These are the American heroes and their families who allowed Derek to illustrate them into the book! We're thankful for all of their sacrifices!
“We sit around waiting for them to come home, hoping every day that they are ok and that they know how much we love them...our heroes!”
Derek was commissioned over the summer of 2013 to begin illustrating a children's book for Kentucky native and author, Diana Hankla. The poem was originally written while Mrs. Hankla, a retired school teacher, was faced with the real struggles of children in her own classroom whose parents had been deployed. She saw their academic performances diminish and their lunch accounts sitting empty as their joy faded.
Growing up with service members in her family and with both a son and grandson who are active service members, she saw a deeper need for awareness and help for these families. Her pure heart to help these families is a beautiful thing to see!
The illustrations in Under the Silvery Moon were made of active service men and woman and their families and the places they serve. Derek and Diana worked together to bring this poem to life while honoring these amazing families!
If you would like to carry the book in your store, bring in Diana and Derek for a signing, or help to promote the book and the families it's been created to serve, contact Derek!
There are millions of children in America who have had one or more parents deployed overseas while serving in the military. These children ask many questions about what their deployed parents are doing and why. Under the Silvery Moon answers some of their questions about other cultures and the services their parents perform. Retired school teacher and Kentucky author, Diana Hankla, reveals her heart for these hurting children through her beautiful words. She and Derek proudly salute all branches of the armed services and the families who stand behind them for our freedom!
Derek and Lisa Guyer and their children at the first book signing for the release of Under the Silvery Moon.