Look, It's Wookiwoo

Ruby and Darren Perman are hoping a children's book they have penned called Wookiwoo spreads an important message to parents.

"We want to make sure that parents tell their kids they love them," said Ruby Perman.

The project began while the couple were visiting Darren's hometown of   Malibu, a place where he finds much inspiration. He woke up one morning to the sounds of a bird flying from tree to tree.

"He then woke me up to tell me his story concept," Ruby said. "I had tears in my eyes after the endearing ending of the story,  and I suggested drawing the illustrations for the book concept."

It took about six months to write, illustrate and edit the 40-page book. 

The book tells the story of a boy, Jack, who has found "a pet bird, Wookiwoo, who is always there for him as he grows to be a young man."

In time, Jack outgrows his pet and sets him free. Wookiwoo meets up with Lu Lu, a parrot he knew from a pet shop, and they start a family of their own.

Many years later, Wookiwoo is reunited with Jack.

The story "reminds us to always say 'I love you' to our children and the people in our life," Ruby said.

Even the Perman kids, daughter Alanni, 11, and son Kanoa, 8, got involved in putting together the book.

"We were snowed in on a ski trip for a week in February—so I took that time to illustrate the book. They both helped in coloring the pages with colored pencils," she said.  "My husband and I work really well together. Although he is the writer and I am the illustrator, we did help each other when it came down to the editing and final drafts of the writing, as well as the illustrating." 

The Permans' plan is to sell the book at fundraisers for schools and donate books to children's foundations.

The book is available from wookiwoo.com local retailers listed on the website.