Book One:
UP TOP
When an elf-child is born unlike any other ever seen in Claustown, trouble ensues immediately. The topper, literally, is the shocking jungle of black and gray hair atop his head. Hence his name: “Charcoal.”
Reviled, bullied and excluded for being different, he sinks into behavioral and emotional issues, acting out and making things worse. His parents and cousin Trixie, as adored as he is despised, try to be loving and supportive but nothing seems to help until Santa agrees to a daring plan, one which may help save Charcoal as well as those troublesome humans “Down Below” who seem determined to destroy themselves and the planet they live on.
But unexpected dangers await.
Book Two:
DOWN BELOW
Picking up where Book One left off…
Charcoal, mocked for his shockingly different black, gray and white hair, is a classic misfit. Shunned and bullied by his fellow elves Up Top, Book Two opens as our beleaguered hero and his cousin and only friend, Trixie, head “DOWN BELOW” -- to the domain of human beings. The duo travel the globe, disguised or invisible, to determine why humans have lost the spirit of Yule and how peace on earth and goodwill can be restored to humankind.
While learning about the challenges of life Down Below, the pair learn about themselves as well. Along the way they run into mishaps, until discovering that a malevolent force is following them, determined to stop their efforts, even if it means ultimately annihilating them. Everything changes at that point.
Charming, funny, poignant and thoughtful — sometimes even alarming — “Charcoal the Elf, Book Two: DOWN BELOW” continues the roller coaster ride author R. A. Bellson launched in the highly praised first book in his fantasy trilogy.
Stay tuned for the final adventures in BOOK THREE this fall....