Children's Fantasy Novel Praise for
The Idea Miners trilogy
—children's middle grade fantasy action books, written by P. W. Cross
“PW Cross knows what his readers will like—hidden worlds, crazy characters, and danger!”
—Tim Grundmann, an author of Disney’s Doug Chronicles series
Loved the book! —Benjamin Franklin Awards
The Idea Miners: The Lost Lake Dig
by P. W. Cross
Appalachian House
"She smiled, a small dimple indenting each of her cheeks. 'You'll find many similarities between your world and mine. That's because we share ideas.'"
Joey's best friend Ben has moved away. Saddened, he and his dog, Lady, venture down to the swimming hole where the two boys used to fish away their afternoons. Joey's entire world is turned upside-down when he meets a most peculiar character named Frendric, who eventually leads the boy through a portal to a fantastical parallel realm. Joey is ecstatic to discover Ben is there, waiting for him. The two spend extended periods of time together—equaling barely any time back home—due to time differentials, so Ma and Pa are none the wiser. There is, however, one huge catch: the best friends have been chosen for an enormous mission, involving an intriguing girl named Ella, lively dwarfs, dangerous trolls, giants, and more. This "world" where their amazing adventure unfolds is the birthplace of all ideas—ones shaping the history, present, and future of humanity on Earth.
Cross' intricate, exciting fantasy and action-adventure story will surely please young readers who enjoy intelligent, witty writing. Entirely immersive and set within a whimsical parallel world rich in detail and full of well-developed characters, many sections read like pure poetry. While outlandish imagination reigns in Cross' plot, an underlying logic underpins the story itself. That which happens on "the other side," where Joey and Ben are active participants, ultimately results in the very formation of ideas. This strange, exotic world of silly creatures' antics and imaginative goings-on is precisely that which births the material necessary for Earth's humanity. Full of humor, wisecracking creatures, and two young boys' bravery, the narrative is woven into a colorful tapestry in this most riveting tale, where hidden wonders lie just out of reach, yet one never knows what lurks just around the corner. Frankly, this material is the stuff of delightfully wonderful, whimsical dreams.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review
The Idea Miners:
The Lost Lake Dig
Royal Dragonfly Story Monsters Book Award Winner
The award is given to quality children’s books, highlighting kid-tested and judge-certified books for parents and young readers.
5 Stars- I want to see this movie!
Tim Grundmann, an author of Disney's Doug Chronicles series
This is a winner—an extravagantly imaginative and cunningly constructed adventure that tackles the age-old question of where ideas come from.
Joey gets an invitation by a weird stranger named Frendric to enter a secret tunnel, which leads him to an unsettling, dangerous and thrilling world—and his long-lost friend Ben.
PW Cross knows what his readers will like—hidden worlds, crazy characters, and danger! Miracle of miracles, it all pays off with a ending I didn't seem coming, but had me slapping myself and saying, "Of course, what else could it be?" I had been too absorbed in the journey to think too much about the odd little details of this parallel world that actually end up meaning something.
It had me thinking for days afterward about inspiration on an uncanny scale, like 14 year-old Philo Farnsworth envisioning lines of television transmission while hoeing rows of potatoes at his family farm. Those how'd-they-ever-think-of-it moments often likened to snatching inspiration out of the air.
Joey and Ben (along with a rowdy cast) do just that, but it's a lot of work along the way. Incidentally, the title The Idea Miners: The Lost Lake Dig makes me wonder if this is the first in a series. One can only hope. Bravo, Mr. Cross!
Click here to see more review of The Idea Miners: The Lost Lake Dig.
The Idea Miners:
The Twisted Tree Dig
Royal Dragonfly Story Monsters Book Award Winner
The award is given to quality children’s books, highlighting kid-tested and judge-certified books for parents and young readers.
5 Stars- I truly admire P. W. Cross for this imaginative masterpiece!
—Cosima, Goodreads
I was completely enchanted by The Idea Miners: The Twisted Tree Dig! P. W. Cross is an incredibly talented author who has created a brilliantly imaginative world that immediately draws readers in. The Land of Lights is filled with fascinating creatures dwarfs, trolls, elves, and seers that make every adventure thrilling and unpredictable.
Joey, the young protagonist, is relatable and courageous, and his journey through danger and discovery is both exciting and heartwarming. The story beautifully balances action, mystery, and moments of genuine friendship.
I was completely captivated by the concept of logos and the idea-mining world it’s creative, unique, and inspiring. From the moment I started reading, I was hooked and couldn’t put it down.
Cross also weaves historical elements seamlessly, adding depth and intrigue for curious readers. The epilogue ties the story together wonderfully, leaving me satisfied yet eager for more.
This book is a must-read for middle-grade fantasy lovers and anyone who enjoys immersive, thought-provoking adventures. I truly admire P. W. Cross for this imaginative masterpiece!
Click here to see more review of The Idea Miners: The Twisted Tree Dig.
The Idea Miners:
The One
The Idea Miners: The One is yet to be released; it is currently in pre-publication state. Once released it will be submitted to professional award review sites like the prior two, and hopefully win awards like the others. Stay tuned!
5 Stars- I absolutely recommend reading this book and trilogy!
—Raeleane, Goodreads (Pre-publication review)