Twinkle in Grandma’s eye inspires book series
Fairfax, VA – Stories passed one from generation to generation are treasured by a few lucky souls. In Virginia, two granddaughters decided to bring their Nana’s charming story character, Nana Star, to life with a picture book series lovingly illustrated, written and published by three generations.
Grandmother Elizabeth Owens, matriarch of the family, created the character Nana Star out of a great love for her little grandson, Vance, with a desire to give him sense of home wherever he was. Today, the whole family hopes to extend that same love and feelings of belonging to children everywhere, in dedication to Vance, who now dances among the stars.
“We developed our grandmother’s vision of Nana Star into a sweet, very simple, very edifying picture book series,” explained Elizabeth Sills, co-founder of the ee (pronounced double e) publishing and production company, the laugh-friendly company. “The book has a more old-fashioned feel in order to promote traditional values such as kindness, generosity and compassion.”
Adds her sister and business partner, Elena Patrice: “At the same time we wanted to remind children, as our grandmother reminded Vance, of how special and loved they are, no matter what. We hope that the stories cultivate young imaginations and inspire character all at the same time!”
Each Nana Star book includes an accompanying audio CD with the storybook and a sing-along song. To make the book a little more interactive, the authors have included a spelling mistake in each book and encourage readers to find it and send them a postcard with the correction. Children are then eligible to receive an 8×10 photo of the Nana Star costumed character and become an honorary member of the Nana Star Little Twinkles Club. The Club is expanded on its Web site, www.NanaStar.com, where language arts activities for emerging readers are offered.
Currently, young readers can enjoy two hardback books, Nana Star and second in a series, Nana Star and the Moonman . The books’ vintage-inspired illustrations have been drawn lovingly by Elena’s and Elizabeth’s mother (daughter of Nana) Linda Saker. Each story features engaging characters and old-fashioned values that make Nana Star a grand new classic for children. The adventure begins on an ordinary day when something extraordinary happens to a little girl in a blue princess dress with a twinkle in her eye and a heart full of love to share. She finds a tiny star in a pile of leaves and promises to bring him home – high up in the heavens.
Granddaughters Elizabeth and Elena knew that they wanted to make a difference in the world. Before their first book went to press, they created the Nana Star Foundation. The foundation is dedicated to raising funds for terminally ill children and heightening awareness of the problems facing children attending inner-city schools. The small company also donates hundreds of books to such causes as Toys for Tots and First Book.
Meet Nana Star
Lucky parents and children in the Washington DC area have been able to meet Nana Star when she visits schools, hospitals and libraries to the joy of Little Twinkles everywhere. Nana Star (ee’s own Elizabeth Sills) wears her blue princess dress and conducts storytime, singing, a language arts activity and if requested, a hug! Because community outreach is part of ee publishing & production’s corporate citizenship, Nana Star appearances are gratis. A donation to The Nana Star Foundation in lieu of an appearance fee is gratefully accepted. Visit their website, www.NanaStar.com, for details on booking a D.C. area appearance with Nana Star.
For more information on the business, visit www.laughfriendly.com, or to learn about its Nana Star products, click on www.NanaStar.com.
