Cecilia was born in Cuba and raised in Los Angeles. Her debut picture book biography is “Flyboy!” As a Child Development Professor, she has worked teachers and young children. She has been writing stories since she was young; now she is on the journey to write and share her inspirations.
Photo by Amanda Joy Dopico Photography
Official title: Flyboy! The High-Flying Life of Jim Kunkle
Book release Date: 2/23/2026
Publisher: Oyster Creations, LLC
ISBN: 979-8-9997034-0-8
Genre: Children’s Picture book
Category: Biography
Age Range: 6 - 10 years old
Jim fell in love with flying at a young age. All he wanted to do was soar through the sky. He held onto that dream and proceeded to join the military and fight in WWII. Would the dangers of flying and war ground him? The is the true story of a war hero who was a real flyboy.
Please place all media inquires to Cecilia Vega-Ryan directly.
A Little Q & A
-
It is a genre that I still love as an adult. It truly is fun and I collect picture books.
-
A painting in the Kunkle home. Part of it is the cover illustration. That was Jim as a boy.
-
You really must love your subject. Whether you are writing for children or adults. It makes the research so much eaiser.
Fun Facts about Cecilia
worked on several industrials
is an amateur photographer
worked as a standardized patient at USC medical ed.
won best actress in HS in children’s theatre
collects little things
is learning to be a better gardener
loves research
met S. E. Hinton
loves horror and science fiction
favorite children’s book: Alice in Wonderland
. Author 1 page