%20(1).jpg)
THE TALE OF ELGOL AND THE WITCH
By N N MARQUES
Meet Elgol, a mischievous orphan boy with plenty of free time and a knack for getting into trouble. One day, he plays a clever prank on a wicked witch and goes to bed feeling quite pleased with himself. However, the next morning, he awakens to a startling discovery – he's grown to giant proportions, with his head nearly touching the roof of his tiny hut!
While Elgol is initially delighted with his newfound height, he soon realises that he can't control his growth. Worried about the consequences of being an enormous giant, he embarks on a remarkable journey to find a way to reverse the magic and return to his normal size.
During his adventure, Elgol encounters the mountains, the birds and the clouds. Along the way, he learns important lessons about acceptance, self-discovery, and the true meaning of family.
山根太治.
Taiji Yamane
Japanese Illustrator
Taiji Yamane's artistic journey spans three decades, and his expertise in various forms of visual expression, from painting to manga, adds depth and richness to the narrative of Elgol and the Witch. His profound and valuable artwork serves as a visual gateway, bringing the story to life in ways that words alone cannot achieve. Through skilled techniques honed over years of experience, Yamane captures the essence of the tale, infusing it with emotion, detail, and a unique artistic perspective. The fusion of his talents in painting, drawing, fine art, and manga creates a tapestry of visuals that enhances and elevates the storytelling experience, making Elgol and the Witch a truly immersive and captivating journey for the audience.
山根太治.
Taiji Yamane
Japanese Illustrator
How it all began
In June 2022, my excitement for a trip to the enchanting Isle of Skye with my brother and friends was quashed when they called off the plan at the last minute.
Disheartened, I decided to brave the journey alone, but to my surprise, my friend Myron stepped in to accompany me. With everything pre-booked, we embarked on our adventure, taking a bus from Glasgow to Skye.
As we approached Skye and caught sight of the majestic Three Sisters mountains, a whimsical thought crossed my mind - how would these mountains feel if a giant were to walk over them?
Our destination was Elgol, a place renowned for its scenic beauty and a boating trip we couldn't miss. Despite the sudden downpour, we persevered, deciding to sail aboard the aptly named "Misty Isle." The rain only heightened our resolve to experience this unique adventure.
As the island loomed closer, I found myself drawn into the setting, and a tale began to take shape in my mind - the story of a boy named Elgol, who supposedly traversed the Skye mountains on foot to reach this very place.
Elgol, as I soon discovered, was a sight to behold, standing among the most beautiful places I had ever visited. The rugged coastline, the emerald waters, and the towering cliffs created a surreal atmosphere that seemed perfect for a fantastical narrative.
As Myron and I departed from Elgol, the story of the boy named Elgol lingered in my thoughts. It was a tale born from the allure of Skye, the captivating Three Sisters mountains, and the enigmatic charm of the wee village of Elgol itself.
Special thanks to
Myron Coutinho
Big shoutout to Myron for joining me on this trip all the way from England in 2022. Your company truly made this journey a blast, and it wouldn't have been as enjoyable without you!
Andrea Bell
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Andrea Bell for her invaluable assistance in organizing the book launch event, alongside Veronica from Tollcross Housing Society. Your support truly made the event a success!
Shootscript.com
A huge thanks to Mr. Ramprasad Adpaikar and Shubham Mahaldar for their unwavering support, working tirelessly with February 30th Publishers to bring the design of this book to life. Your dedication truly made it a reality!
Reviewers
Special thanks to Denise Fisher, Andrew Ferguson, Gail Coutinho, and Ramprasad Adpaikar for providing invaluable feedback during the developmental stages of the story. Your time and insights are greatly appreciated!