Helga the Fair

S. J. Taylor writes stories steeped in folklore and magic, where young protagonists tackle big adventures and bigger questions. Although she grew up in Arizona’s desert, her heart yearns for the Nordic lands. When she’s not writing, she can often be found knitting yet another sweater (sweater weather is the best weather). She lives with her family in Connecticut. Visit her at SJTaylorBooks.com.Alla Khatkevich is an illustrator who was born in the town of Ulan-Ude, Russia. Every summer when she was a child, she would go camping with her father by the lake. Spending time fishing, picking berries, and sleeping in tents is when Alla first fell in love with fairy tales. She now creates magical illustrations for children’s books. She is the illustrator of the middle grade novel Helga the Fair by S. J. Taylor. Alla also loves to travel with her husband and is inspired by new places and cultures. Her adorable dog, who looks like a cheerful fox, is always next to her while she works.?

"Helga’s first-person narration effectively captures a universal longing for acceptance, combining elements from Icelandic sagas and Norse mythology with themes of difference and acceptance. . . An adventurous tale with a heartwarming message of acceptance."