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We Are All Travelers
The Hundred Lives of Ashfern the Fox follows the journey of a wise fox from an enchanted forest who, from the moment of his birth, is marked by innate wisdom and an awareness of the past lives he has lived.
The writing in your story is very artful and creative. Was it a conscious effort to create a story in this fashion, or is this style of writing reflective of your writing style in general?
Though The Hundred Lives of Ashfern the Fox is only my twelfth publication, my path has already wandered through many genres. For years I have been drawn toward a more lyrical, breath-like style of writing—words that move with the quiet rhythm of wind through leaves. This book felt like a natural deepening of that evolution.
So yes, the artistry was intentional, but it was also instinctive—my prose simply following the currents it was always meant to follow.
Was it important for you to deliver a moral to readers, or was it circumstantial to deliver an effective novel?
My intention was to illuminate the gentle spirit of animism—the understanding that every stone, river, creature, and tree carries its own life and dignity. I hoped readers might feel a tender reverence for the world around them.
Additionally, the deeper messaging of The Hundred Lives of Ashfern the Fox rose from a very personal place: I wanted to write the book I have needed to read my entire life. I have died a thousand deaths in my own ego, heart, and mind to bring this story into the world, fully illustrated and fully alive.
Beyond its lessons, the book is meant as a lantern for the wandering heart: a source of quiet comfort, a glimmer of hope, and a reminder that we are all travelers in this strange, marvelous, ever-unfolding world.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
My next children’s book, Delilah’s Dreamlight Candles, will arrive on December 1st—a small offering of light for the winter season. Alongside it, I am shaping Books Two and Three of my Godslayer Trilogy, both set to be released in 2026.
The first book, The Infinydon, was my debut novel and was honored with the Literary Titan Silver Award in 2022, a milestone that still fills me with quiet gratitude.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
“IN A FOREST older than thunder and younger than sleep, where moss whispered secrets and the stars forgot to wink, a silver-furred fox was born beneath a lunar eclipse…”
So begins the unforgettable journey of Ashfern the Fox, a creature both wild and wise, born of starlight in a lush, enchanted forest. In this luminous, thought-provoking tale, award-winning author and artist MC Lorbiecke invites readers of all ages into a world where every river stone, fern, and fallen feather holds a spirit of its own.
Told in lyrical, poetic prose and brought to life with rich, fantastical illustrations, The Hundred Lives of Ashfern the Fox gently explores the beauty of impermanence and the eternal rhythm of life, death, and renewal. Rooted in the indigenous concept of animism, the story reminds us that nature is not a backdrop but a living, breathing presence, one that sees, remembers, and loves.
As Ashfern moves through a hundred quiet lifetimes , forgetting, remembering, and becoming, readers are offered a comforting vision of a world where loss is not an ending, but a transformation. This book speaks softly to those carrying grief, reminding them that nothing is ever truly lost; it is only changed.
A perfect companion for quiet moments, thoughtful hearts, and curious minds, The Hundred Lives of Ashfern the Fox is a timeless fable for anyone learning how to let go while holding on to wonder.
The Hundred Lives of Ashfern the Fox
Ashfern the Fox enters an enchanted forest at the moment of his birth, and the world seems to pause as if recognizing a destined soul. Marked by innate wisdom, he stands apart, star-crossed, luminous, and aware in ways few creatures ever are. His life unfurls in a series of vivid adventures; he witnesses wonder, confronts danger, and moves through the forest with a spirit both curious and resolute. Death comes, yet never fully claims him. Ashfern returns, life after life, carrying faint impressions of what came before, memories that hover like the remnants of powerful dreams. Through these echoes, he senses the great wheel turning and understands a truth at the core of existence: life does not vanish; it transforms.
The Hundred Lives of Ashfern the Fox, by MC Lorbiecke, pairs sumptuous illustration with lyrical storytelling. Children will be enchanted, yet any adult with a playful or reflective heart will find just as much joy. The book nods toward Aesop’s moral fables and channels the mythic tone of authors such as C.S. Lewis, Neil Gaiman, and Tolkien.
Quite simply, it is a breathtaking work. The imagery astonishes, inviting long moments of quiet admiration, while the prose rises to meet that artistry with equal grace. Ashfern transcends the role of a woodland creature; he becomes an archetype, bold, enduring, shaped by countless journeys. His cycle of death and return underscores the book’s central meditation: that endings are never final, only shifts in energy and form.
Lessons ripple throughout the narrative. Reverence for nature. Respect for every living being. An embrace of impermanence as a profound and generous gift. It’s rare for a book to rise so fully above the boundaries of its genre, yet this one does so with ease. Experiencing it feels both privileged and deeply pleasurable, a story to savor, revisit, and carry forward.
Pages: 130 | ASIN : B0FTRS13ZT
Tuck, Cluck & Buck: The Quest for a Pup’s New Home (Tucker Tails)
Tuck, Cluck & Buck: The Quest for a Pup’s New Home by Hope Chambers is a heartwarming tale that beautifully explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and animal welfare. At its core, this story follows Tucker, affectionately called Tuck, a playful and adventurous puppy whose curiosity leads him to a life-changing journey. When Tuck falls from a truck and is separated from his human companion, he is left to navigate an unfamiliar world. Determined to find a new home, Tuck sets out on an adventure, using his keen sense of smell to guide him. Along the way, he encounters Cluck, a friendly duck, who offers companionship and support. Together, they embark on an unforgettable journey, soon joined by Buck, a skunk with a heart as big as his courage.
What makes this children’s book particularly special is its ability to foster empathy in young readers. Tuck’s journey is not just one of survival but one of emotional growth, teaching children the importance of compassion toward animals. The theme of pet abandonment is addressed in a way that reinforces the responsibility that comes with caring for pets while also encouraging adoption as a loving option for animals in need. Hope Chambers weaves rhyming verses into the narrative, adding a lyrical charm that makes the story flow effortlessly. The playful language enhances the sense of adventure and makes the book a delightful read-aloud experience.
One of the most touching elements of the book is its conclusion, which features a real photograph of Tuck along with his heartwarming adoption story. It’s a perfect touch that brings the narrative full circle. The illustrations are another standout feature. They are vibrant, detailed, and lifelike, capturing the expressions of both humans and animals in a way that radiates warmth. The camaraderie between Tuck, Cluck, and Buck is vividly brought to life, creating a sense of genuine companionship that resonates throughout the story.
Tuck, Cluck & Buck: The Quest for a Pup’s New Home is a beautifully written and illustrated picture book that entertains and educates. It encourages children to treat animals with kindness while also emphasizing the joys and responsibilities that come with adopting a pet.
Pages: 49 | ASIN : B0D77ZMJJR
Kindness and Forgiveness
Ouch, You Hit Me follows a young schoolgirl who, after an incident in the sand bin, aims to navigate and resolve interpersonal conflicts, showcasing the importance of communication over physical reactions. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration behind the story came from my 5-year-old daughter and the conflicts she was having at school. She struggled a lot with speaking up for herself, and I realized this was a conversation we were having often. I noticed that if she struggled with it then I’m sure others did as well. So I decided to write a book about it to make it a teachable topic.
The art in the book is charming. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Lalsho Bujer?
I found Lalsho on Fiver. It was difficult at times because she is located in a different country, so we had a big time difference, but overall her work is amazing and we pushed past obstacles.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
A few themes that were important to me are conflict resolution between children, teachers modeling language for children, and lastly kindness and forgiveness.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
The next book I am working on is titled We’re All Friends–a story about a boy named Knox and the valuable lesson he learns to include others when playing. He learns through a teachable moment that it is okay to have more than one friend in Pre-K. It will be available this upcoming May.
Author Links: Goodreads | Website | Amazon
Compassionate and empowering, Ouch, You Hit Me, is a guide to help children navigate age-appropriate behaviors. This book is a great visual for children learning to use the power of words.
LITERARY TITAN 