But that's not true!

She is nine years old—and suddenly, the King’s most dangerous threat.

Ruth lives by a simple rule: truth should be held, not hidden.

Are her beliefs stronger than the King’s power?

For young readers: A fable about the virtues of truth and trust.

For adult readers: An accurate satire of today’s divisive politics.

About the Author

Tony Deal believes a good story is worth a thousand lectures. Whether in a prison, a hospice, or a classroom, he has used storytelling to educate, entertain, and inspire. His previous two books, Bouquets Hadn’t Been Invented Yet and Prostate Humor, utilized narrative and wit to enhance the lives of his readers.

In this most recent book, Tony combines storytelling with his experience as a mediator and his doctoral research on human conflict. He has witnessed firsthand the power of truth and trust in relationships and the negative consequences when truth becomes inconvenient, and trust evaporates. Having witnessed party loyalty over country, he remains politically unaffiliated.

His personal and professional life has been dedicated to improving lives. Over a successful forty years as an educator, he designed and led an effort to place “The History of the Golden Rule” posters in every classroom in Caldwell County. He received the National Hospice Volunteer of the Year Award and was named the L.A. Dysart Man of the Year for creating college scholarships for sixth graders.

Tony is married and spends retirement playing Appalachian string music, working on his mountain cabin, practicing Tai Chi, exploring the power of breath, volunteering, and—true to his roots—telling stories to his grandchildren.

Tony may be contacted at: tdeal.book@gmail.com


The Illustrator

Tonja Smith was born and continues to live in Morganton, North Carolina with her husband Wayne, Bleecker the shepherd and a cat named Ziggy Stardust. She has two grown children, Emily and Eli.

Tonja and her daughter Emily co-authored a children's book, The Adventures of Bailey, Bleecker, and Banjo: Linville Gorge. The book was also illustrated by Tonja. Their book was published in the summer of 2021. Tonja’s second book, I Believe I Can, was published in October 2022.

Tonja paints a range of subjects, striving to achieve a painterly realism using oils and acrylics. She is drawn to cityscapes, landscapes, the glow of the nocturne, animals and the human form. She works to capture the beauty she sees as she paints her story. Bleecker can often be spotted in her paintings.

Tonja is a full-time Medical Laboratory Technician in a pediatric office.

Follow her on Instagram @ thepaintedseries

Tonja.fineart@gmail.com