Aria, a young red-headed girl, has been content to wander the forest, talking with the animals and enjoying her life. But this week she needs to focus and finally choose a Familiar (that is, her very own animal companion). The problem is that Aria cannot decide on one! For the first time, Aria must travel the forest by herself to find one. Armed with only her compassion, her adventurous heart, and perhaps a few other abilities, she must face the dangers of the world, find a familiar, and return home in time for her village’s familiar ceremony.

Finding a Familiar is the first chapter book in the Aria’s Adventures book series. It is a cute, adventurous story to be enjoyed by both parent and child alike. In her journey Aria and her friends learn about how to empathize with others, grow in friendship, and deal with their own emotions and the emotions of others. Aria must also learn how to confront people who have less capacity for empathy. It may be the most important book series that Dantes has had the joy of writing, since empathy is a key theme. It is a virtue that many people in our society (including the author at times) struggle to learn and live. May we all grow in coming to know and understand the unique perspectives of other people.