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Book 2 is here!
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Excerpt:
The Midsummer Feast of Tempus Posie
Once upon a time — and still — Alaska’s berry fairies looked forward to midsummer, when the beautiful flowering of the berry plants signifies the promise of delicious fruit to come. This time of summer, around the end of June, is celebrated by the berry fairies as Tempus Posie—the time of the berry blossom.
The fertile Matanuska Valley was at the peak of its leafy summer splendor. Many berry species were gloriously blossoming; and, thanks to the care of the berry fairies, the bushes were expected to yield a record crop at Faybella Dyah, the time of harvest, still several months away.
Meanwhile, the midsummer sun warmed the small folk as they took a well-earned rest . . . Berry fairies, dressed in their prettiest frocks, sat at tables laden with platters of steamed dandelion greens, candied rose petals, berry salads, stuffed mushrooms, and filleted stickleback grilled to perfection by the forestfolke. An array of pungent cheeses fanned out on large cutting boards. Out of the ovens just in time came hot, crusty loaves of currant bread. The loaves were thickly sliced and then spread with butter and strawberry jam. Individual squares of blueberry gingerbread and raspberry pie, topped with dollops of rich whipped cream, would be enjoyed later with cups of iced crowberry tea.
Their tummies full, the fairy children frolicked as the celebration continued into the evening hours. Because this was the season of the midnight sun, it would not get completely dark at night. Bright sun would give way to a soft twilight and then the dawn would cast her rosy glow over the mountaintops again. Games, singing and dancing would continue all night. As dusk crept over the land, a soft glow of lamplight illuminated the scene. The small folk celebrated and tots were allowed to stay up as long as they wished before donning their koletts and slipping into contented slumber.
Reviews:
Lizzie Scarlet: Alaska Berry Fairies, Book 2
Teresa Ascone
(Alaskan Portfolio, 2010; soft cover, $12.95; see www.alaskaberryfairies.com for more.)
Lizzie Scarlet Thornhollow is a Devil’s Club berry fairy of willowy, dark beauty. She is also a bold, willful and occasionally jealous fairy — mostly envious of the beautiful Azuria Blue Twinkle, introduced in Ascone’s first fairy book. When Lizzie decides to use dark magic to win a coveted award away from Azuria, a spell is cast and a good deal of trouble unfolds. In the end, lessons are learned and the two girls form a new type of relationship, all very well told against the backdrop of the magical world of the berry fairies.
With her second book, Ascone delves deeper into the day-to-day affairs of the fairies — from their celebrations and government to their clothing and meals. Along the way we are reminded of some good, solid values, for the berry fairies are just and kind and well known for their recycling habits. Consider this description of Lizzie Scarlet’s banquet dress: “...created from a plastic tarp remnant discovered in the Trezoran, a landfill near the shiltayen city of Anchorage. Blue tarps, a common sight in Alaska, are valued by the berry fairies for their drape and fold qualities. This particular piece had been used to wrap a King Salmon, which made the transformation even more challenging.”
What is most instantly engaging about this book are the illustrations — vibrant colors that pull you into the page. Detailed decorations and delicate graphics remind the reader that each and every page is unique, just like the berry fairies. Also included are short legends and an intriguing glossary that offers both pronunciation and further explanation of words, ideas, spells, articles of clothing and much more, such as the Glommer, “a species of disagreeable, reptile-like creatures distantly related to dragons.” Who knew?
Ascone taught art techniques for more than 25 years all over the state and is the winner of numerous awards. It definitely shows in this colorful, magical and beautifully created book — a treat for anyone of any age. ~ Review by Keila Swan, Alaska Wellness Magazine, November/December 2010
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Shades of Tolkien and J. M. Barrie! Visual artist and art teacher Teresa Ascone has branched out to create her own Alaskan Never-Never Land peopled with Berry Fairies. The second book in the series, Lizzie Scarlet, continues the imaginative history of the kingdom created in the first book. Ascone's illustrations intertwine foliage reminiscent of the Book of Kells with hues borrowed from the Northern Lights, as well as glittering apparel that any child would love to wear. Parents and grandparents will appreciate the lessons in responsibility and harmony, while kids will delight in the fanciful detail. From Glommers to Musk Ox Cheese, from sly references to Seldovia, the Sleeping Lady and the Matanuska Valley, Lizzie Scarlet brings a brand new myth--and plenty of mischief-- to the Far North.
~Ann Chandonnet, The Birthday Party
