Rainbow Wave Publishing
At Rainbow Wave Publishing our aim is to create sparkle and fun in the hearts of our children - to keep the magic alive for kids. While encouraging self- belief, resilience and mindfulness, the series (our beliefs) models empathy and kindness for oneself and others with the aim of making the world of our young, a place of happiness and peace. Nurturing love, care and respect for our planet are important themes promoted by Rainbow Wave Publishing. Spending time in nature features as a way to foster calm, happiness and intrigue.
A word from Jane Prior
I feel honoured to have walked the path of guiding and educating children for 38 years. I see the excitement and magic a vibrant imagination brings, sparking a growth in confidence, self belief and reducing anxiety. My hope is that this series ignites fun and magic in all who read it, creates a deep connection to the natural world, and empowers children to be ready to transition from childhood to young adults easily and confidently.
We can’t wait for you to join Olivia, Unicorn and the team in Crystal Kingdom.
An Interview with Jane Prior, the Author
What inspired you to write Adventures in Crystal Kingdom Series?
I have been a teacher of young children for many years. I loved creatively teaching using children’s ideas, their imagination and through play. We had so much fun learning information from books, making our props and costumes and then going on adventures together to some far away land. I loved seeing the sparkle in the children’s eyes as we played so when I retired, I decided as a dedication to all the amazing children I had taught, I would love to write books that would keep this magic and fun alive in our young! It is my dream that these books bring children a feeling of magic, but also a sense of inner peace and a belief that they are amazing and can do anything they put their minds to. I would also love the amazing grownups reading the stories, to enjoy some magic, fun and adventure using their imagination to nurture their inner child. Being a mother and grandmother inspired me to contribute to making our world a wonderful place.
Why the name “Crystal” Kingdom?
Children are naturally drawn to the sparkle, colour and feel of crystals and gems. This fascination with crystals inspired the series name Crystal Kingdom - a place of imagination and magic. Crystals can be a pirate’s treasure, a dragon’s egg, princess jewels, super hero strength or can be used to make fairy rings.
Where did you get your ideas from?
Just like Olivia when I want to relax and calm my mind I take some deep breaths, close my eyes and in my imagination, I walk into a beautiful forest. One day, to my surprise, a beautiful white unicorn came to greet me. I climbed on his back and away we flew. In my research I discovered that a winged unicorn reminds us that we have a beautiful childlike energy within us even when we grow up and when we dream anything is possible. So I thought Unicorn would the perfect character and of course with unicorn came many fairies.
Do you work with a team?
Yes, I have a wonderful editor Margrete who helps me get the words and illustrations just right for you. Tamlyn’s illustrations make Crystal Kingdom come alive. Her artwork is amazing. Danielle cleverly makes the book perfect for printing.
What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about helping young children find peace and calm in their lives and about giving them opportunities to spend time away from screens. I would love children to believe they are all wonderfully different and each one has something special to give to the world that no one else can. I am passionate about Mother Nature and caring for our Earth.
What messages do you want your readers to take from your books?
To be loving and kind to yourself and others, even when mistakes are made, as we are always learning. I would like you to realize you really are special and unique. To remember when you are feeling anxious, angry or sad to close your eyes, take some deep breaths and see where your imagination takes you. To remember to find fun in the little things you see each day, like Olivia watching a beetle, or a rainbow or seeing the colours in the bubbles. I would love you to spend time in Nature regularly, even just playing outside. And of course, the importance of caring for our Earth.
What are your hobbies when you are not writing?
I love to spend time with my grandchildren and my family - including the granddogs!
I love to grow my own fruit and vegetables without chemicals and try to make the soil healthy by restoring the balance. I love walking on the beach and spending time in nature.
An Interview with Tamlyn Teow, the Arist
What do you love about being an artist?
I love when my work connects with another’s soul, when someone relates to my art and when the image evokes a thought or feeling. I love to challenge myself to put a dream or imaginative thought onto a blank canvas. There is something romantic about using my hands to grip onto tools that have been passed down from generation to generation. Tools such as pencils, pens, paint and paper! It is like the masters continue to live on and are guiding me while I create within a space between dream and reality.
Where did you get your inspiration for the characters in the series?
I got my inspiration from the amazing Cicely Mary Barker, May Gibbs, Brian Froud and Annie Stegg Gerard. Their influenced changed the way many of us look at the world. When you immerse yourself in their work, it takes you to another dimension – one where you don’t doubt that fairies and elves exist, where your troubles seem so far away and all that matters is the magic we find in unexpected places. And of course, the characters wouldn’t be what they are without the guidance of Jane and Margrete.
What other types of art do you do?
I think the most beautiful thing about illustrating is that you can doodle on or decorate any surface! I worked on a few movies, theatre shows, painting sets for Christmas windows, props, sculpting and concept art. I adore poetry and am delving into the world of short story and screen writing.
What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about many things as they all coexist to influence one another such as nature, animals, astronomy, human behaviour and psychology. But on a deeper level, I enjoy pondering about the meaning and purpose of life and use my art as a channel to help others.
What do you do when you are not working on projects?
Honestly when I’m not working on projects, I’m working on projects. I’m illustrating anyway. I can’t stop! It’s an addiction. I think I love art so much that it has become who I am. In spaces of time between projects I enjoy films, books, writing, cooking and trying out new skills and methods.
What message do you have for the readers?
I believe there is an Olivia in all of us. No matter who you are or where you are, take these stories and imagery and make them your own.