Lamellia: The Wicked Queen is an adventure story which takes place in Lamellia, the Kingdom of Mushrooms. Author Gloria D. Gonsalves has created an easy-to-read chapter book that children will enjoy reading—with parents or on their own. The seven chapters contain all the elements of a great story: sadness, a villain, and a happy ending. No one would expect Queen Nobilia to misguide the mushrooms by supplying the wrong password to the Eucalyptia forest or trying to kill the human baby with her poisonous eyes. As a villain, the Queen had green eyes that could poison anyone who frightened or angered her. This book contains a subtle lesson about selfless love.

Children who like to read fantasy stories will enjoy Lamellia: The Wicked Queen, which describes an event that occurs amongst the mushrooms. The Kingdom of Mushrooms is organized by color and each group has a role: indigo-colored mushrooms form a strong wall around the kingdom, the Honeys shield other mushrooms from enemies, and Lanterns fool enemies with their beautiful yellow-orange colors. Author Gloria D. Gonsalves brings the mushrooms to life by giving them personalities and the ability to communicate. Illustrator Katerina Brunot has drawn bold and bright artwork to fill the pages. She adds emotion and facial expressions to the mushrooms. In the past year, books with a female villain have become more popular. I think readers will like the unexpected twist in the fifth chapter. Parents will enjoy reading this book with their children, and children reading on their own will find Lamellia: The Wicked Queen easy to read.

Lamellia: The Wicked Queen is an educational adventure fable for children written by Gloria D. Gonsalves and illustrated by Katerina Brunot. King Polipoli was the perfect ruler for the Kingdom of Lamellia; he was wise and just, but his wife, Queen Nobilia, while beautiful, had eyes that could poison others if she chose to do so. When her eyes turned green, the person affected would lose all will to live and wither away. Her sad and melancholy singing would likewise make those who heard it sorrowful and suffering. Queen Nobilia wanted a baby, as did King Polipoli, but they remained childless for years, until one day an infant was brought to the kingdom. It was a human child, not a mushroom being as the King, Queen and the subjects of Lamellia were, but Polipoli loved the child as if it were his own and named her Tiara. All the inhabitants of the kingdom hoped that the baby would ease Nobilia’s sorrow, but they were sadly mistaken.

Gloria D. Gonsalves’s educational adventure fable for children, Lamellia: The Wicked Queen, continues the story of King Polipoli and the infant, Tiara, that was begun in Lamellia: The Kingdom of Mushrooms. While this is the second story, each can be read as a standalone tale. That said, I’d recommend reading both of these captivating fables that teach children about nature as they entertain and beguile. Katerina Brunot’s illustrations are lovely. They’re brightly colored, and each of the mushroom citizens of Lamellia has their own unique expressions and facial characteristics. Will the wicked Queen Nobilia harm Tiara? Gonsalves’s tale will keep children intrigued until the last page is finished. Lamellia: The Wicked Queen is highly recommended.