Hildegard Caringi's New Children's Adventure, Once Upon a Sandcastle, Receives Rave Reviews

(PRWEB) June 30, 2008 -- Once Upon a Sandcastle by California writer Hildegard Caringi, author of her poignant memoir, The Joy of Being: A Vineyard of Poems and Short Stories, has recently been released. Once Upon a Sandcastle is a fantasy adventure novel that will challenge young readers' imaginations and perceptions.

Savannah and her best friend Holly are two young girls full of curiosity, energy, and adventure. While visiting their Aunt in Malibu, the girls come across a young boy in a wheelchair on the beach. Jacob is a shy and introverted boy with a troubled family past. Jacob meets a man by the name of David and the two develop an instant bond. David teaches Jacob a song that will allow him to enter a magical sand castle. Jacob, Savannah, and Holly sing the song and enter the enchanted world. When Jacob arrives at this mystifying place, he discovers that he is no longer with the two girls. The three find themselves facing mysterious dark creatures, an angry Queen, and a multitude of lively and colorful characters.

The story is enhanced by 47 wonderful illustrations provided by renowned Argentina artist, Fernando Molinari. The book will inspire readers to draw on their imagination and encourage creative thought. In Once Upon a Sandcastle, Hildegard Caringi takes her readers on an unforgettable journey of the mind and spirit.

Book Reviews:

Tracy Roberts, Write Field Services:

"Once Upon a Sandcastle is a very entertaining story filled with imaginative adventures and spell-binding characters, a fantasy full of surprising twists and turns. There is a helpful list of questions at the end of the book that will motivate parents and children to discuss the various plots and themes. The book is highly recommended to young people as well as adults."

Gudrun Stutz, Publisher of Sierra Sunrise Publishing:

"If, after a day of hard work, you are ready to put your feet up and escape into an exciting world of fantasy and adventure, pick up "Once Upon a Sandcastle," Hildegard Caringi's delightful book written for the young and the young-at-heart. Don't let the magic sandcastle surrounded by its enchanting cast of characters on the book cover fool you, this book is not just a treat for kids from 9 to 12 but all the way up to 91. It is tailor-made to become a Disney movie."

Larry Logsdon, former School Board President:

"Once Upon a Sandcastle is a rollercoaster ride for kids of all ages. It's an adventure that takes you into the fantastic world of bewitched sandcastles, animated hot-air balloons, dungeons, caves, mermaid grottos... Some interesting twists with characters will make you go hmm. A great read; you won't get bored with this one."

Book Ordering:

Once Upon a Sandcastle is published by Mill City Press, Inc., ISBN 978-1-934248-89-8 (hardcover), and ISBN 978-1934248379 (paperback), and distributed through Ingram Distribution and can be purchased online at Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com), Barnes and Noble (http://www.barnesandnoble.com), Borders (http://www.bordersstores.com/index.jsp), and many other online bookstores, or visit the author's website at Caringi Books (www.caringibooks.com).

For more information about ordering the book, please contact Mill City Press Publishing Coordinator Sara Tonko at sara(at)millcitypress.net, or by phone at 612-455-2294 ext. 203.

About the Author:

Hildegard Caringi was born in Danzig, Germany. After the war, her hometown became Polish. Her mother and the three children fled from there and relocated to Rendsburg, Schleswig-Holstein, not far from the Danish border, where Hildegard's mother eventually remarried and had five more children. Hildegard studied medical instruments in Germany and has a degree in business administration. She lived in England for a year, followed by a few months in France, while she waited for her immigration papers to the United States of America. While living in New York City and Miami, Florida, she worked as a model in fashion and photography, appearing on various magazine and record covers. Arriving in Hollywood, she studied acting and worked in the film industry for almost 30 years. Hildegard has also written and directed a variety of plays and musicals. Hildegard's childhood memoirs, The Joy of Being: A Vineyard of Poems and Short Stories, ISBN 978-14343-6333-6 (paperback), and ISBN 978-14343-6332-9 (hardcover) is available for purchase online.

If you are interested in reviewing Once Upon a Sandcastle, or arranging for a talk and book signing, or interview, please contact Hildegard Caringi at hcaringi @ gmail.com or by phone at (661) 722-6727 (phone and fax) or at (902) 275-1373.

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