Local author puts out positive, nonviolent message in new children’s book

Author Rick Wellbrook shows off his book, "Nickels the Magical Elf," during a recent radio interview. - David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central

THATCHER — A local grandfather had a novel approach to helping his grandson deal with bullying at school.

“I told him, ‘Listen, I’m going to write a book and make you a hero, I’m going to make you famous, and they’re going to leave you alone.’ They never did, but he did go back to school,” said Rick Wellbrook.

That book was “Nickels the Magical Elf,” and it’s currently available for everyone to enjoy.

Wellbrook’s journey to authorship was a long one, starting with his military service. He said it took him years to put the violence of war behind him, and it was a combination of his grandson’s struggles at school and his wife’s passing that convinced to do something to put aside his anger and leave a positive mark on the world.

“The world is so messed up, there’s so much violence and there’s so much hate going on, I thought, “I’m going to write a book that’s going to make people happy, especially kids,’ ” Wellbrook said.

The book centers on a family of magical faeries — all based on Wellbrook’s grandchildren — and focuses on their learning to relate to others in the forest.

The book did its job for his grandson, but Wellbrook said he wasn’t ready to share it with the world. It sat in manuscript form for 12 years until one of sisters found it, read it, and said she could get it in front of a publisher.

The sequel is completed and going through the editing process before publication.

“It’s all the same theme. They’re still faeries — some have changed, some have gotten older —but it’s always the same. Do unto others, be kind to people, love your family, that kind of thing,” Wellbrook said.

“Nickels the Magical Elf” is 72 pages, published by Newman Springs, and is available in both softcover and digital formats at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Comments

comments