Seattle, WA (November 15, 2021) - Seattle author Cindy Wong is proud to debut her new children’s book, ‘Starhug’, which is now available at Nordstrom stores nationwide. The book follows a star and sea star connecting through an emotional journey and centering around the healing power of a hug. The story weaves together social and emotional learning traits such as courage, compassion, and diversity into a beautiful tale that reaches across the universe from the depths of the oceans to outer space.

The story was inspired by the emotional loss of Cindy’s mother, diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in January of 2018. Her mother passed away within two months of the original diagnosis and Cindy’s kids often asked, “Where did Grandma go?” to which she replied, “Grandma is up in the stars.”

In the book, Cindy’s mom is portrayed as a star in the sky and her children represent the sea stars back on earth, healing from a loss. “Starhug is not about grief, but about healing and supporting each other through difficult times,” said Cindy, “With so many of us separated from loved ones over the course of the pandemic, this book is bound to resonate with all.”

Starhug has quickly become a cherished book to fill any child or inner child's heart full of gratitude for each other and this wonderful world we live in, with powerful messages for readers of all ages. Join Star and Sea Star on their emotional journey to discover empathy, compassion, courage, and their inner twinkling star. This simple and tender story will touch readers’ hearts and inspire them to reach out and connect.

Illustrations from the book have already inspired two murals in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District. Cindy collaborated with two local artists, Vivian Mak and Patrick “Dozfy” Nguyen to plan and execute all three on the corner of Maynard Avenue South and South Lane Street in an effort to add vibrancy to the neighborhood and bring a smile to those that pass by. The art murals were commissioned to represent the past, present, and future of the International District with Starhug being the future of a caring and inclusive community for all.

The book is available at Nordstrom stores across the country as a board book (24 pages) for $9.99 and as a hardcover book (32 pages) for $17.99. Join Cindy for a special reading of Starhug on Saturday, December 11 at 10:30 a.m. following the holiday breakfast at the Bellevue Nordstrom store.

Giving Back

$1 from the sale of every hardcover book sold will be donated to SMooCH (Seattle Musicians for Children’s Hospital) to raise funds and awareness for the hospital's uncompensated care program.

About Starhug

Starhug is about connection. It is a story designed to plant a seed for a child and a kind reminder to any inner child that we are all connected and can help each other heal through emotional struggles.

Written by Cindy Wong and illustrated by ShiShi Nguyen, this heartwarming and magical book for all ages is about a star and sea star connecting through an emotional journey. Starhug will fill any child's or inner child's heart with gratitude for this wonderful world we live in, while reminding everyone of the power of a hug! Learn more at www.starhugbooks.com.

About Cindy Wong

Author Cindy Wong is a Seattle native, University of Washington graduate, and mother of three. In her professional career she served as the Regional Asia HR Director for Saatchi & Saatchi with a focus on employee training and development. Cindy is currently an office manager in Seattle and works as a substitute Paraprofessional providing instructional and behavioral support to students. Cindy is well-known in the community for giving big hugs and deeply believes in the power of human connection.