Newton Author and Artist Team Up to Pay Tribute to Children of Newtown

Looking for a way to pay tribute to the those impacted by the tragedy in Newtown, Conn., Newton writer Laurie Schloff decided to write a children's book.

"Twenty Twinkling Stars" will pay tribute to those killed at Sandy Hook School, and proceeds from the sales of the book will go to National SAVE, Students Against Violence Everywhere.

"I am proud about the collaboration with an organization to help children solve conflicts without violence," Schloff said.

Schloff is an expert on communications and has written books on that subject, including "Smart Speaking" and "He and She Talk." For this project, however she decided to write a book for children ages 3 to 7.

The book features 20 stars, each with a different theme including Mr. Music Star, Mr. Taco Star and Ms. Animal Star. Angel Star, which will be the last star in the book, debuted on Saturday, Dec. 14 on Newton Patch (see above).

"On Dec. 14, the anniversary of the tragedy, we debut Angel star," Schloff said. "She’s a happy star, though it’s not a happy day."

Other stars can be see on the Twenty Twinkling Stars Facebook page (click here to see).

For the artwork, Schloff enlisted the help of Newton South High School grad Lena Warnke, who is now a sophomore at New York University. 

Warnke said she and Schloff read about the 20 children lost in Newtown and tried to capture something about individual stars in each star.

"We spent a lot of time researching the kids," Warnke said. "I feel like I have gotten to know them."

Warnke uses watercolors to create the stars, but they are not just single pieces. First she paints the background. Then she paints additional pieces on separate sheets, which she then cut out and attached to the background. She estimates each piece took about 10 hours to do, including research and planning.

While the book was inspired by the children of Newtown, it really is for all children, Warnke said. 

The book will be completed by and published by the 20 month anniversary of the Sandy Hook tragedy, Schloff said. 

To see more information on the Twenty Twinkling Stars and the team behind it click here, and visit the book's website, www.twentytwinklingstars.org.