Chantel's Quest for the Golden Sword — Oliver Neubert

The first in a series of four, this fantasy novel for reluctant readers stars Chantel the Princess of Freedom. She's the only one capable of retrieving the four ancient relics that will save the world from the darkness, a force of evil unleashed by a vengeful spirit that is slowly destroying nature. With the help of a warrior mouse, a winged creature, and a fox bat, Chantel's first adventure begins: her search for the powerful Golden Sword of the Land of the North. Unfortunately, the Snow Walker -- the brutal Warlord of the North -- is determined to find the Golden Sword first. In this thrilling adventure, young readers learn, as Chantel does, that everything in life is a precious balance, and caring for nature is key in that balance.