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False and Outworn Traditions
The Ravens of Castle Keep follows a young girl who after her mom’s car accident is sent to school in a real castle that holds many mysteries waiting to be discovered. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The pen and ink illustrations were originally an art study. I noticed that when ravens crane their necks, it looks as if there is a bone or tissue that other birds do not have. So as an artist (as most artists will) I began drawing the birds over and over to master them.
My mother told me to write a book about them. So I did. What an opportunity! I’d have the means to un-demonize these birds that are now proven to be the smartest birds on Earth!
Marcy and Ryan learn to trust one another and build a strong friendship in this story. What was your inspiration for the characters and their relationship?
I’m a “pantser,” a phrase coined by Stephen King. That means that I write off the top of my head. I first write the situation they must overcome. Next, I continue writing until my characters find a way out of that situation. (Though to be fair, I believe that none of us can do this by ourselves. Ergo, I make them compatible.)
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
Most importantly, that animals are just that. They are not demonic, and neither do they understand the superstitions and personas that we assign them. A black cat has no idea why it’s not allowed outside on Halloween. Neither does a raven have any idea that people believe they walk the threshold between the living and the dead.
These are ridiculous, backward ideas. We rather disgrace ourselves when we distance ourselves from nature by following false and outworn traditions.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I am working on a child’s picture book, The Pixie and The Elethunk. It is done in cut-paper illustrations and should be released soon. It is a lesson in gratitude.
I believe the next issues of Sonnet and the Dorthy L Sayers Literary Journal are due out this year. I have a few pieces in those. Pick them up!
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Award-winning writer, poet and artist, Angel Dunworth creates a fictional world, that teaches kids the truth about corvids. She seamlessly goes about the business of “un-demonizing” one of nature’s true miracles. Through her illustrations, factoids and fast-paced plot these birds are brought to life. The Ravens of Castle Keep, educates, entertains and enlightens. It’s a great addition to any bookshelf.
The Ravens of Castle Keep
For many children, the idea of attending school in a possibly haunted, treasure-filled castle would be daunting; however, for Marcy, it is a dream come true. After her mother is in a car accident, her father sends her to school in a real castle. After settling in and meeting her classmate Ryan, they imagine things like ghosts and werewolves living in the school. Soon, with talks of treasure, efforts to save the castle, and new bird friends, life turns into a full-blown adventure.
The Ravens of Castle Keep by Angel Dunworth is a fast-paced story about friendship, family, and the unexpected connections one can form with the natural world. Written for children, the book tackles significant issues such as injury, death, and bullying in age-appropriate ways, focusing on Marcy’s inner monologue about the situations she and Ryan face. As the two become friends with the ravens on the roof, they find an outlet for their time and collective grief while also learning to view the world around them differently.
Writing from Marcy’s point of view, Dunworth excels at capturing a child’s perspective, from the imaginative roles given to the castle staff to the ideas about ghosts and treasure. Despite the sparse castle setting, the supporting characters are given ample personality, including the ravens, who are developed with distinct traits. Interspersed between the chapters are illustrations of corvids, accompanied by facts about ravens and crows, providing educational insights that enhance the story. This fun addition helps immerse readers further into the narrative. As Marcy and Ryan grow closer, each feeding off the other’s strengths, it becomes increasingly clear that family is about more than blood relations.
The Ravens of Castle Keep is a delightful children’s story with moments of heartbreak, enriched by the corvid facts and a sense of adventure that permeates the entire book. The ending was purely delightful. Writing for children is often more challenging than it appears, but Dunworth has done an exceptional job with this one!
Pages: 88 | ASIN : B0D275FLH2
LITERARY TITAN 