About

Midsummer Studio is an independent publishing house creating soothing stories for tending the inner world of children and the folks who care for them. Founded by Filipino-American author and creative director Cleodia Martinez, the studio develops illustrated books and companion materials that support emotional awareness, rhythm, and connection through gentle storytelling and art.

At the heart of Midsummer Studio is Mount Luntian, an original illustrated storybook series inspired by Philippine folklore, tropical landscapes, and nature-based rhythms. Rather than retelling traditional myths, Mount Luntian reimagines familiar archetypes such as the diwata and sirena through a contemporary lens that honors their symbolic roots while releasing fear-based narratives. The result is a calm, emotionally safe story world where children are invited to explore feelings with curiosity, steadiness, and care.

The first book in the series, Diwa of Mount Luntian, follows a young diwata whose glow changes with her emotions. Over the course of a gentle, sensory day, Diwa notices joy, shyness, frustration, and excitement as she moves through daily rhythms such as waking with the sun, learning with friends, tending to nature, and settling into rest. Designed for children ages 4 to 7, the story aligns with early childhood principles that value imagination, repetition, and emotional attunement.

Beyond books, Midsummer Studio is thoughtfully developing Mount Luntian as a broad story world. Companion activity kits and printable resources extend the stories beyond the page, inviting families to slow down, reflect, and engage together. Future plans include expansions into puzzles, stationery, and other story-based tools that support connection and emotional literacy in everyday life.

The studio’s work is shaped by an interdisciplinary foundation that blends storytelling, somatic awareness, design, and cultural heritage. Nature is treated as a living presence, emotions are welcomed as meaningful signals, and imagination is honored as a quiet and powerful source of nourishment.

Through Mount Luntian, Midsummer Studio offers stories that feel both rooted and expansive, creating space for children to build inner trust and for adults to reconnect with presence, care, and shared rhythm.