Selected Fragments of Roman Poetry: From the Earliest Times of the Republic to the Augustan Age (1891)

Magic surrounds the home of the Lynear family. A centuries old Magnolia tree outside tiny Emily Lynear’s window watches over her. Like a deep abyss, a sadness lives in the heart of seven-year-old Emily. After the death of her mother, Emily pours all her heart’s love into caring for her mysterious cat, Pumpkin. Emily has had the joy of being loved unconditionally by Pumpkin for three years. One night Pumpkin does not return home and Emily turns to her father to ask why. Her father can only offer comfort and his own experience with the loss of a beloved pet. Refusing to believe Pumpkin is lost forever, Emily follows the shadow of Pumpkin into the great Magnolia tree during a fierce thunderstorm. Into a thunderstorm and into a world of fairies, creatures and great magic, Emily meets an all-knowing owl who gives her the wisdom to accept the things she cannot change. The conclusion is it was a dream, a mother’s love from beyond the grave, and magic that changes Emily’s life forever.