Storyteller

Storyteller by Edward Myers, 2008 Clarion Books

     In this framed story an old man tells his grandson the story of Jack. Jack is a farmboy from a small town on the edge of Sundar--but not a simple farmboy. Jack must tell stories as they bubble up from inside him. While still at home Jack meets the mysterious Woman in the Woods and discovers her kingdom in the forest outside town. When he turns seventeen Jack leaves home to seek his fortune.
     On his journey simply Jack becomes Jack Storyteller. He finds that stories are his life's purpose and meets several new friends. Loquasto is a talking bird who has fallen in love with the fish princess Artemisia; one-eyed Garth Golden-Eye is a Robin Hood-like outlaw; the Princess Stelinda is the love of Jack's life, and the daughter of King Alphonse, older sister to Prince Yoss.
     When Yoss, with the help of illusionist Zephyrio, takes Stelinda's throne at their father's death his rule plunges Sundar into depression, both economic and psychological. Stelinda and Jack Storyteller are roped into Yoss's menagerie, driving them apart.
     Jack discovers that his life is a story he has allowed to run free. The storyteller must discover a way to re-harness his tale and put his life back on the track he planned. Storyteller is a new sort of fairytale, accessible to readers as young as elementary school while still able to capture older readers' attention.