Moonflower and the Solstice Dance

Moonflower and the Solstice Dance is an illustrated children's book that takes readers on a journey to the steppes of Central Asia, where Moonflower, a young girl from a Turkic tribe, witnesses the changing of the seasons and wonders why warm, long, bright summer days fade away and nearly disappear into a cold, dark winter. The people of her village come together on the Winter Solstice to give the sun the courage it needs to beat back the darkness and rule the sky again. The story is told in rhyming verse, which creates a chant-like rhythm, and flows through the cycle of seasons, with their waves of changing sights, sounds, and feelings. Expertly and accurately illustrated by Mongolian artist Solongo Drini, the book will transport you to a time and place where nature's power and beauty rule. The illustrations have a magical feel, and have the feel of traditional Central Asian artwork. As a profound annual natural phenomena, the solstices have been revered and celebrated for thousands of years by cultures worldwide.

Chidren and adults alike will enjoy the calming rhythm of the text and the transporting beauty of the illustrations. The story will surely become a favorite bedtime story on long winter nights.

About the Author
Akyil, Saskia E.: - Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia and Colorado, Saskia currently lives in Germany with her husband and three sons, who inspire me with their questions and curiosity. When they were younger, they often asked her why it got dark so early in the winter; the shamanistic explanation of the winter solstice, that night and day are battling each other to prevail over the Earth, is the explanation that made the most sense to them. Previously, Saskia worked as an ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher for immigrants, refugees, and the Hard of Hearing. She has published academic ESL articles in industry books and journals, and has also published one novel titled Secrets of a Summer Village. This is her first illustrated children's book.Drini, Solongo: - Solongo was born and raised in Mongolia. After receiving her BFA in Mongolian Traditional Painting, she moved to Atlanta to pursue illustration and received her MFA in Illustration from SCAD Atlanta. Her illustrations are unique and whimsical, inspired by folk tales, myths and imagination with a style that is influenced by both Mongolian and Western culture. She has been working as a freelance illustrator over 10 years illustrating for editorials, advertising, children's books, postcards and textile designs. She also works as a designer of rugs and carpets for a carpet company. She lives with her husband and son in Atlanta, Georgia.