Author Marlet Ashley and illustrator Kate Brown are two local newcomers to the Valley who were so awed by the Comox estuary and its waterfowl that they got together to write a series of five children鈥檚 books collectively titled Revelry on the Estuary.
The first story in the collection is titled The Interlopers and it is written from the point of view of the avian residents of the estuary.
Kate and Marlet drew from Kate鈥檚 observation of the ducks, swans, herons, and other birds on the water just outside her door in Courtenay. She recorded the various waterfowl on hand-painted mugs, souvenirs she gave away to guests.
Kate related the antics of the birds to author Marlet Ashley, and from there, the stories took shape.
The Interlopers introduces readers to characters such as Erwyn Eagle, Penelope Sandpiper, Gabby Gull, and Henri Heron, among others, who will be featured in stories to be released in the future. These characters engage in antics that touch on camaraderie and adventure and include a subtle philosophical perspective that nature, especially in the Comox estuary, is important and must be protected.
Brown, the illustrator, studied Art and Design in London, U.K., and developed a career as an interior designer, product designer, and clothing designer. Kate has been involved in designing museums in which exhibited artifacts are brought to life and tell stories to enthrall and capture the interest of visitors. Kate lives in Courtenay on the Comox estuary.
Ashley, the author, is a longtime educator with an MA in English Literature and Creative Writing. She has taught creative writing at the University of Windsor and was an instructor of literature and composition at Kwantlen Polytechnic University for 15 years.
Her publications include a number of short stories and poetry in a variety of literary publications, and she has authored the Canadian edition of the textbook Literature and the Writing Process published by Pearson Prentice Hall, Toronto. Marlet lives in Comox.
Marlet Ashley and Kate Brown will conduct a reading and book signing at the Courtenay Library on May 1 at 11 a.m. and at the Blue Heron Bookstore in Comox on May 5 from noon until 2 p.m.
鈥� Courtenay Library
