Behind the Scenes of “Earl’s Big Adventure in Costa Rica”
A few months ago, I had the extraordinary opportunity to contribute to a project that was both a creative challenge and a heartwarming experience. I was involved in the design and layout of a children’s book titled “Earl’s Big Adventure in Costa Rica,” a captivating story penned by my good friend Hanna Haidar, with stunning illustrations by Kimberly Newton.
The book unfolds the tale of John the surfer and his special friend, Earl the monkey, embarking on their first grand adventure to Costa Rica. It’s a story that celebrates friendship, curiosity, and the joy of discovering new cultures. Through their journey, Earl learns the value of trying new things, while the friends they make along the way discover just how extraordinary Earl is. This beautifully illustrated book, crafted by Cape Cod author Hanna Haidar and artist Kimberly Newton, invites children to explore the rich tapestry of a new culture alongside its charming characters.
Working closely with Hanna, we spent around two months meticulously arranging the illustrations and text to bring the narrative to life before sending the final manuscript off to an offshore printer in India. The process was a testament to the dedication and passion that goes into creating a book that aims not just to tell a story, but to inspire and educate young minds.
Rumor has it that Hanna is already deep into writing a sequel expected to release in December of 2008. While details are scarce, and Hanna remains tight-lipped about the next destination for John and Earl, one thing is for sure: there’s bound to be good surf.
For those interested in embarking on this adventure with Earl and John, copies of the book are available at Earl’s Big Adventure.com. It’s a journey that promises to be as enriching as it is entertaining, perfect for young readers eager to learn about the world beyond their doorstep.
