Book Review: Owen and the Dragon by Carla Mooney

Title: Owen and the Dragon


Written by: Carla Mooney

Illustrated by: Colin Thomson

Paperback: 72 pages

Publisher: Soto Publishing Company / May 2010

ISBN: 978-0-9821711-7-2

Price: $6.99

Ages: 8 and up

Determined not to accept his new home in a new town, 10-year-old Owen refuses to unpack his belongings, a typical response for many young children who leave their familiar surroundings and friends behind. Some may though enjoy the new adventure presented to them. To top it off his new neighbor is a girl of all things and Owen dismisses Izzy from the onset.

The lure of the massive woods behind his new home creates just the right diversion. Packing a lunch Owen sets off. What he thinks will be a typical hike in the woods becomes so much more as he continues his trek deeper into the woods. Taking a much needed rest at the top of the hillside, Owen hears the unmistakable sound of someone or something snoring. Curiosity gets the best of him and Owen finds himself at the entrance of a cave. What he finds in there is unbelievable to him, even though he is seeing it with his own eyes.

“Curled up in the darkest corner of the cave, an animal he’d never seen before snored. Owen slowly shone his flashlight back and forth across the creature. It was covered in green and gold scales. Two enormous wings were folded across its body and a long tail lay curled on the ground. A dragon!”

Shocked beyond belief, Owens gains the trust of the dragon Phineas through their conversations and learns Phineas has lost his ability to fly, which can only be restored through a lost magic locket. Can Owen find the locket in time to help Phineas get back to his family? For time is running out for Phineas with the approaching of the fortieth sun cycle. To accomplish his task at hand, Owen needs to look deep within and become more accepting of others. Can he and will he do so in time?

The magical adventures of Owen and Phineas in the quest to reunite Phineas with his family will leave the reader feeling anything is possible. Visit Carla Mooney at: http://www.jacketflap.com/profile.asp?member=cmooney

Come Along and Learn About Children's Author, Carla Mooney

Sit for a spell and adventure into the fascinating world of children's author, Carla Mooney. Carla will be on hand today to field your questions and comments, so ask away.

DMc: Please share with us your defining moment in writing for children.



CM: I started Owen and the Dragon as a project for an online writing class. I had done a few scenes, but didn't think I could really tackle an entire novel. Then one night, my older son came down with the stomach flu. He kept getting up every ½ hour or so and I soon realized that I wasn't going to be getting much sleep that night. I ended up grabbing my laptop and typing away in the hall outside his room for the entire night (in between his bathroom trips!) I finished about 2/3 of my first draft of Owen that night and realized that I really could do this!

DMc: Do you find with your analytical mind for numbers helps in you developing of a story arc? If yes, how?


CM: I don't think it helps with the story arc – although I wished it did! Instead it helps keep me organized and on task, both of which I've found are important to achieving my goals.

DMc: What do you feel is the best way to keep a child's interest in reading?


CM: To read something that they are interested in! Both of my boys love stories that I'm not especially fond of reading, but I do because they are excited about them.

DMc: When developing a new manuscript do you create an outline or go with the flow of writing?

CM: I've tried doing it by flow and it really doesn't work for me. I guess that's the accountant coming out again! I like outlines – the more detailed, the better! Of course, I'm still open to change. I've gone back and made significant changes after a first draft during the editing process, like adding characters or changing plot points.

DMc: What has been your most successful marketing tool to date?


CM: I'm hoping that it will be Indie Debut 2010! It's been great to have a friendship with other authors at similar points with their books – all looking to support and learn from each other.

DMc: Please share with us your current work-in-progress.


CM: On the nonfiction side – I'm currently researching a new book on Explorers of the New World. On the fiction front, I'm developing a picture book and a new chapter book that features Owen's friend, Izzy.

Carla, it was a pleasure interviewing you. Best wishes for your continued success!
 
To learn more about Carla Mooney visit http://www.carlamooney.com/