by Christy Rodriguez de Conte
In her book, “A Golden Fairy Story,” Katie Clark writes of magic and mysticism in the fictional white willow school and the misunderstood fairy, Elif, who will heal past feuds by thinking outside the box. Clark will have a book release party Saturday, Jan. 28, at My Favorite Books.
I do [clap] I do [clap] I do believe in Fairies. [clap, clap, clap!]One must take no chances when discussing fairies, and you, dear reader, are not too good to bring a fairy back from the brink, so repeat with me:I do [clap] I do [clap] I do believe in Fairies. [clap, clap, clap!]
Myth, lore and Disney paint a picture of fairies as tiny, mischievous, yet protective creatures who can save a rain forest and look cute in an updo and mini skirt. Writer, artist, and educator Katie Clark elaborates upon this narrative in her new book, “A Golden Fairy Story.”
Clark shares a literary world that captures the magical innocence found in fairies through her main character, Elif, a lonely outcast fairy whose “not-so-girl-fairy-ways” are misunderstood by her people. With the help of her insect guides, Elif embarks on a journey to discover herself while fighting to restore peace among the fairy tribes by using her differences to an advantage.
“Well, this book reflects what a typical fourth grader would find themselves in,” says Clark. “Elif is not girly enough. She did not possess the skills that legna [the opposing fairy tribe] possessed. She thought outside the box and completed the challenge. So, I showed the reader that even though you don’t possess the necessary skills, you can think outside the box and move forward.”
Worlds of wizards wielding wands and fairies flinging pixie dust have filled the nurseries of princes and peasants. This time of stories is a magical moment between children and parents when values are shared and dreams encouraged. Katie Clark found her characters in these magic moments and based the lead on her eldest child. Eventually, she put pen to paper.
Clark is no stranger to the creative nor literary process, having been a photographer, educator, and author. She first authored a book of poetry, “Acceptance of Seasons,” geared toward mental health. Her photography, which hangs in hospitals, hotels, and banks across town, straddles the lines of fantasy in its whimsical eye and almost mystic point of view.
Read the rest of the article in the Tallahassee Democrat.
Learn more information about A Golden Fairy Story Book Party.
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