by R. S. Royall (Illustrator), R. S. Royall (Author)
It's spring, 1943. Sheldon will be a teen soon; time to decide which path to take. His overbearing father has a plan for him, but is it the life Shel wants? After a particularly challenging morning at home and at school, Shel decides he's had enough. Coerced by a mysterious light from the attic of a far-away farmhouse, Shel departs on a misadventure to discover where the sidewalk ends. He journeys much farther than intended, however, when he reaches the threshold to the wild unknown and is ensnared by a flying boot bound for Arcania. Shel finds himself in a magical world without sidewalks to follow or signs to guide, where all who wander are free to choose their own path... or become lost in the wilderness! Sheldon soon learns that adventure comes at a cost when he faces challenges-both internal and external-beyond even his wild imagination. He could stay in Arcania, knowing that to do so will almost certainly cost him his life. Or, he could return home to the predictable life his father has planned and abandon his new friends to solve the mystery threatening Arcania and all who dwell there. Journey with Shel and a ragtag cast of dwarves, dreamers, mermaids and monsters, gypsies, giants, pirates and pelicans... and one eccentric elephant, as he discovers the true meaning of friendship, the importance of living authentically, and the courage to pursue his destiny as a celebrated artist and storyteller.