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Capturing a Snapshot in Time
Monsters and Magic in the Blue Ridge Mountains invites young readers on an enchanting journey through the folklore and traditions of the Appalachian region, sharing a blend of cultural insights, local superstitions, weather-predicting methods, and even paranormal legends. Why was this an important book for you to write?
My last living grandparent passed away last year and I realized as my own children are getting older that all of the knowledge, stories, and culture that I grew up with would be gone as well if I didn’t take a moment to write it all down. I wanted to create a memoir to honor their memories and also highlight the culture I loved as much as my own grandparents. They were very good to me and I miss them terribly. This non fiction memoir captures the essence of what I learned from them growing up in the Blue Ridge Mountains and hopefully captures a snapshot in time for future generations.
What educational aspects were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I wanted readers to understand how the culture of Appalachia was formed and all the people groups who contributed. It is very diverse and unique culture within the United States with its own folklore, superstitions, and knowledge. I wanted readers to get a sense of the people with a positive portrayal of the culture.
Did you find anything in your research of this book that surprised you?
When I was researching about the folklore stories I heard, I was surprised how many real investigations and even times when national geographic got involved look into these stories. Many of them were reported in the newspaper and gained attention across the nation, even ending up portrayed in movies.
What next book are you working on and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I am currently working on a picture book about a little swamp creature who wants to learn how to be a monster. Its a very cute tale and will be a fiction story with hand lettering for the script. It is a bit more labor intensive than some of my past books, but I am enjoying the process. I hope to have the pages illustrated and ready to print by the end of the year. I am aiming for Halloween time in my head so it will correlate with the holiday season!
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Perfect for teachers and students exploring cultural studies, this memoir offers an authentic and positive perspective on Appalachian traditions, blending history, nature, and folklore into a resource that will enrich any classroom or home library.
Monsters and Magic in the Blue Ridge Mountains
Stacie Green’s Monsters and Magic in the Blue Ridge Mountains invites young readers on an enchanting journey through the folklore and traditions of the Appalachian region. As the pages unfold, readers encounter a captivating blend of cultural insights, local superstitions, weather-predicting methods, and even paranormal legends tied to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Green introduces the spirit of Appalachian life, offering an engaging and educational experience for all ages.
One of the book’s most striking elements is its portrayal of Appalachian community values. The deep-rooted sense of family and connection resonates throughout, emphasizing that shared traditions extend beyond blood ties. The people of this region possess an enduring pride in their heritage, attentively observing their surroundings to interpret seasonal changes through nature’s cues, whether by shifts in the weather or patterns in animal behavior. Their appreciation for a simpler, hardworking lifestyle shines through in Green’s storytelling, painting a vivid picture of a community bound by resilience and tradition.
A particularly delightful aspect of this book is its focus on Appalachian cuisine. Green explores the region’s celebrated foods, highlighting annual festivals dedicated to their local specialties. Readers will learn about the beloved flavors of maple syrup, apple butter, molasses, and two distinctive regional ingredients: ramps and pawpaw. For those unfamiliar, ramps are a wild, onion-like plant with a pungent, garlicky taste, while pawpaw, a native North American fruit, offers a surprising tropical flavor. These culinary traditions add depth to the book’s cultural exploration, offering readers a flavorful glimpse into Appalachian life.
Complementing the narrative are Green’s own illustrations, which grace every page with vibrant energy. Using a mix of colored pencils, markers, and digital tools, she brings the folklore and landscapes of the Blue Ridge Mountains to life. The combination of traditional and digital artistry creates a visually engaging experience, ensuring that readers remain immersed in the book’s rich storytelling.
Monsters and Magic in the Blue Ridge Mountains stands out as a charming and informative children’s book that transcends age, offering both children and adults an opportunity to learn something new about this fascinating region. With its engaging storytelling, cultural depth, and captivating illustrations, this picture book is a must-read for anyone curious about Appalachian folklore.
Pages: 56 | ASIN : B0DSV6555J
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