The Mysterious Adventures of Cave Express

Open a door to your imagination with "The Mysterious Adventures of Cave Express." Ages 4 - 12. Katie and her twin brother Thomas visit their grandmother's house located on the water, off the Gulf Coast. Grandmother, an award-winning architect, has created one of the most unique homes in the world. The house floats on water and is both mysterious and magnificent. Adjacent to the house is a man-made island where Grandmother grows plants, fruits, and vegetables to sustain her in her own little world. Now that Katie and Thomas are old enough, Grandmother feels they are ready to explore the house's mysteries. What lies beyond the door to the secret room is not a part of Grandmother's house. Behind that door is a path to a new world. The artist, Robert Florio, paralyzed at 14 years old on June 20, 1996, has since learned that creating art is an escape. After fatefully diving into a swimming pool, he has experienced what most people should never have to. It has been a courageous journey, but through his positive outlook and talent; he has gained strength in a paintbrush. Unable to use his limbs, he uses his mouth to illustrate. After teaming up with high school friend and writer Steven Jestes, the two intend to continue The Mysterious Adventures series. A lot of research and self-assessment went into the development of "The Mysterious Adventures of Cave Express." I wanted this to be a didactical work that drew upon my own experiences--experiences not of mystery and secrets but of learning, growing, and making informed choices. This is an adventure book that allows children to have insight into why they make certain decisions. This book utilizes a climatic ending to stimulate the part of the brain used for reasoning. After reading this book, a child may be more inclined to view beyond the immediate situation and understand how a simple decision can affect the future.