Blog Archives
Gratitude
Pixie and the Elethunk follows a young girl who believes having an exotic animal as a pet would make her unique and special and the adventure she goes on to learn an important lesson. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
When I was quite small I begged my grandparents to get me a monkey. Believe it or not, they did. I was so excited, but the monkey for its part was not thrilled to meet me. It was very aggressive and I saw clearly that some animals weren’t capable of being gentle pets. I realized that the perfect pet would have to be as sweet as my two dogs were. They were black labs. To be honest, this is a lesson from my own childhood, a value that I seem to return to daily.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Gratitude is my favorite theme. I believe that if we live in gratitude we won’t want for much. There is an exercise that I love called, “Gimme five.” That means when you awaken, every morning think of five things that you are thankful for. The thing I love most about the exercise is that once it becomes daily, for the rest of the day you’ll have blessings popping into your head. It’s awe-inspiring!
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
My favorite scene was, of course, the giraffe that’s stuck in the fireplace. I giggled the whole way through!
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’ve just finished releasing a tween novel called, On The Wings Of Wishes It is by far my best writing. Pick it up on Amazon!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Amazon
Or will she discover that the love that’s right under her nose is even better?
Award-wining artist, author, and poet, Angel Dunworth has penned a story with an interesting moral, that can soothe kids of all ages. The story, “Pixie and The Elethunk” asks kids to find the blessing that they already live in. Dunworth’s colorful, cut-paper illustrations bring this imaginary tale to life. Best of all, this lesson in gratitude is valuable every day of the year. “Pixie and The Elethunk”
is an amazing addition to any library.
Pixie and the Elethunk
Pixie and the Elethunk by Angel Dunworth is a whimsical and heartwarming story that follows a young child’s imaginative adventure in search of the perfect pet. A young girl named Katie dreams of owning an exotic animal like an “elethunk,” believing that such a unique pet would make her unique and special. With the help of a magic pixie, she gets her wish granted, only to discover wild animals are not quite what she expected. Through a series of humorous and eye-opening experiences, Katie learns an important lesson about appreciating the love and companionship of her loyal dog, who was there for her all along.
What I enjoyed most about this book is how it skillfully conveys its moral in a way that feels both fun and relatable. The story is simple yet impactful, illustrating that sometimes what we truly need is already within our reach. The imaginative scenarios with the elethunk, giraffe, and lion are not only entertaining but also serve as clever metaphors for the unexpected consequences of our desires. The writing is rhythmic and engaging, making it an ideal read-aloud story for children. The illustrations by Angel Dunworth are another highlight of the book. They are vibrant and full of life, perfectly capturing the whimsical tone of the story. Each page is a visual delight, with cut-paper illustrations that add depth and texture to the narrative. The combination of colorful art and playful text makes the story come alive, keeping young readers captivated from start to finish. One aspect I particularly appreciated is the book’s subtle message about gratitude and contentment. The pixie’s advice to “count your blessings every day” is a timeless reminder that happiness often comes from appreciating what we already have. This lesson is conveyed in a gentle, non-preachy manner that feels natural within the story’s context, making it accessible for children and thought-provoking for adults.
Pixie and the Elethunk is a delightful and meaningful read that I would highly recommend for young children and their parents. It’s perfect for bedtime storytelling, with its charming illustrations and a message that resonates well beyond the final page. Whether you’re looking to entertain or impart a valuable life lesson, this book is a wonderful choice.
Pages: 34 | ISBN : 1956581464
False and Outworn Traditions
The Ravens of Castle Keep follows a young girl who after her mom’s car accident is sent to school in a real castle that holds many mysteries waiting to be discovered. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The pen and ink illustrations were originally an art study. I noticed that when ravens crane their necks, it looks as if there is a bone or tissue that other birds do not have. So as an artist (as most artists will) I began drawing the birds over and over to master them.
My mother told me to write a book about them. So I did. What an opportunity! I’d have the means to un-demonize these birds that are now proven to be the smartest birds on Earth!
Marcy and Ryan learn to trust one another and build a strong friendship in this story. What was your inspiration for the characters and their relationship?
I’m a “pantser,” a phrase coined by Stephen King. That means that I write off the top of my head. I first write the situation they must overcome. Next, I continue writing until my characters find a way out of that situation. (Though to be fair, I believe that none of us can do this by ourselves. Ergo, I make them compatible.)
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
Most importantly, that animals are just that. They are not demonic, and neither do they understand the superstitions and personas that we assign them. A black cat has no idea why it’s not allowed outside on Halloween. Neither does a raven have any idea that people believe they walk the threshold between the living and the dead.
These are ridiculous, backward ideas. We rather disgrace ourselves when we distance ourselves from nature by following false and outworn traditions.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I am working on a child’s picture book, The Pixie and The Elethunk. It is done in cut-paper illustrations and should be released soon. It is a lesson in gratitude.
I believe the next issues of Sonnet and the Dorthy L Sayers Literary Journal are due out this year. I have a few pieces in those. Pick them up!
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Award-winning writer, poet and artist, Angel Dunworth creates a fictional world, that teaches kids the truth about corvids. She seamlessly goes about the business of “un-demonizing” one of nature’s true miracles. Through her illustrations, factoids and fast-paced plot these birds are brought to life. The Ravens of Castle Keep, educates, entertains and enlightens. It’s a great addition to any bookshelf.
The Ravens of Castle Keep
For many children, the idea of attending school in a possibly haunted, treasure-filled castle would be daunting; however, for Marcy, it is a dream come true. After her mother is in a car accident, her father sends her to school in a real castle. After settling in and meeting her classmate Ryan, they imagine things like ghosts and werewolves living in the school. Soon, with talks of treasure, efforts to save the castle, and new bird friends, life turns into a full-blown adventure.
The Ravens of Castle Keep by Angel Dunworth is a fast-paced story about friendship, family, and the unexpected connections one can form with the natural world. Written for children, the book tackles significant issues such as injury, death, and bullying in age-appropriate ways, focusing on Marcy’s inner monologue about the situations she and Ryan face. As the two become friends with the ravens on the roof, they find an outlet for their time and collective grief while also learning to view the world around them differently.
Writing from Marcy’s point of view, Dunworth excels at capturing a child’s perspective, from the imaginative roles given to the castle staff to the ideas about ghosts and treasure. Despite the sparse castle setting, the supporting characters are given ample personality, including the ravens, who are developed with distinct traits. Interspersed between the chapters are illustrations of corvids, accompanied by facts about ravens and crows, providing educational insights that enhance the story. This fun addition helps immerse readers further into the narrative. As Marcy and Ryan grow closer, each feeding off the other’s strengths, it becomes increasingly clear that family is about more than blood relations.
The Ravens of Castle Keep is a delightful children’s story with moments of heartbreak, enriched by the corvid facts and a sense of adventure that permeates the entire book. The ending was purely delightful. Writing for children is often more challenging than it appears, but Dunworth has done an exceptional job with this one!
Pages: 88 | ASIN : B0D275FLH2
The Knight, The Pig-wizard and The Dragon
Angel Dunworth’s The Knight, The Pig-Wizard, and The Dragon presents a delightful exploration of friendship and self-discovery. The story centers around Buttrumple, a would-be knight hindered by the ridicule his name incites. Despite this, his unshakeable bond with Steve, a magician with the peculiar ability to only transform objects into pigs and pork products, anchors him. Dunworth cleverly constructs a narrative where Buttrumple, at Steve’s behest, embarks on a daring rescue mission to thwart a dragon menacing local villages.
Joining Buttrumple and Steve are Mandolin, a shape-shifter limited to morphing into geometric shapes, and Glyth, a strong but impatient dwarf. This unlikely quartet sets off on a journey marked by both valor and unpredictability. The dynamics among the characters, particularly Buttrumple’s evolving relationship with his team, are deftly portrayed. Dunworth excels in illustrating how their differences become strengths, navigating challenges with both brawn and brains. Dunworth’s storytelling shines in its ability to captivate young readers through varied settings and underlying positive themes. The narrative serves as a reminder to look beyond first impressions and celebrates the uniqueness of each character. The book’s dynamic, humorous tone keeps the pace brisk and engaging, offering an original plot that is compelling and instructive. Dunworth has crafted a whimsical, magical world where the true essence of desire and the value of friendship are profoundly explored.
The Knight, The Pig-Wizard, and The Dragon not only sparks imagination and creativity in its young readers but also teaches self-acceptance and respect for others’ individuality. It’s an enchanting journey through a unique fantasy world that resounds long after turning the final page.
Pages: 100 | ASIN : B0CQRL3DG3
Heaven is the Ultimate Reality
Puppy Love: A Waggity Tale follows a young dog who joins a family with an older dog and his experiences bonding and growing older with his new big brother. What was the inspiration for your story?
Sadly, the truth of the matter is that we’d had 5 pets die within a few years. The oldest being Momma, my Eurasian Ring-neck Dove. Her life expectancy had been 5-7 years of age but she reached a whopping 25 years old. Have you ever lost a friend of 25 years?
In less than 2 years, we’d lost 3 dogs, 2 birds and a close family friend. The most heartbreaking void, and the worst of these was a puppy named Xander Puppy. He was a rescue, but we had no idea how sick he was. I had so much pain that it didn’t fit in my soul. The only relief I got was creating the illustrations of the dogs being happy and in Heaven. It wasn’t even something I could properly talk about before that.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
Firstly, don’t simply exclude someone. If you do that, you could be missing out on a life-long friend.
I don’t know that it might be considered as educational, but the big lesson here is that Heaven is the ultimate reality. That is why I painted the skies, while the rest of the illustrations are cut paper.
To anyone who’s mourning, let me say, I know the pain is soul-smashing now, but you will see them again.
It’s funny, I suppose that I think of death much differently. I rarely say, “Died.” I normally say, “They graduated.” I don’t know if that’s a theology or a defense mechanism, but it works wonders for me.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
The scenes without words, where there are only pictures to tell the story. If that’s what you happen to be going for, those scenes have to be exact. Ergo, they take a while. Since I’m quite fussy with my work, those were the most satisfying.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’m working on a comedy series for tweens and up. I’ve nearly finished the second book in the series. However, these are still in edits, so there is no way to release a publication date. The first in the series is titled, “The Knight, The Pig-wizard And The Dragon.” If you like clean comedy, look for it in 2024.
Author Links: Goodreads | Amazon
Beautiful cut paper illustrations grace award-wining artist and poet, Angel Dunworth’s, book, Puppy Love: A Waggity Tale. Will every dog truly have its day? Find out in this contemporary classic that not only tickles the funny-bone, but also touches the heart. —
Puppy Love: A Waggity Tale
Puppy Love: A Waggity Tale, by Angel Dunworth, is a heartwarming and profound journey seen through the eyes of Puppers, the dog. This enchanting tale narrates the life of Puppers and his cherished bond with his fur-brother, Bowser. The story begins with Puppers, a curious young pup, experiencing the complexities of forming a new relationship with Bowser. What unfolds is a beautifully evolving friendship that captures the essence of companionship and love.
The narrative, told from Puppers’ perspective, masterfully intertwines the blissful innocence of youth with the inevitable challenges and changes life brings. This book explores the full spectrum of emotions, from the heights of joy to the depths of sorrow, teaching valuable lessons about life’s temporariness. The first-person storytelling is compelling and resonant, making every emotion palpable and drawing the reader into the world of this adorable pet.
The artistry of the book deserves special mention. The detailed cut-paper art on each page adds a unique dimension to the story, enhancing its emotional depth and personal touch. While the absence of faces on the human characters in the artwork might be a surprise, it shifts the focus back to the canine protagonists, allowing readers to immerse themselves fully in their world.
This book is more than just a pet tale; it’s a profound exploration of grief and change. It’s true that the title and cover might suggest a lighter, more carefree story, but what lies within is a rich, complex narrative that delves deep into understanding and coping with loss. This story is ideally suited for readers aged 7 and up, offering a sensitive and insightful perspective on the nuances of grief and the beauty of life.
Puppy Love: A Waggity Tale is an exquisite blend of simple storytelling and profound emotional depth. It’s a poignant, memorable journey that leaves a lasting impact, making it an excellent choice for young readers ready to explore the intricate emotions of life and loss.
Pages: 44 | ASIN : B0C51TYVK6
It’s Never JUST a Dog
In Sir Dee-O-Gee, readers follow an elderly widow as her life is transformed by the introduction of a pit bull into her otherwise mundane life. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
To put it simply, I, myself, am a disabled senior. (Though I’ve always been disabled, my disability is not in my hands.)
How do you capture the thoughts and emotions of a character like Anna Saint Anne?
To make her truly understood, I had to “learn hands.” I would attempt to notice every day whenever I used my hands and then turn whatever I was doing backwards. In as much as asking, “What if my hands didn’t work? How would I achieve this small goal?” After a few weeks of this mental exercise, she just flowed from the pen.
I wrote the mourning parts quite raw. I was in mourning when I wrote this book. I was literally mourning our pit bull, Sir. He lived to be eighteen years old. It seems such a long life, until they’re gone.
My best advice to anyone who knows someone who is mourning a pet, it’s never JUST a dog. Any pet is cherished like one’s own flesh. To speak it fairly, nothing transforms a broken heart like a dog.
If I am to be remembered fondly, I pray let it be by a dog.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
I tried to show support for the Seniors for Seniors program at the pounds. It allows seniors to adopt senior dogs with no fee. I also wanted to show how important this “unconditional love”, the company, and meaningful expansion of everyday life is. In truth, even if the only change to one’s life is walking the dog, it still serves to create a new experience and a new freedom. It is also an excellent chance to speak to neighbors and to literally, “Get out of your own head.”
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’m working on a comedy series for tweens and up. I’ve nearly finished the second book in the series. However, these are still in edits, so there is no way to release a publication date. The first in the series is titled, The Knight, The Pig- wizard And The Dragon. If you like clean comedy, look for it in 2024.
Author Links: Goodreads | Amazon
Award-wining poet and artist, Angel Dunworth, writes on aging, disability, mourning and a return to society in this quirky thought-provoking book. She openly advocates the Animal Defense Leagues’ Seniors for Seniors program, saying, “It is very important to be able to adopt a dog, especially if you’ve become a shut-in. It’s a simple way to provide not only well-needed company but also perfect love. An animal’s reliance on us can quickly go from mandatory to miraculous.”
Dunworth lives in San Antonio, with her husband, who she is quoted as saying, “Is the love of my life.”
Dedication: This book is dedicated to the grandchild who cares. You who listen to the stories of the elderly, looks at pictures, play cards. You who gift your time to help another, and truly cares about quality of life, this book is for you.
You make all of the difference in the world.
LITERARY TITAN 