Amelia Palmer | United Kingdom
The Woodsters were naughty, they liked nothing more than to cause mischief. But that was many years ago. With the help of Essie, a curious young girl from the village, can they prove themselves and show that their tricks are in the past?
The Woodster's Second Chance was inspired by a trip to Iceland, learning from a local's point of view about Icelandic folklore and the mystery surrounding trolls and the hidden people. During my visit, I found inspiration in the geothermal landscape and thought it would create an interesting juxtaposition against the peace and vibrancy of Reykjavik. Much of the scenery was inspired by observation, looking at how people interacted with the landscape and climate. With this in mind, the Woodsters came to life. Known for their meddlesome ways, they were exiled to the mountains, specifically Mount Esja, north of Reykjavik, which frames much of the narrative. Now many years later, they find a way back to the mainland, aided by the curiosity and wonder of a little girl from the village called Essie. Together, they aim to prove to the villagers that they have changed, showing that friendship can be found in peculiar circumstances.
The story is one of hope, forgiveness, and goodwill, highlighting the importance of second chances. There is humour within the narrative and interactive elements with patterns for younger children to spot throughout the story. I believe there is scope for a series of books, exploring the Woodsters' origin, their adventures in the mountains and what led them to have such a bad reputation in the village.
Education:
Newcastle College University
Illustration
Graduation: 2022