About Sunbelievable
Sunbelievable tells the story of a wild and whacky personified Sun seen through the emboldened imagination of 2 young sisters. Not wanting to go to sleep at bedtime, they tease each other about a magical Sun that rides roller coasters and eats pizza! Older sister YaYa keeps up the pace, trying to convince Leen that the Sun teaches fireflies to shine at night and takes naps on a sun porch. Leen catches on to YaYa’s tales and begins to make up her own fanciful twists.
In this endearing story, the sisters’ loving relationship shines as brightly as their shared imagination. At the end of the book, NASA’s Chief Technologist adds facts about the real Sun to help children understand the vital importance of the Sun in our universe.
Sunbelievable received the 2012 Mom’s Choice Gold Award in the “Imagine-it” category – a perfect tribute to the main characters’ expressive and unbounded sense of wonder. Other awards: 2012 Indie Excellence Finalist Award; 2012 Royal Dragonfly Award – 2 Awards for Best Illustrations; 2012 Purple Dragonfly Award – 2 Awards for Best Illustrations.
Jo Ann Kairys
Jo Ann brings years of writing experience to her work as co-author of Sunbelievable. With a master’s degree in public health, she has taught health professionals around the world, including extensive work in Russia and Central and Eastern Europe. Inspired by the rich textures and colors of landscapes abroad, and the culturally diverse backgrounds of her grandchildren, she began writing and illustrating stories to help them learn to read.
With no formal training as an artist, Jo Ann discovered fun and exciting ways to blend real photographs with digital art. She works closely with her son Daniel, a gifted storyteller and avid read-aloud Dad.
In 2011, she founded Story Quest Publishing LLC to bring her books into the marketplace. Jo Ann has 4 children — 2 adopted from Russia. She lives in New Jersey and Florida with her pediatrician husband, Steve.
Potential Interview Questions for Jo Ann
- Jo Ann, how did you come up with the idea for your book?
- Who are the characters in the book?
- Why did you choose those particular characters?
- The book is co-authored with your son; tell us how that came about and what it’s like working with your son on an exciting project?
- What’s the premise of the story?
- Who is your audience for the book?
- Jo Ann, you say your book is a children’s book, yet you say that museums and educators are your ideal audience, can you expand on that?
- How did you illustrate the book being that you are not an artist?
- How did you partner with a NASA scientist?
- Do you have other books planned in this series?
- Will you be partnering with scientists in those books?
- Jo Ann, I understand that the main characters in your book are from a multi-cultural family. Tell us about that.
Daniel Kairys, M.D. – Co-author of Sunbelievable
Recent News Releases
December 21, 2011
Patch asked newly-published children’s book author Jo Ann Kairys of Monmouth County to tell us about the most magical children’s book on the shelves this holiday season. Here is her [. . .own book, Sunbelievable].
Sunbelievable, By Jo Ann Kairys and Daniel Kairys, MD; Jo Ann Kairys and Frank Thompson (Illustrators). ISBN 978-0982699829 Publisher: Story Quest Publishing, October 2011.
This hilarious tale told by 2 curious children. But it’s not all make-believe. NASA’s Chief Technologist contributed facts about the real Sun. Illustrations feature real children in brilliant, magical landscapes. This book combines wonder and imagination in a whimsical tale bound to delight children and adults. Sunbelievable received the prestigious Mom’s Choice Award 2012. Publisher: Story Quest Publishing (October 2011) Reading Level: Ages 4 and up Hardcover: 40 Pages ISBN: 978-0982699829 Credit Story Quest Publishing
Kids say and do the darndest things, right? And so often, they provide tender or hilarious or wonder-filled inspiration for picture books.
One day I heard my granddaughters complaining about the rain as they thumped on the window. Eager to get outdoors, they waited impatiently for the storm to end. Suddenly, they pretended they were the rain. “SWOOSH! SPLAT! SWISH!” Their sounds were innocently poetic, perfect ingredients for a rhyming picture book. Putting it all together in story form is when the magic happens—a sound in just the right place, a vibrant image that brings the story alive, and characters who draw you right into their world.
Kids say and do the darndest things, right? And so often, they provide tender or hilarious or wonder-filled inspiration for picture books.
One day I heard my granddaughters complaining about the rain as they thumped on the window. Eager to get outdoors, they waited impatiently for the storm to end. Suddenly, they pretended they were the rain. “SWOOSH! SPLAT! SWISH!” Their sounds were innocently poetic, perfect ingredients for a rhyming picture book. Putting it all together in story form is when the magic happens—a sound in just the right place, a vibrant image that brings the story alive, and characters who draw you right into their world.
There are so many wonderful children’s picture books. I’d like to share a few from 2011 that I think have that special magic—the kind that children will love to hear and read over and over again—and you will, too! Some are from major publishing houses. Others are from smaller, independent publishing companies. Several have received high honors and distinctions.
Sunbelievable is available from Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Whole Foods, and independent book stores. Find more great children’s books at IndieBound Community, Goodreads, Library Thing and Scholastic. Read and enjoy!
Join the Conversation