Bringing Mythology and Folklore to Life for Young Readers: Epic New Fantasy Series Educates and Entertains

Fantasy literature has never been hotter for young readers. Led by J.K. Rowling and Lemony Snickets, a new wave of authors have ushered in a renaissance for young readers.

(PRWEB) September 11, 2005 -- Fantasy literature has never been hotter for young readers. Led by J.K. Rowling and Lemony Snickets, a new wave of authors has ushered in a renaissance for young readers. Fantasy books are more popular now than any time in recent memory, but great success also breeds criticism. Some question the value of fantasy literature for children, while others wonder if their children are learning anything by exploring fictional realms.

Despite the debate, most experts agree that a healthy imagination is good for a child's development, and reading stimulates imagination in ways far beyond television shows and movies. Fantasy books also offer a chance to communicate important lessons.

A good fantasy teaches children while it entertains them," says M.J. Smith, author of Kevin Murphy Takes on the Father of Lies (B&S Publishing Corporation, 2005), the first in a series of six books starring Irish-American teenager Kevin Murphy. Even as a kid, after hearing stories from my mother and grandmother, I realized that inside the outrageous tale, there was always a story that was meant to bring home some point they wanted to make for me."

Smith's Kevin Murphy series follows the main character on fantastic and magical adventures all over the world, but it offers a twist that sets it apart. While the fantasy and adventure are pure entertainment, what separates Kevin Murphy books from the rest of the pack are the real legends, geography, and characters in each of the countries he visits," says Smith. In addition to tales involving dragons, leprechauns, and fairies, the book offers great historical background and insight into the folklore of each country."

Inspired by the stories and folklore told to him as a child by his grandmother and mother, Smith unveils a world filled with excitement and enshrouded in the history, myths, mythological creatures, legends, and geography of Ireland. Even though the first book focuses on Ireland, the series covers eighteen and a half months and takes the reader to Scotland, England, Australia, and the United States

The book, Kevin Murphy Takes on the Father of Lies, describes the encounters that the sixteen year old has as he faces the same evil character that his great, great, great, great, great-grandfather faced 135 years before. Murphy finds his life turned topsy-turvy following an ill-fated encounter with the Father of Lies, the terrifying leader of the Shadow World.

Readers may even learn a lesson or two along the way. You'll find out that the hidden story was about family relationships and hopefully it will enrich your relationships," says Smith. You'll laugh and learn through humorous exploits about the value of truth, especially when it is discovered and shared with family and friends."

For a review copy of the book or to set up an interview with M.J. Smith for a story, please contact Jay Wilke at 727-443-7115, ext. 223

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