Summit Shines In Local Author's Debut Children's Book

SUMMIT, NJ — A member of the Summit community is using her debut book, "Glow," to shine a light on overcoming sadness through inspiration like the positive energy in her hometown.

Author Brynn Stanley's new children's book releases on Saturday, and tells the story of a small lightning bug who is one day overwhelmed by feelings of darkness and uncertainty. In the face of hard times, the main character "Glow" learns to embrace his inner light and learns it's ok to feel down because hope and healing are always within reach.

"The story of "Glow" is a universal one that people from all walks of life can relate to," Stanley says. "As a resident of Summit, I can feel the feeling of hope and light that this book promotes, and it resonates from my next-door neighbors to passersby that I meet on the streets of our wonderful town."

Beginning as a simple poem, the book grew from thoughts she had when someone close to her was going through depression. Stanley says the goal of Glow is to encourage parents and educators to create a safe space for young readers.

"After some time had passed, I kept thinking about the poem and how beautiful it would be if it were a children's book - one with a message of self-love for both children and adults," she says, and hopes that, "Maybe it could help someone else going through a tough time.

Her enlightening experience, she says, led her to write about embracing emotions, talking about feelings, and knowing that there's always a light even in life's difficult moments, and was also brought on by her hometown.

"That very special place where I saw the lightning bugs just happens to be on the border of Summit." Stanley says had been watching Fourth of July fireworks in a field filled with the critters when she was uplifted by the idea that we all have a light that is always there, even if you think you've lost it.

The rhyming positive self-talk pages are accompanied by an original song, written by Stanley, entitled "Shine." Available on Spotify, Apple Music, and other major streaming platforms, the tune is meant to be a reminder of "Glow" that can be taken with you to "do what makes your soul shine."

"When life gets really hard," Stanley says. "I hear this line from "Glow" repeating in my head: Your best self will shine a light from within, it always will glow, and always has been. You may think you've lost it, but you are so wrong...for your light is within you, and is very strong."

Brynn will be holding a book signing and reading on Saturday from noon to 2 p.m. at Chapter One Books in Mendham. A second signing and reading will be held at The Book House in Millburn on Oct. 4 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

"Glow" will be available beginning on Saturday through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, the book's website, and other select retailers.

"I always love adding little creative things that are personal to me in my projects," she adds. "My grandmother's blue and white sugar bowl is in the book, along with my Dad's honey jars."

Brynn Stanley was born and raised in New Jersey, and has released three music records prior to "Shine" and the new book. The journey has brought her across the country to California, where she has collaborated with Grammy and Oscar-winning producers on works like "Hello, California," "Classic," and "Classic Christmas."

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