thrive
Bringing Light to Life Through Storytelling
BY AMANDA MILLER PHOTO BY ALEX MUÑOZ
J udith Vitanza-Kattan, a Baton Rouge- based author with roots in Honduras, Italy, and Jerusalem, turned a deeply personal loss into a heartwarming story for children and families. Following the passing of her father, Judith channeled her grief into creating Light and Shadow’s Dreamy Adventures , a book inspired by the values he instilled in her: love, kindness, courage, and gratitude. Light and Shadow’s Dreamy Adventures follows a “brave girl and her mysterious friend as they explore the wonders of the night, discovering magical adventures filled with laughter, friendship, and valuable lessons about life,” according to the book’s overview. “They’re lessons that I think we all know, but as we grow older, we kind of forget them. The intention was to be a children's book, but a lot of adults have come to love the book,” she shares.
The book’s themes include courage, kindness, and friendship, to name a few. She adds, “My father made sure that we knew to always be kind, that no matter how much or how little we had, we’re all blessed. [The book’s] a lot about friendship, being grateful, and being careful with trust.” Judith’s creative process extends beyond storytelling. She personally illustrated all of the characters and was encouraged by her friends and family to preserve the “child- drawn” aesthetic rather than using artificial intelligence. Each character represents a real person who has impacted her life, from friends and artists to spiritual mentors. She even created bookmarks featuring the illustrations, offering readers a tangible connection to the people and lessons behind the story. Alongside showcasing the lessons she has learned, the book also reflects Judith’s philanthropic heart. “Helping others is one of
the things I cherish most,” she says. “I’m part of many organizations and I do a lot of anonymous giving. I feel that if I’m blessed, it’s very important to give those blessings back.” Proceeds from the book are donated to children’s mental health programs. Judith is already looking ahead to her next books. The second book will focus on the healing process, exploring the question: How do you heal from loss? The third will share lessons she has learned from her mother, though she plans to hold off for now as she continues learning from her. With its heartfelt lessons and family- friendly appeal, Light and Shadow’s Dreamy Adventures invites children to explore courage, friendship, and generosity, while giving them tools to face life’s challenges. Available on Barnes & Noble’s website, this book offers more than a story. It’s a legacy of kindness and hope for future generations.
16 MAY 2026 | BRPARENTS.COM
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