Genesis and the River's Secret
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STARFALL MEADOWS TALES FOR CHILDREN AGES 5-7 (Genesis the Unicorn)
More of Genesis - two more books pending.
Genesis and the Forgotten Garden
Behind a hidden door in the roots of Elder Wren's oldest oak, Genesis discovers a walled garden that hasn't bloomed in years. It belonged to her grandmother, Lyra — a unicorn with the same crooked horn and the same spiral magic.
Genesis and the First Sparkle
Today is Genesis' Sparkle Birthday — the magical day when a young unicorn's horn lights up for the very first time. But when Genesis's sparkle finally arrives, it doesn't come out in a neat, straight beam like everyone else's.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Starfall Meadow Tales — Genesis Series
Who is Genesis? Genesis is a young unicorn who lives in the valley of Starfall Meadow. She has a cream-and-peach coat, a lavender mane that's always a little windswept, and a horn that grew in slightly crooked. Her spiral magic is unlike anyone else's — and that turns out to be exactly the point.
What age is the Genesis series for? The books are written for children aged 5–7, with a read-aloud sweet spot of around 6. The stories work beautifully as bedtime reads, classroom books, or independent reading for confident early readers. The activity pages at the back of each book are designed for ages 5 and up. You can download the activity pages on this website under the Books/Children's Books page.
Do the books need to be read in order? Each book tells a complete, stand-alone story with a beginning, middle, and end. That said, reading them in order gives children the richest experience — they'll watch Genesis grow, see her friendships deepen, and follow the ongoing story of her grandmother Lyra across the series. Book Two in particular builds on something Genesis discovers in Book One.
Who are Genesis's friends? Genesis has a wonderful group of friends in Starfall Meadow:
- Moss — a calm, thoughtful tortoise who always shows up, even if he arrives a little late
- Fern — an energetic red squirrel with a dramatically fluffy tail and more ideas than anyone can keep up with
- Bramble — a sensible hedgehog who carries a first aid kit and gives the best biscuits
- Elder Wren — a tiny, ancient owl with spectacles and a dry sense of humour, who knows more than she lets on
- Cobble — the oldest tortoise in Starfall Meadow, covered in lichen, who remembers Genesis's grandmother
What is Genesis's magic? Genesis's magic comes from her slightly crooked horn in swirling spirals — gold, pink, lavender, and mint — rather than the neat straight beams most unicorns produce. Across the series, she discovers that spiral magic doesn't just go where it's pointed. It goes where it's needed. It can bend around corners, reach into dark places, listen before it acts, and unlock things that straight magic can't touch.
What are the books about — really? Each book has a gentle, age-appropriate theme underneath the magic:
- Book One (The First Sparkle) — what makes you different might be exactly what makes you wonderful
- Book Two (The Forgotten Garden) — the people who loved us leave something growing behind
- Book Three (The River's Secret) — sometimes the bravest thing is saying "something isn't right" — even when you're not sure anyone will believe you
Are there activity pages? Yes! Every book in the series ends with three activity pages designed for children to fill in, draw on, and keep. They're sized to match the book and tie directly into the story — no generic colouring sheets here.
Who is Lyra? Lyra is Genesis's grandmother — a unicorn who also had a crooked horn and spiral magic. She died before Genesis was born, but her presence grows quietly through the series: in the garden she left behind, in the stories Cobble tells, and in the way Elder Wren remembers her. Genesis never met her. But she keeps finding her.
Will there be more books? Yes! The Starfall Meadow Tales is planned as a five-book series. Books One, Two, and Three are available now. Each book introduces new friends, new corners of the world, and a new dimension of Genesis's magic and character.
Where can I buy the books? The Genesis series is available on Amazon in paperback and ebook. Search Starfall Meadow Tales or Julia Nicole Ashe to find all three books together on Amazon.
Can I use the books in a classroom or library? Absolutely — the Genesis books are designed with read-aloud sessions in mind. The themes of self-acceptance, speaking up, and listening make them a natural fit for social-emotional learning conversations. The activity pages work well as classroom extensions, too.
Wordless Books
I remember playing in my yard as a kid. We had a farmhouse with lots of grass and a big yard. There was a cherry orchard on one side and a corn field on the other. Wordless Back Yard Fantasies series is about bringing some imaginative fun into the back yard. To inspire imagination in kids. Parents can read a story to their kids using the pictures for inspiration - for a story that'll change a little bit each time! Make it fun!
FAQs about The Backyard Fantasy Series
What is the Backyard Fantasy series?
Backyard Fantasy is a series of wordless picture books that transform ordinary backyards into extraordinary worlds filled with adventure, imagination, and discovery.
Who are the Backyard Fantasy books for?
The series is designed for children, families, educators, homeschoolers, librarians, and anyone who enjoys imaginative visual storytelling.
Do the Backyard Fantasy books contain any words?
No. The stories are told entirely through detailed illustrations, allowing readers to create their own narration and interpretations.
Why are the stories wordless?
Wordless storytelling encourages creativity, imagination, observation, and language development. Every reader becomes a storyteller.
Can siblings of different ages enjoy the same book?
Yes. Younger children may focus on identifying characters and objects, while older children can create more detailed plots, dialogue, and character motivations.
Are the Backyard Fantasy books connected?
Each book tells its own adventure, but all share a spirit of imagination, wonder, and exploration that encourages readers to see extraordinary possibilities in everyday places.
Can these books be used as writing prompts?
Absolutely. Many teachers and homeschool parents use the illustrations as inspiration for creative writing assignments, storytelling exercises, and journaling activities.
FAQ: Wordless Picture Books
What is a wordless picture book?
A wordless picture book tells a story entirely through illustrations rather than written text. Readers use the artwork to follow the plot, interpret events, and create their own narration as they explore the story.
How do you read a wordless picture book?
Readers look carefully at the illustrations and describe what they see happening. Parents, teachers, and children can create dialogue, predict what might happen next, and discuss the characters' emotions and actions.
Are wordless books good for children?
Yes. Wordless books encourage creativity, observation, storytelling, and language development. They allow children to become active participants in the storytelling process rather than simply listening to a story.
What age group are wordless picture books for?
Wordless picture books can be enjoyed by readers of all ages. Young children enjoy exploring the illustrations, while older children can create more detailed stories and interpretations.
Do wordless books help with language development?
Yes. Because children must describe what they see and explain events in their own words, wordless books encourage vocabulary growth, sentence formation, and conversational skills.
Can wordless books help reluctant readers?
Many reluctant readers enjoy wordless books because there is no pressure to decode text. They can focus on understanding the story through pictures while building confidence as storytellers.
Are wordless books useful for homeschool families?
Yes. Wordless books can be used for creative writing, oral narration, sequencing activities, vocabulary practice, art appreciation, and critical thinking exercises.
Can wordless books be used in classrooms?
Absolutely. Teachers often use wordless books for storytelling lessons, writing prompts, group discussions, sequencing activities, and reading comprehension practice.
How do wordless books encourage creativity?
Each reader brings their own imagination to the story. Different children may interpret the same illustrations in unique ways, creating different dialogue, motivations, and endings.
Do wordless books support speech and language therapy?
Many speech-language pathologists use wordless books to encourage conversation, narrative development, sequencing skills, and expressive language practice.
Can children write their own words for a wordless book?
Yes. Many families and teachers use wordless books as creative writing activities. Children can write captions, dialogue, journal entries, or complete stories inspired by the illustrations.
Are wordless books good for English language learners?
Yes. Because the story is told visually, readers can focus on understanding events and vocabulary without needing to read large amounts of text.
Notes on the Black-Footed Cat +
Each of these fact books centered on one animal. I do list other animals within the genus with pictures. Domestic cats are within the same genus as the Black-Footed cat, which is on the endangered species list, so you can find them in programs for rebuilding populations.
The Black-Footed Cat
My daughter saw me working on this series, and she loves animals. She suggested this fascinating cat and helped research all the information. She's also an artist, and her artwork is in the book as coloring pages!
The Toucan
Read to find out all about the Toucan! The book has bright colors and fun, interesting information! Fascinating animal.
I have an ADHD kid. School was a challenge. Traditional classroom situations really didn't work. He's grown now, but I hope that these fact books will benefit any kid who enjoys the facts, the pictures, and the activities! Check them out in Children's Books
FAQs
What is the Nature Fact Book Series?
This is a series of books inspired by a friend with a child who loves facts! The books have facts about specific animals, habitats, hunting and mating behaviors, and other interesting details. There are several activity pages in every book. Downloads available here on the website!
What is Included in the Series?
So far the Toucan and the Black-Footed Cat. Options are wide and varied. I have plans for ocean, weather, unique plant life, human biology and anything else that fits into this fact category!