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A Tiny Dot in the Universe
The Cosmic Ballet shares with children the wonder and science of a solar eclipse from the perspectives of the Sun, Moon, and Earth. What was the inspiration for your story?
I’ve always been fascinated by space and its vastness. The idea that we’re just a tiny dot in the universe is both humbling and intriguing. With the total solar eclipse that happened recently, I discovered communities that were buzzing with excitement long before the event. Their enthusiasm was contagious, and I found myself captivated by the phenomenon. I thought a book could spread that excitement to children, making them curious about the wonders of space. So, I started writing, and once I finished, I sought out an illustrator to bring the story to life.
As someone who loves astrological events, I found this book wonderful and something I would share with the children in my life. What part of the book was the most fun to write?
Thank you so much! The most fun part was definitely imagining the eclipse from the Sun and Moon’s perspectives. Envisioning the eclipse as a grand show they’re putting on for us down here was delightful. It allowed me to inject a sense of playfulness and magic into the scientific explanation.
I loved the whimsical art style you use in this picture book. How did you decide on Jeanne Ee to illustrate your story?
I was instantly drawn to Jeanne Ee’s soft watercolor illustrations. They had this dreamy, enchanting quality that felt perfect for The Cosmic Ballet. When we spoke, she immediately understood my vision for the book. Her ability to translate that vision into such beautiful artwork made her the ideal choice.
What advice would you give to a writer working on their first book?
I’m very new and have a lot to learn, but if a friend asked me for advice, I’d say focus on creating a high-quality book that can stand alongside traditionally published ones. Don’t shy away from sharing your work with as many people as possible. It’s important to believe in your story and be your own biggest advocate.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Join the Sun, Moon, and Earth in a cosmic dance that turns day into night. This enchanting story follows the Sun as he announces a special day for a show-and-tell like no other. The Moon steps up, and together they create a magical eclipse, captivating kids and grown-ups alike.
A Poetic Journey: Told in lyrical rhyme, this story invites readers to dream big under the sun and stars, exploring the beauty and wonder of a solar eclipse.
Award-Winning Book: Winner of the Golden Wizard Book Prize, this captivating story showcases Gel See’s enchanting narrative paired with Jeanne Ee’s stunning illustrations.
Perfect for sparking curiosity and wonder in children ages 4-10, this story will be cherished for years, read over and over again, and inspire every child’s heart.
Embark on this celestial adventure and let the magic of the solar eclipse light up your night!
The Cosmic Ballet: A Solar Eclipse Adventure
The Cosmic Ballet takes young readers on a whimsical journey through the universe, narrating the magical spectacle of a solar eclipse. This children’s book captures the celestial event with a delightful rhythm, telling the story from the perspectives of the Sun, Moon, and Earth as they come together for this rare cosmic dance. With lyrical verses and enchanting imagery, it invites readers to witness the wonder and science of the solar eclipse in a way that feels like a bedtime story crossed with a planetarium show.
I was enchanted by the playful and poetic writing. The author does a fantastic job of personifying the celestial bodies, giving the Sun, Moon, and Earth distinct and charming personalities. I loved how the Sun exclaims, “Today is unique… It’s time for show-and-tell; let’s brighten the air!” This line perfectly sets the tone for the rest of the book, promising an adventure that’s both educational and entertaining. The rhyme scheme flows effortlessly, making it a joy to read aloud.
The description of the Moon “twirling and swaying” and the Sun “wrapping Moon in a cozy hug tight” is a beautiful metaphor for the eclipse. It’s a brilliant way to explain the concept of a solar eclipse to children without losing the sense of wonder and awe. Another highlight for me was the emotional depth and inspiration woven into the narrative. The ending, where a child dreams of “dancing among the stars,” and her mother’s encouraging words, “Chase your dreams my child, have no fear,” left me with a warm, fuzzy feeling.
The watercolor artwork by Jeanne Ee is nothing short of magical as it transforms each page into a standalone masterpiece. The blend of soft, dreamy hues and intricate details creates an immersive visual experience, making every page a captivating piece of art that beautifully complements the poetic narrative. Jeanne Ee’s illustrations are a true celebration of the celestial ballet, adding an extra layer of magic to this delightful story.
The Cosmic Ballet: A Solar Eclipse Adventure is a gem of a book that would be perfect for children, parents, educators, and anyone who loves the night sky. It’s an educational tool wrapped in a poetic narrative, making learning about space an enchanting experience.
Pages: 29 | ASIN : B0D18CRW57
Curiosity and Wonder
With Love from Mom: The Journey of Dreams centers on a mom reassuring her daughter that she will always be there for her in life and perhaps even in dreams. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration for With Love, From Mom: The Journey of Dreams comes from my own experiences as a mother to my daughter, Audrey. Since she was little, we’ve bonded over bedtime stories, and I wanted to write a story that celebrates the bond between a mother and her child. I aimed to capture the warmth and comfort of knowing that a parent’s love is constant and unwavering, both in waking moments and in dreams. It’s a love letter to my daughter and children everywhere, reminding them that they are always cherished and supported.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Gail Rae Javier?
I feel incredibly fortunate to have collaborated with Gail Rae Javier. As a new author, working with her has been wonderful. She brought her own artistic vision to my words, creating whimsical, dream-like illustrations that resonate with both children and parents. Gail’s talent for capturing gentle, heartfelt, and dreamy themes was exactly what I envisioned for the book. I appreciated her artistic point of view, and each illustration beautifully complemented the narrative, conveying the emotions and adventures of the mom and daughter. Her ability to translate my words into vivid, enchanting visuals brought the story to life beyond my expectations.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
There were several key ideas I wanted to convey. First and foremost, the theme of unconditional love and the strong bond between a mother and her child. I also wanted to emphasize the power of dreams and imagination, encouraging children to believe in themselves and explore the world with curiosity and wonder. Additionally, the story supports social and emotional learning (SEL), highlighting themes of love, self-worth, and emotional bonding. It’s important for me that children feel secure in their parents’ love and grow up confident in their individuality.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I am currently working on a new book that continues the adventures of the girl and her bunny from With Love from Mom: The Journey of Dreams. This time, they travel around the world, learning about different cultures, respecting customs, and immersing themselves in local traditions. It combines education with whimsy, aiming to broaden young readers’ horizons and foster a love and appreciation for the world around us. I’m excited to share that it will be available next year, and I can’t wait for readers to embark on this new journey with us.
I will also be releasing two more books this year in a series called Blossomvale. Curly’s Giving Heart follows Curly the Caterpillar as he learns the importance of balance and self-care while helping his friends. Feather’s Healing Song is a touching story about dealing with loss and finding joy again. Both books explore universal themes of friendship, self-discovery, and resilience, designed to entertain and impart valuable life lessons to young readers. I’m excited to share these heartwarming tales with children and families everywhere.
AuthorLinks: GoodReads | Instagram | Website
Experience the Magic:
“A nurturing sendoff into a dreamworld of playful wonderment.” – Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review, Get It Award)
“Each page feels like a mother’s hug, filled with love and care.” – Readers’ Favorite 5-Star Review
“A whimsical journey of fancy and love in the land of dreams.” – Reedsy 4-Star Review
A Poetic Journey:
Told with lyrical rhymes and vivid imagery, this book invites young readers to dream big and feel deeply loved. It’s perfect for sparking curiosity, fostering a sense of security, and creating cherished bedtime memories.
Award-Winning Author:
Winner of the Golden Book Prize 2024, this beautifully illustrated book is a testament to Gel See’s captivating storytelling and Gail Rae Javier’s stunning illustrations.
Ideal for children of all ages, from newborns to young readers, this book is a wonderful gift for baby showers, birthdays, and special moments.
Join this heartfelt journey of dreams, where a mother’s love lights the way to wonder and self-discovery!
With Love, From Mom: The Journey of Dreams
With Love from Mom: The Journey of Dreams by Gel See is a heartwarming tale that beautifully captures the bond between a mother and her daughter. The narrative centers on the mother reassuring her daughter that she will always be there for her, both in life and perhaps even in dreams. Together, they embark on various adventures, whether in the real world or the realm of dreams, exploring and sticking together no matter what.
The illustrations perfectly complement the story, showcasing the joyful moments they share, which adds a beautiful visual dimension to their journey. Mother and daughter are vividly depicted, highlighting the mother’s profound love and the daughter’s happiness. The tone of the story is gentle and loving, creating a soothing reading experience. The beautifully illustrated settings enhance the narrative, adding depth and warmth. The pacing is perfect, ensuring that there are no dull moments throughout the story. The story is wholesome and sweet, making it an excellent read for mothers and daughters to enjoy together. The rhyming adds a delightful dynamic, which children will love, reinforcing the story’s clear message: a daughter should always know her mother will be there for her. The illustrations are simply gorgeous—otherworldly and vividly colored, they suit the story perfectly and deserve special credit to the illustrator. The visual appeal adds an extra layer of charm to the already captivating tale.
With Love from Mom: The Journey of Dreams by Gel See is a beautifully crafted story that encapsulates the unconditional love and bond between a mother and her daughter. Its gentle tone, engaging rhymes, and stunning illustrations make it a delightful read for both children and parents. This heartwarming tale not only entertains but also reassures young readers of their parents’ unwavering support and love. Perfect for bedtime reading or any bonding moment, this book is a must-have for families who cherish heartfelt stories.
Pages: 24 | ASIN : B0D79KFSMJ
LITERARY TITAN 