This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Eva Legre Zigre will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
As a new author, I am amazed by all that goes into producing a children’s book.
Upon my first visit to the city of Temecula, California, I was struck by the beauty and lushness of the parks and wineries, for which Temecula is known. The longer I stayed, the more I became aware of the community. The people were very friendly, and a simple conversation while waiting in line or sitting on a bench at a park gave me insight into the pride and love people had for this small inland community.
I was easily accepted as a transplant and encouraged to explore more of the city, and so I did. There were so many places, hidden and out in the open, that took my breath away or had me vowing to visit, my list of places to go to in Temecula became extensive.
I share all of this because it is the inspiration behind my new children’s board book, ‘RJ’s Adventures in Temecula’. Well, that and my son, whom the main character is inspired by.
Of the many places I visited in Temecula, only thirteen attractions are included in RJ’s Adventures in Temecula, because I didn’t want the book to intimidate young readers, and since it is a board book, the pages can get expensive. If I had unlimited funds, though, my book would have featured at least 30 different places in Temecula.
Since I wanted to keep the book about the community, I hired two great artists from Temecula; first being my photographer, who took hundreds of pictures as we searched for the perfect shot of the sites I had in mind. Second was my illustrator, who drew from the photographs I chose, adding RJ’s character as she went.
The entire time I was in contact with the various attractions to ensure that permission was granted, images were approved, and contracts were signed, allowing me to sell and promote my books using their likeness.
I was blessed to receive some advice from city officials, business owners and a few children’s book readers and writers, which opened doors with a printer, libraries, and bookstores. This kept me encouraged because, though I was able to share this in a short article, the process took close to a year.
Still, I kept reminding myself why I started this journey and what I wanted to see come out of it, and that gave me the encouragement to keep moving forward. Now I have a beautiful book that my children and others in my community can read for years to come.
If you’ve had a chance to visit Temecula, California, you’d be one of many who have had the privilege of watching hot air balloons take flight during sunrise and descend at sunset, walking the grounds of one of the most beautiful rose gardens in California, and visiting a rare and noble tree that looks to have stood the test of time. You will find some of the most popular and heavily visited sights in Temecula, beautifully illustrated and captured in child-like conversation.
RJ’s Adventures in Temecula is a vibrantly colored board book featuring thirteen of Temecula’s most visited attractions. The illustrations jump off the page, offering children fun images to look at while learning more about Temecula, California’s historic sights.
Beware. Your child may ask to visit some of the attractions presented in this 20-page book, such as Professor Pennypickles’ Workshop or the Sugarplum Zoo and Chocolates. Come visit for a week, but first, do your research and take this adventure around Temecula, California with RJ.
Enjoy an Excerpt
Hello Friend!
My name is RJ.
Welcome to the beautiful and sunny city of Temecula. Today is a great day to show you around!
Are you ready for an exciting tour?
About the Author: 
Eva Legre-Zigre is a children’s book author passionate about writing stories that reflect the beauty of communities. Inspired by years of experience as a nanny and a volunteer teacher, she crafts engaging stories that encourage creativity and wonderment in children. Her passion for community, culture, and finding beautiful differences in various states throughout the country gives her the desire to share those unique and exciting places with children.
A resident of Temecula, California, known for its wineries, Mrs. Legre-Zigre was inspired by her own child to find and highlight family- and child-friendly attractions in her city. Some of these attractions are featured in her debut book.
Thank you for featuring RJ’S ADVENTURES IN TEMECULA today.