Author Description

"Eala, Mother Swan / La Madre Cisne by Ayn Cates Sullivan is a 32- page-long children's illustrated book, beautifully crafted in detailed pastel colors. It is a fairy tale written in both English and Spanish simultaneously. A young boy named Hugo goes in search of the Eala, the magical swan his grandmother has told him about. He finds her just as she is preparing to fly between the worlds. Circling back down, Hugo climbs on her back and she takes him between the crack of night and day so he can find the songs and colors of his heart and soul. But the story goes deeper, for we come to understand the child has suffered wounds for ever so long. By taking this ride can he allow his soul to be restored, and learn the importance of being childlike again?I liked the way the author chose to bring two languages onto the same page-an excellent way to learn Spanish (or English words) and to slow down and thoroughly enjoy the story. The story itself is of a gentle soul who seeks magic, with the hope of attaining something greater than what he currently is. Can he learn his value and restore what was once lost? Eala, Mother Swan / La Madre Cisne, by Ayn Cates Sullivan, is a beautifully illustrated book that children will enjoy reading over and over. The magical story passed down from past generations illustrates the importance of family and traditions. A recommended read."- Reviewed by Bruce Arrington for Readers' Favorite 5 stars