"Sundust" Sparks Desert Wonder in Zeke Peña's Debut Novel

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 hues. This very landscape has long been a source of inspiration for Zeke Peña, a Chicano author and illustrator whose work is deeply rooted in storytelling.

Peña’s creative journey has always revolved around the power of stories. Whether through the visual elements of comics or the symbolic depth of his illustrations, he has consistently used his art to convey narratives that resonate with cultural significance. He believes that stories are essential to human connection and cultural preservation.

“Storytelling is really important to us as people,” Peña explains. “It's crucial to our culture. For generations, we’ve passed down knowledge—whether it's recipes for traditional dishes or tales about our ancestors.”

Before releasing his debut book, "Sundust," Peña was primarily known for illustrating the works of other authors. His contributions have included projects like the New York Times bestselling "Miles Morales: Spider-Man" by Jason Reynolds, as well as award-winning illustrations for "My Papi Has a Motorcycle" (2019) and "Photographic: The Life of Graciela Iturbide" (2017).

The release of "Sundust" on August 5 marked a significant milestone in Peña’s career. The story follows a brother and sister as they explore the desert trail, a place that holds deep personal significance for him. Peña grew up exploring these same trails with his sister, and the experience shaped his sense of identity and belonging.

“I think the desert has given me a strong sense of place and home,” Peña says. “I wanted to share that with young people, so the book centers around themes of belonging and where we come from.”

As the siblings navigate the trail, they encounter various desert plants and wildlife, their imaginations fueled by the magic of the setting. The only thing that can call them home is their mother’s "chifle," a loud whistle that echoes through the desert.

“When I was younger, we would often play far from home,” Peña recalls. “Our house was a bit of a distance away, but when the sun set and the sky turned beautiful, my mom would whistle loudly to bring us back.”

Although Peña was born in Las Cruces, he grew up in El Paso. Even though he now resides in Arkansas, he remains committed to supporting his hometown and celebrating its culture.

To mark the release of "Sundust," Peña partnered with the Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center. He hosted a signing party and story time event at the Falstaff Art Complex in El Paso on August 2. Attendees could make donations to the center and receive signed books, prints, and original drawings.

On August 3, he held a reading and drawing demonstration at La Nube, and on August 4, he delivered signed copies to a local Barnes & Noble. These events took place before the official release of the book.

Peña hopes that "Sundust" will encourage both children and adults to embrace creativity, explore the outdoors, and continue the tradition of passing down family stories. He sees the book as a celebration of the power of storytelling.

“I believe it's a testament to the importance of documenting our own stories,” Peña says. “My hope is that this book will inspire young people to dream boldly, express themselves freely, and ask their parents about their heritage while also telling their own stories and drawing their own.”

The Spanish edition of "Sundust," translated by Rubí Orozco Santos, and the English version, both beautifully illustrated with color throughout, are available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Penguin Random House, and locally at the Nook Bookshop and Cafe, located at 3260 N. Zaragoza Road.

Peña continues to collaborate with community members as an illustrator and graphic artist, helping to tell their stories. He can be reached through his website at zpvisual.com.

For more information, you can connect with Gaby Velasquez on Instagram or via email.