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Collection of Published Works

The Bookshelf

Strawberry Fairchild

An Illustrated Color Mermaid Fable for Adults

“A spellbinding ride through magical realism, misfit charm, and the wild hope of becoming who you’re meant to be. For anyone who’s ever dreamed in technicolor and believed in something more.”

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The Psychedelic Slacker

A Coming-of-Age Novel

“A journey through the hazy crossroads of youth, nostalgia, and the search for meaning. For anyone who’s ever felt like a slacker, a poet, or a little bit of both.”

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Book Review #1

Strawberry Fairchild

by Alan Mark Train

A Magical Journey of Growth and Discovery

Strawberry Fairchild & The Green Flame invites readers into a richly imagined world where magic and reality intertwine. This beautifully crafted fantasy blends adventure, self-discovery, and friendship, making it a captivating read for young readers and adults alike.

Meet Strawberry Fairchild

A brave young mermaid with a curious spirit, Strawberry embarks on a quest to unlock the secrets of the mysterious Green Flame. Her journey is a powerful metaphor for personal growth, encouraging readers to explore themes of identity and inner strength.

What Makes This Book Special?

  • Deep, relatable characters: Strawberry and her friends show courage, loyalty, and resilience—values that inspire and resonate with readers of all ages.
  • Vivid storytelling: Alan Mark Train’s rich imagery and sensory details bring the story to life, making it easy to imagine and feel every moment.
  • Natural dialogue: Conversations between characters feel genuine and engaging, adding depth to the narrative.
  • Stunning illustrations: Artist Mari Yamagiwa’s vibrant artwork beautifully complements the story, enhancing the fantasy world and sparking the imagination.

Themes That Matter

This novel thoughtfully explores important ideas such as:

  • Identity and self-acceptance
  • The power of belief and destiny
  • Friendship and loyalty in the face of challenges

These universal themes support emotional growth and encourage positive reflection, making the book a valuable read for children, teens, and parents.

Why Parents and Educators Will Appreciate This Book

Strawberry Fairchild & The Green Flame offers more than just an exciting story. It promotes:

  • Cognitive engagement through vivid descriptions and immersive storytelling
  • Emotional resilience by modeling healthy relationships and self-discovery
  • Aesthetic appreciation through detailed and colorful illustrations

It’s an excellent choice for family reading time, classroom discussions, or independent exploration.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re seeking a spellbinding adventure or a meaningful tale of growth, Strawberry Fairchild & The Green Flame delivers on both fronts. Alan Mark Train’s masterful storytelling and the enchanting visuals make this a treasured addition to any bookshelf.

Dive in and let this magical journey inspire courage, curiosity, and wonder in readers of all ages!

Book Review #2

Awesome Book Alert: Strawberry Fairchild & The Green Flame!

Get ready for a magical adventure with Strawberry Fairchild, a brave young mermaid who’s on a super cool quest to discover the secrets of the mysterious Green Flame! In this amazing story by Alan Mark Train, you’ll dive into a world full of magic, surprises, and exciting twists that will keep you turning pages fast!
Strawberry is full of courage and curiosity, and as she explores her magical world, you’ll meet awesome friends, face tricky challenges, and learn how believing in yourself can make you a hero too! The colorful pictures by Mari Yamagiwa make everything jump off the page and feel real!
This book is packed with fun, friendship, and magical moments that will make your imagination soar. Whether you love mermaids, magic, or thrilling adventures, “Strawberry Fairchild & The Green Flame” is the perfect story to take you on an unforgettable journey!

Reader Reviews

What Readers Are Saying

Thunderbird

The author shows a playfulness and love of language that makes one yearn for the simplicity

An enchanting and magical tale, full of whimsy and stylistic verve. The author shows a playfulness and love of language that makes one yearn for the simplicity and beauty of a true poet who lives to love language and all the wondrous images it conjures up and places it can take us to, both internal and external. Beautifully illustrated, this modern-day fable is one that peaks to and touches both heart and soul.

Amazon Customer

An imaginative tale perfect for kids and grown ups alike

An imaginative tale perfect for kids and grown ups alike with more to it than meets the eye. Delicately crafted dialogues and imagery that transports you to psychedelic mermaid land and the gorgeous illustrations complement. Nicely done.

Loretta Flamingo

A simple and not so simple sweet and bittersweet tale

Strawberry is a sweet read. On the surface it is a simple mermaid tale and fun to read in half an afternoon.
Not very far under the surface the reader finds delightful innuendo and playful language, including at least one reference to Rocky & Bullwinkle.

Strawberry has Lewis Carroll’s playfulness with a wistful tinge, and a Golden Book fairy tale style. This book is worth reading more than once. Each perusal offers another layer of meaning. There is a sweet and simple beauty to the story, very like a jewel. This book IS a jewel. 

The illustrations are playful and way out there. It is a very nice pairing of writer and illustrator. Check it out !!!

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