A Chameleon, a Boy, and a Quest is the first book in the fictional series, The Rwendigo Tales. This adventure story is designed for eight-to fourteen-year-old youth and is written for children and teens who love reading and learning about faraway and different parts of the world, while relating to characters and issues that seem much closer to home.
Ten-year-old Mu, orphaned as a toddler, has lived his entire life in the heart of Africa. For as long as he can remember, he has served in the household of a great-uncle where he is unloved and ignored. In his drudgery-filled life, Mu has little hope of happiness and little hope that anything will ever change. But one day everything does change.
On his way to draw water one morning, Mu is astonished when a chameleon greets him by name and announces that they will embark on a quest together. And what a quest it turns out to be! Mu faces danger and finds unexpected allies as they journey through an ever changing landscape.
Through his adventure, Mu learns many things about himself. Along with Mu, you will walk through Africa, encountering good and evil. Read carefully and you just may find out who you are too.
AUTHOR
J. A. Myhre serves as a doctor with Serge in East Africa where she has worked for over two decades. She is passionate about health care for the poor, training local doctors and nurses, promoting childhood nutrition and development, and being the hands of Jesus in the hardest places. She is married to her best friend and colleague Scott, and together they have raised four children for whom The Rwendigo Tale series were written as Christmas presents. Jennifer is the author of A Chameleon, A Boy, and A Quest; A Bird, A Girl, and A Rescue; A Forest, A Flood, and an Unlikely Star; and A Fever, a Flight, and a Fight for the World.
Illustrator
Acacia Masso grew up in Africa and is finishing her BA in art therapy in the United States. She has illustrated all four books in The Rwendigo Tales series authored by J. A. Myhre.
"The best stories enlarge our understanding of the world, excite our imagination, and make us think of the story sung by angels in heaven. This book does all of that. It's a rich adventure full of fantasy, yet all about the truest things in life."
Jack Klumpenhower, Author of Show Them Jesus; coauthor of What's Up? Discovering the Gospel, Jesus, and Who You REALLY Are and The Gospel-Centered Parent
"When Tita the chameleon climbs onto the shoulder of young Mu, he not only sets the African boy on a heart-stopping adventure but sets us on one too. It's a journey rich in the beauty and wonder of Africa, but it's also—importantly—a lesson on redemption and sacrifice. Young readers will gravitate to Mu and his animal guardians, but so do the rest of us. A Chameleon, a Boy, and a Quest is for all ages a lyrical introduction to the promise and peril of Africa."
Mindy Belz, Editor, World Magazine
"What an enchanting story! Africa comes alive in Dr. Myhre's delightful tale of a boy, a chameleon, and a dog whose adventures draw you into a deeper adventure of faith. I can't wait to read this to my grandchildren!"
Paul E. Miller, Author of A Praying Life and A Loving Life; director of seeJesus
"Written by a true insider, this tale is rich in African texture. This allegory is sure to delight readers both young and old!"
Harry Kraus, Best-selling author of Could I Have This Dance?
"Like a Narnia tale, only set in the African bush, J. A. Myhre pulls readers into an extraordinary adventure within an already unordinary world. Children (and adults) enchanted by the magic of talking animals in Aslan's country are sure to be enchanted by the hope amid perils found in Myhre's Ugandan story."
Kenneth G. Elzinga (aka Marshall Jevons), Author of The Mystery of the Invisible Hand, Murder at the Margin,and other Henry Spearman mysteries
"Jennifer Myhre has written a realistic, delightful book for children of all ages. The story is told with compelling insight and compassion of a young African boy who is on a quest but does not know why. The African landscape comes alive with animals, birds, mountains, meadows, bogs, and much more. A dog and a chameleon are loyal and faithful companions guiding him on his journey, delivering him from the ever-present enemy. And of course they speak. A must-read for parents to read to their children, and teens and adults will learn the delights and perils of the journey of life for themselves."
Rose Marie Miller, Author of From Fear to Freedom and Nothing Is Impossible with God
"Ten-year-old Mu lives in forced servitude in the loveless home of his powerful great-uncle. When plunged into a dangerous quest, Mu must summon the courage to move forward, assisted by a talking chameleon and a dog. He encounters the reality of evil in rebel fighters, child soldiers, and Ebola. His journey addresses his deepest questions: Who am I? Does anyone love me? Does my life matter? Ultimately, Mu must face evil in his own heart and decide what sort of man he will become. In A Chameleon, a Boy, and a Quest,Myhre captures the sights, sounds, and smells of Africa, where she has served boys like Mu and their families for decades. Like our best stories, it points to the one true Story: love, danger, betrayal, transformation. With skillful storytelling and engaging characters, Myhre has crafted an African Pilgrim's Progress for our day."
Maria Garriott, Author of A Thousand Resurrections
"In a style that is reminiscent of C. S. Lewis, Jennifer Myhre writes a genuinely captivating tale while communicating beautiful theology. Honestly, I couldn't put this book down! I highly recommend A Chameleon, a Boy, and a Quest for 'tweenagers'—and their parents, who will probably have to wait for their turn to read it!"
Stephanie O. Hubach, Director, Mission to North America Special Needs Ministries; author of Same Lake, Different Boat: Coming Alongside People Touched by Disability
"J. A. Myhre's debut novella transports one to the heart of Africa, where a young orphaned boy, Mu, finds himself in harsh circumstances until he is befriended by a talking chameleon. Together they embark on a life-changing quest, overcoming real dangers such as hungry hyenas and rebel soldiers who are only too happy to make Mu their servant. Good choices precede a bad choice, and Mu is forever changed. You won't be able to put the book down once you begin. We highly recommend it."
Skip and Barbara Ryan, Former pastor; former chancellor and professor of Practical Theology, Redeemer Seminary, Dallas, TX
"Here is the tale of a not particularly courageous boy called to a journey he never expected by a surprisingly small guide who will help him find something bigger than he has ever known. Myhre skillfully weaves layers of truth and beauty into a compelling adventure that reveals both lovely and less than lovely realities of Africa and the human heart. Together we learn that neither fear nor failure define us."
Lisa Repko Borden, Teacher; author of Approaching God
"I cannot wait to have my nephews read this book. It is laced with adventure, suspense, excitement, but most importantly, truth and light. Jen is uniquely positioned to speak about these themes and is one of the smartest and best people I know."
Lina Abujamra, Author; speaker; Bible teacher; pediatric ER doctor
"Reading A Chameleon, a Boy, and a Quest brought back happy memories of the poignant experience of reading certain favorite books I had as a boy. Lovingly written, Myhre's book is full of local color and tense with excitement and suspense. In the end it delivers a wonderfully generous share of wisdom, empathy, and, above all, hope."
Mike Bullmore, Senior Pastor, CrossWay Community Church, Bristol, WI
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