by Eve Cabanel takes place in that first, lighter area, in the the enchanted forest of Cucuruzzu where dwells a moon elf named Eli and her humanoid rabbit friend Luna. But something is happening, for now each night strange crystals litter the forest floor the touch of which changes one into hard rock candy – and Luna's baby Doudou is so transformed! Thus begins a 24-hour journey in which Eli and Luna race against time to seek out the legendary and terrifying Hallowshine dragon, a great beast whose power alone can save little Doudou. But this is Faerie, and even natives to the enchanted forest must follow the rules and face the dangers, from a unicorn's riddle to a malevolent merfolk and, finally the Hallowshine dragon itself. A journey which solves the mystery of the crystals and teaches Eli not only what it means to be courageous for a friend's sake, but something about herself as well; indeed, I was left most intrigued about her moon elf nature. All told, this is a lovely little tale out of Faerie that fits all my qualifications as, while I do not pretend to compare to Eve Cabanel to Neil Gaiman, she has successfully invoked the the vastness of the Perilous Realm.