I couldn't believe it when I found this book on Amazon, I wasn't sure it was the one until I read the review about kissing your elbow. That did it, everything came back and now my daughter will be able to read one of my very favorite books. Maybe she too, will lie in her bed at night twisting her arms to try and kiss her albow, I tried so hard, and was sure one day I would be able to do it.

I have been trying to find this book again since I read it in 5th or 6th grade! I read through all of the reviews and the one of the last ones completely convinced me that this book is it!

For years, I have been asking everyone who read children's books if they knew about a story of a fairy child who is an orphan and has a tiny magical dog that becomes a mechanical dog to save the child. She finds out she is a fairy by having a special mark on her shoulder and since she is able to kiss her elbow. Those were the only details I could remember.

Thanks Amazon for posting all these great reviews! I can't wait to get my hands on the book and read it again.

What can I say about this book? One of my child hood favorites! It has been forever since I've read it, and seemed to have lost mine a long time ago. My story is much like the lady who is just below me. A story read long ago and far away, and so much better than the drivel today! Thankfully, like The Hobbit, I never forgot the title. It made a real impression on me. One of the best parts is Gloria the little dog figurine turning into ... well, just read and you will find out. There was something about kissing elbows, and the villan's name was Belinda. I need to desperately reread it to refresh my memory, however. But this was one of the stories that stuck out most to me when I was a kid. Hardy Boys are good, but a good faerie story is always excellent. One of my chief desires is to be a published fantasy author. This is one of my inspirations. I fell in love with the characters, while at the same time desiring to create characters of mine own. This process is now in development, as I write my own (adult . . . no sex, just aimed at adult) fantasy trilogy.

For the High Schoolers, read Alfred G. Graebner Memorial High School Handbook of Rules and Regulations by Ellen Conford

Another childhood favourite, along with Brock's No Flying in the House. This is for slightly older children, perhaps 9-12. The children discover that their shadows live lives independant of them. I recall it being rather sad, but it was one of the top 5 books I read in primary school.

I adored this book so much as a child that I was literally the only one who checked it out of our school library. I would return it and check it out again simultaniously. I read and reread it so many times. I am so glad to finally know that other people have enjoyed it also. A very highly recommended novel for any child from ages 9 - 12!

If you find yourself in a used bookstore or thrift store and are lucky enough to run across an old copy of Betty Brock's "The Shades" run... don't walk ...to the nearest cashier and buy it immediately.

This is an old favorite of mine from many years ago that I have read and reread countless times.It is a wonderful story of a lonely young boy (Hollis) left to stay with a friend of the family while his parents vacation in Europe. The friend (Emily) lives in a large, old mansion which light rarely seems to penetrate.

While exploring the overgrown gardens one afternoon Hollis comes across a fountain shaped like a dolphin. He decides to take a drink and accidentally falls in. Upon emerging he finds he is looking into the face of a boy around his own age...a boy who wasn't there moments before.

Soon Hollis becomes acquainted with all the "Shades"...the shadows left behind by all those who had come into the garden over the years. He also becomes involved in their problems. This is a truly magical book for any child or for the child in you. I can't reccommend it highly enough.

-Stacy Gibbs