A tale for the season

<p>Many of us have a favorite holiday story we read to ourselves or family members each year. Whether it's Charles Dickens' “A Christmas Carol” or Dr. Seuss' “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” certain tales are destined to become seasonal classics read over and over again.</p><!-- Nothing to do. The paragraph has already been output --><p>Petaluma authors and founders of J&J Publishing Jason Leen and Jan Klyce are hoping that their new children's book, “Andrew's Wish,” will be added to the ranks of books considered to be holiday classics.</p><p>“It's a story all about giving,” said Klyce. “Everyone so far has loved the story and the pictures. One parent said that they think this is going to be like ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,' which they read as an annual tradition.”</p><p>“Andrew's Wish” tells the story of a reindeer who discovers a box of gifts that Santa has left behind. Not wanting to disappoint the children, Andrew's quest is to find a way to have those presents delivered by Christmas morning.</p><p>“It's a very sweet and entertaining story,” said Klyce. “It's heartfelt. It's a positive story for children. There's no villain, and Andrew is a non-violent hero who focuses on others and the joy of giving. There's a message in the story about thinking about others and the good that happens for everyone when you do that.”</p><p>Leen came up with the idea for “Andrew's Wish” from a dream he had about the story. He felt so inspired that he began writing the story from his dream.</p><p>“The basic verses of the story were all there in his head,” said Klyce. “When we looked at the verses more closely, we saw that we needed to fill in some spots. So, I wrote some verses and we wrote other verses together. When it was all done, we sat back in wonder. It just flowed.”</p><p>The writing duo were fortunate enough to enlist the talents of illustrator Gary Lund, who is an Emmy Award winner and Academy Award nominee for his art design work in film.</p><p>Another special edition to the book is the accompanying CD, which features narration of the story by actor Kelsey Grammer.</p><p>“We met Kelsey Grammer through another project and had sent him the story asking if he would narrate for us,” said Klyce. “He thought the story was so charming, and said he would love to do it. He's done a marvelous job. Someone described his narration as being as crisp as winter and as warm as egg nog. He was just the perfect person for it.”</p><p>Grammer appeared on the Jay Leno Show on Dec. 4, where he did a headstand in order to earn a moment to promote “Andrew's Wish.”</p><p>“Leno asked Kelsey what ages the book was for, and he said ‘from ages 5 to 100,'” said Klyce. “The book says its for ages 5 and up, but it's really for anyone young at heart.”</p><p>Klyce and Leen founded J&J Publishing in 2004 out of a little office in their home. “Andrew's Wish” is the company's first book being marketed in the U.S. J&J has a number of books its released on the international market, which were not released in the U.S.</p><p>The duo also have a small film company, with some film projects connected with the publishing company's books.</p><p>“We started the publishing company as a way of working in tandem with film,” said Klyce. “For Christmas 2011, we're planning to do ‘Andrew's Wish' as an animated feature for television.”</p><p>“Andrew's Wish” is available at Copperfield's Books, Marisa's Fantasia, Jungle Vibes and online. For more information, visit www.jandj-pub lishing.com.</p><p>(Contact Yovanna Bieberich at yovanna.bieberich@argus courier.com)</p>