Join Harlen and his friends AS THEY FACE THE STORM AND LEARN THE IMPORTANCE OF supporting ONE other DURING TIMES OF crises!
ARTIST STATEMENT
On September 27, 2024, Hurricane Helene roared through Western North Carolina, leaving devastation and heartache in its wake. The mountains, usually so peaceful, were battered by wind and rain in ways that few residents had ever experienced. Homes were flooded, trees were uprooted, and entire communities were left in shock, struggling to make sense of the destruction around them.
Having grown up in Florida, I’m no stranger to hurricanes. I’ve weathered through many, learning how to pick up the pieces afterward. However, witnessing the devastation in North Carolina — a place I now call home — affected me on a deeper, more personal level. Watching my friends and neighbors grapple with the aftermath made me deeply grateful for the first responders, volunteers, and everyday heroes who stepped in to help. I felt compelled to do something that would honor their efforts while also providing comfort to those in need. That’s when the idea for Harlen came to life.
This book is a love letter to the Appalachian Mountains. Its culture and landscape inspired many of the characters and illustrations. Local sayings and dialect also found their way in, adding to the authentic Appalachian feel.
By blending these elements with Harlen's story, I aim to present a story that shows how kindness and helping others can weather any storm, even in times of adversity.
about the book
Nestled deep in the Appalachian Mountains is the little holler of Whistle Creek, where in a cozy little cave you’ll find Harlan, a big-hearted sasquatch with a knack for growin’ greens. Each day, Harlen tends his garden, dreamin’ it’ll be the finest patch of greens this side of the Mississippi. But when a storm barrels through the town, Harlen must set aside his gardening tools in order to help his neighbors. Together, they brave the howlin’ winds and discover that helpin’ one another makes ‘em all stronger than any storm.
Harlen and the Howlin’ Storm is a picture book for ages 5 and up from Once Upon a Game. It’s a charming story about friendship, courage, and coming together when it matters most. Parents will love the meaningful lessons and playful southern twang, while kids will fall in love with the unforgettable characters and magical illustrations. A must for any library — and a favorite we hope you’ll return to again and again!
about the AUTHOR & Book Designer - Carlos VArgas
Carlos Vargas is a Cuban American and LGBTQIA+ artist, designer, and author. He owns and operates Once Upon a Game, a boutique publishing house that specializes in creating board games and books for families to enjoy together. Outside of work and design, Carlos enjoys playing tabletop games, knitting quirky creatures called BLOTS, and relaxing with a Disney movie. He lives in Boone, NC with his partner and their three cats.
about the ILLUSTRATOR - Andrea Revilla
Andrea Revilla is a Venezuelans artist and llustrator with a passion for capturing and illustrating people's lives. With a couple of years of experience in both traditional and digital media, Andrea bring creativity to every project they work on. In their free time, Andrea enjoy diving into a good middle grade novel with a big cup of coffee by their side. CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE OF ANDREA REVILLA’S WORK