About the Book
Mapaline was a child, very much like yourself.
Well, perhaps not so very much. Unless you live in a deep, vast wilderness of forests and rivers and streams; unless you sleep in a small room, hung high up in the limbs of an old maple tree; unless you stand no taller than my kneecap and have hair that changes with the seasons, you are not so very much like Mapaline.
She was a treeborn, and if you saw her you would think, "Isn't she a pretty little girl. But . . . somehow-"and you would feel silly saying it-"somehow she makes me think of a tree. Not very much, but still . . ."
BOOK ONE OF THE TREEBORN TRILOGY
Embark on an extraordinary journey with the Treeborn Trilogy, where a tapestry of adventure, captivating characters, and wondrous new creatures awaits you and your family! A masterful blending of the strange and familiar, this is a story that will spark your imagination and keep you wondering
and wanting more!
Book 1: Mapaline (Arriving Spring 2024)
Book 2: Ceylon (Unfolding Fall 2024)
Book 3: The Last Tower (Landing Spring 2025)
Written for readers of all ages, the Treeborn Trilogy masterfully blends whimsy and depth in a narrative both delightful and profound. Perfect for a lazy summer day or as a lyrical read-aloud for the whole family, everyone will be left wanting "just one more page!" If you found joy in the magical realms of Narnia or Middle Earth, If your kids loved The Green Ember or The Wingfeather Saga, their next obsession is sure to be The Treeborn Trilogy.
From the author:
"Mapaline began as a short story for my daughter when she was very young. She liked bears and I love the woods and so . . . there you go. One story turned into two and three and eventually additional stories began to merge and link together into a loose novel that took place over one year in Mapaline's life. By the time Mapaline was born, my daughter was older, by about eight years, but thankfully she still loves bears . . . and Mapaline."
About the Author :
Ryan Southworth lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with his wife, Kyna, and their two children. In addition to his writing schedule and parenting, Ryan teaches History, Literature, and Latin through a large homeschool co-op. The second and third books of The Treeborn Trilogy publish October 2024 and April 2025. His previously published "Descending," a dystopian science-fiction novel perfect for young adults. Reviewers touted this read as "intriguing, thrilling, gripping, unpredictable, and artfully written." In addition, Ryan has published several short stories online.Ryan earned two bachelor's degrees from Baptist Bible College in Scranton, Pennsylvania, in both Bible and secondary education with an emphasis in social studies. Additionally, he earned a master's degree in English with an emphasis in creative writing from Northern Kentucky University, in Highland Heights, Kentucky. When not teaching, he considers a morning spent at a coffee shop writing to be just about the best way a morning can be spent. Adam F. Watkins lives in southern Ohio with his wife, Amy, and daughter, Lucy. He graduated from the Columbus College of Art and Design in 2004, where he majored in illustration, studying under C. F. Payne his junior and senior years. He worked for an advertising agency in Cincinnati after graduation and is now a full-time freelancer. He loves children's books and the outdoors.
Review :
[quote] - Evangeline Brown, age 12, New Albany, Indiana
"I thoroughly enjoyed the adventure fantasy novel Mapaline, by Ryan J. Southworth. I read it aloud to my 8-year-old sons who regularly begged me to read on when a chapter closed. The voice of the narrator felt like an old friend recounting charming encounters of the fascinating tree-like creatures whose lives are forever enriched with the acquaintance of a talking bear. Each chapter is a maturing adventure with a satisfying conclusion whilst being dabbled with hints of a more complex and growing danger requiring courage and sacrifice. It's both a bedtime story, and a coming of age story. A story of love and learning to love. Very enjoyable, engaging and full of virtue. The whole family loved Mapaline." - Gretta Shepherd, mother of two, Wisconsin
"I enjoyed listening to my mom read Ryan J. Southworth's adventure fantasy novel Mapaline. I think Mr. Southworth thinks of good characters because he makes up people like Mapaline, a treeborn, and she is very relatable. Mapaline meets Rolf, a talking bear, and Rolf saves the
treeborn many times. My favorite part was when Rolf squished the attacking snake. I think Ryan Southworth is a good writer because each chapter was engaging. I can't wait until Mom can read us the next book because the ending was a cliffhanger!" - 2nd grade boy, Wisconsin
"Delightful, insightful, and pure, Mapaline is the type of book we want the next generation reading. Its strength lies in the storytelling, symbolism, and the precise, humorous, and constant connections made directly to the reader. Masterfully crafted with theological intention, this book illuminates truths about God and His love and purpose for His children in a clear and meaningful way. The epilogue led me to tears, thoughtfulness, and ultimately...deeper trust. I'm hopeful to read the next book immediately (and so is my daughter!)" - Ashley Bowman
"I read Mapaline aloud to my husband, a chapter a day. I easily envisioned being surrounded by any of my former classes of grade 1-3 students all listening intently and then groaning in unison at the end of each chapter, begging me to read on. This story is enthralling for young readers who
either thoroughly enjoy the outdoors or dream of opportunities to be engaged in exciting adventures with the confidence that a big, brave, trusted friend is never very far away. The story lends itself to discussions of how to face moral dilemmas, times that we all struggle to understand our feelings and emotions, and the importance of upholding traditional values of family and community. The reader is addressed throughout as if the storyteller is sitting right beside them, like times gone by." - Retired elementary school teacher
"Mapaline is the perfect read for both children and families. Ryan J. Southworth quickly draws you into the wonderful world of the treeborn, Mapaline, and her bear friend, Rolf, and, while moving the plot along smoothly, provides wonderful conversation opportunities for adults and children. Although my own children are grown now, they loved reading Mapaline and I look forward to reading it with my grandchildren. I can't wait to find out what happens next with Mapaline and Rolf!" - mother and grandmother
