Inspiration for “The Three Sunflowers” in English, Spanish and Ukrainian

The original inspiration for “The Three Sunflowers” was based in tragic world and local events: 9/11 in the United States; the tsunami in the Indian Ocean; hurricane Katrina in Louisiana; and the mudslide in neighboring La Conchita, California, close to home.

My initial intention was to write a story to help children find peace within themselves, in the face of so many frightening experiences and images in the news. Sunflowers came into my reverie, and I envisioned a scene in a garden. As with all my books, I wanted to include a “divine mother,” and Gloria popped up. Then, as I was researching and writing the story, I discovered that sunflowers are an international symbol of peace.

When Russia invaded Ukraine and the war broke out in February 2022, I learned that sunflowers are Ukraine’s national flower. This made me feel hopeful. I believe symbols are powerful. And I will always believe in peace. I continue to send prayers for the people of Ukraine, and hope this new Ukrainian-English version of The Three Sunflowers might bring some comfort to children and families during this dark, uncertain time.

Watercolor illustration by Colleen McCarthy-Evans

Our Lady of Guadalupe

The English-Spanish version of The Three Sunflowers-Los Tres Girasoles is dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe, Divine Mother and Queen of the Americas, who brings comfort, assurance and hope to the people of Mexico and all over the world.

Our Lady of Guadalupe is a powerful symbol and a source of guidance and protection for people everywhere. She is honored in churches, shrines, museums, and in all forms of art. Our Lady of Guadalupe is the inspiration for Gloria, radiant sunflower and divine mother of light, who sprang up from the earth, spreading seeds of compassion, peace, unconditional love, and protection forthe young sunflowers in the story.

On May 6, 2022, an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe donated by the Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), a Catholic aid organization for war refugees, arrived in Ukraine, where they see it as a great symbol that she is close to her people and they ask her for the miracle that the war ends and peace comes.

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Gratitudes and Acknowledgements for Три Соняшники /The Three Sunflowers

The Ukrainian-English version, Три Соняшники /The Three Sunflowers, begins with a sweet and serendipitous story.

When the idea occurred to create a Ukrainian-English version of The Three Sunflowers, we wondered where we might find a translator. A couple months later, I received a call from the book’s illustrator, Colleen McCarthy-Evans, telling me that her sister, Monica, in Los Angeles, had offered her guest house to a young mother and her four-year-old daughter, who had recently arrived from Ukraine. Iryna Demchyshyna happened to be a professional translator.

Iryna Demchyshyna and her daughter, Solomiia

Iryna shared her lifelong dream to be a translator, and I shared my inspiration for the original book (see “Author’s Note"). Our visions were the weaving for this new creation, and Iryna’s voice graces every page. We were all delighted when her daughter, Solomiia, became the name of the young female sunflower in the story.

Inna Yasynska, a psychologist living in Ukraine, joined our collaboration as editor of the book, and offered insights for the “Discussion Guide” as well as a bright and hope-filled vision for the world.

Our first Ukrainian reader, Olena Tkachuk, mother of four young girls, had also recently relocated and found a new home in Canada. Her wisdom shines on the back of the book.

These bright lights and points of connection have created a new constellation in my heart. I feel blessed and honored to know these courageous women, and deeply grateful for the opportunity to create something beautiful and beneficial together.

I am forever grateful for the steadfast, creative partnership with Colleen McCarthy-Evans. Her vibrant illustrations, keen design, and most importantly, her creative spirit, bring the book to life in each new version. It’s always a blessing to have the brilliance and clarity of Erika Römer guiding the way at Seven Seas Press.

I trust Три Соняшники /The Three Sunflowers will continue to spread seeds for peace.

With love,

Janet

Available in English, English-Spanish, and Ukrainian-English versions