The Enriching

Welcome to the fantasy world of THE ENRICHING, the world of Tobias Valentine, an 8-year-old child who is the color of an eggplant, a deep, rich purple, and whose brown eyes seem to hold special powers. His best friend is Elma Mae, a lively and gregarious redhead who is just his age, and who loves to climb trees and fish in Pencil Creek. And she will never tolerate the cruel taunts and snide remarks that come from the townfolk toward Tobias. Always with them is the small quiet Chalmers, who is loved and protected, trusting Tobias to keep him safe.

The wise and whimsical Elo, a giant Magestic butterfly appears early in the story. He rises up from the pages of a drawing, and can appear large or small throughout the story, teaching love and tolerant ways to Tobias, and preparing him for his next journey, to the far-away planet, Elios, where Tobias will take his place as a strong and kindly King. Elo’s enchanting presence can terrify or comfort, depending on the circumstances, and he can appear as a tiny winged creature, or a towering and commanding figure.

Throughout the book we are treated to a rich cast of characters. Jewell Valentine, the mother of Tobias, a dignified and courageous woman, the blind Grandpa Perry, a highly intuitive old man who lives in a world of darkness. There is the vain and pompous sheriff, Neil Swanny whose only concern is for himself and his position in the town, his wife, Ginger Lee, a young woman steeped in Southern ways, yet revealed as a warm and compassionate friend of the Valentine family.

There is Pearl Wiggins, a bitter crippled woman who is full of hate and hostility towards Tobias, but ultimately filled with love for the boy due to surprising circumstances. Throughout the story there is the presence of The Cupbearers, twelve armored knights from the 13th Century, mounted on huge steeds, their presence silent and intimidating, protecting Tobias from the evil forces that threaten to destroy him. But the odd-looking twins, Jay and Jimmy Snaught, agents from the planet Elios, who live among the people of Anker, have hidden motives unseen by anyone, and the danger they pose is not foreseen until it is almost too late.