The Magic In Metaphor is a remarkable journey through the power of storytelling, crafted to touch the hearts and minds of young readers. This collection of 25 tales, each a metaphor for life's various challenges, is designed to foster emotional growth, resilience, and understanding in children. Characters like Archie the Puppy and Lyla the Ladybug become guides in a world where emotions and life lessons are gently explored, making it an invaluable tool for parents, teachers, and counselors.
It became an Amazon #1 New Release and #1 Best Seller in multiple categories and has been honored with numerous literary awards, including the Royal Dragonfly Book Award, The Golden Wizard Book Prize, The PenCraft Book Award, the Literary Titan Gold Book Award, the BookFest Book Award, and the Reader Views Reviewers Choice Award.
Critical reviews echo this sentiment. The BookLife Prize by Publishers Weekly praised the book for its overflowing originality and practically flawless execution. It was selected for their "BookLife Elite" collection distributed to public libraries across the U.S. and Canada.
Topics: Anxiety, overcoming fears, bullying, peer pressure, self-esteem, responsibility, honesty, anger, habit control, bed wetting, picky eating, celebrating diversity, grief and loss, and much more.
Quarter Finalist
Assessment:
Plot/Idea: This is a creative, eloquent book that transforms the concept of children's stories into usable, healing life lessons for younger readers. Sears offers 25 powerful tales, each centered on weighty themes and accompanied by a detailed explanation of the story's lessons, as well as questions for further discussion and recommended activities to build on the story's premise. The end result is a credible and purposeful resource for children and their adult readers.
Prose: Sears balances writing on a children's comprehension level with providing text and resources geared toward adults; despite this significant challenge, the text is an ideal fit for both audiences.
Originality: The Magic In Metaphor overflows with originality. Each story, character, conflict, and emotion was obviously crafted with a great deal of thought and imagination, and Sears ensured individual story plots perfectly match themes and built-in lessons for additional reflection. The added section at the end for adult caretakers, parents, teachers, and others is a special, considerate touch.
Character/Execution: Sears's execution is practically flawless. The book is well-organized, methodical, and inspiring, though a subtitle may offer readers more specific information on the guide's purpose.
Date Submitted: October 04, 2023
★★★★★
"His award-winning work shows a genuine concern for young people, and a talent for artful, indeed magical, composition."
★★★★★
"Sears presents fictional situations and conversation starter lessons to help caregivers address very young children’s fears and insecurities. Each story makes a nice addition to a bedtime routine."
★★★★★
"An enchanting and heartwarming anthology of stories meticulously crafted to guide young children on their journey to understanding emotional intelligence."
★★★★★
"If there is one prevention or intervention book to have in every school, counselor’s office, or parent’s library, it should be The Magic In Metaphor by Harley Sears."
★★★★★
"Harley Sears' book is a helpful resource that aims to foster children's emotional well-being and personal growth by mirroring real-life situations and providing tools to cope."
★★★★1/2
"A highly original and effective learning tool that is equally entertaining and educational."
★★★★★
"Excellent parenting and teacher guide! I could have used this book as a kid!"
★★★★★
"I am a firm believer that children's literature has the power to change lives, and that's exactly what this magical read will do! It is a masterpiece!"
★★★★★
"‘An accessible set of children’s shorts designed to stimulate thoughts and feelings on difficult and sensitive topics. A RED RIBBON WINNER and highly recommended!’ - The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Leawood hypnotherapist Harley Sears has taken pen to paper in the hopes of helping children and parents overcome mental health struggles together.Sears, a hypnotherapist practicing in Leawood’s Park Place, released his new psychology book, “The Magic In Metaphor: Empowering Children Through Healing Stories” this spring.
My recent interview with Literary Titan delves into the heart of storytelling and its healing powers in “The Magic in Metaphor.” We talked about how the book aims to help children navigate the emotional complexities of today’s world through stories that teach courage, empathy, and understanding.
