Frequently Asked Questions

Sy's Journey: A Seed's Search for a Place to Grow is a children's picture book about a sycamore seed named Sy who is swept away by the wind and searches for a safe place to grow. Along the way she lives through a wildfire, a tornado and a hurricane, and lands at a construction site and a garbage dump before finding her home in a national park. The story helps children learn about the environment and shows what it means to keep going when things get hard.

Sy is a sycamore seed. Author Dr. Stallar Lufrano was inspired by watching sycamore trees change with the seasons alongside her own children.

Sy's Journey shows a wildfire, a tornado and a hurricane in a gentle, age-appropriate way. Each event opens a conversation about climate, staying safe and the big feelings that come with change.

Sy's Journey was written by Dr. Stallar Lufrano, a teacher, traveler and storyteller who helps people and companies protect the planet. It was illustrated by Chloe Nyiri, a watercolor artist from Hungary. Learn more about Dr. Lufrano at stallar.com, and find Chloe on Instagram at @chloenyiri.

Sy's Journey is recommended for children ages 4–10. As a read-aloud, it also works well for ages 3–7 when a parent, teacher or caregiver can help talk through the environmental events and feelings in the story.

Sy's Journey was published in 2025 by BookBildr Publishing. It is a 48-page picture book available in paperback (ISBN 978-1-964012-95-7) and hardcover (ISBN 978-1-964012-96-4).

Sy's Journey teaches resilience, bravery, belonging and care for the environment. Sy feels frightened, nervous, worried, disappointed, frustrated, sad and alone, and she keeps going anyway. Her story shows children that hard feelings are normal and that help from others can make us strong.

Sy's Journey opens conversations between children and adults. Questions to explore together:

• Why does Sy have a hard time finding a place to grow and call home?
• What types of climate events happen where you live?
• What do you and your family do to stay safe?
• How does taking care of the environment help people and animals?
• Have you ever felt frustrated, disappointed, sad or lonely?
• What helps you when you have those feelings?

Yes. Sy's Journey supports classroom conversations about the environment, resilience, emotions, belonging, bravery and adapting to change. Teachers can use Sy's experiences to help students connect environmental challenges with challenges in their own lives.

One fourth-grade teacher used Sy's challenges to start a conversation about the challenges her students face and the “seeds” they wanted to plant during the school year.

“We tied some of our challenges to Sy's challenges in finding her true spot to grow. We also talked about seeds we want to plant through the year.” — Allura, 4th Grade Teacher, Sutro Elementary School, Lyon County

Teacher resources for Sy's Journey are currently being developed, including classroom activities, discussion materials and coloring pages. They will be added to the site as they become available.

Yes. Bulk orders of Sy's Journey are available for schools, classrooms, libraries and organizations. Contact Dr. Stallar Lufrano through the website with the number of books you need.

Yes. Dr. Stallar Lufrano accepts in-person visit requests throughout Nevada and California, and offers virtual sessions for classrooms, schools, libraries and organizations anywhere.

An author visit with Dr. Stallar Lufrano is tailored to the students' ages, group size and goals, and is available in person or virtually. A full visit program and teacher resources are being developed.

Contact Dr. Stallar Lufrano through the website and include:

• School, library or organization name
• City and state
• Student ages or grade levels
• Approximate number of participants
• Preferred date or date range
• In-person or virtual visit
• What you would like students to take away from the session

Availability depends on location and type of event.

Sy's Journey can be purchased directly at sysjourney.com.

Sy's Journey costs $15 in paperback and $20 in hardcover at sysjourney.com. Gift wrapping is available for an additional $4.

Yes. Sy's Journey is available in both paperback and hardcover. Choose your format when you order at sysjourney.com.

Yes. Gift wrapping is available for $4 when you order at sysjourney.com, making Sy's Journey an easy gift for birthdays, holidays and new readers.

Yes. Signed copies of Sy's Journey are available on request. Contact us through the website after ordering and we'll arrange a signed copy.

Orders ship within the United States. For international orders, please contact us.

For questions about returns or an order, contact Sy’s Journey through the website.