Award-winning interior designer and cancer survivor Isabel Dellinger Candelaria has released a children's book that transcends traditional storytelling, offering a deeply personal and spiritually inspired narrative about self-worth and individual purpose.
In her debut book, 'I Was A Moon,' Candelaria shares a transformative story born from her profound experience battling stage 4 breast cancer. The book emerges from a moment of spiritual awakening during prayer, where she envisioned herself as a moon—fragmented yet ultimately radiant and renewed.
The book's core message challenges societal tendencies to measure individual value through comparison, instead encouraging readers to recognize their inherent worth. By drawing from her personal journey of healing and transformation, Candelaria creates a narrative that resonates with children and adults alike, promoting emotional resilience and self-acceptance.
Illustrated by renowned artist Deborah League, the book's visual storytelling complements its inspirational text. League's vibrant, emotive illustrations capture the book's themes of connection and self-discovery, creating a powerful visual narrative that enhances the written word.
Research from the American Academy of Pediatrics underscores the importance of storytelling in child development, particularly in fostering emotional intelligence and resilience. 'I Was A Moon' contributes meaningfully to this educational landscape, offering a nuanced exploration of personal growth and spiritual understanding.
Candelaria's background as an interior designer, known for her 'Lyric of Place™' philosophy, which seeks to uncover hidden beauty in stories and spaces, directly influences the book's narrative approach. Her professional expertise in revealing underlying narratives translates seamlessly into her literary debut.
The book's significance extends beyond its immediate storytelling, representing a broader conversation about personal transformation, gratitude, and finding one's unique place in the universe. By sharing her deeply personal journey, Candelaria provides a beacon of hope for individuals navigating challenging life experiences.
'I Was A Moon' stands as a testament to the power of perspective, demonstrating how personal challenges can be reframed as opportunities for growth, understanding, and ultimately, self-celebration.
