Hiding Glory

First in a series of imaginative children's books this is the wild tale of a small blue horse named Glory (guardian of the morning glory vine) who takes Turner Flint off to the land of Joya, where she can forget her earthly worries, like her taunting older brother and what she should wear on the first day of school. The land of Joya is a dazzling place, ruled by a jolly Queen Mother and her counsel of pansies. Here low winding lanes that tunnel through greenery are in danger of being straightened, and water won't flow over glistening stones but is to be sent in underground pipes. Joya's creatures only want to celebrate, but now they must disrupt the greedy Kermudgins, a terrible tribe of tidy-uppers, who are marching through Joya, ripping out every flower and fern that isn't nice and neat. Turner, who doesn't consider herself very brave, must gather her courage to follow Glory into battle. Turner's love for Glory helps her to face the many challenges that young boys and girls have to cope with, including loss, sadness, fear and jealousy. She goes from being a timid child to a valiant heroine, and even finds herself nurturing the lovely golden mare, Lilia, who had at one time almost turned her green with envy. Despite her dread of frost and what it will do to Glory and his morning glory vine, Turner returns to her own warm bed and bookshelves, lined with her old horse collection. Happily surprised when she enters fifth grade, Turner finds a very unusual teacher, as well as a new best friend who can share her summer secrets. Together they wait for Glory's return, discovering his inner light instead. Gary Lippincott, the acclaimed fantasy artist, animates this love story between a younggirl and her dream horse, capturing every dramatic scene, from the rescue of Turner, to the fitful King inside Thorn Tower. Lippincott's drawings, together with Chester's prose, take us on a very exciting gallop, filled with fun and fright.Chester, Laura is the author of 'Hiding Glory', published 2007 under ISBN 9781595436160 and ISBN 1595436162.