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A Friend or a Villain
Twell Town follows a quirky 11-year-old girl struggling to make friends who sews a teddy bear and is shocked when he comes to life and takes her to his magical hometown. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I’ve always been fascinated by creative people who are able to let go of their constraints of reality and dutiful thinking in order to throw themselves into their passion and create something unexpected. I wanted to let go of some of mine and I envisioned a young, confident yet quirky girl with an unusual talent. I also decided (for once) not to think about the plot of the story too much; I just knew it would be an adventure for the main character and, of course, for the reader.
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from, and how did it change as you were writing?
The idea for Twell Town actually came from the main character’s talent for sewing and making clothes. I wondered what a world made of handicraft materials would look like. Every character developed along the way as I never knew what the next chapter would bring. This was a big challenge for me personally, because I tend to overthink and overplan everything. Toward the end of the story, I drew inspiration from my sister, who is a masterful knitter – she can knit a pair of woolen socks in less than two days, which is why I can depend on her to keep my toes warm.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I wanted to explore what it would feel like to be young and different and unable to fit in with the world. Bunny certainly feels out of place in her life. Although she has an optimistic view of life, she misses having a friend who would understand her. It is this desire that leads to Dexter, who in turn, is an oddball himself. You never quite know whether he is a friend or a villain. In the end, of course, Bunny finds out the truth and forms a warm bond with her bear friend.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
I’ve been wondering about that myself. Perhaps there will be a follow-up story. If so, it would not only deal with Twell Town but also introduce another curious place – a rivaling city with much darker tones that you find in Twell Town.
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Twell Town
Twell Town is a charmingly whimsical tale about an imaginative eleven-year-old girl, Bunny Thread, and her unexpected journey to the quirky land of Twell Town. Bunny, a talented seamstress with a knack for crafting, creates a bear friend, Dexter, who comes alive and whisks her away to a world where memory foam cobblestones and felt vegetables abound. The story takes Bunny through a fantastical adventure, complete with daring escapades, eccentric characters, and a plot revolving around the mysterious and coveted Ball of Ruby Yarn. Through humor, intrigue, and vivid storytelling, author Harriet M. Winter transports readers to a delightfully odd world where the ordinary meets the magical.
What really struck me about this middle-grade fantasy was the creativity. Winter’s ability to craft a universe where pipe-cleaner hair and knitted citizens feel entirely plausible is truly extraordinary. For example, the character Professor Sniff, with his pipe cleaner hair and knack for inventing the absurd, is a delightful mix of eccentricity and ingenuity. His flower-arranging machine and Anti-Smudge Liquid are just the tip of the imaginative iceberg, making me laugh and admire the sheer inventiveness of this world.
The writing is brimming with humor, and Winter’s talent for infusing personality into the characters and objects alike is remarkable. Dexter, the mischievous bear, is both hilarious and endearing, and his banter with Bunny is full of warmth and wit. For instance, when Dexter describes Wick Racket as “a full-blown fruitcake,” you can’t help but grin at his colorful phrasing. The story’s dialogue sparkles, giving each character a voice that feels uniquely theirs, whether it’s Bunny’s earnest curiosity or Mayor Trilby’s exasperation.
The plot, while enchanting, leans on the familiar trope of a magical quest to recover a stolen treasure. Winter brings her own unique flair to the story, adding charm and whimsy, though there were moments where I think the stakes could have felt a bit more heightened. Still, the vividly described settings, from Twell Town’s bustling square to Dexter’s curiously tidy den, kept me engaged and turning pages.
Twell Town is a delightful read for anyone who loves whimsical adventures. It’s perfect for younger readers who enjoy the likes of Alice in Wonderland or older ones who appreciate a splash of nostalgia for their childhood imaginings. Harriet M. Winter has created a world that feels as cozy as a handmade quilt and as surprising as finding a singing bear on your windowsill.
Pages: 81 | ASIN : B089QSHMQ9
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