The Earl of Elm and The Countess of Conifer
Written by Elisa Sargent
Illustrated by Daniel Crosier | Colored by Kevin Waltz
Published Issue December 2024, Birdy Magazine
This is an excerpt for the upcoming children’s book, The Earl of Elm and The Countess of Conifer.
The Earl of Elm and the Countess of Conifer went into town to visit the barber.
They knew by the crisp change in the air that it was time for the Earl to trim back his hair.
It was that time of year when his leaves began to thin, and he was preparing to fall asleep again.
But before he could rest, he put on his best and the Countess slipped on her evergreen dress.
They gathered their pets, Button, Porta and Truffles, and into the town the fancy couple shuffled.
The townspeople cheered and greeted their friends as they walked down the street to the shop at the end.
Passing the windows with the baubles and jewels, the countess decided she would like something new.
Because Christmas was coming and the forest would be festive, with the celebration of Yule in the deep wooden thickets.
They popped into a shop and met with the clerks, who immediately began their decorative work.
They happily covered her branches with silver and gold, and in exchange for their gifts she gave mistletoe.
For the ribbons they wrapped and the sparkling bows, she gladly exchanged her most beautiful pinecone.
With the Countess draped in her new shining beauty, the Earl entered the barber shop for his annual pruning.
As he began his work, the barber was surprised to find an angry little squirrel was hidden deep inside.
The barber kept a bowl of acorns for such an occasion, and the squirrel quickly forgave the startling invasion.
Now that the trip into town was a wild success, the couple headed home for the Earl’s seasonal rest.
The days became shorter and the nights began to chill, those who chose to hibernate had eaten their fill.
As the Earl became sleepy for his long winter night, the Countess and her court began to strike the Yule lights.
As Button, Porta and Truffles snuggled into the branches, the forest creatures began their festive Yule dances.
The snow fell lightly as the Conifer court began to sing, Merry Christmas to all, and many joys may the new year bring.
The Earl of Elm and the Countess of Conifer full children’s book is available on February 14, 2025
Snag a copy at When Baked Things Attack & on Amazon.
Elisa Sargent is an author, director and producer working in Colorado. Her list of stories include the comic book series When Baked Things Attack, For Eugenia, and Stanley Kaiju and the Subterranean Bunny Defenders as well as upcoming Wildbones of Old Reekie and Ivy Thornblossom. Elisa attended Colorado Film School in 2010 and has collaborated with filmmakers in the Colorado area for the past 14 years. Elisa works full-time with accounting and payroll software and spends any remaining free time rebuilding and restoring historic homes.
Daniel Crosier is a graduate of RMCAD 2000, with an BFA in sculpture. He is a mixed media artist and began a neo-kabuki performance group called OFM: OdAm fEI mUd in 2003. Daniel came on to the comic book scene in 2006 writing and illustrating Sons of Soil, The Exquisite Vanishteer, Distortions Unlimited, Vincent Price Presents, as well as illustrating Bartholomew of the Scissors & Caustic Soda. Daniel partnered with The Enigma and Serana Rose for Show Devils comic book series and collaborating with several Denver-based illustrators. He has directed short films since 2005, releasing his first feature film, Isolation Man, a mockumentary about a superhero who accidentally vanishes the Western Hemisphere. He has also added mural artist to his repertoire in 2016. Daniel is also one of the co-founders of Dink Denver Independent Comic and Art Expo and COFOH: Colorado Festival of Horror. See more of his work on Instagram.
Check out their past install, Stanley Kaiju and the Subterranean Bunny Defenders Go Underground, in cased you missed it, and keep your eyes peeled for more future work by this crew of creatives.