A Peek at Picture Book Development
Overview
The Lights That Stay
Author
Cortney Cino
Illustrator
Marina Saumell
Overview: The Lights That Stay whimsically articulates the incredible vibrance of the sun and a child’s inner light, their connection, and their impact on the world. Embark on a journey that explores the interplay between these two enduring lights, revealing an inspiring story of resilience and personal growth. As a young girl moves from childhood mischief through setbacks in adulthood, her inner light guides and grows with her. This book is more than a story; it’s a reminder of resilience, a celebration of a growth mindset, and a testament to the incredible abilities within each of us.
Publication
Jan 2024
Inspiration: This book was inspired by the author’s daughters, who come home from school each day with emotions ranging from joy and excitement to sadness and frustration. They have experienced moments of both total elation and extreme disappointment in their young lives so far. Every day, they stride ahead, encountering new trials and conquering greater challenges. Each child follows a consistent yet uniquely distinct path and process - illuminated by their individual inner light. This book was written to inspire readers to remember and harness their own forever present lights.
The Book’s Themes & Key Words:
Journey of Life
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Personal Growth
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Resilience
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Building Confidence
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Inner Light
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Sun
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Empowerment
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Self-esteem
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Emotions
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Journey of Life - Personal Growth - Resilience - Building Confidence - Inner Light - Sun - Empowerment - Self-esteem - Emotions -
Marina working on a character sketch of the main character for The Lights That Stay at 3/4 years old.
Marina working on a character sketch of the main character in college.
Putting together packets for local schools to collaborate on an art project for The Lights That Stay leading up to the book launch.
Marina working on the main character’s age progression since she grows older in the book.
Overview
Piper’s Pet Pursuit
Author
Cortney Cino
Illustrator
Luis Peres
Overview: Piper’s Pet Pursuit is an endearing story that follows Piper's quest to have a pet of her own. Every day, she pleads with her parents for a pet, only to be met with “no.” Piper befriends unexpected insect visitors like ants, beetles, and cockroaches, trying to make them feel at home. When Piper rescues a lizard and creates the Bugmore Bed and Breakfast, her parents can’t ignore her passion and persistence. In a heartwarming twist, they surprise her with an unexpected gift. Piper's journey teaches readers about patience, kindness, and the joy of pursuing one's passions even when the quest takes quirky twists and turns.
Publication
Jan 2024
Inspiration: This book was inspired by the author’s oldest daughter who has begged for a pet for years. While she is not yet willing to pick up pet poop, she does try to show her readiness for a pet by cleaning her room for a few days at a time. Four fish have perished under the family’s supervision, so they are still in the early phase of considering a pet. That said, Piper’s creative approaches to demonstrating her passion and readiness mirror many of the quirky events that have unfolded in the author’s home. This book was written for all children who love pets and animals and/or who are striving to reach a goal in an unconventional or unique way.
The Book’s Themes & Key Words:
Pets
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Persistence
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Creativity
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Animal Love
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Patience
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Pet Pursuit
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Humor
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Pets - Persistence - Creativity - Animal Love - Patience - Pet Pursuit - Humor -
This is a time lapse of Luise developing a draft spread that highlights the extravagant Bugmore Bed & Breakfast.
This is a time lapse of Luis developing Piper, the little girl and main character of Piper’s Pet Pursuit.
Luis at his desk working on the illustrations for Piper’s Pet Pursuit.
The talented Luis Peres in his lovely home country of Portugal.
Overview
Finally Home
Author
Cortney Cino
Illustrator
Tim Deberd
Overview: Finally Home is about the special moment a family reunites after months apart. Today is finally the day! Narrated by Sara, a spirited 7-year-old, the story unfolds as anticipation builds on the day of her dad's long-awaited return. From the bustling preparations at home to the journey to the base, readers share in Sara's mix of nervous anticipation and excitement. After much waiting, she can finally see Daddy’s plane overhead. She and the others watch as all the planes land. But they have to wait some more until it is safe to run out. Then, Sara and her brother finally hear the signal and race out on the airfield to Daddy. Relief and abundant joy fill the following moments as the family reunites.
Publication
May 2025
Inspiration: This deeply personal story by the author reflects her firsthand experience as a military spouse stationed at MCAS Cherry Point in North Carolina. Her husband served two deployments with the Marine Corps in 2009 and 2011. Witnessing the sacrifices made by military families, especially the resilience of young children, inspired Cortney to capture the poignant reunions at the end of deployments. Though focused on a Marine Corps family, Cortney hopes this book resonates across all branches of the military and serves as an educational resource for non-military children to understand unique aspects of military life. At the heart of the book is something universally relatable - missing a loved one and finally reuniting after a long time apart.
The Book’s Themes & Key Words:
Reunion
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Patience
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Honor
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Family
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Military
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Patriot
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Sacrifice
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Joy
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Reunion - Patience - Honor - Family - Military - Patriot - Sacrifice - Joy -
Sketch of a scene when Sara, Momma, and Lucas watch the planes line up in a row. The canopies finally pop open all at once.
One of the spreads showing Sara and Lucas adding final touches to Daddy’s poster.
Character drawing of Sara, the main character and narrator, by Tim Deberd.
Earlier draft of the cover art and typography. The kids were originally facing away from the reader, and we flipped them.
Overview
Sincerely, Antonia
Author
Cortney Cino
Illustrator
Tadgh Bentley
Overview: Sincerely, Antonia is a story about unexpected friendships, adventure, and different perspectives. Antonia, a tiny guest with a big message, visits Jay's house and has a delightful time until Jay's parents start behaving strangely. Jay is a boy who loves sports, rockets, and snacks, and unknowingly leaves trails of crumbs everywhere he goes. The army of ants visiting his home is grateful to him, but they are growing suspicious of Jay's parents. Through teamwork and chocolate, the army writes Jay a letter to alert him to his parents' strange behavior. However, could there be more to the story than the ants realize?
Publication
June 2025
Inspiration: The author's children love snacks. They sneak them into their bedrooms and the living room, unknowingly leaving trails of crumbs that tend to attract tiny visitors. These visitors come right in and make themselves at home, not wanting to leave. The children continue to eat their snacks all around the house, unaware that their carefree eating habits are causing major stress for Mom and Dad. While the kids have no issue sharing with the tiny guests, the grownups constantly ask themselves, "How can we teach these kids to be cleaner?" and "How many more times am I going to have to wipe the counters today?"
The Book’s Themes & Key Words:
Ants
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Ooey-Gooey Messes
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Sweet Tooth
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Family
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Creepy-crawly
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Point of View
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Friendship
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Perspectives
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Ants - Ooey-Gooey Messes - Sweet Tooth - Family - Creepy-crawly - Point of View - Friendship - Perspectives -
Early spread where we are working on lighting a textures of the spreads.
Sketch of Jay on the couch eating cookies while the ants munch away at the falling crumbs.
Draft spread of Jay coming face to face with Antonia.
Earlier draft of the cover art and typography. We played with the shape and spacing of the letters to make it legible.