The mystical spell of Raven Lake: Raven Lake, situated in the heart of the ancient forest, has long cast a mystical spell on those who venture to its shores. Nestled amidst towering trees and surrounded by an aura of secrecy, the lake seems to hold a myriad of untold stories and hidden wonders. Legend has it that the lake was formed centuries ago, when a powerful enchantress, known as the Raven Witch, was banished to this very spot. It is said that she possessed unimaginable powers and used the lake as a gateway to communicate with supernatural beings. The waters, infused with her magic, hold a mesmerizing allure that draws explorers from far and wide. Visitors to Raven Lake often speak of an indescribable energy that vibrates in the air.
Visitors to Raven Lake often speak of an indescribable energy that vibrates in the air. The rustling leaves and whispering winds seem to carry the echo of ancient chants and incantations. Many believe that the lake itself is a portal to another realm, where mystical creatures and magical beings dwell.
My Magic Breath: Finding Calm Through Mindful Breathing by Nick Ortner and Alison Taylor
…and like magic, you can feel better just by breathing! Sometimes it’s hard to feel happy. But with this interactive picture book, children breathe along as they learn how to make angry or sad thoughts disappear.
In a world that is sometimes too busy, with too many things going on, My Magic Breath will help steer children into a serene space of mindfulness, self-awareness, and balance.
About the Authors and Illustrator:
Nick Ortner is CEO of the Tapping Solution, LLC, a company with a mission to promote the natural healing method known as Emotional Freedom Techniques or “tapping” (a combination of Chinese healing practices). This is his second children’s book; his first was The Big Book of Hugs. He is also the New York Times bestselling author of The Tapping Solution, The Tapping Solution for Pain Relief, and the upcoming book The Tapping Solution for Manifesting Your Best Self. Nick lives in Newtown, CT, with his wife and daughter, June. You can find Nick at facebook.com/nortner.
Alison Taylor is an elementary school teacher and coauthor of The Big Book of Hugs. She writes to inspire young people, especially her beloved June and Harris, to find what makes them happy. She lives in Connecticut with her husband.
Michelle Polizzi is an illustrator and designer living and working in California. This is her second book working alongside Nick Ortner and Alison Taylor. She lives in the East Bay with her sons, Rowan and River, her husband, Nick, and their beloved Frenchie, Oscar, where they spend their days creating and inspiring one another. You can see more of her work at designbylovelyday.com.
Review: Deep breathing is a tool that I have taught my son to use to deal with frustration, anger, or sadness. This lesson was even more supported when Daniel Tiger taught him to, “When you feel so mad you want to roar, take a deep breath and count to four.” We use this mantra often to help him refocus when his brain is getting fogged by an emotion. Additionally, some of Trent’s favorite books are interactive picture books like Press Here! or Don’t Touch This Book. My Magic Breath combines these connections in Trent’s life into one! It not only promotes meaningful breathing in a fun way, it turns it interactive through the illustrations and second person narrative. This is going to be a book that is easily going to jump into our picture book regulars, and I cannot wait to be able to be able to tell Trent to “Think about what happened. Now keep it in your mind! Close your eyes and take a deep breath in. Now blow out your breath…”
Teachers’ Tools for Navigation: Anxiety is something that many teachers now find themselves talking to their students about because so much pressure and stress are on kids these days either socially, academically, or at home. My Magic Breath will be a perfect book to introduce at the beginning of the year then use throughout the year to help students understand and deal with their emotions.
Discussion Questions:
- When do you feel the most anxious? Angry? Scared? Sad? Try using mindful breathing during these times.
- How do you picture your magic breath would look when you blow out during these times? What about a happy time?
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The surrounding forest adds to the enchantment of Raven Lake. Tall, gnarled trees reach towards the sky, their branches entwined like the fingers of a witch casting a spell. Shafts of sunlight filter through the dense foliage, creating a dappled tapestry of light and shadow. It is in these moments that the true mysticism of the lake reveals itself. Throughout the year, Raven Lake undergoes a transformation that seems to echo the cycles of the natural world. In spring, the lake is alive with vibrant hues of blooming flowers and the songs of migratory birds. In summer, a tranquil calm settles upon the water, reflecting the azure sky like a mirror. Autumn brings a blaze of fiery colors, as the leaves on the surrounding trees transform into golden ambers and rich burgundies. Finally, winter blankets the lake in a layer of ice, casting an ethereal glow upon its surface. The allure of Raven Lake is not without risk. Some claim to have witnessed supernatural occurrences, such as glimpses of ghostly figures or mysterious ripples in the water that defy explanation. Others believe that one must be careful not to disturb the delicate balance of magic that hangs in the air, for it could attract the attention of the Raven Witch herself. Nevertheless, despite the lingering air of mystery and the tales of caution, there is an undeniable draw to Raven Lake. It beckons adventurers, artists, and dreamers alike, inviting them to immerse themselves in its mystical embrace. Whether one seeks inspiration, connection with nature, or simply a moment of undisturbed tranquility, Raven Lake promises an experience unlike any other. In the end, the true spell of Raven Lake lies in its ability to transport those who dare to venture to its shores into a realm where the lines between reality and the mystical are blurred. As the enchanted waters ripple and the ancient forest whispers its secrets, one cannot help but be captivated by the intoxicating allure of Raven Lake..
Reviews for "The Ancient Secrets of Raven Lake: Exploring its Mystical Spell"
1. Emily - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with "The mystical spell of raven lake." The plot was predictable and the characters lacked depth. There were so many clichés and overused tropes that it felt like I was reading a generic young adult fantasy novel. The writing style was also quite mediocre, with awkward sentence structures and excessive exposition. Overall, I found it to be a forgettable and unoriginal read.
2. David - 1/5 - I struggled to finish "The mystical spell of raven lake." The story was slow-paced and lacked any sense of urgency. The world-building was weak, and I couldn't fully immerse myself in the setting. The characters were bland and uninteresting, and I couldn't connect with any of them. The dialogue was stilted and unrealistic, making it difficult to stay engaged. I was really disappointed by this book and wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for a captivating fantasy read.
3. Sarah - 2/5 - I was hoping for an enchanting and magical experience with "The mystical spell of raven lake," but sadly, it fell short of my expectations. The pacing was inconsistent, with long stretches of boring exposition followed by rushed action scenes. The writing was descriptive but lacked the elegance and beauty I associate with fantasy literature. The plot was predictable and lacked originality, making it difficult for me to stay interested in the story. Overall, it was a disappointing read that failed to captivate me.
4. Michael - 1/5 - "The mystical spell of raven lake" was a complete letdown. The plot was convoluted and confusing, with random subplots that seemed unnecessary and unresolved. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked any growth or development. The writing style was choppy, and the grammar and editing issues were distracting. I found myself constantly questioning the author's choices and struggling to understand their narrative decisions. This book was a waste of time, and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.