When the sleigh and two young reindeer are stolen three nights before Christmas, the characters from an old book (The Land of Never Grow Old), must enlist the help of an English mother and daughter to save the Magical Lands of the North from being lost forever. Their copy of the book has been handed down three generations of mothers and daughters and is one of only a few that remain in existence. Similarly, the characters from the book can only exist for as long as children believe in them.
Emma and her daughter, Lucy, must embark on an unexpected adventure that tests their courage, and determination, and reveals their willingness to embrace the kindness and compassion the world needs now more than ever.
The story is presented in the style of an advent calendar, with a chapter for each night of December until Christmas Eve. The chapters are enhanced by music and sound effects, with eight of them containing original songs created by the author and her musician friends.
Author Bio:
Helen S Michaelsen describes herself as "a creative who likes to dabble in many areas!". The old book in the story is a genuine legacy handed down by her mother, who sadly passed away in 2020. It has always been Helen's dream to bring the old story back to life, having grown up with the character of Mektoub the polar bear, when nobody else she knew had ever heard of him.
Music always played a significant part in Helen's Devonshire upbringing, singing and dancing on stage herself many times until the age of 14. Her mother played the piano and her father always had music of some kind playing at home and in the car. Since moving east to Dorset in the mid 1990's, and having a son and daughter of her own at the turn of the century, Helen began writing her story around the old book in 2008, often working into the post-midnight hours, where she could escape into her personal realm of fantasy.
In 2012, Helen made her online debut writing poetry and lyrics for musicians around the world on the Soundcloud music platform, some of whom became very dear friends and helped Helen with her quest to create, first a musical ebook, and now, an audiobook like no other. She has always maintained, "life would be so much better set to music!" And she adds, "The audiobook is really a movie, but it's up to you to imagine the visuals yourself..."
Author: Helen S. Michaelsen
Narrator: Greg Marston, Full Cast
Copyright: 2022 Sleepingenius Creative Enterprises
Running Time: 9:48:25
ISBN: 9781953598912
3 Reviews Hide Reviews Show Reviews
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The Call of Mektoub
This is an utterly wonderfully produced magical story, beautifully and thoughtfully done in chapters perfectly fitting in with advent, but could be read any time. The very carefully & shrewdly chosen top class voice artists are superb & entrancing & the associated effects & music complement the moods perfectly. It's a mesmerising tale & totally spellbinding. What a truly wonderful gift for others - and to yourselves.
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The Call of Mektoub
This was an absolutely enchanting read. The detail that goes into every chapter was incredible. 'The Call of Mektoub' holds you captive as it weaves together a beautiful story. Well worth the listen. I loved how each chapter is designed for each day of December - such a fun activity for children as they look forward to each new part.
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Really Magical!
Wow, what an excellent book! First of all, I love the idea of it being an advent book, so much more rewarding than my last chocolate advent calendar, and far less calories. Little things, like the music between chapters so the children know that it's time to stop and they have to wait for the following night to hear the next bit. Wonderful characters, I'm rather partial to Jack Frost and Tweeny Bunting, all help bring the story to life. It wonderful having a cast of voice actors, the younger children will understand that they are listening to the different characters and stop them getting too confused. I highly recommend this for children young and old. Definitely the start of a new tradition in our home
