Children’s Bookwatch: MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW

Reviewer’s Choice for December 2010

Lizzie Scarlet is Book 2 in the Alaska Berry Fairies series by author/artist Teresa Ascone. Lizzie Scarlet is a continued celebration of the beauty and color of parts of the Alaskan landscape, with fanciful embellishments that seem to grown organically out of that wild and rich environment. Filled with dazzling, fanciful watercolor paintings of many individual Alaskan Berry Fairies and other detail of their amazing lives, which include some darker twists and moments of intrigue and unpredictable excitement. Poetry, songs, paintings, dress and costume creations, these are all parts of the amazing narrative of Lizzie Scarlet. The battle rages between good and evil, and hopeful notes recur as in the ending Legend of the Healing Vessel, which ends with the thought: “Just as the vessel was mended, so wounded hearts can be healed (p.37).” This series is a bit reminiscent of another exotic fairy series titled “The Iron Fairies,” also a creative collaboration of different media efforts. It is certain that both adults and children will find much to pore over in Lizzie Scarlet, a work which strengthens imaginations like vitamin therapy.

ALASKA WOMEN SPEAK: Winter 2010

 “The Alaska berry fairy realm is a mystical world steeped in wilderness beauty, dominated by rugged, extreme landscapes in the Great Land.” This lush setting description is a reintroduction to artist, author and teacher Teresa Ascone’s magical world of the Alaska Berry Fairies. Teresa Ascone has again ventured into a delightful, northern fairy realm in Book 2 of the Alaska Berry Fairies series with her newest title, Lizzie Scarlet.

A lavish visual and textual feast commences the read, showcasing the official fairy emblems containing rich depictions of a variety of Alaska berries and devil’s club. Each insignia is a representation of individual character and the greater collective of berry fairies. Readers are invited to the Feast of Tempus Posie at midsummer’s peak in the Matanuska Valley. Much like the fantasy work of J.R.R. Tolkien where hobbits work hard and engage in elaborate, joyful celebration, Ascone creates a world of fairies who dance, commune, work and play in their Alaska setting. After facing conflict, fairies Lizzie Scarlet and Azuria Blue seek counsel in the dwellery of Queen Prasidea Silverbirch who assists them to make amends and work together as a team.

Readers will enjoy the magical world of the Alaska berry fairies. Its imaginative story line and clear prose make it a memorable read for both children and adults alike. Alaska Berry Fairies ~ Book 2, Lizzie Scarlet by Teresa Ascone is available for purchase through Taku Graphics:http://www.takugraphics.com/booksascone.html. You may learn more about Teresa’s berry fairies through her website: www.alaskaberryfairies.com.

  ~ Kersten Christianson

ALASKA WELLNESS MAGAZINE: November/December 2010

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.

ANN CHANDONNET, Author, Book Reviewer, August 2010

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