A popular series of kids books written and published in Prince George has just released it’s third book.
“The X-Tails” written by local Larry Fielding, is about animals who thrive on extreme sports, with the latest book, “The X-Tails Ski at Spider-Ridge” focusing on a character in a wheelchair.
“In this adventure, Wisdom the Lion takes the X-Tails on a surprise ski trip to Spider Ridge, and the thing about Spider Ridge is that is has the harriest ski run in the world – The Tarantula,” Fielding explains. “So, there’s no way the X-Tails will go near the Tarantula, but when they see someone ski’ing on it on a sit-ski, they can’t believe their eyes.”
“This story is near and dear to my heart,” he continues. “The main character not only uses a wheelchair, she’s also amazing on a sit-ski. Instead of the X-Tails seeing her as having a disability, they see her as having different abilities.”
He says the series was inspired by stories he would tell his children about his own love of sports.
“Eventually, I came up with the X-Tails characters and brought them into these adventures,” he says. “It was my wife Corrie that suggested that I put pen to paper and write these stories down.”
“I initially dismissed it, but the more I thought about it, I thought I’d give it a shot, that was well over two years ago and it has evolved now where I have three published books,” Fielding says.
You may have seen the books for sale at various shops around the city. It’s been a challenge for Fielding to get the word out about his series initially, but support from the community has made it easier.
“The people in Prince George have just been awesome,” he says. “It’s a great feeling, running into people that have heard of the X-Tails and their kids tell me how much they love reading the stories, so it’s going really well.”
Fielding says the book is also a way for him to give back to the community that has supported his dream.
“The best thing about this book, is that 50% of my royalties are going to be donated to support kids with mobility challenges,” he says. “The money raised will be used to purchase sports wheelchairs for programming in the Prince George area.”
Fielding is also working on his fourth book in the series, titled “The X-Tails BMX at Thunder Track, with a release set for December 1st.”
Fielding will also be promoting “The X-Tails” series at the Healthier You Expo in Prince George on Sunday.
Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].
