"Christmas Stories from the Crones castle is a Kingdom of True Believers in Imagination Christmas Anthology that invites readers of all ages into an allegorical world of wonder and magic. This beautifully illustrated book, available in both paperback and hardcover, measures 8.5x11 inches, ensuring that every page is a canvas for vibrant and enchanting artwork.
Within the forgotten confines of an old abandoned shoe box factory on the outskirts of a bustling metropolis, lies a realm where imagination reigns supreme. Each Christmas, the inhabitants of this magical kingdom, including the Box Keepers, Crones, elves, trolls, and many others, gather in the Great Hall of the Crones' Castle. There, amidst the flickering glow of hearth fires and the scent of evergreen, they come together to celebrate the season and share in the joy of storytelling.
This year's festivities are marked by the unveiling of six new Christmas tales, each one brimming with adventure, mystery, and heartwarming moments. From the arid deserts where a diminutive wizard discovers the true power of scent, to the quiet solitude of a hermit boy who receives an unexpected gift from the arcane, these stories promise to captivate readers and transport them to realms both familiar and fantastical.
"The Small and Rancid Wizard who Knew Odor was in the Nose of the Smeller" introduces us to a wizard who learns valuable lessons amidst the heat and noise of a forgotten desert. Meanwhile, "The Crabby, Baffling, Hermit Boy and the Arcane Alchemist's Box" follows a young boy as he embarks on a journey of self-discovery with his mysterious Christmas companion.
In "The Tolling Midnight Bells that Chimed Christmas," a breathtaking blue magic box arrives just in time to sprinkle the holiday season with enchantment. And in "The Rose Paper Magic Box with Warm, Red Courage," a lost legacy is unearthed, inspiring courage and hope in those who seek it.
As the vagabond band of brave little beings in "The Smile so Snug in an Old Magic Box" sets out on a perilous quest to find a new home, readers will be swept away by their determination and spirit. Finally, "The Box and the Beautiful Green Bottle" tenderly celebrates a lifelong love infused with the timeless magic of the holiday season.
With each turn of the page, readers will be drawn deeper into the rich tapestry of these stories, discovering new wonders and delights with each passing moment. And as the characters embark on a merry chase to Folgoth Woods to retrieve a rare Christmas gift, the true meaning of the season shines brightly, illuminating the hearts of all who believe.
"The Kingdom of True Believers in Imagination: A Christmas Anthology" is more than just a collection of stories; it's a journey of the heart, inviting readers to embrace the magic of the holiday season and the boundless power of imagination.
An artist, illustrator, and author, Patsy Stanley is known for a diverse range of non-fiction and fiction books including romance novels, whimsical, allegorical children's books, metaphysical energy books and art books. Patsy is a great-grandmother with two children, three grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Many of Patsy's stories show up fully formed and ready to be written. Many of her books are filled with humorous illustrations. Patsy is dedicated to storytelling and creating art and books that appeal to readers of all ages and backgrounds.
As a child, I imagined spinning straw into gold, writing something beautiful and boldI knew who I was, and what I was here to do. I understood the depth of what "Once upon a time" foretold, the Shadow's deep drawland the troll's lazy tolls.I was to become an author. A story growerand a line drawer.an icicle mower of ink.a particle examiner of fractions, bones, gnomes and moody moanshiding in somber back woodswhere whimpers, sobs and howls roam. Doodling threads and twines and vines, of ink lines take over each time I should not find the wordsracing to the edges of pages framing the unheard.The lines lay lazy like stretched out, catswaiting to creep further into home to flush out a flustered purple tome.My Christmas book"Christmas Stories From the Crones Castle" began this way. "Christmas Stories From the Crone's Castle". Growing up in displaced circumstances and enduring long, dreary winters, I fantasized about how wonderful Christmas could be. The magical Christmases created in my imagination comforted me at Christmas and many times throughout the year. The magic collected in my heart each year and filled my soul with hope and wonder. A meager Christmas dinner and hungry, arguing relatives all faded away as I watched the falling snow twinkle like diamonds. I built castles in my mind and peopled them with warmth, wisdom, generosity and adventures. The seeds of those fantasies lived on as hope held on tightly to my soul through barren, snowy Christmases. The magic left a colorful, imaginative Kingdom behind that I could enter, and often did, long after I'd escaped the reality of my beginnings. I was compelled to draw and write to keep the magic alive. I mapped out the Kingdom, stories and characters. All flourished while I wrote, and drew, and came to know the inhabitants very well....The Crone's wisdom. The Box keeper's rescue missions. The Others, with all their flavors, sizes and talents. I began to think that others might might enjoy these beings, the spiritual helpers that peopled the Kingdom of True Believers in Imagination, and come away with their own Hopes, Wisdoms and Laughter, too. It took much time to collect and illustrate the characters and adventures in order to begin putting my own Christmas book together. I so admired the beautiful vintage 1950's Christmas books, and wanted fairy tales and funny, clever, positive short stories framed in wonderful illustrations for the young at heart reader. Each story became a simple play, easy to act out. Please accept my invitation to enter The Kingdom of True Believers in Imagination with me, where we can adventure together.
