Eva Vestlie Kastensson and Petra Bramsell writing sequel

Children’s book creators Eva Vestlie Kastensson and illustrator Petra Bramsell are writing a sequel to their debut children’s book, shifting their storytelling to the landscapes of the Bjäre Peninsula. Titled Regnbågsdraken Iris och de sju hemligheterna (The Rainbow Dragon Iris and the Seven Secrets), the upcoming project is slated for completion after the turn of the year.

From Dalsland Forests to Bjäre Shores

Based locally in Rammsjöstrand and Båstad, the creative partners chose a fresh backdrop for their next installment. Their initial work was set in Dalsland’s forests and inspired by Vestlie Kastensson’s grandchild. Now, the focus narrows onto the internal world of the rainbow dragon Iris, exploring her journey to become “strong in herself.”

650 Copies Sold and Preschool Reading Requests Arrive

The duo’s first collaboration was considered a good debut: out of an initial print run of 1,000 copies, 650 have already sold. Sales ran through shops on the Bjäre Peninsula, online bookstores, and book fairs in Gothenburg and Dalsland.

“We have received a lot of positive feedback, from parents and children but also educators, which is very fun,” Vestlie Kastensson said.

Vestlie Kastensson has received requests to read the book to children at preschools in Båstad and Dalsland. She conducts these sessions completely free of charge, treating them as a hands-on contribution to early child literacy.

Iris Faces a Manipulative Fox and a Boastful Magpie

Targeted squarely at children between the ages of 4 and 9, the new narrative introduces new challenges for the rainbow dragon. Iris must reckon with two distinct characters: “Greve Valdemar den Ädle,” a manipulative fox who is neither a count nor particularly noble, and “Skatan Karpa,” a magpie defined by her boastful and gossipy nature.

A Smooth Creative Partnership

For Bramsell, who brings the story to life through her visual art, the transition from the first book to the sequel has been remarkably smooth. The creative bond formed early on, carrying them effortlessly through the process.

“It was like a dream come true and it flowed very well,” Bramsell said.

With the manuscript now fully written, Bramsell is actively finalizing the artwork to ready the book for its upcoming publication.