The Golfo Chronicles -grasshopper who wanted to be a cicada

The Golfo Chronicles the grasshopper who wanted to be a cicada

As told by big brother Gotzo

What is it like to be a grasshopper? What is it like to have a little brother?

The happy world of a sociable young grasshopper, who delights in all things grasshopper, collides with his profound love for his new little brother…who wants to be a cicada! 

Adapted from bedtime stories and characters I created for my own sons when they were small, the book is an exploration of love, acceptance, family, and appreciation of others among two delightful brothers and their friends.  Featuring fun insect facts, the story unfolds in ways sometimes amusing, sometimes hair-raising, but always entertaining and with the wisdom and caring of mom and dad grasshopper.  The young reader is invited to participate and learn about themselves and about making friends with others.    

     The Author and His Sons at Play at the Time of the Stories

(My then four-year-old middle son James had an extensive cicada shell collection which was the wonder of the neighborhood.)   Golfo means Beloved in (middle) Greek, while Gotzon means Angel in Euskara (Basque).

Talented young illustrator D.B. Brunette enlivens the story with the use of vibrant colors and compelling scenes of nature in this charming insect world, with Basque touches. Shepherded by award-winning professional California art book designer and creative director David K. Tanimoto, the book will be a joy from cover to cover.   

Now let me tell you about Mom, who was an inspiration for the stories and for this book. She was an Early Childhood Education pioneer who taught in the Head Start program and raised nine children in her beloved Southern California. She was a wise and nurturing counselor to children, their parents, and all who knew her. She had a special gift for children and the adults they grew to become. She believed the Dorothy Nolte adage, "Children Learn What They Live."  Mom always said the most important thing a parent can do is love their children. Help us bring this love-inspired project to the world. And to the little ones who will greatly benefit from reading it.