We all know that obesity is a major problem amongst the youth of today. Youngsters are often brought up on fast food to the detriment of their health. But the novel Mrs GwraK aims to strike back at this trend, by showing the disadvantages of the fast food they so evidently love and crave. So, here’s the story – an old-fashioned fable in a modern setting:
“There’s a new cook in school and David is convinced that she is a witch. Not even his parents believe him when he says that she is deliberately trying to kill everybody with her sugary, grotesque Golden Food lunches, which makes everyone so fat that they can hardly move. David won’t eat it and, armed with a sprig of witchweed, he tries to destroy the witch before she destroys everyone else. Will he succeed?”
This novel is aimed at the 9-11 age group. It is also illustrated with scary drawings of the witch. The novel should strike a chord with those seeking to educate children about the disadvantages of unhealthy eating. And the odd celebrity chef or health organisations may have a thing or two to say about it too! In fact, the author was inspired to write the novel by Jamie Oliver and the ‘turkey twizzler saga’.
The author, Talybont based, Morgan Tomos trained as an animator and is the author/illustrator of over 20 books in Welsh. He has co-authored a book with school children and his proudest achievement has been making a metre-long triple bladed demon slayer sword of Owain Glyndŵr with his children. He has also made a life-size bust of the witch’s head (shown below) and will tour bookshops and schools throughout Wales, if invited. The bust is made of recycled materials from the printing industry.
During the launch of the novel, at Siop Inc, Bridge Street, Aberystwyth on Saturday 5 March at 2 pm, there will be a competition to win a framed metal print of some of the illustrations from the book – more details at the launch.
Mrs GwraK retails at £4.95 and will be released by Y Lolfa on the 5th of March 2011
