A Tale of a Different Color

This book is mostly a light hearted, lyrically poetic and yet sometimes solemnly serious fictional fantasy. The main characters are five friends forever. PU Pig is the know-it-all. Larry-on-the-Lamb is a shy sheep who wants to be so ba-a-d. Hoss, the slow Horse is the one who's most trusted, steady and strong. The chicken, Chickadee Dooda, comes from a broken egg. Cowlicko Claire, the cow, is kind of the heroine, here, who always knows what is the right thing to do. These "five friends...
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This book is mostly a light hearted, lyrically poetic and yet sometimes solemnly serious fictional fantasy. The main characters are five friends forever. PU Pig is the know-it-all. Larry-on-the-Lamb is a shy sheep who wants to be so ba-a-d. Hoss, the slow Horse is the one who's most trusted, steady and strong. The chicken, Chickadee Dooda, comes from a broken egg. Cowlicko Claire, the cow, is kind of the heroine, here, who always knows what is the right thing to do. These "five friends forever" embark on an unexpected journey together from California to England where they meet other fantasy characters and differing challenges. Along the way they are tested and ultimately each finds their perceived weakness serves to rescue rather than inhibit them in adversity. With the help of unconditional friendship, love and sound thinking they prevail. Each page of story text has a corresponding illustration on the facing page which illuminates the story and showcases the author's unique "art-toonist" style. From successful ad-artist in Oslo, Norway to homeless addict in the streets of Palm Springs to a new life as a recovering addict and a recognized artist, Dwight Storm Halvorsen, the artist and storyteller here, has experienced and overcome the depths and desperation of addiction like few have. A telling quote from the manuscript: "As the road got low like the sun in the evening,It wasn't a dead end but more a new beginning.When they came to a bad turn on the wrong side of the street,It was a trick to walk on the wild side but no treat.There an old Hippy Band Wagon was stuck in a rut,He'd been down so long nothing looked up.But he smiled, remembering he'd been "Happy" back in the dayz of '67,When he thought he was on a mission from God and part of Rock 'n Roll Heaven.Love and Peace ruled the air; things were quite serene and sincere.Then love was lost and peace faded;What was left were these Weeds, Shrooms and Stoners who were just jaded.They lead him to think he had control, but instead they beat down his very soul." The "artoonist" style pictures fascinate children and adults of all ages. The storybook is appealing to children as young as age 7, but holds deeper meaning for teenagers and adults, especially those who've lived with addiction or are students of the sixties. A younger children's version is in the workings, along with Books II and III about their continuing journey.