Blog Archives
All Of The ‘Real’ Folklore
“Whingey Williams and her Wonderful Wellington Boots” integrates elements of Welsh folklore and culture. Can you share more about your research process and how you decided which aspects to include?
To be honest I grew up on Gower in Wales and knew all of the ‘real’ folklore in the books, a few I created. The stories just popped into my head and seemed to come out integrated with the folklore and culture due to the place and time of year the adventures were set. I did check a few things along the way eg the age of the bones found in Paviland Cave being the oldest burial in Europe.
Can you tell us more about the character of Whingey Williams? How did you craft her personality and what inspired her character?
Her character was inspired by a friend who used to complain whenever we went walking if it was wet and muddy until she got a pair of Wellington boots. The character isn’t based on her as for one thing she only complained on our walks and she was grown up but soon after the stories just popped into my head. Again it just came out but I think I wanted Whingey to complain but not moan and you can always see why she complains. I also wanted to show how being different is OK and you will probably get the last laugh.
The illustrations in your book are described as having been crafted by the hands of children. Can you share more about the decision to use this style of artwork and how it contributes to the overall narrative?
I wrote the original stories 15 years ago in an old exercise book, then lost the book in a house move. I mentioned this to a friend about a year ago, who persuaded me to write them again, something I thought would be hard. But to my surprise I remembered them easily. For fun for her I drew some pictures alongside the narrative just using felt tip pens and to my surprise again she loved them. So I drew some more until my felt tip pens ran out. As the stories are written by Meredith I also said the drawings were drawn by him as they look like they would have been.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I have now finished all 7 books of Whingey Williams and her Wonderful Wellington Boots, a book for every colour of the rainbow. The books cover the rest of the second school year and a follow on book with a twist at the end. There is also a Gold Book which is a scrapbook of activities, the recipes of food mentioned in the stories, games and facts about things in the stories for the reader to now do ie their pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
I am now all Whingied out and just want others to read them as it’s so interesting to see what they think. Not sure I will ever write anything else unless it just pops into my head again!
Author Links: GoodReads | Website
Series Captivates with Tales from The Gower
Meredith Jeffrey’s endearing new children’s series introduces Whingey (aka Winifred) and her best friend Meredith. Living in the heart of Wales’s beautiful Gower Peninsula, the inseparable duo (and Whingey’s wellies) can always be found embarking on an adventure – whether that’s a trip to Buckingham Palace, fruit picking or a visit to meet Father Christmas. The series also introduces The Gower’s little known but very special fairies – the Verry Volk.
UNITED KINGDOM – Bringing to life the stories originally written over fifteen years ago and lost in a house move, Meredith Jeffrey delights with his children’s tales, all of which centre on The Gower, the first area in the UK to be awarded ‘area of outstanding natural beauty’ status, and where the author grew up.
Sharing four stories per book, each volume centres around the adventures of the whingeing Winifred and her best buddy, Meredith (who is said to have penned the stories and drawings). Running concurrently alongside the adventures of the two friends the author also weaves in tales of the Verry Volk, fairies that are very much part of Gower folklore.
An engaging series that will be enjoyed by youngsters being read to at bedtime, as well as older children embarking on their independent reading journey, Whingey, her wellington boots and Meredith are destined to become literary favourites for those that live in the countryside as well as those who hail from the city.
Whingey Williams and her Wonderful Wellington Boots-Term1
“Whingey Williams and her Wonderful Wellington Boots,” a delightful anthology of short stories authored by Meredith Jeffery, takes readers on an enchanting journey through the life of a spirited young girl from Gower, Wales, and her loyal best friend, Meredith. The narrative skillfully integrates thrilling escapades, including royal encounters with the king of England, whimsical trips to Santa, and memorable strawberry-picking adventures that leave them with overindulgence in the sweet fruit. Throughout the tales, Whingey, affectionately shortened from Winifred, relies on her iconic Wellington boots as a catalyst for resolutions, rendering them an emblem of her resilience and wit.
Structured according to the educational semesters, the book positions itself as an invaluable resource for educators, fostering a synergy between leisurely reading and scholastic instruction. Jeffery invests a commendable effort into shaping the characters of Meredith and Whingey, cleverly crafting distinct attributes that portray the full range of his imaginative prowess. Every story is embroidered with charming illustrations seemingly crafted by the hands of children, further enhancing the appeal of the narrative.
One of the notable facets of this collection is its emphasis on the cultural richness of Wales, showcasing landmarks such as the Oystermouth Castle and sprinkling the narrative with captivating elements of fairy folklore. Readers gain insights into Whingey’s innocent yet profound interpretations of her environment and experiences.
The narrative incorporates an array of authentic Welsh locations and folklore, offering an enriching cultural experience for children across the globe. “Whingey Williams and her Wonderful Wellington Boots” holds a charm that captivates readers, embodying a narrative that is both amusing and enlightening.
Pages: 69 | ASIN: B0C5TZK3SV
LITERARY TITAN 