A Journey Through the Desert and Imagination
As the sun sets over the Three Hills Loop Trail in West El Paso, the Chihuahuan Desert transforms into a canvas of vibrant colors. This very landscape has long inspired Zeke Peña, a Chicano author and illustrator whose work is deeply rooted in storytelling. Whether through comic panels or symbolic scenes, Peña’s artistry brings narratives to life, connecting people to their heritage and history.
Peña emphasizes the importance of stories in shaping cultural identity. “Story is really important to us as people,” he explains. “It’s crucial to our culture, and for generations, we’ve passed down knowledge through recipes, tales about our ancestors, and shared experiences.”
Before publishing his debut book, “Sundust,” Peña primarily illustrated the works of other authors. His illustrations have graced notable titles such as “Miles Morales: Spider-Man” by Jason Reynolds and “My Papi Has a Motorcycle” (2019), which earned him recognition. He also contributed to “Photographic: The Life of Graciela Iturbide” (2017), further solidifying his reputation as a talented visual storyteller.
A Personal Story Rooted in Place
The release of “Sundust” on August 5 marks a significant milestone for Peña. The story follows a brother and sister exploring the desert trail, a place that holds deep personal significance for him. “Every day, we would come out and play in the desert,” he recalls. “It gave me a strong sense of place and home. I wanted to share that with young people, focusing on themes of belonging and where we come from.”
As the siblings journey through the desert, they encounter native plants and wildlife, guided by a trail of “sundust.” Their imaginations run wild until a single sound calls them home — their mother’s “chifle,” a whistle that echoes through the landscape.
Growing up in El Paso, Peña often played in these same areas with his sister. “When we were younger, we’d be far from home,” he shares. “Our house was a ways away, but when the sun set, my mom would whistle loudly to call us back.”
Community Engagement and Cultural Celebration
Although born in Las Cruces, Peña considers El Paso his hometown. Even though he now resides in Arkansas, he remains committed to supporting his roots. To celebrate the release of “Sundust,” he partnered with the Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center. On August 2, he hosted a signing party and story time at the Falstaff Art Complex in El Paso. Attendees could make donations to the center in exchange for signed books, prints, and original drawings.
On August 3, Peña held a reading and drawing demonstration at La Nube, and on August 4, he delivered signed copies to a local Barnes & Noble before the official release date. These events reflect his dedication to engaging with the community and sharing his work.
Inspiring Creativity and Connection
Peña hopes “Sundust” will encourage both children and adults to embrace creativity, explore nature, and preserve family stories. “This book is a testament to the power of storytelling,” he says. “I believe it’s essential to document our own stories. My hope is that this book will inspire young people to dream boldly, express themselves freely, and ask their parents about their stories.”
The Spanish edition of “Sundust,” translated by Rubí Orozco Santos, and the English version are richly illustrated with color throughout the pages, including endpapers, hardcover, and sleeve. Both editions are available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Penguin Random House, and locally at the Nook Bookshop and Cafe, located at 3260 N. Zaragoza Road.
Continuing the Legacy of Storytelling
Peña continues to collaborate with community members as an illustrator and graphic artist, helping to tell their stories through visual art. He can be reached through his website at zpvisual.com.
For more information or to connect with Peña, you can reach Gaby Velasquez at [email protected] or follow her on Instagram @gabyavelasquez.
