Springfield-Area Author to Sign Debut Children’s Book at Chatham Event on March 21

Goodbye, Starlight—A Hand-Painted Grief Resource for Children—Now an Amazon Hot New Release

CHATHAM, Ill. — Jessica N. Derhake, Springfield-area author, artist, and owner of JD Haley People Strategies, will host a book signing event for her debut children’s book, Goodbye, Starlight, on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Scoop du Jour in Chatham, Illinois. Admission is free and open to the public, and signed copies of the book will be available for purchase.

Goodbye, Starlight is a gentle, illustrated story for children ages 4–10 navigating grief and the loss of a loved one. Drawing on universal themes of love, memory, and connection, the book offers families an accessible way to begin difficult conversations about death without prescribing any single belief system or tradition.

What sets this book apart is that every illustration was hand-painted on canvas by Derhake herself, resulting in a visually distinctive reading experience unlike anything found in mass-market children’s publishing.

“This story started as a way to help my own child understand the permanence of loss,” said Derhake. “Years later, painting every page by hand felt like the right way to honor something that deserved to be made with care. I hope it gives other families the same comfort.”

Since its February 2026 publication, Goodbye, Starlight reached #2 on Amazon’s Hot New Releases list in Children’s Books on Death & Dying. The book includes a Note for Parents and Caregivers with conversation prompts to help guide discussions about grief, memory, and love.

EVENT DETAILS
What:  Author Book Signing — Goodbye, Starlight by Jessica N. Derhake
When:  Saturday, March 21, 2026, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Where: Scoop du Jour, Chatham, Illinois
Admission: Free and open to the public. Signed copies available for purchase.
Purchase: Available at the event and on Amazon at https://a.co/d/020TLZiA
 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jessica N. Derhake is a Springfield, Illinois-based author, artist, and human resources consultant with more than 20 years of experience across healthcare, education, and corporate sectors. She holds an SPHR-HRCI certification and is the founder of JD Haley People Strategies, LLC. Goodbye, Starlight is her debut picture book. Every illustration was painted by hand on canvas.

MEDIA CONTACT
Jessica N. Derhake
JD Haley People Strategies, LLC
Springfield, Illinois
434.489.9697 | JD@JDHaleyPS.com | JDHaleyPS.com