Talking About The Wish Carvers with Kathleen Gauer
Do you remember the fairy tale stories you grew up with?
The fairy tale stories your mother told you were designed to teach and ignite your imagination. There are so many stories now, so many books with beautiful pictures, and an abundance of ways to share them. But where have the fairy tales gone?
Yes the fairytale stories of our youth are alive and well, reimagined, reinvented, but what about NEW fairytale stories. Well, Author Kathleen Gauer has one for us. It’s called “The Wish Carvers”.
I reviewed another of Kathleen’s books, “For No Reason” about a month ago when talking about anti-bullying books for kids. I really like the classic approach to story telling that Kathleen has, so I decided to share another book of hers, “The Wish Carvers” with you today.
The Wish Carvers By Kathleen Gauer
“The Wish Carvers” reads like a traditional fairy tale story. Two elves who work very hard at carving and selling their creations are worn out and want a break. They find that break-in the form of magical knife that will give them everything they wish for. What follows is a lesson in appreciating what you have.
What did I think?
Honestly, this story was a breath of fresh air, simple and sweet. It’s a timeless tale with all the makings of a classic fairy tale story for all ages. There’s a clear moral, relatable characters who are down on their luck, and just a touch of magic.
The detailed illustrations by illustrator Sari Richter really bring the story to life and filter magic onto every page. In a world where we’ve become accustomed to digital illustrations, Richter’s illustrations are traditional and they do not disappoint.
The book reminds me of something that my parents might have read me as a child. It’s sweet and simple with a lesson about appreciating what you have. It’s truly classic fairy tale story, and I highly recommend it. It’s a story suitable for any age.
Talking with Kathleen about the Wish Carvers
In addition to the review, Kathleen also took some time to answer some questions for me. As I mentioned in my post on what I learned from blogging, I’m making some changes to how I feature authors. Moving forward, Author features will be one post with a review and a Q&A, like this one.
So, without further ado, here is what Kathleen had to say.
What inspired “The Wish Carvers”?
My mom used to read fairy tales to us every night at bedtime. She even decorated my sister’s and my bedroom with fairytale wallpaper. Every night when we went to bed, we would look up and see Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, Pinocchio, and many other fairytale characters. So I decided to write a fairy tale with magic, make-believe characters and wishes that come true – only mine would be a fairy tale that had never been told before. My father and uncle liked to carve sculptures out of wood so I decided to add this element too. The first time I wrote down my story, the main characters were an old man and an old woman whose wooden carvings magically came alive. Later, I changed them into two gnomes and finally into two elves named Fay and Eddie who come across a magic knife and decide to carve a pot of gold, a huge stone cottage and finally a fairytale castle.
Do you have more books planned for the future?
I have been working on a rhyming tale and a few other ideas that I will keep a secret for now.
Do you have a favorite book or author that you look up to?
My favorite books are “Something From Nothing” by the late Phoebe Gilman, “Caps for Sale” by Esphyr Slobodkina, and the classic “Millions of Cats” by Wanda Ga’g.
What is your goal when you write? What do you want people to take way from your stories?
I like to expand children’s ideas of what’s possible and get them to ask questions like, “What if..?” I want young readers to believe that if I can fulfill my dream to publish children’s books, they can achieve their dreams too. My stories encourage children to use their imaginations, be kind, and be grateful for what you have.
What has been the most challenging part of the indie author experience for you so far?
The most challenging thing about being an indie author is all the work that comes after the book has been published. I have spent many hours writing emails, Facebook, Instagram and Website posts, and all of the other activities and decision making involved in book marketing.
Where can people follow you to find out more about Skipping Stone Press?
My books are available from my website at https://www.skippingstonepress.net, and Amazon. I am also on Facebook at skippingstonepress.net and Instagram @skippingstonepress.
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