“SHINE is a children’s book for the inner child in us all. It is a reminder that no matter our life circumstances, what we’ve been told, what we came to believe was true, or any life choices we have made up until this moment, we all have a divine light within us and we are all born to let that light shine. I call this light our ‘shine’.

The book explores the origin of our shine, how to recognize and express our shine, how to take care of our shine, and what to do if we feel one day that we have lost our shine. The examples/illustrations of people sharing their shine are told through fantastical, colorful alien creatures. These aliens serve to spark joy and imagination, as well as to support inclusivity with regard to gender orientation, race, religion, and differently abled folks. By choosing a subject that is truly foreign (alien), SHINE actually speaks to everyone.

The birth of SHINE closely parallels the realization that somewhere along the way I lost sight of my own shine. This book is as much a message for me as it is for all. Working directly with my own inner child, I am discovering the joy that comes with pure creation, and letting go of the expectations and rules placed upon my art, both by society and by myself. Through my inner child I am learning not only that it is safe to shine, but that shining my own authentic light is the only way to true and lasting freedom.

I believe that we live in a world where we have been taught to dull down our dreams, or throw them away outright because they are too big, too crazy, or simply do not fit societal norms. This has resulted in millions of adults living lives completely out of touch with themselves. SHINE is for those adults, and invites each of us to get back to the joy of creation and celebrate our own unique gifts. And for the children, SHINE is simply planting a seed of encouragement to stay true to their own inner light.”

~Peyton Turner, author/illustrator