Stahno the Space Explorer by Lan-Huong Reilly

Discover the Magic of Artmaking

Seals, Space, and Art, Oh My! New Children’s Book Draws Together Colors and Constellations

TRAVERSE CITY, MICHIGAN—Just after the historical space venture of Artemis II, young readers have another reason to look at the sky as they follow Stahno the Caspian seal as he explores the galaxy, learning about art while making new friends! 

Lan H. Reilly’s new children’s book, Stahno the Space Explorer: Discover the Magic of Artmaking was created to spark curiosity in children ages 8–12. Filled with funny moments, vibrant storytelling, and intriguing illustrations, this story is her venture of introducing art in a way that excites kids. 

Art Imitates Life

“The memory of sitting bored in art class, studying colors, perspective, forms, and shapes, still haunts me. I want to find a way to teach art that is more fun and meaningful, and I hope I achieve that with this book,” Reilly recounted. 

As a mixed-media artist, she’s long loved creating visuals that are meant to be enjoyed. However, she realized she always felt her work was missing a story that went with it.

“Writing children’s books is the perfect combination, allowing me to bring my stories to life through my art,” she explained. “I'm a creative and imaginative writer. I grew up with fables, so I enjoy writing stories that both teach and entertain young audiences.”

Influenced by her own three children, Reilly finds that teaching and entertaining kids has influenced her artistry, in her first book Abe the Caterpillar, released in 2023. 

Beyond simply following Stahno’s space adventures, this book opens the door for young creatives to see how art influences, and is influenced by, the world around them.

“I hope my book will instill a love of art and beauty in my audience. We live in a beautiful world, with nature all around us. Take a walk when everything is blooming, or the leaves are changing colors—you’ll see exactly what I mean,” Reilly concluded.

The Author

After recently completing Abe the Caterpillar, Lan H. Reilly, a self-taught artist, was inspired to write her next book, Stahno the Space Explorer, hoping to cultivate a love for arts among her young audience. She was born in Saigon, Vietnam, and spent most of her childhood there.

In 1975, she was evacuated with her family from the U.S. Embassy and settled in Wisconsin. She later earned her engineering degree at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. She met her husband while working in Minneapolis, then relocated to Michigan to raise their three children and one land “seal,” an English Setter.

The Book

Stahno the Space Explorer: Discover the Magic of Artmaking

Lan-Huong Reilly 

32 pages, 8.5” x 11”, Color

Fiction / Family Life / Multigenerational / Juvenile ages 8-12 

ISBN: 978-1-968761-73-8, $26.95 (Hardcover)

ISBN: 978-1-968761-74-5, $17.95 (Softcover)

Publication Date: 07/30/2026

Nightlight Stories, an imprint of  Mission Point Press

Copies are available for preorder at Bookshop.org, Amazon, and other online retailers. On its July 30 publication date, it will be available for purchase wherever books are sold. For information or to arrange for signings and events, contact the author at lanhreilly@gmail.com.