It is with great pride and apprehension, I’m announcing the release date for my new book in January 2019. As a new author, I’ve come to realize a book is not just words on a page. It is a piece of someone’s soul. “The Lion of Tupungato”, and its character’s, have been with me for years. Their joys are mine and their pain is real. Together we have grown and learned a great deal. Today, the illustrations and book cover are being scanned for final layout. I say good-bye to my friends. Once these words are bound, this book becomes the reader’s, and is no longer mine. It is up to you to bring these characters to life. They will become your friends, and people you scorn. The emotions I’m feeling are similar to when a child leaves home to start their own life. And so, with bitter sweet excitement, this story goes out into the world.
Young people are facing a great deal of stress. I’ve been a little broken at times in my life. I have insecurities. Let’s face it -haven’t we all, at some time? Dedicating this book to the young and old going through some of life’s hardships is important, to me. It is my hope that this uplifting story provides inspiration, guidance and comfort to those fighting illnesses, loss of a loved one, bullying, inequality, or anything that make us feel less of a person.
The Lion of Tupungato is laced with thought provoking views of what defines a family. Sedona’s family is Argentinian. However, this story urges us all to be proud of our nationality and those influential people in our lives. A family can be many things. It might be your grandpa, like in the story, your adoptive or step-parent, a family of faith, the family dog or even a Lion, that was always there for you. –That’s your family! They’re the foundation to building your self-esteem and confidants.
The Lion of Tupungato” is an advanced reader book. However, I think kids are smarter than a lot of us give them credit for. Adults don’t want to be talked down to, and neither do young people. There are obstacles throughout life, we all face. Yes, this book has some big words. Young people need the opportunity to build confidence through a greater vocabulary. Reading a good book isn’t threatening or competitive–we can all win.
This book is filled with thirty playful illustrations, but more importantly, life lessons and family values, are not just told, rather they are seen through the eyes of a thirteen-year-old. Join Sedona, laugh and cry, as she gains a new understanding of love, loss, family and friends, in this unforgettable coming-of-age story “The Lion of Tupungato”.
