LIHU‘E – Stephanie Shinno’s first children’s book, “Syler and the Sandpaper Towel,” is finally out. According to Publish America, Shinno’s publishing company, the book is targeted for all ages, although it remains geared toward middle school students. Illustrated by Vannick
LIHU‘E – Stephanie Shinno’s first children’s book, “Syler and the Sandpaper Towel,” is finally out. According to Publish America, Shinno’s publishing company, the book is targeted for all ages, although it remains geared toward middle school students.
Illustrated by Vannick Douglas, the book is one page of magic after another, with an energetic graphic that registers an array of colors that are purely Hawaiian.
Shinno is a single mom of three beautiful children from the island of Kaua‘i. The inspiration for the book came from an extremely distressing ailment that affects her and her daughter on a regular basis: eczema. The symptoms range from recurring skin rashes to skin swelling, itching, drying, crusting, flaking, blistering, cracking, oozing and even bleeding.
Yet Shinno did not let her affliction dampen her spirit. Instead, she took to writing a story about a young boy afflicted with eczema who learns to live life as best as possible despite the adversity that befell him.
This boy is none other than the author’s five-year-old son named Syler, who does not have eczema. The result is a heartfelt book that will inspire any being whose life is endured rather than enjoyed. The book teaches children how to brainstorm and to come up with their own creative solutions to daily problems.
The book’s young hero is 10. Through continuous efforts, he manages to inspire his own parents to believe in his own capabilities as a family member and idealist. In this end, Syler’s winning spirit brings the family closer, and together they are now ready to share happier times.
Syler’s compelling story also brings awareness to eczema, which is rarely talked about today, although it continues to affect millions worldwide. Even more touching is how Syler figures out on his own the true value of a dollar.
He then becomes financially savvy and creative with his funds. Syler succeeds in saving and contributing to his family’s and community’s needs.
The author is already working on a new project, this time about a young girl, a dancer, like Aaliyah, her daughter who suffers from eczema.
The book is available for online purchase at Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com.
You may contact the author at 346-5065 or e-mail her at creativemindskauai@gmail.com.
