Pikolino and the Sun

Pikolino and the Sun (3,500 words) is a "Jungle Book" type, mystical, spiritual adventure presented in the form of fable. The story is 130 pages, print-ready, in 5 separate sections (books). The story will appeal to both parents of young readers and the very young who like monkey stories. It is filled with love, loss, adventure, scary beasts and magical friends. There are 85 professional, colorful and exciting "picture book" illustrations that are sure to capture even the very young who will just want to look at them. The story is filled with rhymes, couplets and limericks for an enjoyable "Read Aloud" experience. Pikolino and the Sun is a compelling and comprehensive introduction to the magic of the spiritual adventure for children and grandchildren.

In a tropical rain forest, an orange, baby monkey (Pikolino) is orphaned by a relentless Jaguar (Sharp Claw). All alone, Pikolino suffers fear, hunger, rejection and acrophobia, crippling his ability to care for himself or even climb. But help is on the way. An angelic Praying Mantis (Portia) along with a raucous and amusing Rastafarian Cockatoo (Cockymon) are sent to accompany and instruct him on a transformative and transcendent adventure. Pikolino's experience beneath a dense and gloomy jungle (reflective of his state of mind) has made light unusually attractive. When some sunflowers introduce him to a sun beam, an exhilarating and convoluted journey to the canopy of the rain forest lead him to discover and fall in love with the Sun. The Sun (a metaphor for the divine) then shares secrets which empower Pikolino to not only discover and master his own abilities and potential, but lead him to mysterious and amazing revelations of much, much more.

Laurence Leopold, OCDS, is an author, illustrator, spiritual advisor and IIC Certified Life Coach. He has written and illustrated "Pikolino and the Sun", to provide children some spiritual literature that is vivid, exciting, deep and compelling. As a Discalced Carmelite Leopold has integrated John of the Cross and Living in the Gift of the Divine Will in a colorful, Jungle Book fable. Leopold received his BA in Philosophy from St. Joseph's University and has spent over 40 years using his gifts in his own marketing and design firm.