Since most of my children’s books have had young boys or male animals as their primary characters I’ve been putting additional focus on books with more young female characters. The first of my books that fell into the latter category was titled Misty Zebracorn. Though it’s one of my most popular books for young girls to date, I’ve never really been satisfied with the story and the illustrations. I’ve decided my next project will be the complete reimagining of Misty Zebracorn now that the second edition of The Duck Who Flew Upside Down is at the design and formatting stage.
The new “Misty” will feature a different illustrator than the first. I’m delighted to announce that I’ve selected Jack Wiens. You’ll remember the great work he did for my books Flora Belle and Dreami Dragon and Sir Alex Sleighs a Dragon. The illustration above is one of the concept illustrations he sent to me. My first reaction to seeing it was to burst out laughing. Her pink hair. The hearts and curlicues in her stripes. Her fluffy tail and main. The pink tufts near her hooves. The golden wings. It’s so far over the top that it’s perfect! I sought a magical, whimsical, fluffy, uniquecorn and I believe he delivered exactly what I hoped to see. Hopefully my revised story will be just as unique, creative, magical, and whimsical.
With Love,
Russ
Russ Towne's A Grateful Man 
Just want you to know I was here and I liked what I read
Thank you, Joanne.
you are so right – magical, whimsical and fluffy – all )
A appreciate your feedback, Beth. Thank you.
Russ
What a girl she is Russ! Strong and beautiful!!
Misty is indeed strong and beautiful, inside and out. I want Misty to remind people that strength and beauty aren’t mutually exclusive, that beauty has many aspects, and that everybody is beautiful in their own way.
I love it Russ.
Looking wonderful!
Thank you, Ute. Based on this weekend’s book fairs, the first edition of Misty Zebrcorn is already my number 3 top seller (behind “The Duck Who Flew Upside Down” and “Clyde and Friends 3 Books in 1”) in children’s picture books. I wouldn’t be surprised if the second edition of Misty Zebracorn (with much better illustrations and a hopefully greatly improved story) quickly zooms into the number two slot overall, and the number one slot among girls. Time will tell, but I wouldn’t bet against that cute little striped unicorn (that will soon sprout wings.)
Fantastic, Misty is a cutie!