David Finstrom
David Finstrom, author and illustrator of Lost in Etchitopia, A Giggleglyph Adventure, lives in Southern California, and grew up in Colorado. The Southwest with its many unique people, places and exciting adventures is his inspiration. Imagination and story telling seem to be a natural part of that territory. The idea for the book stems from his passion for native people’s glyphs and art styles as well as the fun of creating pure fiction. Lost in Etchitopia, a Giggleglyph Adventure is his first published book.
Finstrom takes readers on a fun-filled journey to a strange land in this new children's book. Allen Forthenbach is a smart 9-year-old with a passion for science and discovery. On his summer vacation, he finds himself in a place that's not on any modern map. Etchitopia is a vast desert with very few trees, but a plethora of cliffs and rocks with magical etchings known as Giggleglyphs. Away from home for the very first time, Allen does not know how he found this place, but he wants to go home.
Luckily, Allen meets Professor Alfred Xcovar Gigglestone, a world renowned "archeogeogigglepologist," an expert on Giggleglyphs. Allen immediately feels an uneasy connection to the professor. Gigglestone quickly takes the young boy under his wing, teaching him about the powerful, magical Giggleglyphs. Although the etchings appear one dimensional, they can spring to life and possess special powers.
Their adventure intensifies when a flash flood whisks them away. Along the way they discover the true powers of strange beings, witness warriors transform into god-like creatures and sail the lava of a volcanic sea. Soon, they realize how easy it is to get Lost in Etchitopia."
