The new vegan

A rich and silky Irish casserole studded with irresistibly chewy barley

Sat 11 Nov 2023 07.00 EST

When I was growing up, the crack of a can of Guinness and the subsequent foamy, white moustache sported by my dad marked the end of the working week, when he temporarily laid his suit to rest. Even now, two tins of the stuff are waiting on the kitchen table for my husband, Hugh, and me when we drive from London to Lincolnshire on a Friday night to see my parents. In this recipe, its velvet, ferrous tang is softened somewhat as it lends its savoury richness to a pearl barley stew that, to me, is every bit as comforting as a trip down memory lane.

Prep 15 minCook 1 hr Serves 4

7 tbsp olive oil 2 brown onions, peeled and finely chopped 2 carrots (200g), finely diced into 3-5mm pieces 2 celery stalks (200g), finely diced into 3-5mm pieces 4 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed 1 tbsp tomato paste 750g chestnut mushrooms, halved and cut into 5mm slices 250ml Guinness stout 1 tsp fine sea salt 150g pearl barley

To finish 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice 20g parsley, very finely chopped tsp fine sea salt

Put five tablespoons of the oil in a large casserole on a medium heat and, when hot, then add the onions, carrots and celery, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes. Stir in the garlic, cook for another five minutes, then add the tomato paste and mushrooms, and mix well. Leave to cook for another minutes or so, stirring every now and then, until the mushrooms have reduced.

Pour in the Guinness (it will froth up), salt and 700ml water, and bring to a simmer. Stir in the pearl barley, then leave to simmer on a medium to low heat for 30 minutes, until the grains are tender; keep an eye on the pot and, if need be, top up with more water.

While the stew is cooking, in a small bowl mix the remaining two tablespoons of oil with the lemon juice, parsley and salt.

Divide the stew between four bowls and spoon as little or as much of the salsa on top as you wish.

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Meera Sodhas vegan recipe for mushroom, Guinness and pearl barley stew - The Guardian

For most people, chocolate is a year-round treat. But during the holidays, the sweet treat booms in popularity. In 2019, one report found that more than 90 percent of Americans gift chocolate and candy to their loved ones throughout the holiday season. But with the festive period approaching, Consumer Reports (CR)a US nonprofit dedicated to independent product testingis urging people to be careful of the type of chocolates they buy. According to a new study from the organization, a third of chocolate products are high in heavy metals, like lead and cadmium.

Heres more about the CR report, plus why, unfortunately, vegan chocolate is not exempt from the warnings. But dont panic: chocolate isnt off the menu completely. Heres what you need to know.

The new report from CR tested 48 popular chocolate products on the market, including chocolate chips, bars, and brownie mixes, and found that 16 contained concerning levels of lead, cadmium, or both.

The reason these heavy metals are present in chocolate is because they are often present in the soil of cocoa plantations. For that reason, it is very difficult for chocolate manufacturers to ensure that their products are entirely heavy metal-free. This is the same for many other foods, including root vegetables, like carrots and sweet potatoes, for example.

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All these sources can add up, so it is important to be aware of different pathways that contribute to your overall heavy metal intake, CR says, before noting that exposure to heavy metals may be particularly harmful to pregnant people and children, as they may cause damage to the brain and nervous system. This can potentially lead to developmental delays and learning problems. Frequent lead exposure in adults may also lead to kidney damage, reproductive issues, hypertension, and immune system suppression, CR notes.

The nonprofit tested several products from major chocolate manufacturers, including Hersheys, Nestl, Trader Joes, and Walmart, to see if they exceeded Californias maximum allowable dose levels for lead and cadmium. For the former, thats 0.5 micrograms per day, and for the latter, thats 4.1 micrograms per day. There are no federal limits for lead and cadmium.

CR found that Hersheys, in particular, had several products with concerning levels of lead.

Unfortunately, dark chocolate, which is often vegan by default, was one of the worst offenders for heavy metals. And thats because these products have a much higher percentage of cocoa in the mix. When we tested dark chocolate bars last year, we found lead or cadmium levels above CRs thresholds in 23 of 28 bars, or 82 percent of them, CR reported. Our results this time were similar. Of the seven bars we tested, five, or 71 percent, were above our levels for lead, cadmium, or both.

One of the brands tested in the report was Evolved, which claims to be a clean chocolate brand and is certified USDA Organic. However, according to CR, eating one ounce of its Signature Dark 72% Cacao Chocolate Bar would put you over the limit for both cadmium and lead. On its FAQ page, the brand declares: We consistently test our cacao for Lead, Cadmium, Arsenic, and Mercury, as do our suppliers, and fall well below the chocolate thresholds set by the As You Sow organization, and the FDA.

The As You Sow organization is a shareholder advocacy group committed to raising awareness of the presence of heavy metals in chocolate. In 2018, after filing legal notices with more than 20 major chocolate companiesincluding Hersheys, Lindt, Chocolove, and Marsit reached a first-of-its-kind settlement with 31 companies, each of whom pledged to fund an independent expert committee to investigate the sources of heavy metals in chocolate and find solutions to lowering those levels.

However as CRs report demonstrates, there is still significant work to be done in this area.

While concerning, these reports dont show that its time to stop eating chocolate altogether. Many dark chocolate bars do comply with Californias allowable dose, on the As You Sow website, you can find a comprehensive list of which chocolate bars register below the states limits.

For example, Equal Exchanges Organic Panama Extra Dark 80% Cacao passes the test, as does Chocoloves Extreme Dark Chocolate bar. This isnt an automatic pass for all of these brands products, however, as some still register with higher levels of heavy metals than Californias allowable dose.

While CR confirmed that milk chocolate seemed to generally have lower doses of heavy metals than dark chocolate, it did not test any of the vegan milk chocolate options on the market. That said, it stands to reason that the less cocoa a chocolate bar has, the lower the risk of heavy metal content. But if youre concerned, you can also reach out to brands to confirm that they comply with Californias allowable dose levels, and some brands also offer this information on their FAQ pages.

Last year, Melissa Melough, an assistant professor of behavioral health and nutrition at the University of Delaware, told The New York Times that while it is important to be cautious around chocolate consumption, its not necessary to give it up entirely.

She told the publication that for those who eat chocolate often, it may be worth choosing products with lower heavy metal concentrations. She added that, for most adults, a general rule of thumb is to consume no more than once per day, while pregnant people and children should consider eating dark chocolate only once or twice a week.

Charlotte is a writer and editor based in sunny Southsea on England's southern coast.

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As Reports Surface Around Heavy Metals, Is It Safe to Eat Vegan ... - VegNews

With the 118-day Screen Actors Guild (SAG) strike ending amid the holiday season, we caught up with one of our favorite vegan actors, Torrey Devitto. You may recognize her from hit TV shows like Chicago Med, Vampire Diaries, One Tree Hill, and Pretty Little Liarsbut DeVitto is also well known for her vegan activism. Keep reading to learn Torrey DeVittos tips to thrive during the holiday season as a vegan.

Torrey DeVitto (TD): I have been spending time at my farm with my fiance and all the animals. Not working has also allowed me a lot more family time that I have been taking advantage of. A big one has been spending extra time with my 2 1/2-year-old niece, Iya.

TD: I love vegan chai lattes and pumpkin pie. I could eat an entire vegan pumpkin pie in one sitting.

TD: I found this delicious vegan corn casserole online about two years ago that has become a staple! I also love making my vegan stuffing and cranberry sauce. My grandma said its the best cranberry sauce she has ever had. Im taking that as my Thanksgiving trophy!

Photo by Manfred Baumann

TD: Just be casual and have fun with it! The easier you feel to express yourself about what you [are] comfortable eating and what you [arent], the easier people feel around you!

TD: Cozy sweats are a must! Thickly layered overalls for the mornings cleaning the goat stalls are another fall fashion must for me. They might not be for everyone, but for me out here, theyre a big hit! I love a good pair of boots to wear with jeans and scarves. For me, the fall is all about layering and looking cozy while still fashionable.

TD: Elina Organics [vegan-friendly] face products. Because they are so well made and really, really work. I swear by her products!

To keep up with Torrey DeVitto, follow her on Instagram!

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Torrey DeVitto's Tips to Thrive During the Holiday Season as a Vegan - VegOut Magazine

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) Fort Wayne Vegan Restaurant Week begins Monday with 16 participating locations.

The purpose of the week is to showcase the diversity and creativity possible with plant-based foods at restaurants in the Fort Wayne area. Instead of offering a fixed price menu, restaurants a part of the week offer vegan menus in addition to their regular menus.

Typically we like to do something thats more than just a salad because when people think vegan food, they think salad or they think tofu, Heather Dahman, Founder of Vegan Fort Wayne, said. We wanted to do something completely different. So, we let our restaurants do whatever they want.

According to Sam Provines, a server and bartender at Junk Ditch Brewing Company, diners can expect a lot of colorful and creative dishes.

Theres a few like cooks [that] get really creative with the substitutions, Provines said. So, were really excited to broaden the horizons.

Vegan Restaurant Week lasts until Sunday, Nov, 19th. Below is the full list of participating restaurants:

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Fort Wayne Vegan Restaurant Week returns for 3rd year - WANE

A variety of products will be on sale this weekend as the Melton Mowbray Vegan Market returns to the town.

The event, which is on Sunday from 10.30am to 4pm in Market Place, will feature vegan street food, artisan bakes, craft cheeses, handmade cosmetics, ethical clothing & jewellery, arts and crafts and charity stalls.

It is organised by Vegan Market Co (VMCO), which has handpicked a selection of talented, ethical and sustainable businesses.

Lewis Beresford, VMCOs founder said: We are so excited to be back in Melton Mowbray.

"We work hard to find the countrys leading vegan producers, from street food vendors and bakers to ethical clothing and cosmetic producers.

"We also work with many local businesses and cant wait to give all of these fantastic producers the platform they deserve and introduce them to the wonderful people of Melton Mowbray.

The Melton Mowbray Vegan Market is in Market Place from 10.30am to 4pm on Sunday.

Continued here:

Vegan market returns to Melton Mowbray - Melton Times

Mac and cheese is one of Americas most beloved dishes. All varietiesgooey or baked, embellished or plainare welcome. Noodles draped in melted cheese and dairy; its a simple scoop of carb heaven. But when you need a vegan option, where do you begin? Why, with the cheese sauce, of course. Think of it this way: most dry pastas are already vegan, so youre halfway there. Use this cashew cheese sauce to take you the rest of the way.

The bulk of this recipe consists of soaked, softened cashews. The cashews become extremely tender after soaking and get blended with plant-based milk and spices, resulting in a thick, flavorful sauce. Its pretty amazing how soaking cashews can result in a texture totally different than the crunchy roasted version. (Try adding them to soups and stews.) The fat content in cashews creates a rich texture, the drupe has a mild flavor that can easily be manipulated by spices, and our cheesiest non-cheese friendnutritional yeastrounds the whole thing out. A pinch of MSG creates a subtle nod to parmesan cheese, and all you need to do is add the macaroni.

1. Soak the cashews

Theres the long way and the fast way, and both are effective. The long way is to add the raw cashews to a bowl and cover them with room temperature water. Leave them to soak for about four hours or overnight. The fast way is to dump the cashews in a bowl and then cover them with freshly boiled water. Let them soak for 30 to 45 minutes. The cashews will look swollen, pale, and some of them will split along the center. Other than those signs, I recommend you eat one. The cashew will be very soft, but still have some integrity.

2. Blend with the other ingredients

Drain the cashews and add them to a blender, along with the nutritional yeast, a clove of garlic, spices, salt, and MSG. Add half of the liquid measurement, and blend for about 30 seconds at high speed. Add the rest of the liquid measurement and blend again until smooth.

This sauce works best if you have a high-powered blender. I have a pretty good blender but it wasnt enough to make the sauce as smooth as I wanted. I had to transfer the mixture to a deep bowl and use my immersion blender to smooth it out, which always works when Im in a pinch. This cashew sauce is savory and satisfying, and the nutritional yeast does a great job delivering a cheese-like flavor. It will not have a stretchy cheese-pull to offer, but it is supremely creamy.

While you can use this sauce for topping vegetables, or swiping over eggs, I mixed a pound of elbow macaroni into my cashew sauce and poured it into a buttered casserole dish. Then, I generously topped it with panko crumbs (make sure to check the pankos ingredients if youre vegan) and spritzed the top with spray oil to aid in browning. You could also stir the bread crumbs with a teaspoon of oil if you dont have a spray bottle. My mac went into a 400F oven for 15 minutes to crisp on top and set throughout. This made for a clean-slicing casserole, but it lost its goo factor. If you want to keep it creamy, just broil it for a minute or two to brown the breadcrumbs.

Ingredients:

1 cup raw cashews

cup nutritional yeast

1 garlic clove, peeled

1 cup unsweetened oat milk (substitute other plant milks)

teaspoon turmeric

teaspoon paprika

teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon mustard

1 teaspoon salt

teaspoon MSG

1 pound of macaroni, boiled

1 cup of panko crumbs

Spray oil to coat the crumbs

1. Preheat the oven to 400F, if baking. Butter a medium or large casserole dish.

2. Put the cashews in a bowl and cover them with just-boiled water. Soak them for 30 to 45 minutes.

3. Drain the cashews. Put them in a blender with the nutritional yeast, garlic, turmeric, paprika, onion powder, mustard, salt, and MSG. Add half of the oat milk. Blend the mixture on high speed until thick and smooth, about 30 seconds. Add the other half of the oat milk, and blend again until smooth. Mix the cashew sauce together with the cooked macaroni and add it to the buttered casserole dish.

3. Top the mac and cheese with panko crumbs and spray them with oil. Bake the mac for 15 minutes, or broil it for one or two minutes if you just want a crispy topping.

Read more from the original source:

Easy Vegan Cashew Sauce Mac and Cheese Recipe - Lifehacker

Vegan goats cheese is now available in Waitrose supermarkets across the UK in another landmark moment for plant-based cheese.

Goats cheese lovers can get their hands on plant-based organic brand Palace Cultures Mouldy Goaty in stores and online.

Winner of a Great Taste award 2023, Mouldy Goaty is made with organic cashews and almonds. It also contains coconut milk, sea salt, and live cultures.

Palace Culture started life in a family kitchen in Crystal Palace, London, in 2018. Founder Mirko Parmigiani wanted to create a dairy-free cheese that the whole family, including his dairy-intolerant son, could enjoy.

Having previously been sold at markets and independent stores, including La Fauxmagerie, Palace Culture cheeses are now available nationwide. Mouldy Goaty is available at an introductory price of 4.46 (which will rise to 5.95).

Two other Palace Culture products are also entering Waitrose. Kimcheeze is a soft cheese made with red chillies and Holy Smokes is a smoky cream cheese. Both are also available at an introductory price of 4.46.

With new product launches happening ever more regularly, vegan cheese has well and truly become mainstream in the UK. Until now, however, goats cheese had remained more elusive for many consumers.

On Instagram, enthusiastic consumers called the announcement the best news ever.

Investigations have unveiled cruelty in the goat milk industry. Like humans, goats need to have a baby in order to produce milk. On farms, they are forcibly impregnated and newborn goats are taken from their mothers.

The arrival of vegan goats cheese in supermarkets offers an alternative for consumers looking for a more ethical alternative to their favorite cheese.

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You Can Now Buy Vegan Goats Cheese In UK Supermarkets - Plant Based News

Its now just over a week until Thanksgiving, and if you havent already found your chosen spot, there are plenty of options! There's even a vegan Thanksgiving meal on offer in the capital! You can take a look at our first rundown of Thanksgiving deals here, but now without further ado lets get those belly rumblings with even more delicious offerings!

Date: Nov 23-25, 5-10pm Location: Pebbles Courtyard Price: RMB 128

Date: Nov 23, 5pm-midnight Location: Q Mex (all branches) Price: RMB258

Date: Nov 23, 7pm Location: 4corners Price: RMB 228

Thanksgiving Meal Date: Nov 20-26 Location: Arrow Factory Price: RMB 298

Vegans of Beijing Thanksgiving Date: Nov 23, 7pm-Nov 26 Location: Arrow Factory Price: RMB 298

Turkey To Go Date: Nov 20-Dec 25 Location: Pick up from Arrow Factory or delivery Price: Scan QR code in poster to find out more

Jumbo American Turkey Thanksgiving Plate Date:Nov 23 Location: Goose Island Price: RMB 288

Thanksgiving To Go Date: Now-Nov 30 Location: Delivery Price: RMB 1,488-1,688

Date: Now-Nov 25 Location: Delivery or pick up from Larry the Bird Price: RMB 208

Date: Nov 21, 6.30pm Location: Daccapo Restaruant, Regent Beijing Price: RMB 298, add free flow for RMB 128

NJoy Thanksgiving Lunch Buffet Date: Nov 23, 11.30am-2pm Location: NJoy, Nuo Hotel Price: RMB 288 adult, RMB 179 child

NJoy Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet Date: Nov 23, 5.30-9.30pm Location: NJoy, Nuo Hotel Price: RMB 429 adult, RMB 215 child

Thanksgiving Turkey Set Date: Now-Dec 31 Location: Delivery Price: RMB 1,288

Honey Ham Set Date: Now-Dec 31 Location: Delivery Price: RMB 1,288

Click here for more information on above deals and to buy

Date: Nov 23, 6-10pm Location: Signatures Restaurant, Kempinski Hotel Price: RMB 539 adult, RMB 268 child (aged 6-11 years old)

Date: Nov 23, 11.30am-2pm, 5.30-9.30pm Location: Marriott Bonvoy Price: RMB 298

Date: Now-Dec 26 Location: Delivery only Price: RMB 1,088-1,488

Aroma Thanksgiving Day Dinner Buffet Date: Nov 23-25, 5.30-9.30pm Location: Aroma, The Ritz Carlton Price: RMB 498 on the day, RMB 398 WeChat store

Thanksgiving with Singleton Whisky Date: Nov 23, 7-9pm Location: Lobby Lounge, The Ritz Carlton Price: RMB 1,000

Five Course Set Menu plus Glass of Mulled Wine Date: Nov 23, 5.30-9.30pm Location: Char, Intercontinental Price: RMB 888

Turkey To Go Date: Now-Dec 31 Location: Delivery Price: RMB 1,388

Ham To Go Date: Now-Dec 31 Location: Delivery Price: RMB 988- 1,388

Date: Nov 23, 5.30-9pm Location: Feast, East Hotel Price: RMB 428

Scan QR code below and click on "E-Shop" to buy

Date: Now-Nov 26 Location:blue frog (all locations) Price: RMB 1,388 (6-8 people)

Turkey Feast Date: Now-Dec 31 Location: Shangri-La Shougang Park Price: RMB 1,288

Ham Feast Date: Now-Dec 31 Location: Shangri-La Shougang Park Price: RMB 988

Turkey To Go Date: Now-Dec 31 Location: Delivery Price: RMB 1,188

Ham To Go Date: Now-Dec 31 Location: Delivery Price: RMB 888

Click here for more information on above deals and to buy

Turkey Leg Set Date: Now-Dec 31 Location: Empark, Prime Hotel Price: RMB 188

Whole Turkey Set Date: Now-Dec 31 Location: Empark, Prime Hotel Price: RMB 1,099

Whole Turkey Date: Nov 17-Dec 31 Location: Delivery Price: RMB 988 early bird (Nov 17-23), RMB 1,288 standard

Half Turkey Date: Nov 17-Dec 31 Location: Delivery Price: RMB 588 early bird (Nov 17-23), RMB 988 standard

Family Dinner Menu Date: Nov 22-25 Location: Eudora Station Price: RMB 938

Turkey Thanksgiving Delivery Date: Nov 15-Dec 25 Location: Delivery Price: RMB 1,180-1,380

Goose Thanksgiving Delivery Date: Nov 15-Dec 25 Location: Delivery Price: RMB 938

Roast Turkey or Ham Thanksgiving Dinner Date: Nov 23-26 Location: Steak & Eggs Price: RMB 145 adults, RMB 79 kids under eight years old

Whole Turkey or Ham To Go Date: Nov 15-Dec 25 Location: Delivery Price: See poster above for details

READ:Gobble Gobble! Where to Get Your Turkey and All the Fixings Pt.1

Images: courtesy of the venues, Canva

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Gobble Gobble! Where to Get Your Turkey (Plus Vegan Option) and ... - The Beijinger

Oatly Group AB (Nasdaq: OTLY), the worlds largest oat drink company, known for its witty marketing campaigns, has announced a new collaboration in the US with Insomnia Cookies.

Present at all 250+ locations across North America, Oatlys 11oz Original and Chocolate Oatmilks are now featured alongside Insomnia Cookies assortment of signature warm cookies, desserts, and ice creams.

Following a steady decline since mid 2021, Oatlys stock surged by well over 30% after the announcement of the new partnership and has since leveled out.

The company has been shifting toward an asset-light supply chain strategy in an effort to boost profitability and has stated that it is on track to post profits this year. Part of this strategy has included transferring plant management and manufacturing facets to entities like Ya YA in the US. Simultaneously, Oatly has canceled plant construction plans, aiming to enhance operational focus, reduce complexity, and minimize capital expenditure.

Insomnia Cookies, a swiftly expanding late-night bakery, operates over 245 locations in the US. Mike Messersmith, the president of Oatly North America, emphasized the alignment of the new partnership, stating, Among the most quintessential of food combinations has to be milk and cookies. Insomnia Cookies has built an amazing brand and reputation for providing fantastic cookies and more whenever people are craving them, and we know that our Oatly oat milks will be a perfect complement to any order. Were delighted to continue building our foodservice footprint in the US with such a sweet partner.

Amidst a busy year, Oatly has appointed a new CEO, launched various products and foodservice initiatives, including soft-serve ice cream in Deutsche Bahn lounges across Germany and for UK foodservice, and opened a pop-up soft-serve shop in Amsterdam. The company introduced Philadelphia-style cream cheese in the US, expanded its oat drink range in the UK, and initiated product sales on Amazon in Europe.

Tom Carusona, Chief Marketing Officer at Insomnia Cookies, concluded, Oatly is the original oat milk and has paved the way for the plant-based milk revolution. Were excited to bring this new offering to our customers, who we know are increasingly looking for great non-dairy options that are better for the planet. Paired with our signature, warm delicious cookies, its a no-brainer.

More:

Oatly Stock Surges Following Partnership Announcement with ... - vegconomist - the vegan business magazine

Imitation is not just the sincerest form of flattery its the sincerest form of learning. George Bernard Shaw

I learned to draw by copying from my favorite comic books, trying to understand each heros pose, their expression, and how their muscles fit together under all that spandex. (Superheroes have soooo many muscles!)

I think that we all learn that way. How to act, how to dress, how to move through the world. You see someone doing something amazing, and you try your best to do it the same way. Its only natural, right? So why does it feel so bad being called a copycat?

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My new book The Cardboard Kingdom: Snow & Sorcery came out in early November. Its the third book in a series that Ive written with a total of eleven different writers, and weve always tried to create a wide-reaching, inclusive world where each child in the kingdom can express themselves with homemade costumes and creativity. In Snow & Sorcery, that sense of play and adventure inspires kids from the nearby neighborhood of Parkside to join in the fun. But things do NOT go well.

When Mr. Millionaire waves a hand drawn million-dollar bill to prove he really is a millionaire, Alice the Alchemist calls him a counterfeiter and a crook. She is a hard-working young entrepreneur, and shes offended by his fakery.

When Jack the Sorceress sees Nando the Necromancer show up in a cool costume with snazzy eye makeup, Jack asks, Youre a BOY dressing up as a dark magic diva?! But, he says, Thats MY thing!

And then theres the Copycat, who wears a mish-mash of costume parts that shes proudly copied from other Cardboard Kingdom kids.

Needless to say, the new kids from Parkside are not warmly welcomed into the Cardboard Kingdom, setting up a string of misunderstandings and conflicts that will escalate over the course of the book.

As I developed the stories of Snow & Sorcery with members on my writing team, we kept circling around the same questions: Why is it so uncomfortable seeing ourselves reflected in others? When is it okay to be a copycat? How inclusive and expansive can the Cardboard Kingdom really be?

I like to ask a lot of questions with my work, and I dont claim to come up with answers for all of them. But heres some of what Ive learned while working on Snow & Sorcery.

What we fear in the mirror:

We all have faces. Theyre awkward, expressive things that we use to interact with those around us: to talk, to display emotion, to interpret the feelings of others. But theres this strange, uncanny thing about faces: you can never really know what yours looks like. You can look into a mirror, which certainly helps, but you can never actually know how everyone else sees you. Not unless they show you.

I think that the fundamental horror of being mimicked, imitated, or caricatured is discovering something ugly about ourselves that we hadnt seen before. It can lead to anxiety and insecurity, the fear of ridicule or even replacement.

Thats what drives Jack the Sorceress to see Nando the Necromancer as a rival rather than a new friend. Later in the book, Jack explains that to Nando:

If were insecure about ourselves or our place in the world, seeing someone else like us can feel threatening, as if theyre going to steal whatever spot weve carved out for ourselves. Worse yet, if they show us something about ourselves that we dont like, weve got to either adjust our own self-image or deny reality.

Imitation and caricature are powerful things. They can be hilarious and insightful, or they can be absolutely devastatingeven unintentionally so. As an artist, I hesitate whenever someone asks me to draw a likeness of them. Capturing a likeness means identifying someones most distinctive traits, what sets them apart, but those specific things are often what theyre the most insecure about. Even with the best of intentions and the lightest touch, its a challenge. Whenever another artist draws me, I brace myself before looking at their work! (Insecurity apparently has no age limit or expiration date.)

The power of a costume:

At its heart, The Cardboard Kingdom is a kind of pastiche, an homage to all the superhero, fantasy, and science fiction stories that have inspired me and the entire creative team. Its an exploration of how we project our favorite imaginary worlds onto our everyday lives, using a cardboard costume to transform into a towering robot or an enchanting sorceress. Theres something incredible about copying, about costumes, and about creativity.

In The Cardboard Kingdom, each childs costume provides an opportunity to cosplay as a different character, but it also provides an option to try on a different personality for a while, to test drive a different aspect of themselves they might not be ready to deal with outside of it. Jack feels much more confident and powerful when in costume as the Sorceress, and he gradually learns to feel a bit more of that magic at school and at home.

The Copycat prides herself on her costuming craftsmanship, eagerly copying the cardboard pieces of everyone elses outfits. Its a skill she develops alongside her mimicry, as a means of fitting in.

As George Bernard Shaws quote conveyed at the start of this article, copying is about learning. Its a kind of rehearsal, trying to learn through repeating what you see, faking it til you make it.

People say that I have a distinctive illustration style, that they can tell from just a quick glance at a books cover that I drew it. But I dont really know what that style is. Its like my own face: its too much a part of me to get a proper look at. My artistic style only took shape after countless times copying and being inspired by others art, and somewhere along the way, it became uniquely mine.

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And now I have the distinct pleasure of seeing readers copy costumes from our book, dressing up as Jack the Sorceress or Seth the Gargoyle for Halloween. Its profound and inspiring to see the reverberations of your own creative work ripple out into the world, to see glimmering reflections of it shine back at you. And I hope its just as powerful for those kids to see themselves reflected in our book, to read characters that look and act just like them.

There are a lot of lessons to learn from copycats.

Meet the author

Chad Sell grew up in a small town in central Wisconsin. He lived in a neighborhood much like the Cardboard Kingdom, where he and his friends bounded through backyards in imaginative games and outfits! His favorite characters to play were the villains because, despite being different and misunderstood, they were powerful and confident, and they got the best costumes. Chad lives in Connecticut with his husband and cat. Chads other books include Doodleville and The Stupendous Switcheroo.

About The Cardboard Kingdom #3: Snow and Sorcery

The kids of the Cardboard Kingdom go on a new adventure! This time, they are in search of new friendsbut what they discover is a lot more likeenemies

Its winter break in the Cardboard Kingdom, and kids from the town across the park want to play together! But according to the evil Sorceress, not just anyone can join the kingdom So its not long before the two communities spiral into battle.

Will the Sorceress realize the error of her ways before all hope is lost? Will friendship still manage to win the day?

The Cardboard Kingdom: Snow and Sorcerywas created, organized, and drawn by Chad Sell with writing from seven other authors: Jay Fuller-Ng, David DeMeo, Katie Schenkel, Vid Alliger, Manuel Betancourt, Barbara Perez Marquez, and Jasmine Walls.

ISBN-13: 9780593481639 Publisher: Random House Childrens Books Publication date: 11/07/2023 Series: Cardboard Kingdom Series #3 Age Range: 9 12 Years

Filed under: Guest Post

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Copycats and Conflict in The Cardboard Kingdom, a guest post by ... - Teen Librarian Toolbox