Described as "Tim Burton meets Narnia," The Picture Island is a gothic fantasy adventure where magic and mystery await at every turn.
Deep in the snowy woods, four orphans of the Bunion Home for Extra Children discover a broken picture frame hidden in a stone garden. In another time, across the sea, a boy is born with a decidedly pointy head; his fate is tied to the two young sisters he meets at a seaside carnival. And on the cold sands of a cursed beach, a white buffalo pines for his lost treasure. All the characters’ separate journeys bring them to the Picture Island, and an epic battle with a Sea Witch for the island—and their own souls—ensues.
About the Author
Michael S. Manley is a professional writer, French hornist and teacher,l living in Las Vegas, Nevada. In addition to The Picture Island, Michael is the author of the plays float and Sept., and the co-author (book, lyrics) of the one-act musical Legacy of the Tiger Mother, with composer and author Angela Chan. Michael has published many articles on labor and the arts for The International Musician.
Reviews
“ I am a voracious reader, and while Michael S. Manley is a new author to me, I am eager to read his future work. The turns of phrase in this book are magnificently vivid, the rich prose a delight. I even found myself, at one point, moved to tears. This book has it all-lush imagery, adventure, the classic good-versus-evil struggle, magic, and redemption. And along the way, our heartstrings are pulled with lessons about family, teamwork, and, most importantly, understanding for those just a little different from us. Well done, Mr. Manley”
““I was planning on reading the book over two or three nights, but couldn’t stop reading once I started and finished the book in one sitting. It’s a beautiful little fantasy novel about 4 orphans who discover a lost picture frame that takes them to a secret island and an adventure that will change their lives forever. It’s a great story about family, love, and acceptance. It’s perfect for kids and early teens and a great book to read at bedtime, if you and your kids do that sort of thing, and you should if you don’t. (Reading is important! Train them early!) But even if you don’t have kids...if you’re a fan of the Harry Potter books, or Tim Burton movies, or even books like “Charlotte’s Web”, I think you’ll enjoy this book as well.””
