I began working with WazLab Books shortly after the pandemic forced us all to work (and learn) from home, and for me, my latest book, Quest to the Forbidden Mountains, was among the best things to come out of the trials and tribulations of the past few years.
Lou Basilone, one of the founders of WazLab Books, created the world of Foreverland years (and years) ago. He had even written stories (there is a YA novel somewhere) and drawn illustrations set in this magical realm. He is also the artist behind the landscapes that appear in the book. But for a long time, his ideas and art were collecting dust.
But not forgotten!
His son Sal, the other founder of WazLab Books, had grown up listening to his father’s imaginative stories. They were a part of youth, and he hoped to share the wonders of Foreverland with others. That’s when I entered the picture!
My task was to rejuvenate Foreverland and come up with a story that would appeal to modern readers. Of course, it had to have adventure. The series is titled “Adventures in Foreverland.”
The book had to have humor—just because!
But we went beyond that. To truly engage today’s middle grade readers, we turned Quest to the Forbidden Mountains into an interactive book with includes mazes, word searches, coded messages, and more . . . and these puzzles are an integral part of the story.
As we like to say, it is a #readandplay adventure!
Quest to the Forbidden Mountains is just the first book in a six book series, so expect Thomas, Beamer, and Zorda to have many more adventures.