I am happy to announce the release of this fun children’s book: Zara the Protector. This is the story of a brilliant young cave-girl (Zara) who uses her amazing mind and technical ingenuity to protect her prehistoric cave-tribe from evil, world-conquering space aliens.
How we got here:
I have been working on my Caveman Chronicles storyline for a few years. For me, this story has been merely an outlet for often goofy ideas. The blog-story format is an easy way to sit down without a huge amount of preparation or thought and pound a few related ideas onto a keyboard. It scratches an itch and keeps the mind on writing.
As are most humans, I am a member of a family, and we talk about the stuff we’re doing, what we’re thinking about, what we’re writing. It’s amazing to be a part of such a group of interesting and imaginative people. I am fortunate to have writers and artists in my family, and those conversations led to this book.
Some conversation snippets (paraphrased):
“Why don’t we see science-fiction children’s books? Does anyone really want it?”
“Well, there are nerds everywhere who grew up and had kids.”
“Nerds…. like you Uncle, Graham?”
“Yep. Like me. Anyone can write a kids book about skipping over a mud-puddle! Science fiction is a lot more imaginative! Plus, look at the cool Xi space ships! I want one of those to fly to church. [pew, pew, zoom, swish!]“
Yeah, but Thoka just died in your story, we can’t just have a kids book where the mother dies in the first three pages. Are you trying to make kids cry?”
“Hmm, good point. Maybe she just tripped and bumped her elbow.” [sigh]
“What do cave-people eat anyways?”
“Ohh, I know. Snake tacos!”
“Cuz, why not?”
“Exactly…”
-discussion over an Unreal Tournament (1999) battle
After extended periods of goofing off, the ideas flying like sideways hail in a blizzardy-storm, the story congealed like cooling bacon grease, and Zara the Protector was born.
Zara the Protector is just a tiny snippet of the overall Caveman Chronicles story, written more simply and in a little more kid-friendly manner. Added on top are a host of amazing illustrations that bring the story to life. I’ve found the process of creating and working with family on this to be a great learning experience as well as just being a ton of fun.
Contributors:
Arwen Smith, who like Zara, is a bit of a genius for being so young. Her illustrations are well thought-out and beautiful! You can find her first book, “A Field Guide to Gnomes” on Amazon.
The layout was done by Ian Smith, the talented artist and author. Check out his book “Growing Up Itchy” on Amazon.
Why would alien space ships attack a peaceful tribe of cave-people at the foot of the Yak-ridge mountains?
How could those cave-people actually live through the powerful attack?
But the aliens did attack, and the cave-people did survive. Incredible!
You might ask: “How?”
Zara. The. Protector.
Say it with me!
“Zara the hero!
Zara the genius!
Zara the friend of milk-yaks and pikas!
Unga-runga! Unga-runga!”
- Recommended for 5-8 year old children
- 8.25″ x 8.25″
- Premium glossy cover
- Fun and imaginative story about a heroic young cave-girl
- Full color, professional illustrations
- A quick and easy gift for kids and fun adults
You can find Zara the Protector on Amazon.
I sincerely hope it’s a ton of fun for kids and adults.
