Creative Arts staffer publishes children's book

Creative Arts Technical Services employee Diana Rumjahn has published her first children’s book, “Charlie and Mama Kyna,” featuring characters from her renowned short film “Going Home.”

“Charlie and Mama Kyna” is a heartwarming tale about three stuffed animals who are living in a little orange tent outside Mrs. Cupcake’s Bakery. Charlie, the frog, is homesick and decides to go home. Leo, the lion, and Joe, the giraffe, are Charlie’s best friends. The three journey far to find Charlie’s mother.

The book combines text with original color illustrations, by Rachel Mahffrey, depicting each step of the adventure. Intended to emphasize friendship and tolerance, the book is aimed at young readers still learning to make important choices for themselves. In the end, Charlie is welcomed home and reminded that his safety is far more important than a vase.

Tiger Press, a publisher of children’s magazines in Hamburg, Germany, writes: “Drizzle, drizzle, drizzle, drop, drop and drop—reading Charlie and Mama Kyna to your children will be as much fun for you as it will be for them listening to it. The adorable stuffed animals in this book learn a lesson about forgiveness, true friendship and the importance of a home sweet home. The perfect bedtime story.”

Rumjahn’s award-winning debut film, “Going Home,” has screened at 45 film festivals worldwide, including The Times British Film Institute London Film Festival. Her latest film, “If Only,” will screen in May at the Sukagawa International Short Film Festival in Japan.