Lucy & the Lake Monster: Volume One, First Edition (2024)

Lucy & the Lake Monster by Richard Rossi and Kelly Tabor is a charming book that will transport readers to a world where imagination and belief intertwine. The story follows the courageous journey of Lucy Lago, a spirited nine-year-old girl, as she searches for answers about her missing mother and discovers the enchanting world of Lake Champlain's legendary sea serpent, Champ.

One of the aspects I particularly enjoyed about this book is its ability to capture the innocence and resilience of a young girl faced with loss and longing. Lucy's unwavering belief in the existence of Champ and her hope of reuniting with her mother through the mythical creature create a touching and emotionally resonant narrative. The authors skillfully weave together themes of grief, faith, and the power of imagination, creating a story that is both relatable and thought-provoking. This is a book written for younger readers, but tackles these heavy themes beautifully.

Rossi and Tabor's vivid descriptions paint a charming picture of Papa's rustic cabin and the simple lifestyle he and Lucy share. The bond between Lucy and her father is wonderfully portrayed, and their heartfelt conversations about life, Heaven, and the possibility of miracles evoke a sense of warmth and authenticity. Also, the book delves into Papa's struggle with grief and his determination to protect Lucy, adding emotional complexity to the story.

What sets Lucy & the Lake Monster apart is its ability to ignite the reader's imagination and sense of wonder. The authors skillfully introduce readers to the magical world of Lake Champlain and the captivating presence of Champ. Lucy's vivid descriptions of her dreams, her encounter with Champ, and her telepathic communication with the creature create a sense of childlike awe and fascination. The book inspires readers to embrace the power of belief, reminding us of the importance of imagination and the wonders that can unfold when we open our hearts to the unknown.

Lucy & the Lake Monster is a touching story that will delight readers with its heartfelt storytelling and imaginative world. Richard Rossi and Kelly Tabor have crafted a tale that beautifully explores themes of love, loss, and the power of belief. Whether you're a young reader or an adult seeking an uplifting story, this book is sure to leave an indelible mark on your heart. I highly recommend immersing yourself in Lucy's world and embarking on this enchanting adventure.

Additionally, it's worth mentioning that there's an upcoming film adaptation in the works for this story.

Great Story!

The authors Richard Rossi and Kelly Ann Tabor did a great job writing this book. Lucy & the Lake Monster starts by introducing the main character, Lucy Lago, a nine-year-old orphan who lives with her grandfather, Jerry Lago in Crown Point, New York. Crown Point is a small town on the west shore of Lake Champlain which separates New York and Vermont.

Lake Champlain was known for its legendary lake monster, Champ. Many people believed that Champ was real, including Lynn, Lucy’s mother who died tragically while looking for him. Lucy strongly believes Champ is real, after all, why else would her mother go looking for him?

Lucy starts having dreams about Champ and is determined to learn more about him and with the help of her grandfather, she does. However, Lucy wanted more, she wanted to find Champ just like her mother tried to. Lucy and her grandfather go on an adventure to find Champ but it takes more than just a camera and binoculars. Lucy has to stay strong while facing bullies at school and other adversaries.

I really don’t want to get into the story beyond this point, because I want this fascinating piece of art to unfold right before your eyes as it did mine. Just read the book and enjoy the story for yourself. I will add that this book was a great book for kids. I loved Lucy’s determination throughout the story. The descriptions were perfect, and it was very easy to visualize the scenes. It was also easy to read and understand. I also loved the originality and uniqueness of this story.

Highly Recommend!

In the gospel of Matthew, Chapter 18 and verse 3, Jesus tells his disciples that "Except ye be converted and become like little children, ye shall not enter the Kingdom of Heaven." He was referring to a quality of being that is not hardened by negative life experiences in the material world. This of course begins early in childhood amongst one's peers and eventually develops into adult behavior that can have far reaching consequences. Richard Rossi's and Kelly Tabor's book, Lucy and the Lake Monster provides an analogy and a parable if you will of the process in its various forms in the lives of the characters Lucy and Papa. Along with that, the element of faith is here also added, that is, the seemingly intangible presence of a higher power and presence outside of yet wielding an influence in such events and activities which often cause debate and tension yet are part and parcel of the human experience on earth, suggested by the presence of the mysterious sea creature "Champ.". All of this is touched on and addressed is a gentle and warm storyline in the book using imagery from modern folklore and mythology, lending itself fittingly to an upcoming film version.

A children's book destined to be a classic. Even the Royal Family's children love "Lucy and the Lake Monster" for its rich writing about a young orphan girl and her grandpa searching for a sea serpent in Lake Champlain. Adults will love it too, it connects with the child inside us all.

This was a cute book. I think overall, it was a well-written kids’ book about a mythical monster. It’ll appeal to a large range of kids and I’m quite excited to see the movie soon!

The story follows a young girl who wishes to connect with her deceased mother by continuing her legacy of trying to find the elusive lake monster, Champ. Of course, there are some… obstacles that get in the way.

Follow young Lucy on an adventure on Lake Champlain!

My nephew is very excited to read it now! Thank you to the Authors for sending me this book to review!

I wanted to extend my thanks to authors Kelly Tabor and Richard Rossi for writing such an inspiring children’s book; “Lucy and The Lake Monster”. This book is sure to become a favorite for the many who read it!

Having grown up on the eastern shores of Lake Champlain in Charlotte, VT and like Kelly Tabor, one of the authors of “Lucy and The Lake Monster”, I ,too, was always “on the lookout” for Champ, the legendary sea creature of Lake Champlain. The mystery and wonders of this prehistoric creature were well known throughout our small town and we all hoped to catch a glimpse of his majesty!

Loving Lake Champlain and longing to see Champ as a child spurred me to read the book “Lucy and The Lake Monster”. It is a wonderful tale! And though it is a children’s novel, the story and its meanings and messages relate to all ages. We have all suffered loss and grief. We have all battled bullies and non-believers. And we all have had that one person in our lives who encouraged us to never stop believing in ourselves and to always follow our dreams.

Nine-year-old, orphaned Lucy is the heroine of this book. She is gentle, honest and kind. But, she is also “tough as nails” and though she has suffered the greatest loss, the death of her mother, she finds the internal courage and strength to follow her dreams and to continue the journey her mother had started; to find Champ, the Lake Champlain sea serpent. With the encouragement, love and support of her Papa Jerry, Lucy deflects the bullies at school that would tease her and she would ultimately prove them all wrong.

This novel is a page turner and a fast read. The authors have written the story beautifully so as to bring it to life in your mind’s eye.

May this book inspire children all over the world to believe in themselves and to overcome their challenges, as Lucy does.

I absolutely loved “Lucy and The Lake Monster” and I know you will too!

Heather Garvey
New Haven, VT

The story follows Lucy, a determined little girl on a quest to find the legendary Lake Monster, Champ. What makes this book truly special is its emphasis on mental health challenges and the power of childlike faith to overcome them. As Lucy faces worries, depression, and anxiety, her journey teaches young readers the importance of resilience and the strength that comes from believing in oneself. Moreover, the book delivers a powerful anti-bullying message, making it highly relevant and impactful in today's world. Through the wise guidance of her Grandfather, Lucy discovers the courage to triumph over life's hardships, leaving readers inspired and entertained by this captivating tale.

A children's story (middle grade) that's not just about finding mythical creatures but also about finding our inner strength. This book is a bundle of joy that teaches kids to believe in themselves, just like Lucy, who is determined to uncover the mysterious Lake Monster, Champ. As I read, I couldn't help but cheer for Lucy as she faced her worries, depression, and anxiety, learning that having faith in her resolve can conquer any challenge. The story is not only captivating but also cleverly weaves in important life lessons that children can relate to and learn from.