Life in the Comox Valley runs smoothly enough…
So starts a charming children’s book written by Marlet Ashley and illustrated by Kate Brown.
"I was fascinated with the wildlife along the estuary,” said Kate, who has designed interiors, apparel and museums before moving to Courtenay in 2010. “Watching sandpipers, gulls and herons cavort along the shore intrigued me.
"After a while I began to sense their personalities. At times they can be terribly funny. They inspired me to draw. I then began painting pictures of them onto coffee mugs for friends who came to visit.”
Ashley was just as fascinated with the estuary. After the two met at a Comox Valley Newcomers meeting, they collaborated on a series of short stories written to educate children about the estuary.
The Interlopers, the first of the five-book series, Revelry on the Estuary, is hot off the press. It tells the story of a variety of birds who put aside their differences when an invasion of bird-like strangers tumble off a truck into the estuary. Marlet’s comical prose is balanced with a delicate sensitivity that gives her little characters intelligence and compassion.
“The Valley has a calmness and a special beauty. I wanted to showcase this, to capture the incredible rich bird life that surrounds us,” said Marlet, who taught creative writing at the University of Windsor and literature and composition at Kwantlen College before moving here in 2010. “By writing these stories, I saw an opportunity to offer children living here, and those beyond our community, an appreciation for animal life along the estuary.”
Through the adventures of Gabby Gull, Maizie Mallard, Caylee Scoter and Sid and Sue Swan, the wildlife that thrives along the estuary jumps off the page.
Kate’s illustrations augment the humour of Marlet’s story, making The Interlopers an ideal tool to instill in our children an appreciation for the wonders that surround us.
Marlet Ashley and Kate Brown will be introducing The Interlopers at Laughing Oyster bookstore this Saturday from 2 to 3 p.m. More details are at www.ashleybrownbooks.com.