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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!
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Facebook | Website
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
Monster Problems A to Z
Monster Problems A to Z, by Stacie Green, is a delightful children’s alphabet book that cleverly blends mythical creatures with narratives addressing mental health challenges. Through vivid storytelling and engaging handwritten vocabulary, this book offers a fresh perspective on both fantasy and empathy. It encourages readers to explore complex emotions in a fun and educational manner, with vivid illustrations that draw readers into a world where monsters have problems just like the rest of us. The book is especially fun to read aloud, making it a wonderful addition to any child’s library.
One of the standout features of this whimsical children’s book is its imaginative approach to teaching the alphabet. Each letter is paired with a mythical creature and a relatable problem, making learning both engaging and meaningful. For example, A is for an Anxious alien, setting the tone for the book’s blend of whimsy and realism. The use of mythical creatures to personify various mental health issues is both clever and effective, providing young readers with a gentle introduction to complex topics. The writing in this book is both playful and impactful, striking a perfect balance that keeps children entertained while also delivering important messages. The illustrations are vibrant and full of character, bringing each mythical creature and their respective problem to life. The attention to detail in the drawings enhances the storytelling, making each page a visual treat.
Monster Problems A to Z is a fantastic book for young readers. Its blend of fantasy and real-world issues makes it a unique and valuable resource for teaching children about the alphabet, empathy, and mental health. The book is ideal for parents, teachers, and caregivers looking to introduce these topics in an accessible and enjoyable way. Whether you’re reading it aloud or letting children explore it on their own, this book is sure to be a hit.
Pages: 56 | ASIN : B0CW1L7NHL
Monsters Have Feelings
Monsters Need Breaks Too! follows well-known monsters who, after a hard day of work, doing whatever it is monsters do, need some downtime to process their own feelings and just relax. What was the inspiration for your story?
After the Pandemic, it felt like the world just hit the ground running as everyone around me, myself included, was getting back into activities and making themselves busy again. I saw my kids struggle to get back into the routine of schedules and places to be. We were talking about how to create balance in our lives again after such an upheaval, and taking more frequent breaks was one of our ideas. I often use drawing as a way to take a break and reset. During one of my fun drawing breaks, I began drawing cute monsters and started with the Lochness monster. I thought it would be funny to imagine the Lochness monster taking a bath in a tub. Soon after I imagined the Kraken with an ice cream and drew him under the sea with sunken ships. I would post my images on Instagram with funny captions because they made me laugh, and I thought others would find it funny as well. This book started with a few funny illustrations, but as I looked at the images, I started to imagine the pictures as snapshots of the story. What had happened before this scene, and why would the Lochness monster be taking a bubble bath? Why would Kraken be eating an ice cream? Since childhood, I’ve been fascinated by monsters, mythical creatures, and cryptids, and love to think about them being a lot like us. It was funny to imagine what kinds of things would be frustrating to monsters, and then my book grew from there.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I wanted the idea that monsters were a lot like us to really come through in the story so that anyone could identify with the emotions in the book. I think using monsters gives the story a universal reach because there are no limitations on who could see themselves represented in the story. I liked the idea that monsters have feelings and that sometimes their feelings get hurt, or they get frustrated like we do. Secondly, I really wanted the readers to think about ways they can take breaks in their own lives when they get overwhelmed or are feeling uncomfortable emotions. I wanted to help the reader brainstorm in a humorous way, things they could do to reset.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
This is my first book, and some of my goals were simple at first; to simply accomplish the task of writing, illustrating, and publishing a book. Beyond that monumental goal I set for myself, I wanted the illustrations to tell most of the story, and I wanted my story to be clear and well-written. This was a huge learning experience for me. I’ve been illustrating for years and have written many stories in my life, but I’ve never shared them with the public until now. This was a major milestone for me as I’ve wanted to publish a children’s book since I was in college. It was one of those dreams in the back of my mind that would come and go. I took some courses during the pandemic and afterwards that introduced me to the tools needed to accomplish this goal, and I was finally able to bring it to life!
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
I am currently working on another book in this series that is called (for now) Monster Problems from A-Z: Addiction to Zoning Out. We loved reading books to our children, and I really appreciated writers who wrote funny books that we could laugh with and also books that were geared toward the parents, too. Books that are fun for kids and parents to read together promote more interaction and conversation and is a BIG goal in writing the Monsters series.
Author Links: GoodReads | Reedsy | Facebook | Website | Amazon
As we journey through the pages of this book, we’ll meet a captivating array of monsters, each indulging in their preferred break time activities. The vibrant illustrations, lovingly crafted by the talented artist and author Stacie Green, bring these creatures to life in the most enchanting and adorable way imaginable. With a touch of humor and a sprinkle of fun, the artwork adds an extra layer of joy to the story, captivating young readers and igniting their imagination.
Monsters Need Breaks Too! is an invitation for children to embrace the importance of self-care and discover their own unique methods of finding joy and tranquility. Through the magical adventures of these marvelous monsters, children learn that moving their bodies, indulging in breaks, and expressing themselves through art are all essential ingredients for a happy and balanced life. We all experience moments of grouchiness and feeling down, but by practicing self-care and taking breaks to improve our moods, we can find our inner joy once again.
So, let us join these lovable monsters on their journey as they impart their wisdom and teach us valuable lessons about the power of self-care and finding happiness. Within these pages, we’ll discover that everyone, even monsters, needs a break now and then, and that taking care of ourselves is truly a magical endeavor.
Monsters Need Breaks Too
Who can’t benefit from a little downtime? A little break from the monotony? As young readers find out in Stacie Green’s picture book Monsters Need Breaks Too, even the creatures of lore deserve a break now and then. From Bigfoot to la Chupacabra, they all want to kick their feet up and relax after a long day of sneaking around, scaring, or actively avoiding others. Young readers will find that monsters are really no different from the rest of us as they gather some tips to try out on their own at the end of a long day.
Monsters Need Breaks Too, by Stacie Green, is a unique children’s picture book featuring brilliant illustrations of all of the legendary creatures we have come to know and love. Green’s story takes a different approach to these monsters of old. She humanizes them thereby creating lovable figures with whom little ones will relate. They are tired. They get sad. They need alone time. Young readers will find something interesting and familiar in each monster’s story.
Monsters Need Breaks Too, by Stacie Green, contains softly textured illustrations, a summary of relaxation tips, and a free downloadable coloring page, parents and teachers will find Green’s engaging children’s book an asset to their libraries. I can see Green’s collection of monsters as a wonderful addition to any guidance counselor’s unit on coping skills or part of a theme unit on legends and tall tales. I recommend this one-of-a-kind children’s book to anyone looking for the perfect gift for budding readers or little monster fans.
Pages: 36 | ASIN : B0C8RLTDN8
LITERARY TITAN 