A heartwarming tale of how a children’s book that was lost to the hands of time will now reach families before Christmas.
Drawing on the imagination of 82-year-old budding children’s author Mary Waegner, Stanley Discovers the World is a new children’s book, telling the story of Stanley the stork’s bold adventure as he grows increasingly curious about the world. The book will inspire young minds, whilst learning about geography in one of the most playful and captivating ways.
We asked Mary about her personal experience of how the story she’d written over two decades ago had been left on the shelf, before being published.
What first sparked the idea for Stanley Discovers the World?
I was inspired to write a story about a young stork by the many storks in the town where I was living in Fürth southern Germany. They were an important feature for the townspeople: every year in February word went round that the nest on the chimney was occupied once again. It was always a joy to welcome the storks and to catch a glimpse of the first baby stork!
The story sat unpublished for years, what kept it waiting all that time?
When I had finished the story, I had a good feeling about it and felt it should be published, but I had no idea how to proceed. The story landed in the cupboard where it remained for over 20 years. Then I happened to meet Sturge, a family friend, who readers will know as the organiser of LitFest, Litlington’s summer music festival.
What changed, why is the book being published now?
I was very fortunate: I mentioned the story to Sturge in conversation and he was immediately captivated, and felt that it should be made available children without delay. That was the beginning!
Sturge describes “Mary described this magical story and I was hooked! As she talked me through, I was imagining flying alongside Stanley, going on this rollercoaster ride around the world. I felt sadness that this story wasn’t in the hands of children for two generations, missing out on having their imagination fostered by it. Without hesitation, I agreed to publish it for Mary as a gift. For me, I felt it was a personal development project, and simply the right thing to do. I took the story from pages of paper with some sketches, to a full colour, illustrated by Lisa Olson, published book to help Mary realise her dream!”
How did it feel when someone stepped in to help bring your dream to life?
It felt miraculous! He was immediately bursting with ideas and lost no time in making them a reality! His energy is amazing. I knew Stanley was in excellent hands!
What is it like watching Stanley’s world come alive through Lisa Olson’s illustrations?
I couldn’t wish for a better illustrator than Lisa Olson. She has captured the places and the characters down to the last detail. Not only has she greatly enhanced the story but has also made the book itself look very attractive. I can imagine how young readers will delight in turning each page to look at the next picture.
What do you hope readers, young and old, will take away from Stanley’s adventure?
I hope readers will come to love Stanley. He’s bold, determined, full of curiosity about life and the world we live in. Even though his parents must have been beside themselves with worry, they began to feel very proud of their bright, courageous son who would travel around the world!
If there were no limits, what are your aspirations and dreams for the future of the published book?
I would love to see the book translated into various languages, thereby giving pleasure to a much larger readership. The ultimate dream for me would be to see the book made into a film!
Share the magic of storytelling this Christmas!
The official release date is Friday 5th December, with discounted eBook pre-orders available now for £1.99 on Amazon.co.uk – just search Stanley Discovers the World.
For the beautifully illustrated paperback, follow Mary’s author page via the QR code (or visit: https://bit.ly/StanleyDiscoversTheWorldPreOrder) and you’ll be notified on 5th December to order a perfect Christmas stocking filler.
