Author Marc DeAngelo is excited to announce the launch of the audiobook version of his acclaimed young adult novel Wesley and the River Run, coinciding with a second edition print release featuring brand-new cover art by his longtime collaborator, Jason Pittman. This marks the first printing of Wesley and the River Run under DeAngelo’s independent label, Raft Books.

Pittman, who played a pivotal role in the creation of the novel, initially began working with DeAngelo when the project was conceived as an eight-page children’s book. Over three years, the duo transformed the work into a young adult novel, drawing on their experiences as public school teachers to craft an allegorical tale about the challenges of navigating the public school system with different needs.

“Jason’s contributions went far beyond illustration,” said DeAngelo. “He helped shape the narrative through countless hours of consultation, drafting, and redrafting. His perspective was invaluable in guiding the book to where it is today.”

The release of the second edition of Wesley and the River Run features Pittman’s original cover art, which complements the themes of struggle and resilience central to the novel, illustrating a pivotal moment of emotion in the story. This new artwork joins the manuscript that Pittman had a hand in shaping, finally merging his visual creativity with the words he helped bring to life.

Jason Pittman also continues to manage and update the official website for Wesley and the River Run, playing an active role in the promotion of the novel and its events. Jason also encouraged DeAngelo to explore an audiobook version, introducing him to colleague Michael Leverone, whose narration brings an entirely new dimension to the story.

After hearing Leverone’s powerful narration on Frankie’s Note by Robert Parks-Valletta, Jason was inspired to connect Michael with author Marc DeAngelo, knowing his voice would bring the emotional depth Wesley and the River Run deserved. DeAngelo says that Michael’s performance “perfectly captures the heart of the story.”

In a nod to their shared musical history, the band Summer Rain, co-founded by DeAngelo, has generously contributed previously unreleased and remastered tracks to the Wesley and the River Run audiobook. Pittman once performed with original members Shawn Ceigershmidt and DeAngelo who reformed the band with a new lineup as Summer Rain. Summer Rain has ten albums on iTunes, a legacy in the DC area, and has remained an integral part of DeAngelo’s creative journey. For these creatives, this collaboration on Wesley and the River Run brings several shared experiences full circle.

For more information about Wesley and the River Run and its second edition release under Raft Books, visit www.wesleyandtheriverrun.com.

Michael Leverone’s musical and narration talents are on Display at @MikeOnLoop.

To learn more about Jason Pittman’s artistic and consulting work, visit www.jasonpittman.net.