First and foremost, many thanks go to my agent, Liza Voges, for planting this story in fertile ground—I am so glad that we reconnected after so many years. And discovering that Eden Street Literary was based on a street in Bar Harbor was like finding a rose in mid-December. I consider you not only an agent extraordinaire and a fellow Mount Desert groupie, but a good friend, too.
To my editor, Kelsey Horton, whose enthusiasm shines through even in her emails, thanks for the thoughtful snipping and deadheading that left this manuscript leaner and finer than when it first was sown. We did some deep digs on this one, but your tender loving care and fruitful ideas have made this work so much stronger. Thanks for taking this writer on and letting my work out to enjoy the dawn.
To Pascal Campion, thank you for designing the most awesome book cover ever! You cultivated a magical rendering that perfectly captured the story in one simple snapshot. I love it!
To my copy editor, Colleen Fellingham, your careful nurturing of my work rid it of careless errors, numerous bugs, and other various detritus that could have killed it rather than letting it thrive. I thank you for all your patient pruning.
To the sales force at Delacorte…thank you for taking this painstakingly tended story and finally releasing it to (hopefully) be enjoyed by many. I so appreciate your help in ensuring that it continues to bloom and flourish in the months to come.
And to the newest addition in my own little garden of love, my soon-to-be son-in-law, John Tassinari. You have sunlit your way into our lives, and we are so happy to welcome you into our family. You are a true gentleman, a kind soul, a compassionate, caring man, and someone who I know will bring great joy to our daughter. And I know she loves you deeply, too. I truly could not be happier.
And finally, to the little threesome of people who, for so many years, have filled my life with true magic—Chris, Tobey, and Liza Duble. You three have been there for me through many a water-drenched day and dry desert moment. But more important, you have also been the ones who have showered me with hours and hours of incomparable love.
Together, you three, and now John, are the best bouquet of joy any woman could hope for! I love you four forever and always!
Kathleen Benner Duble is a critically acclaimed and award-winning author of many novels for children. Her books include Phantoms in the Snow, The Sacrifice, and Quest. She lives in Massachusetts when she is not adventuring in Maine or traveling the world with her husband and two daughters. For her, being a writer is a truly magical life. Visit her at kathleenduble.com and @KathleenDuble on Twitter.
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The Root of Magic Page 16
