The Changing Story
When a river asks you to write a story - you write it. That's how The Changing Story came to be.
Nature has been talking to me all my life. When I was little, I often laid in the grass, with my hands propping up my chin, so I could watch the sprites that lived under the heads of flowers in my mother’s garden beds. They were as real to me as the birds and bugs I spent hours watching move between blades of grass.
The Changing Story was told to me by the Arkansas River, at a location where it flows through Colorado. She (the River) asked me to put into words what came to me in visions. I did as she asked. A few years later, April Lavely-Robinson, the book’s talented illustrator, miraculously showed up in my life to complete the project. She gave the book its unique elegance and beauty - and added details I saw but never shared with her. It was a mystical experience for both of us.
It's our great desire that this book will help people of all ages - and especially children - to understand that, over time, we “change, and change, and change again, to become who we truly are."
As a parent of five boys, I remember how challenging it was to read the same "favorite" story over and over again and keep it interactive. To make it more interesting to read, I included a glossary of all the symbols woven into The Changing Story. Readers can explore the glossary and engage children in new characters and symbols every time they read it - keeping the experience and the interaction lively and fun.
Preparing for change is an important step, no matter what age you are. This whimsical story embraces change as a joy-filled and beautiful adventure. It's a story about a strong and steadfast mountain and her journey to discover her inner light. Along the way, she must release old ideas about who she is and recognize who she is becoming. Children, and those who read to them, will identify with the experience of change and the gifts that come from it.
You'll find a few reviews and an Amazon link below, in case you'd like to share The Changing Story with a child in your life.
Verified Reviews from Amazon
LManc
5.0 out of 5 stars
A multilayer story with wonderful illustrations
The story at first seems very simple and heartwarming, but if one looks at the symbols in the illustrations it becomes very multi-layered and meaningful.
Please keep up the wonderful work and I want to see more books from these artists.
Kaizen
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic Story
I just read this wonderful book and am already pondering its meaning in my life. The story is great for all ages, with so many levels of meaning, something for everyone. The illustrations are perfect for the story, so uplifting and whimsical. Ahriana and April you work well together! I fully expect personal meanings to unfold as I read this book again and again! Susan C.
D'Angellee
5.0 out of 5 stars
A lovely story for all ages
"The Changing Story" really is a book for all ages. It is a lovely story that is very meaningful and that has much depth. The illustrations are beautiful!
River Hansen
5.0 out of 5 stars
Enchanting Picture Book for Young and Old
This storybook is filled with symbolism expressed in a poetic storytelling fashion that captures a reader's imagination and heart!
I read it to my granddaughter and she enjoyed the pictures pointing to the things in nature that she loves and understands such as the sun, the moon, the stars, the trees, and the butterflies. (She is not quite 2).
The story is inspiring while encouraging the acceptance of change. The artwork is whimsical and fun!
It truly is a book for all ages. A perfect book for a coffee table or a waiting room in any office.
Brenna
5.0 out of 5 stars
A New Family Favorite
I loved this book as much as my little one did! The illustrations are bright and colorful without being overwhelming so they actually add to the story. The story itself is wonderful! Just simple enough for even younger children to understand yet complex enough to draw in adult readers. I can see this having a special place on the bookshelf with the books that are read again and again, a new family favorite! Give this book a try and you won't be sorry you did!
Pam Norton
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Changing Tree (Story) by Ahriana Platten
The Changing Tree (Story) is a delightful book showing that change isn’t good or bad -- it’s simply different. It is a new kind of adventure into curiosity, wonder, and acceptance of change. This store -- a gift from the river to Ahriana, and with illustrations by April -- brings comfort and welcome. As the mountain changes we are reminded not to resist, and to embrace the joy in each moment. LOVED the book!
Shenna Lee-Belmore
5.0 out of 5 stars
Profound wisdom about change, packed into a beautiful tale
So Beautifully illustrated! A wonderful tale for all :). Delightfully sharing the journey of embracing change with Joy to become all that you can along the way :)
Anonymous customer
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautiful message
This is a phenomenal book with a beautiful message. Thank you for capturing this in the written word into the illustrations match perfectly!
Deb Lacey
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautiful!
Beautiful words and illustrations to carry a message encouraging young and old to see the good in each life transition. Will love to read this to future grandchildren and to give as a graduation gift!
