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"Dweezlehumbard & the Curious Adventures of the Straw People, The Discovering of the Bawkhoor," Book one, is both written and illustrated by Grant. A. May, an author who resides in the North east of England. This is the beginning of an adventure book series. A folklore fantasy adventure for teenagers and young adults set in Edwardian England. The story covers 30 chapters and around 60,000 words.

Dweezlehumbard is an eleven-year-old orphaned boy (a Strawwilligan creature from Straw Valley: tiny folk made from straw). The story finds Dweezle on a journey of self-discovery, overcoming his frail, bruised character. After a series of calamitous events, Dweezle and his companions prepare for an expedition to save the village and its eccentric inventor from the cruel clutches of Craw and his Blackbird cronies.

Chapters 1 to 3 are from a narrators point of view and introduce Grandpa Charlie (a human character) and the mysteries of the amber sword and the golden chair which all allude to the curious Straw People. In chapters 4 to 6 (written in the first person), Grandpa Charlie tells his grandchildren of his first encounter with the Straw People. These introductory/prologues set the scene for the main story of Dweezlehumbard (written in the third person), moving the novel into a grander adventure, underwritten with allegorical meaning. The allegorical tone to the story has layers of valuable insight for the reader.

In "Dweezlehumbard," for example, straw represents the fragility of the human nature, and those who are downtrodden in the world. Other themes include... “An adults responsibility to nurture the development of a child.” “The true meaning of love and loyalty.” "A greater worldview of good and evil." "The ultimate triumph of good and truth against the tide of evil.”

It is written to encourage children and teenagers as they reach their adult years, to accept and love themselves, regardless of negative influences they face.

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 Plot Summary''' -

Dweezlehumbard & the Curious Adventures of the Straw People, The Discovering of the Bawkhoor, Book one, a folklore fantasy-adventure; aimed at developing self-worth in young adults. Set against the backdrop of Edwardian England, it tells an emotional heartwarming story about an orphaned eleven-year-old Strawwilligan boy, and his nine-year-old brother, whom both feel abandoned and unloved. This mystic adventure embarks upon Dweezlehumbard’s journey to save his village from the dreaded Blackbirds; who have captured his dear inventor friend, Mr Strewwingle. The demanding quest also renders a more personal journey, where ultimately Dweezlehumbard discovers his real identity. With impending danger, ruthless monsters and a sense of heart-throbbing discovery, Dweezlehumbard uncovers his true worth.

The first six introductory chapters are set in 1970’s England, Starting with human characters. Charlie Thickett (Grandfather of Jimmy and Lucy Thickett, who are at that time visiting with family) eagerly recounts his first meeting with Master Dweezlehumbard the Brave, (a Strawwilligan: minuscule folk made of straw). Grandpa has kept these tiny mystic folk, and their adventures secret ever since childhood and now entrusts the secrets of the Straw People to his grandchildren.

The story then plunges into the mythical world of Straw Valley in Edwardian times, through the rich storytelling of Grandpa Charlie. The following chapters reveal how Dweezlehumbard, a timid boy; at that time (and his brother Nicklewink) were orphaned after the supposed death of their parents. Following this, they were brought up by a succession of cruel foster parents who made sure they were disliked by village folk. An eagerness to know who they are leads them on a journey of discovery, adventure and the uncovering of their true identities.

The cruelty of their foster-parents leaves them feeling unloved, unwanted and misunderstood. Until one portentous day, they help Mr Strewwingle (an eccentric inventor) defend the village against an attack by the dreaded Blackbirds. Craw their leader, a villainous enemy, threatens to enslave them all to build him cities in the trees. However, they defeat him, and overnight they become heroes, alongside Mr Strewwingle.

After a night of celebrations and romantic beginnings between Rosselburry (the stories' heroine) and Dweezlehumbard, Craw returns, burning the Village and kidnapping Mr Strewwingle. Dweezlehumbard and his brother mourn this tragedy, as he was like a loving father.

Amid these calamities, a mysterious man appears: Old Enclebert Wiseman (the Village Sage). He announces that it has been long foretold that someone from the Village would rescue them from the clutches of Craw. That person would be the long awaited Bawkhoor (or chosen one), written in the scrolls of the ancients. It is the "Bawkhoor" who will usher in the new golden age and bring peace back to their land.

With much soul-searching, Dweezlehumbard fearfully musters the courage and offers to rescue Mr Strewwingle and help save the Village; showing new found boldness and unwittingly discovering that he is the chosen one. Joining him and his brother on the dangerous quest are, Igglestalk and Ogglewok (Twin brother and sister), Foddergunch, a wise travelling guide, and eventually the courageous Rosselburry. Thier journey north will take them to the dreaded Scarecrow Valley, where they are to forge old alliances with savage Scarecrows to help defeat Craw, once and for all. Before disembarking, they are appropriately equipped for the perils ahead. After a sumptuous breakfast, Enclebert leads them down to the secret Armoury of Longlestraw the Great, below his cottage. It is hallowed ground and hotly contested by Craw, who is unaware of its location. Its existence is the true reason he desires Straw Valley: as it holds all their most sacred heirlooms and valuable possessions.

Dweezlehumbard and his companions follow deep into the earth to find more than they bargained for. Dweezle himself, (as his name appears throughout most of the book) is now faced with deeply rooted fears; namely his self-worth and the expectation of a fickle village. It is there in the low lit rooms of the cavern that he slowly finds his courage and self-belief; spurred on by the tender care of his new friends, and wisdom of Old Enclebert.

Now clad in armour and provisions for the journey, they march off to the Village Square for a grand send-off. Rosselburry rejoins them (much to Dweezlehumbard's delight) and with fond farewells they head off to find Mr Strewwingle, not knowing that their journey would soon take a turn for the worse. The book closes with a threatening message from Craw; giving them one week to surrender or their village will be gone forever. Enclebert hearing this, is enraged, and prepares for his own adventure as the company of Dweezlehumbard set off for the unknown dangers of Scarecrow Valley and beyond; unaware of their race against time. These events set the scene for the follow-up book.

Main Characters -

Dweezlehumbard Thistlethatch (main character)

Nicklewink Thistlethatch (Dweezle’s young brother)

Master Foddergunch (Guide to Blackbird Forest)

Old Enclebert Wiseman (the Village Sage)

Igglestalk Bucklewood (Twin sister of Ogglewok) also known as “Lady White - guardian of the company.

Ogglewok Bucklewood (Twin brother of Igglestalk) Both are also known as the Bucklewood twins

Twinsygrain Thatchworth (Daughter of Mr and Mrs Thatchworth)

Rosellburry Willowherb (Dweezle’s sweetheart)

Dosslebuck (Village Bard)

Mr Semillion Thatchworth (Most Honorary Member of the Village Council) Also known as Lord Semillion Thatchworth or Mr Thatchworth

Mrs Bessy Thatchworth (Wife of Mr Thatchworth) Also known as Mrs Thatchworth

Mr and Mrs Coddlewick (Foster parents of Dweezlehumbard and Nicklewink)

Mr Ebineezer Strewwingle (the Village Inventor) Also known as Mr Strewwingle

Blackbirds

Craw (the Diabolical)

Diver (Second in command and head of Snatch division)

Sergeant Nit (Attack Division)

Trolk's of the East

Golgiath (giant Troll who protects Humber town. Lives on the borders of Crooked oak woods, book two) *Like Trolf’s but hairy - They live in mountain areas and in caves.

Trolf's of the West

''*Giant Trolls rarely seen anymore. Hairless and slimy - they live in marshes and swamps and are thought to protect the entry to Blackbird Forest near the Briar.''

Dolf (The Chief of all Trolf’s and Master of the underground caverns)

Trogwomps ''*Small relatives of the ancient trolls. Ugly, half hairy and full of weeping warts.''

Drongel (Chief Trogwomp, book two)

Pugg (Drongel’s lieutenant, book two)