Blog Archives
Rest and Safety
Old Bess follows Cynthia and Keith, who, after the beloved cow Old Bess goes missing just before calving, embark on a suspenseful search to find her, confronting their despair and hope amid a stormy night. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
It is a true story from my childhood growing up and spending the summer months on my grandmother’s farm at the base of Hog’s Back Mountain in upstate New York.
What was the collaboration like with illustrator Audrey Savage?
She was amazing. When she came for our first meeting, I knew I wanted her to do the illustrations. She comes from a classical education and loves literature, so Old Bess went straight to her heart… I like to say, “She got it.” I said I wanted black and white and she just went for it!
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I like the idea of staying with the difficult and right thing to do, even it’s uncomfortable or frightening.
Help from whatever community we have at the moment is always needed and we have to ask for it in good times and bad.
I wanted to explore the theme of how we find rest and safety…with each other, through hard work, and through creation.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I am almost done with my second children’s book (illustrations and all). I am planning for “The Cabin” to be available to the world sometime in the fall of 2024. It is another almost true story that takes place in the same setting: Hog’s Back Mountain in upstate NY.
Author Links: Instagram | Website
Old Bess
Old Bess by Cynthia Vander Ark offers a vivid and pastoral narrative that delves into themes of resilience in both human and animal spirits. This lovely children’s book takes readers to a charming rural backdrop, focusing on a farm’s crisis when Old Bess, a cherished cow, disappears just before calving. The tension builds as dusk blankets Hog’s Back Mountain, and Old Bess is nowhere among the returning herd, causing worry among the farm dwellers.
The plot centers around the narrator and Keith, who set out on a gripping search marked by suspenseful moments and a palpable sense of urgency. Their quest through the dimming woods and rugged terrain mirrors their fluctuating despair and hope. They eventually find Old Bess in a dire state, leading to a communal effort to assist her through a stormy night. Following the ordeal, the story transitions to a more serene scene, where the narrator tenderly cares for the newborn calf, underlining the importance of nurture and responsibility.
Old Bess stands out not just as an adventure and survival tale but also as a poignant exploration of life’s cycles and the critical role of community support in overcoming adversities. The addition of a glossary helps demystify farming terminology and enriches the book’s educational value. With its engaging narrative and lessons on perseverance and compassion, this picture book is poised to enchant young readers and teach them about the enduring beauty of life’s cycles.
Pages: 74 | ASIN: B0CP4F673D
LITERARY TITAN 