She’s Kitty’s new BFF!
At Emerald City ComiCon a few weeks ago, I spent some time booth jockeying at the Arcane Comics and More table. This year, the booth was situated across from Steam Crow Press, a Phoenix. AZ based outfit that makes cute, monstery things for kids and grown-ups alike. It was the best view we’ve ever had, as Steam Crow’s booth was filled with a bunch of prints, books and pins that featured super-cute artwork that was put through the steampunk/goth filter. I think almost everyone manning our booth picked up at least a little something from Steam Crow Press (including a print of this Miso Angry art that Arcane owner Scott bought. They also have a Miso Hungry Print that I’m still regretting not budgeting better for!).
Which brings us to Klawberry…
I was walking by when I heard Dawna from Steam Crow telling someone that they had this children’s book about a “Good girl in a bad world”. I looked over and saw the art work and knew immediately that Kitty would love it. I’ve always said that my kids have a sort of creepy sensibility; neither Superdad nor I are especially “goth” so I’m not really sure where it comes from, but it’s there and it’s evidenced by Nate’s love of Invader Zim and sad music and Kitty’s penchant for toddler sized combat boots. I knew she’d be fond of darkly cute Klawberry so I picked up the book.
About KlawBerry (From KlawBerry.com):
KlawBerry is a little monster girl, with little black claws, big horns, and a single green eye. She’s cute, and she’s also a spirit of goodness. “KlawBerry” is also the name of a modern folktale by me (Daniel M. Davis), in the form of a book.
About KlawBerryKlawBerry (the book) is a modern folktale. The story is inspired by all kinds of ancient mythology, Grimm Brothers fairytales, and folk stories from Africa, Europe, and India, all mashed together like a spicy red curry. It’s about a monster girl who finds strength and power in herself, as she makes a odd journey. Grrlpower, literally.
I think we read that book about fifteen times that night. She cried when KlawBerry had her eye stolen, cheered when she decided to go find it, and cried again when KlawBerry made a sacrifice to make the world a better place. It’s kind of heady stuff, and may be a little much for the average toddler, but Kitty loved it as I’m sure many older kids would as well. I’ve delegated the nightly reading to Nate,and he seems to enjoy it quite a bit himself.
The next day it was the kids’ turn to head over to ComiCon. The moment that Kitty spotted the Steam Crow booth, her little eyes immediately found the KlawBerry plushie, and we had to bring her home. The doll istelf is adorable and comes with a pin/button eye and a “passport” from the monster world into our own. It has earned a place of honor among all of Kit’s baby dolls, Disney Princesses and Barbies. The picture above was taken when she had norovirus this week. All she wanted was a bath and her KlawBerry. I think that was the first time I had seen her smile in three days!
I encourage you to go check out the cool stuff they are doing over at Steam Crow Press, including their rad web comic Monster Commute and, of course, KlawBerry.
