Debuting
picture book author J. E. Sakura’s work graces walls in many states across the
U.S. During her forty-year career as a professional artist, her passion
was creating murals filled with whimsical images children would be drawn to and
with which they’d be inclined to interact. Sakura has now turned her some of
her most beloved and characters into a delightful children’s e-book titled, Twinkle
and Luna.
While the
transition from artist to author was long in the making, Sakura admits that her
pictures have always come alive in stories that played out in her mind. Some of
the ideas were inspired by conversations with clients. Such is the case with Twinkle
and Luna. Says Sakura:
Years
ago, a client, the Fire Chief for Baltimore, told me he called the smoke
detector the guardian angel of his daughter's room. I thought that was
adorable, and added a little angel around it in the sky I painted onto
her ceiling. His idea of naming a smoke detector inspired me to name the
moon Luna, and the main star Twinkle, as well as imagine a relationship.
Supported by a degree in classical
literature, Sakura took a children's book writing class with Rick Walton at
BYU. The book was finished during that semester. Here is the back cover
blurb that will be included in Lulu’s paperback version:
"Have
you ever wondered if the Moon might be lonely, surrounded by so many stars far
away in the night sky? Twinkle dances with Sparkle, Shimmer, Glimmer, and Glow
every night, but Luna has no one. What would it take to bring them
together—maybe some stormy weather? Twinkle and Luna become unexpected
heroes for each other after just such a dark and dreary night."
More of
Sakura’s bright, beautiful picture books are in the works. Her time spent in
Japan and Korea, first as a missionary, and then as a teacher, influences her
art. On her website and blog she explains how she used Korean paper as the background
as she developed some of the night skies in Twinkle and Luna. Says
Sakura:
When not teaching English,
I wandered through ancient Korean farmlands and mountains, I wrote, and I worked
on illustrating my stories, which include 3 more: Flutter Bye and Lady
Dot; Bunny Birds & Co.; and When Mommy Stays Home. Like
Twinkle and Luna, the words all came to me in the form of lullaby-styled
songs. I'll make the CD for Twinkle and Luna this summer.
On a personal note, I
shared Twinkle and Luna with a three-year-old grandson. The pictures had
him completely engaged. I read the words of the story, but he was reacting to
the pictures before I was able to get the words out. After one read, he could
retell the story on his own.
Children will immediately
acquaint Twinkle and Luna to the beloved nursery song, “Twinkle, Twinkle
Little Star.” Twinkle and Luna expands on that magic with a story about
being kind, and befriending others. It’s delightful and timeless message is
eclipsed by the beautiful images which are the star of this book. It’s a gift
parents and grandparents will enjoy sharing with their little ones over and
over.
Twinkle
and Luna ebooks are available for $4.99 at http://www.lulu.com/shop/http://www.lulu.com/shop/j-e-sakura/twinkle-and-luna/ebook/product-22202915.html
The 8.5”
X 11” paperback is available through CreateSpace for $9.25. The purchase
link is https://www.createspace.com/4550406
You can
read more about J. E. Sakura’s artistry and her upcoming projects at: http://jesakuranoyume.blogspot.com/, and https://www.facebook.com/jesakura
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