Turning a Film into A Book by by Diana Rumjahn, Author of Charlie and Mama Kyna

Today's guest blogger is Diana Rumjahn, author of the children's picture book, Charlie and Mama Kyna.

After Charlie the frog accidentally breaks his mother’s vase, he runs away from home. Charlie and his new best friends Leo and Joe, live in a little orange tent outside Mrs. Cupcake’s bakery. A homesick Charlie, Leo and Joe, journey far away to find Charlie’s mother. A delightful children’s picture book children of all ages will enjoy!

"Turning a film into the book" by Diana Rumjahn

Turning a film into the book was a long process. Making Charlie and Mama Kyna took longer than creating the film, Going Home, which the book is based upon. I wanted my story, characters and background setting to be adventurous. The pictures and illustrations had to be appropriate for children, and the story, had to capture the spirit of the film. Everything had to be just right because the story about three little stuffed animals living in a little orange tent outside a bakery must be told. Wow! Stuffed animals are alive and taking control of their lives. Charlie wants to find his mother. Leo and Joe want to go home with Charlie. They make new friends. They are eating chocolates. Happy ending as they spend the rest of their lives together.

Then, I found out that promoting my book became a lifetime commitment. All these phone calls, emails, and writing. Everyone in the world has got to hear about my book. Stuffed animals are finding their way home and to mother. At one point, I was asked to make another film. During book promotions, another film was born. It was good for me as an artist to keep working on new projects. The hardest part about turning a film into the book is done. It is a very rewarding experience to hear and or to read that people enjoy the story. Hopefully, this story will be remembered for many generations to come.

Diana Rumjahn received her bachelor’s degree in social science from San Francisco State University and has worked at the university for over the past two decades. She is currently an administrator at College of Creative Arts, where she received the “Star of the Month Award.” She wrote, directed, filmed, produced and edited the international award-winning film Going Home, which has been shown worldwide. Charlie and Mama Kyna is her first published book. You can visit Diana on the web at www.dianarumjahn.com.




READ THE REVIEWS:

“…laudable messages of friendship, love and fortitude…” “…vivid, evocative word choice…” — Kirkus Discoveries March 2009

“Charlie And Mama Kyna is charming and colorful entertainment, as well as a welcome and highly recommended addition to family, school, and community library picture book collections.” — Midwest Book Review

You can read our review at The Children's and Teens' Book Connection (TC&TBC).

PURCHASE CHARLIE AND MAMA KYNA AT AMAZON.COM TODAY!