Lazarus Carpenter
I have lived in Wales for over twenty five years. Born in North Yorkshire, I am now an author, actor, musician and song writer, previously being a therapist, trainer and researcher, specialising in mental health. He was educated in Middlesbrough, Sheffield and Cambridge. With a fascination for Welsh History, I create worlds within worlds; magical, haunting, spirituality permeating sound moral codes of life. I live quietly with Debbie Eve (also my illustrator and our dog, Noodle in a small cottage surrounded by the beauty of the Brecon Beacons in the Valleys of South Wales.
Beatrix Potter was an English author, illustrator, natural scientist, and conservationist best known for her children’s books featuring animals, such as “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” and “The Tale of Benjamin Bunny.” She was born on July 28, 1866, in London, England, and died on December 22, 1943. Potter’s books are beloved for their charming characters, detailed illustrations, and engaging stories. Her work has had a lasting impact on children’s literature and continues to be popular with readers of all ages.
In addition to her writing and illustration work, Beatrix Potter was also passionate about conservation and land preservation. She supported the National Trust and used the proceeds from her books to purchase and preserve land in the Lake District of England. Beatrix Potter’s legacy as an author, illustrator, and conservationist continues to be celebrated, and her books remain classics in children’s literature.Â
Jules Verne, born on February 8, 1828, in Nantes, France, was a prominent French writer known for pioneering science fiction and adventure novels. He is often referred to as the “Father of Science Fiction.” Verne’s works have significantly impacted the literary genre and have inspired countless authors, filmmakers, and inventors.
Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea (1870) – This novel follows the adventures of Captain Nemo and his submarine, the Nautilus, as they explore the ocean’s depths.
Journey to the Center of the Earth (1864) – This novel tells the story of a group of explorers who journey deep into the Earth’s interior, encountering strange creatures and landscapes.
Around the World in Eighty Days (1873) – This novel follows the adventures of Phileas Fogg as he attempts to circumnavigate the globe in just 80 days.
From the Earth to the Moon (1865) – This novel explores the possibility of space travel and follows a group of adventurers as they attempt to launch a projectile to the moon.
Jules Verne’s works were known for their detailed descriptions of scientific concepts and technologies, many of which were ahead of their time. He had a deep interest in geography, exploration, and technology, which is reflected in his stories. Verne’s ability to combine scientific accuracy with imaginative storytelling set him apart from other writers of his time. Jules Verne passed away on March 24, 1905, in Amiens, France. Despite facing some criticism during his lifetime for his speculative ideas, his works have since become classics of science fiction literature and continue to be widely read and adapted into various forms of media.Â
Once upon a time, in the mystical land of Glimmerwood, there were two goblins named Grizzle and Snarl who lived in neighbouring caves deep within the dark forest. Grizzle was a short, stocky goblin with a quick temper and a love for shiny objects. Snarl, on the other hand, was tall and wiry, with a sharp wit and a knack for playing mischievous pranks on others. From the moment they first met as young goblins, Grizzle and Snarl despised each other. The source of their hatred was rooted in a rivalry that began over a precious gemstone they both discovered in the forest. Each claimed it as their own, leading to a heated argument that escalated into a physical fight. Since that day, they had been bitter enemies, constantly seeking ways to outdo and outshine each other. Grizzle would often steal Snarl’s prized possessions, while Snarl would play tricks on Grizzle that left him humiliated and frustrated. Their feud became the talk of Glimmerwood, with other creatures whispering about the ongoing battle between the two goblins.
As the years passed, their hatred only grew stronger, fueled by jealousy and a desire to prove themselves superior to the other. Despite the warnings of the wise old owl who lived in the treetops, Grizzle and Snarl continued their feud, blind to the consequences of their actions. A terrible storm swept through Glimmerwood one fateful night, causing chaos and destruction. As their caves crumbled around them, Grizzle and Snarl found themselves trapped together in a narrow tunnel, the only way to safety blocked by a fallen tree. In that moment of desperation, as the walls closed in and the air grew thin, they realized the futility of their hatred. Forced to work together to escape the collapsing tunnel, Grizzle and Snarl set aside their differences and combined their strengths to move the tree and reach the safety of the outside world. In that moment of shared danger, a bond formed between them, born out of mutual survival and a newfound respect for each other’s abilities. Emerging from the wreckage of their caves, Grizzle and Snarl looked at each other with a new understanding. The storm washed away their hatred, leaving a sense of camaraderie and a shared experience that changed them both forever.
From that day on, Grizzle and Snarl became unlikely friends; their former animosity transformed into a deep bond forged in the crucible of adversity. As they rebuilt their homes together and explored the wonders of Glimmerwood side by side, the other creatures marvelled at the transformation of the two goblins who had once been bitter enemies. And so, Grizzle and Snarl learned that sometimes, it takes a storm to wash away the hatred and reveal the true strength of friendship that lies beneath.Â
Virginia Woolf was an English writer and modernist whose works include novels, essays, and short stories. Some of her most famous works include “Mrs. Dalloway,” “To the Lighthouse,” “Orlando,” and “A Room of One’s Own.” She is known for her innovative narrative techniques, her exploration of her characters’ inner lives, and her feminist perspectives. She was a crucial figure in the Bloomsbury Group, a circle of intellectuals and artists that included writers like E.M. Forster and artists like Vanessa Bell.
Woolf’s writing often delves into themes of consciousness, identity, gender, and the nature of reality. Her work continues to be studied and admired for its lyrical prose and contributions to modern literature.
Once upon a time, in the heart of the lush jungle of Chimptopia, there lived a mischievous little chimp named Dibble. Dibble was known far and wide for his insatiable love of bananas. His eyes would light up at the mere mention of the yellow munchy fruit, and his belly would rumble excitedly at the smell of ripe bananas. Every morning, Dibble would swing from tree to tree in search of the perfect banana. He would pluck the ripest ones he could find and gobble them up as quickly as possible with pure delight. But Dibble’s love for bananas often got him into trouble.
One day, as Dibble was swinging through the jungle, he spotted a particularly tempting bunch of bananas hanging from a tree just out of reach. Determined to satisfy his craving, Dibble decided to take a risk. He swung from vine to vine, reaching higher and higher until he finally reached the coveted bananas. Just as he was about to grab them, a mischievous wind blew through the jungle, causing the branch to sway precariously. With a loud snap, the branch broke, and Dibble tumbled to the ground, bananas and all. Luckily, Dibble was unharmed, but the same couldn’t be said for the bananas now squished beyond recognition. Another day, Dibble’s love for bananas led him to sneak into the village market, where he knew the juiciest bananas were kept. As he reached out to grab a bunch, a loud voice boomed,
“Stop right there, Dibble!” It was the village elder who had caught Dibble red-handed.
Embarrassed and guilty, Dibble bowed in submission and guilt as the elder scolded him for his thievery. Dibble realized that his love for bananas was causing trouble not just for himself but also for others. From that day on, Dibble vowed to be more mindful of his actions. He learned to politely ask for bananas and share with others instead of hoarding them all for himself. His friends and the villagers appreciated the change in Dibble, and soon, he became known not just for his love for bananas but also for his generosity and kindness.
And so, Dibble the Chimp learned that while bananas were delicious, it was necessary to enjoy them responsibly and consider the consequences of his actions. And he lived happily ever after, surrounded by friends and plenty of bananas to share.
Lazarus Carpenter - Author 