""What if"" may have replaced "once upon a time" in fantasy fiction. "The Dream of Althazar" dares our imagination to follow a journey of major ""What ifs."" Are not journeys-"quests"-the very core of fantasies?

Now, what if the Wise Men-the Magi-were not the only ones to follow the Star of Bethlehem?

And what if this other star journey was a bit skewed in time, places, and especially its characters?

Althazar, a very special bear, is commissioned by his father to follow a star to Althazar's special, though unknown, life's destiny. Althazar is instructed to journey in peace, with civility and respect for all creatures and cultures.

On this unusual mission, Althazar gathers in some unusual volunteers: Lothar, a restless bored wolf; Greyl, a grief-stricken lonely goose; Borab, an opportunistic gourmet wild boar; and Dromed, an aged camel left behind from the Magi's original star journey.

These five very different animals come together with their unique differences for one common commitment-the journey-and ultimately connect with a sixth animal-Solomon, the donkey who ties together the Magi story, their Star, the camel Dromed, and a very special love that illuminates one dream-and invites yet another.