Richly illustrated children's picture book uses historic perspective, metaphor, and dream to convey profound life's lessons. The compelling new picture book titled Thorden offers important messages for readers of all ages. Written by Martin Allen and featuring original paintings in ink and vibrant colors by Crisanta Baker, this debut children's picture book with a five-star rating from Amazon tells a thought-provoking tale of trust, friendship, grief, and courage. Thorden is a gnarled old tree nine twists old. As the story begins, he is comforting a young elf named Gilraen who is afraid of the dark. As she readies herself for sleep and nestles onto Thorden's great contorted branch, the ancient tree tells her of a time before the terrible desolation, when trees and elves grew and frolicked together. When Gilraen falls peacefully asleep, Thorden gazes down at her with contentment, comforted by her soft warmth, grateful to have an elf to care for. As he reflects on the many friends he lost in the great fire that ended the life of his friend Maeglin, he realizes that, for the moment at least, life is good and full of meaning. An excerpt from the story reads as follows: "The soft warmth of the elf on his main arm reminded him of another era. There had been peaceful and perfect times, before the fire, before Maeglin had died. The time before all kindness had succumbed to hopelessness, despair and questions. He was tired now. He closed his eye and the moonlight watched over them." Allen comments, "Thorden conveys many messages. Among them, I hope readers will understand the importance of having someone to love and care for. I also hope they will appreciate how much courage it takes to go on in the face of great loss. This task is made easier when there is someone to love."