Theo and Mary, together with their son Ray and daughter Haley, live peacefully and joyfully in an enchanted forest far from civilization. In this strange and mysterious place, Theo and Mary discover that their children were born with unique gifts. Ray possesses extraordinary powers, including the ability to interact with animals and elements, while Haley has a natural ability to communicate with plants and animals. When Theo learns that the people who drove them away from their homes years ago blame them for the desolation of his old town, he must embark on a journey to prove their innocence. When Theo and Haley disappear, Ray uses his wits and magical abilities to find them in the most polluted and smelliest place in the world!

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Story for Teenagers!

Reviewed in the United States on June 18, 2020

“It was a beautiful night. The moon was shining down, and yet there was not a breath of wind nor a leaf moving. ”
I am not sure that this book is for pre-teenagers.
Not because of the content (which is completely OK for all ages) but because the writing style is a bit too sophisticated for children before 12 years old.
Still, you can give it a try! It is a nice story of bravery and courage! I even felt sad for Theo when he lost his crop 😦

4.0 out of 5 stars Great book but wasn’t sure of reading age

Reviewed in the United States on June 5, 2020

I did like the story- it reminded me of the old fairy tales and brought back memories of reading with my parents. The only reason I gave it a 4 was because it was too difficult for an early reader to understand and didn’t have any sight words for them to be able to read along. Even though short in page length my fantasy reader that is 11 enjoyed the book. There were too many characters for my 9-10-year-old, but he is a bit slower of a reader. I ended up reading it to him and he enjoyed the story and moral but I had to explain a lot because there are quite a few hard words. I think it would help if the author could put an age range in the description. I like short stories because we can all read together and discuss.

5.0 out of 5 stars A story told from the perspective of the underdog

Reviewed in the United States on June 5, 2020

This is a lovely story for children with very important themes weaved in the plot, and in particular that of acceptance. An extraordinary magical adventure filled with love, faith, hope. A story about strength, and finding the courage to move forward. Loved it.

4.0 out of 5 stars A magical ride

Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2020

As a big fan of fantasy tales, I found this book to be a joy. Heartfelt, great characters with a surprisingly deep underlying message of love, courage and perseverance. Would recommend.

5.0 out of 5 stars An Unexpected Delight

Reviewed in the United States on May 31, 2020

You know the ol’ saying, “You can’t judge a book by its cover”, well, it couldn’t be more true with this gem of a tale! While I wasn’t captured initially with the cover, once I turned its pages, I was instantly greeted with quality writing that pulled me in and a world of characters that delighted my little one’s story time. A feel-good story that’s equal parts fun and magic. Just read it!

4.0 out of 5 stars A story of courage and love!

Reviewed in the United States on July 12, 2019

If you are looking for a good children’s book to read the kids, I recommend, “Ray and Haley in the Kingdom of Gobtrolls.” The author, Marissa Marchan, takes readers on a fantasy ride from the enchanted forest they live in back to Vedasto City, the town from which the family of four was expelled when some of the townsfolk blamed them for a terrible event that occurred there. Theo and Mary, the parents, have two children, Ray and Haley, both of whom possess great gifts, and can talk to the animals. Author Marchan does a very nice job setting the scene and then delivering an inspiring story of courage and love. She writes her story from the perspective of the underdog, those dismissed in life, who have the guts to stand up against wrongful hate and continue taking the high road. Most interestingly, is the true story that inspired this book. When Marchan’s sister passed away, leaving an eight-year old grandson, Ray, she had a very difficult time with the grief. It was Ray who provided her with the strength and courage to put the grief behind her, inspiring her to write a book. All of those emotions come through in this story.