The Ogress and the Orphans

Kelly Barnhill (The Girl Who Drank the Moon) has written another beautiful fantasy story about the power of kindness.  A town, once ideal in every way, has devolved into one in which people isolate and mistrust one another.  It started after the heart of their town - the library - burned down suspiciously and a mayor came to town whose presence captivated the townspeople and persuaded them to do all that he asks.  The orphange there has come upon hard times, as did their entire town, while the mayor does nothing but collect taxes.  Luckily for the town, a kind and generous orgress has been secretly giving of her talents and resources.  However, she becomes a target of anger and suspicion.  Can the orphans save the ogress and restore their town to its former glory?  The message of this story is one of generosity.  "With good, the more you give, the more you have.  It is the best sort of magic."  However it is also a warning about those who sow discord and division through falsehoods.  I saw recent political events mirrored here. In Anthea's plea to those who would harm the Ogress:  "People do stupid things when they get riled up...[and] when they believe something that is untrue. .... It isn't logical to allow falsehoods to spread."  (FIC BAR)