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    The Children's Book Review

    Enchanted Everglades: Friend for Life, by G.A. Kowatch | Dedicated Review

    Bianca SchulzeBy Bianca Schulze3 Mins Read Ages 4-8 Ages 9-12 Animal Books Author Showcase Fantasy: Supernatural Fiction Novels for Kids and Teens
    Enchanted-Everglades-Friend-for-Life-by-G.A.-Kowatch-Dedicated-Review
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    The Children’s Book Review

    Book Enchanted EvergladesEnchanted Everglades: Friend for Life     

    Written by G.A. Kowatch       

    Age Range: 8-12   

    Hardcover: 295 pages

    Publisher: Great Rays, LLC (2020)

    ISBN-13: 978-1-7335184-0-6

    What to expect: Fantasy, Animals, Grief, Friendship

    Florida’s captivating wetlands are the setting for Enchanted Everglades: Friend for Life, a book that takes readers on an action-filled adventure in which two twelve-year-old friends must overcome grief as they try to find their way out of the wilderness.

    Ocean River and Ellen Hansen have been friends since they were six years old, but when Ellen’s dad dies in a car crash, the pair’s relationship becomes strained. When Ocean decides to show Ellen he is more than the goofy kid that caused a scene at her father’s funeral, a strong theme of growth mindset becomes the focal point of the story. As Ocean navigates his tense friendship with Ellen, Gumbo—a talking, vegan alligator—struggles with some of his own family turmoil. When the children’s lives collide with the gator’s, you can expect the danger and action to ramp up drastically, but in the most unexpected ways.

    Told through the alternating voices of Ocean and Gumbo, author G.A. Kowatch’s story demonstrates to readers that the skills needed to navigate the murky waters of life can be developed through determination and hard work. There is a strong message that everything will be alright in the end, so long as you stay the path and remain present. The heaviness of grief is lifted by a regular infusion of humor, and the enchantment of talking animals will be a point of interest for fans of the fantasy genre.

    Readers who enjoy a blend of realism and fantasy are sure to be drawn to this adventurous story of loss, forgiveness, and mindfulness.

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    About the Author

    G. A. KOWATCH lived in South Korea, Vietnam, and the Philippines before going home to the US at the age of thirteen. She has degrees in both design and business. Her first short film, The Right Friend, garnered several niche festival awards and was distributed by Spiritual Cinema Circle. Gail is an avid fan of movies, especially animation, comedy, fantasy, sci-fi, thrillers, and romance. This is her first novel.

    To learn more or read the first five chapters of Enchanted Everglades: Friend for Life, visit https://enchantedeverglades.com/.

    Dedicated Reviews allow authors and illustrators to gain prompt visibility for their work. This is a sponsored*, non-biased review of “Enchanted Everglades: Friend for Life.” Learn more about getting a book review …

    What to Read Next:

    1. Zodatia: Age of the Animals | Dedicated Review
    2. The Legend of Hobart, by Heather Mullaly | Dedicated Review
    3. The Squirrel Squire and the Tournament of Oaks: A Fantastic Tails Adventure | Dedicated Review
    4. The Rubicus Prophecy: Witches of Orkney: Book Two | Dedicated Review

    *Disclosure: Please note that this post may contain affiliate links that share some commission. Rest assured that these will not affect the cost of any products and services promoted here. Our team always provides their authentic opinion in all content published on this site.

    Animals Books Set in Florida Dedicated Review Fantasy Friendship G.A. Kowatch Grief
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    Bianca Schulze
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    Bianca Schulze is the founder of The Children’s Book Review. She is a reader, reviewer, mother and children’s book lover. She also has a decade’s worth of experience working with children in the great outdoors. Combined with her love of books and experience as a children’s specialist bookseller, the goal is to share her passion for children’s literature to grow readers. Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, she now lives with her husband and three children near Boulder, Colorado.

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