The month of August brings with it many changes; time for a new season and for new adventures to begin. It is also a time when most students anxiously anticipate the beginning of a new school year and when parents, who have held tight to their dreams for their children, must now release them into the unknown – some off to college, some off to kindergarten — in order for them to truly become their own “stars”. In order to help those beginning a new path, local teacher and author, Kathleen Souza, has created her debut children’s book, August Skies, a tale about a leap of faith that we all must take in order to become our true selves. Although it is a picture book, the message inside is for anyone who is about to create their own path or begin a new journey.
August Skies opens with a parent and child nestled together, looking up into the night sky on a warm August evening. High above, Little Star and Big Star are also looking out into the galaxy together. The time has come for Little Star to shoot across the sky to a new place, but there is worry. With the help of Big Star, Little Star must find the courage be able to make this leap of faith.
“This inspiring tale, with a backdrop of beautiful watercolor illustrations, speaks to the Big Star and Little Star in all of us,” says Souza. “It reminds us that when it is time to journey to unfamiliar places, we must trust ourselves, find courage to shoot forward, and shine on.”
Local teacher and author, Kathleen Souza-Pontes of Dartmouth, debuted her children’s book August Skies with illustrator Hannah Robidoux of Fairhaven, MA. Souza-Pontes, an 8th grade English-Language Arts teacher at Dartmouth Middle School, has been working toward publication for two years. Last year, in her attempt to finish the book, she contacted Hannah Robidoux, her former 8th grade student who is now a graduate from MA College of Art and Design with a degree in fine arts/illustration. The two reunited and set out together on a year-long journey which culminated in the full creation and publication of August Skies.
Growing up in Connecticut, Kathleen Souza-Pontes spent years being drawn to the night sky in search of shooting stars. This love of star-gazing, combined with her years of teaching and experience as a mother, inspired the creation of August Skies. Souza-Pontes currently lives in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, with her husband, Randy. She has two children, Kate and Danny.
—
August Skies is available through Black Rose Writing, Barnes and Noble, and Amazon.The author is available for interviews, appearances, and book signings.
Learn more about the author and August Skies at www.kathleensouza.com or contact her directly at augustskiesbook@gmail.com
About Black Rose Writing
Black Rose Writing is an independent publishing house that strongly believes in developing a personal relationship with their authors. The Texas-based publishing company doesn’t see authors as clients or just another number on a page, but rather as individual people… people who deserve an honest review of their material and to be paid traditional royalties without ever paying any fees to be published.
