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I Enjoyed Writing All Of It
Queen of the Mountain follows a sad older woman who arrives in a tiny village where she meets a young farm girl who relates to her feelings of loss and befriends her. What was the inspiration for your story?
My inspiration for this story began with a hike through Switzerland. I hiked through some of the areas where the Countess of Kent (Queen Victoria) visited in Switzerland. She put them on the tourist map for early English travellers. Furthermore, as a child, it was the kindness of my elders who helped me to overcome and deal with some painful losses in my own life.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
The main idea for this book was to encourage and foster empathy in children. Also to show that friendships can form organically across generations and backgrounds with kindness and openness.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
This is a difficult question to answer because I enjoyed writing all of it. However if I had to choose, I would say the part that show’s Vicky, the young farmer girl, following the Countess of Kent and discovering that despite her age and otherness, she likes and appreciates the same thing that Vicky does in nature and that they have both experienced loss.
What is the next book that you are working on and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I am currently working on three projects: submitting a chapbook for publication, my first novel and a collection of envirnonmental poems.
Realistically I think the chapbook will be available next fall, given I find a new publisher for it soon.
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In this gentle and loving story, a carefree farm girl strikes up an unusual friendship with an interesting foreigner.
Soon they both realise they have a lot in common, even though they have very different lives.
Queen of the Mountain
Queen of the Mountain is a beautifully woven children’s book about an unlikely friendship between a young mountain girl, Vicky, and a grieving Queen Victoria. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Swiss Alps, the story follows Vicky as she observes and eventually befriends the mysterious countess who visits her village. Through small acts of kindness and honest conversations, the two form a bond that transcends class and circumstance, ultimately revealing that the so-called countess is actually Queen Victoria.
What struck me most was the simplicity and warmth of Erzinger’s writing. The story unfolds like a gentle breeze—quiet but powerful. Vicky’s innocence and curiosity make her an endearing protagonist, and her small yet thoughtful gestures, like leaving a bouquet of flowers for the countess, carry so much weight. Erzinger doesn’t overcomplicate emotions. When Vicky asks the queen why she is sad and openly shares her own loss, the moment is raw and real. There’s no grand speech or overly dramatic exchange—just two people, young and old, connecting over shared pain. That restraint makes the emotions hit even harder.
The relationship between Vicky and Queen Victoria is the heart of the book, and their moments together are pure magic. When Vicky sneaks a peek at the queen’s painting, you can see her awe and admiration. Later, when Vicky learns the truth about her friend’s identity, her reaction is heartbreakingly human. She doesn’t care about titles or status, only that their friendship suddenly feels fragile because of the divide between them. It’s a brilliant reflection of how children view the world.
The colorful hand-drawn artwork in Queen of the Mountain is utterly charming and perfectly complements the gentle, heartfelt tone of the story. The soft, expressive illustrations bring the Swiss Alps to life, making the landscape feel both magical and real. The characters, especially Vicky and Queen Victoria, are drawn with warmth and personality. The vibrant colors add a sense of nostalgia, almost like flipping through the pages of a treasured storybook from childhood.
Queen of the Mountain to anyone who enjoys historical fiction kids’ books with an almost fairytale-like quality. Readers who appreciate stories about friendship, loss, and healing will find something truly special here.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0DNLSSWHK
LITERARY TITAN 