Meet the Author
Julie Whitney is a public relations professional with forty years of experience in public relations and marketing, having worked on both the agency and client side as well as in the television industry. Her company, Phillippi-Whitney Communications, LLC, founded in 2000, represents both large and small clients in a wide variety of industries. She has promoted dozens of authors throughout her career, often supplementing the efforts of the internal PR teams of their publishers. She also works as on-camera talent, appearing in both television commercials and video podcasts. She even appeared as an extra in the movie Grease, which was shot on location in the summer of 1977 in Los Angeles.
Julie lives in Cincinnati with her husband Dan—a corporate pilot, on whom Captain Dan in the book was based—and who, as a naval aviator and USNA grad, flew the P-3 Orion, and then later, a Gulfstream G100 (Astra) for thirteen years. With four grown children, they are now empty-nesters and love spending time with their black lab, Brody, and also enjoy traveling, boating, golfing, and all types of physical fitness. Astra In Hollywood is her second children’s book, and the second book in the Astra the Lonely Airplane series.
Details
Format: Paperback, Hardcover, E-book
Pages: 36
ISBN Hardcover: 978-1-962416-15-3
ISBN Paperback: 978-1-962416-16-0
ISBN E-book: 978-1-962416-17-7
Release date: 3/4/2024
Endorsements
“I am delighted to endorse Julie’s latest book, Astra in Hollywood, the second installment in the delightful Astra the Lonely Airplane series. Julie’s storytelling is captivating, effortlessly holding students’ interest and sparking their curiosity. Astra and Captain Dan become relatable and endearing companions on their journeys. The illustrations in this book are truly exceptional, skillfully bringing Astra’s unique personality to life. Every image captures her essence, making her adventures truly come alive. I wholeheartedly recommend Astra in Hollywood and its predecessor, Astra the Lonely Airplane, to families, teachers, and libraries everywhere.”
—Patrick Dubbs, director of secondary curriculum and college/career readiness, Goshen Local Schools, Goshen, OH
“I’ve been working in the aviation gift business for over twenty years, and I’ve never read anything like Astra in Hollywood. It’s refreshing to read something new and creative for children with an aviation theme that’s not been replicated. The illustrations really help the reader relate with Astra, and the details of the plane are impressive! I’m glad our youth has an aviation book like Astra in Hollywood to inspire future pilots for years to come.”
—Branden Thompson, Sporty’s Wright Brothers brand manager
“Astra in Hollywood is so realistic and engaging for children to understand how life is always changing but navigable. A career as a charter pilot, or a corporate pilot, was just wrapped up into an engaging little story that helped my grandson understand why I sometimes need to grab a bag and run out the door. Astra has an adventure that includes moving to strange surroundings, but finding out along the way that she can adapt and be helpful. Flying aside, the most important part of the story is the willingness of strangers to step up and help those in need, regardless of their sacrifice. Astra in Hollywood is a great sequel to Julie’s first book, Astra the Lonely Airplane, and will not collect dust sitting on a shelf. It is a very well-written story that incorporates illustrations that captivate the moment and are sure to keep the attention of readers both young and old.”
—Tim Lindsey, Astra G100 captain
“You are cleared for takeoff! Like Astra and Captain Dan, I flew a corporate jet and helped other friends who needed a ride or a part in order to fix their broken airplane. Astra in Hollywood is a delightful story about Astra’s new home and new friends in LA. Julie has written a delightful sequel that all future pilots will love!”
—Captain Sheila Morrison, ATP-rated corporate jet pilot (retired)
“Astra in Hollywood is a beautifully written and captivating sequel to Astra the Lonely Airplane. Parents, teachers, and children will LOVE the connection to the original. The story is perfect for introducing new children or students to a group or a classroom. In Astra’s ever-expanding world, author Julie Whitney demonstrates that everyone can contribute and has great value in their own, unique way.” —Steve Brokamp, Director of Educational Programming, Junior Achievement of OKI Partners, Inc.
“Astra is back and ready for her Hollywood close-up! Astra and Captain Dan fly the very long flight from Ohio to their new hangar in Los Angeles. It’s a big change for Astra, a corporate jet, when she encounters a sleek Learjet, a massive cargo plane, and even a zippy helicopter. Fans of Astra the Lonely Airplane will thrill at Astra’s new adventures, and new readers will love this wonderful story of friendship and belonging, told in rhyming couplets. Astra teaches us to never underestimate anyone, and that we all have a place, even if we don’t know it at first—ideas that readers of all ages can identify with. You will want to read Astra in Hollywood’s delightful story and admire the sunny, vibrant illustrations again and again.”
—Courtney Brown (she/her/hers), librarian, Ohioana Library Association
“Astra the Lonely Airplane by Julie Whitney is absolutely fantastically written. Reading this book allowed me to immerse myself in the world of aircraft and imagination. Julie’s creativity shines through, and her rhyming sentences are easily memorable. This book not only educates children but also resonates with adults, encouraging us to appreciate our individuality. It also imparts valuable lessons about airplanes and relationships. With vibrant illustrations, children can easily connect with the story and grasp the importance of helping one another. The book introduces different types of aircraft and their roles, ensuring it will keep children’s attention throughout.”
—Gitte, creator of the “Story Time with Gitte” educational YouTube channel, and children’s book reviewer for www.gitte.co.uk
“Kindness matters! My heart goes out to Astra the corporate jet, when she moves to a big city and has to make new friends. At first, everyone she meets seems so much more important than her! The reader quickly realizes Astra may not be the sleekest, strongest, or even the most unique aircraft in the hangar, but she is the most helpful. Astra shows us that simple acts of kindness can save the day! You’ll fall in love with Astra and her adventures!”
—Kim Parrish, TV host and author of The Snapdragon Princess
“It is a delight to see the next Astra the Lonely Airplane book share such important lessons with children, and it’s a great reminder for adults as well. Astra shows us that we may all fear being the new kid in town, but it’s important to celebrate differences and see the important, unique contributions we each can make to our community. The rhythmic text makes it the perfect read-aloud as well. We can’t wait for this to be read at our bookstore story-times!”
—Sierra Hollabaugh, owner of The Bookery, Cincinnati, OH
“Julie has done it again, as her second installment of Astra the Lonely Airplane series heads to the coast to demonstrate how partnering and teamwork can come together to solve intricate problems. Captain Dan joins Astra on their new adventure in this exciting, fast-paced story. A very quick read which simply can’t be put down!”
—Eddie Lerer, Astra G100 captain
“Astra the airplane’s story continues as she moves to the big city of LA. She is nervous, but is friendly to the other planes in her hangar. Astra shows readers that she knows what it is like to be a friend. Mrs. Whitney continues Astra’s story with vibrant illustrations and an even more brilliant story, showing that no matter what you think you are, sometimes a helpful spirit is all you need to know you are important.”
—Karen Bultman, kindergarten teacher at Fairwood Elementary
