Chock-full of kaleidoscopic illustrations that captivate as much as they serve to drive the story forward, David Delisle’s THE GOLDEN QUEST is a magical adventure that teaches children about money in the most exhilarating way possible. As a result, the reader is presented with a fast-paced adventure that respects the age-old truth about learning. Namely, that it’s most effective when it’s done subliminally. The abstract subject matter is further complemented by the surreal vision of a young boy going out into the real world on his own, scaling mountains and conversing with cookie-loving dragons. The otherworldliness of such a portrayal is a fantastic way of engaging a mind not yet tethered to reality, or aware of its numerous restrictions. And by invoking the idea of freedom toward the end of the story, Delisle speaks candidly to the reader, offering unique wisdom and reflecting on the most meaningful aspects of life.
Delisle chooses no minor goal by centering the narrative on the abstract concept of money. And yet, the challenging notions of currency, savings and investing are approached in a light and playful manner. Moreover, by molding the learning experience into a magical quest, the author manages to enthuse both the parent and his target reader. It’s hard not to question whether some concepts, such as interest rates and dividends, are not too advanced for children, but the vivid pictures and quick pace seem capable of restraining any wandering gazes or short attention spans. What Delisle does wonderfully is thread mystical elements into the plot of THE GOLDEN QUEST, elevating something as prosaic as money to new heights. By doing so, he presents it, not as life’s ultimate goal, but as a means of achieving autonomy and giving back to the community. And with a floating forest, a wormhole that enables teleportation and much more serving as the backdrop of Delisle’s world, the lessons contained within the pages of the book are not only highly educational but also invigorating.
In THE GOLDEN QUEST, David Delisle proves that important lessons and ancient truths are received best when presented in the form of a delightful adventure.
~Neil Czeszejko for IndieReader