Book One:
The Secret of the Gold Dust
The Secret of the Gold Dust
Join Luna & Leo on their first glittering adventure!
One sunny day, they set out to explore Japan’s historic Sado Island, but a shocking surprise sends them tumbling deep underground.
The kids discover the hidden magic of the Island’s abandoned gold mine. They learn that, together, they can face their fears.
Even the scariest moments can lead to valuable discoveries!
© 2025 Joe Serio Enterprises · Author: Joe Serio, Ph.D.Illustrations by: Anfisa Brewer & Manifestive DesignISBN: 9781419774003 · Published: April 2025
A Special Message from the Author:
Why This Story Matters
IN REAL LIFE
Sado Island, Japan
Located in Niigata Prefecture, the Sado Mines produced gold and silver from the 16th to the 19th centuries. The miners extracted these precious metals without the use of any machines we use today. Even so, during the 17th century their efforts accounted for approximately 10% of the global gold share, making it the world’s largest gold producer.
The mine was in operation until March of 1989 when the resources were ultimately depleted.
The Gold Mine of Sado Island (佐渡島の金山）is now an educational museum that thousands of visitors explore each year. In fact, it was just recently added to the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 2024. The mined tunnels stretch a total distance of about 400 kilometers (or 250 miles).
Photo Credit: UnseenJapan.com
Photo Credit: Nippon.com
Photo Credit: EnjoyNiigata.com
The Art of
Healing & Hope
In The Secret of The Gold Dust, we explore Kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold, which is a profound metaphor for hope and healing.
Instead of hiding imperfections, this art form highlights them, transforming damage into beauty. This process reflects the idea that our scars—whether physical, emotional, or mental—are not marks of weakness, but of resilience and growth.
In this first Gemini Series book, Luna & Leo learn that healing doesn't erase pain; by joining hands and working together, they find depth and strength, creating something uniquely beautiful from what was once broken. Just like the Japanese art of Kintsugi, the children remind us that even in our most difficult moments, there is potential for renewal and grace.
