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Having spent most of his teenage years adventuring in Middle Earth, the author is an avid fantasy fan. His first allegorical fantasy title, "The King of the Trees," came out in 1998 (WinePress). Bowing to reader demand, he has expanded the series to include a total of seven titles to date, with more to follow. While still in high school, he began his writing career editing his father's popular identification guides, "Edible and Poisonous Plants of the Western/Eastern States." As an Assistant Professor in the Special Education Department at Western Oregon University, he served as a successful grant-writer and program coordinator.
Burt holds a B.S. in English from Lewis and Clark College and an M.S. from Western Oregon University in Deaf Education. In addition to writing books, he works as an RID-certified American Sign Language interpreter with over thirty years' experience. His interests include reading, foreign languages and mycology. He is married with two grown children.
Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
The King of the Trees by William D. Burt is a fantasy story. Rolin lives with his dad in Beechtown in a big forest. Their job is collecting honey from their many beehives and selling it on Market Day. But on Market Day, Rolin finds himself being chased by Greencloaks who want his grandmother's jeweled pendant. The adventures of Rolin begin when he is taken on a fantasy trip and encounters batwolves, dragons, grumpy griffins, and other exciting creatures. Will Rolin be able to discover the mystery behind his grandmother's jewelry box?
This book is an absolute delight. Children and adults will be enchanted. It is an excellent book to read aloud and it is ideal for those who love nature and trees. The glossary/pronunciation guide at the back helps readers to learn the words they do not know. Adventure stories open the minds of children to imagination and creativity because authors always come up with whimsy and magic.
The black and white sketches are as appealing as the fantasy itself. The strange lands, the interesting people, and the imaginative names all are enjoyable to a reader who is looking for some adventure and excitement. The book also has a nice Christian message which adds to the depth of the story. It is always good to write a story with a message for children because that is the best way to advise them. I recommend this book for children because it is a beautifully woven tale.
