In this day we live in too rarely do we find a children's story with morality or meaning. Gone are the tales from Hans Christian Andersen, Roald Dahl or E. B. White. Most children's authors try to rely on whimsical colors and simple slaptick humor not taking into consideration that children are much more advanced now than they once were. But in Tessie L. Chapman's The Enchanted Island we find that perhaps these traits of the good children's story are not lost or forgotten. Tessie opens her story under the depths of the ocean vividly describing the delightful undersea kingdom and the arrival of the new mermaid princess, Mariana. We soon find a tone for the story in the fact that as a toddler she swims off alone and shows that she is both curious and fearless; traits that she will carry with her into adulthood. But when she passes through the forbidden doorway, she not only disobeys her father she embarks upon her destiny. Tessie, in her subtle way, reveals the consequences for breaking the rules even if you are the princess when King Ocean seals off Mariana's only path home. But it is then she finds that an entire new world exists. Tessie L. Chapman shows herself to be a modern day storyteller from the first strand to the complete web of a perfectly spun fairytale. The artwork is an extraordinary but not overdrawn to the point of taking over the story and leaves only a complement for readers to enjoy along their path. We recall stories like Andersen's Little Mermaid in the undersea descriptions, a place too few have ever visited but many long for a view, and learn that one should judge a person for what is inside and not their outward appearance. Remembering E. B. White's Stuart Little and Dahl's James and the Giant Peach where friends are created between the most unlikely groups, Tessie carries this tradition into the next century. I highly recommend The Enchanted Island for children of all ages and very much look forward to Guardians of the Enchanted Island as Tessie L. Chapman, although ending her first story in perfection leaves an opening for the sequel. So come and join Tessie as she takes you below the depths of the mysterious ocean with Mariana, Blue, Onar and all of the other interesting characters on their adventures and into their lives.

A MUST READ---Reviewed by Scott Siller, author of 'The Divine Revelations of Jennifer Ann Smith' ---

   From the opening sentence of this beautiful children's tale of the young Princess Mariana, you'll find yourself unable to resist smiling in admiration of the fine skill reflected in the exquisitely framed writing of Tessie L. Chapman. Seldom do I come upon such well written tales that pack such a balance of teaching and entertainment. The illustrations are second to none and provide excellent support to the story. As a fellow author that knows a good  read when I see one, allow me to say 'The Enchanted Island' has all the elements needed to successfully captivate readers of all ages. I highly recommend parents purchasing this book for their children. Read to them this unforgettable story and in so doing, share with them the value of true love, how it bridges all barriers and shines brightly above all else. Tessie is to be commended for depicting such a succinct story and receives my highest compliments. Climb aboard your ocean vessel, slap on some fins, or simply dive your way into this fantastic sea-story and get ready for fun and enjoyment, reading this story is perfect way to spend your day. You'll want to read it again and again, and that's a sign of a winner!