Fun Reads Friday: The Trebors

As a mom to two boys, I remember the struggle to find books that interested them. How I wish The Trebors by Caroline Barney was around when my boys were little! Slithering creepy crawling creatures in a haunted forest would not only hold their interest, it would compel them to read more! I could not put The Trebors down until I knew Stella and her friends were safe. The Trebors is a middle grade novel for kids ages 8-11. It’s clean with great messages of good versus evil, family, and community. Much like C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia series, The Trebors contains allegorical references to the Christian faith.

Trebors are small creatures that live in a magical tree that possesses unique powers. When Stella’s father goes missing during a storm, Stella sets out on a journey to bring him back. Her brother, Ebert, and friend, Snu, follow her into the enchanted forest where they encounter a Malped, a spiny, evil creature that wants the tree’s power for himself. Stella and her friends must choose between trusting in what they know is right verses taking the easy way out.

Caroline Barney and I share a lot in common. She’s a TouchPoint Press author and a school speaker! However, unlike my book release, Caroline released her debut novel during the Coronavirus pandemic! When I caught up her between book signings where everyone wears a mask and author events at her local library, here’s what she had to say:

What is the theme of The Trebors?

The message is about the power in coming together and being part of something bigger than yourself. I hope The Trebors will teach kids that the strength that comes from being together gives them the security that we will not just come through this time, but create a better, safer world.

If we frame what is happening now properly for our children, we have an opportunity to raise the next generation to think of others, to care for the collective, and to lean into the power of being with each other, working for a better world. 

Wow, that is a such an important message for kids today! What inspired you to write The Trebors?

I was walking in the woods with my crazy dog and got to thinking about the trees in the forest around me. And it hit me…there is a world inside that tree just waiting to be written about!

What do you want kids to know about your journey to becoming a published author?

More than anything else, you need to believe in yourself and not give-up! Keep practicing, keep trying, keep learning. Writing is a skill that gets better the more you do it and the more you work on how to get better.

For more information or to learn how Caroline can speak at your child’s school, visit  https://www.carolinebarney.com/

Grab your copy today on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Trebors-Trebor-Tales-Caroline-Barney/dp/1946920991/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=The+Trebors&qid=1599162635&sr=8-1