An original illustrated zodiac universe by Tessa Jameson, exploring the magic of growing up—and the courage to stand up for others.
They first learned how to shine together. Now they must decide what their light is for.
One universe. Two connected series.
The Starry Twelve follows twelve young zodiac-inspired animal characters in Celestial Village as they discover their gifts through friendship, magical adventures and teamwork. The Starry Rights revisits the same characters years later as evolving heroes who can take human, zodiac-animal and luminous hybrid forms. Their new stories explore fairness, voice, belonging, safety, accessibility and shared responsibility.
Meet the Twelve
- Aria · Aries · Ram — The Adventurer. Bold courage grows into strategic leadership.
- Tavi · Taurus · Bull — The Star-Gardener. A nurturing gift evolves into stewardship of shared resources.
- Pippa · Gemini · Twins — The Storyteller. Creative communication grows into advocacy for expression and truthful representation.
- Kai · Cancer · Crab — The Caretaker. Protective instincts become the power to build safety and belonging.
- Luma · Leo · Lioness — The Radiant. Her light and leadership evolve into making room for others to be seen.
- Vera · Virgo · Maiden — The Healer. Practical care grows into repairing both wounds and barriers.
- Lina · Libra · Scales — The Balancer. Thoughtful fairness develops into restorative judgment.
- Soren · Scorpio · Scorpion — The Lantern-Bearer. Hidden light becomes the ability to protect privacy and reveal truth.
- Sage · Sagittarius · Archer — The Seeker. Curiosity grows into learning and respectful exploration.
- Clio · Capricorn · Sea-Goat — The Climber. Determination evolves into removing obstacles to opportunity.
- Auri · Aquarius · Water-Bearer — The Dream-Builder. Invention matures into designing inclusive futures.
- Mira · Pisces · Fish — The Dreamer. Empathy becomes a force for compassion and collective imagination.
The Starry Twelve — The Beginning
Designed as a twelve-book illustrated adventure series for younger readers, each story centers a different character and their magical world. Existing manuscripts include Aria the Adventurer, Tavi the Star-Gardener, and Pippa the Storyteller. The remaining adventures are in development.
The Starry Rights — The Evolution
In this companion series, the Twelve return as older heroes facing new challenges. Story drafts include Tavi’s Garden of Fair Share (fair access to community resources), Pippa and Pax: Two Voices, One Choice (participation and listening), and Kai’s Lighthouse of Home (safety, privacy and belonging). Additional character-centered stories are in development.
Illustration and storytelling process
This ongoing independent creative project combines original writing, character development, storyboarding, visual worldbuilding and illustrated book design. Its visual direction draws on luminous starlight, expressive cartoon silhouettes, cosmic environments and consistent character symbols across two ages. Character sheets, cover studies and new illustrated spreads will be added as the project develops.
Development status: Both series are works in progress. The manuscripts are not offered as downloads or published books on this page.
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