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How we all enjoyed the tales we were told when we were small and it was time to go to bed! Now let me take you back to Elf Forest, where time has stood still since you left. Come on a trip through an enchanting forest where fairies, dwarves, and many other creatures have found sanctuary. Here they all live happily together, learning life lessons, dealing with little problems, and comforting one another in times of trouble. No phone, computer or TV. Life is simple and uncomplicated; life is good.

I hope you will once again feel the magic when you read these original tales from Elf Forest to your little ones.

— Mariken Karnas, Author


Testimonials

  • A delightful series of books with magical stories and they all have a great moral to tell without it being preachy. Can be enjoyed by any age group!! A fun experience for parents and grandparents to read to the little ones and even more fun when the kids can read them by themselves at an older age. Highly recommended!
    Petronella Lazet-Polman, New Zealand
  • I liked listening to the Enchanting Tales of Elf Forest, especially Witch Hotsiposh as she is very funny and Clara the kind Witch because she is always helping people.
    Katelin, 6 years old
  • Absolutely beautiful!!! The story is very nostalgic! It took me back to my childhood days of 'Pinkeltje' in the Netherlands. Every child would treasure these stories, and learn from them. Very well written with sensitivity and humour!
    Annemarie Young, Australia
  • The stories are funny and I enjoyed them. I want to read more!
    Alisha G, 7 years old
  • This series introduces children and their parents/grandparents/friends to an adventurous and original imaginary world … In the hands of youngsters and their families, these stories are wonderful resources for the identification and elaboration of universal values and virtues.
    Johannes Sijbrant, Psychotherapist

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The tales grandma tells

by Tasha Black, Kapiti Observer article 23/1/2012

A Waikanae grandmother with a passion for storytelling has penned a book inspired by her grandchildren. Enchanting Tales of Elf Forest by Mariken Karnas is a collection of 20 stories, each with its own moral.

"My grandchildren always asked me to tell them a story," said Karnas.

"The problem was that the next time they asked me to tell the story again, I had forgotten a few things and they were rather disappointed in me. I decided to solve the problem by writing them down.

"The stories are funny, but with a moral as well. One should not steal, be kind, be helpful, never go with a stranger, etc."

It is Karnas' first book, however she has already written dozens more stories and has plans to collate them in another book.

"I have the feeling that fairytales are slowly disappearing."

Enchanting Tales of Elf Forest is available from Take Note bookstore in Waikanae and recommended for ages 4 to 7.

A collection of Fables by Mariken Karnas

Price: NZD $24.95 each
+ $10 if shipping outside of New Zealand

15cm x 20cm
Volume One: 120 pages, Dec 2011
Volume Two: 130 pages, Aug 2012
Volume Three: 135 pages, Dec 2013
Volume Four: 134 pages, Oct 2014
Volume Five: 139 pages, Oct 2015
Volume Six: 138 pages, Oct 2016
Volume Seven: 145 pages, Oct 2017

Available from:

The Bookshelf
46 Main Road
Waikanae
Ph (04) 293 6203
Email: [email protected]

or direct from the author:

Mariken Karnas
27 Belvedere Avenue
Waikanae 5036, New Zealand
Email: [email protected]


© Copyright 2012. Kapiti Print Media.