Click here to learn about Rachelle's SCHOOL AUTHOR VISITS
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Check out my book: Tree House in a Storm
My first children's book, TREE HOUSE IN A STORM (illustrated by Rex Schneider), was released by Stemmer House Publishers in September. Set in my hometown of New Orleans, two children build a tree house where they play and imagine all summer long. But then Hurricane Betsy blows into New Orleans in 1965, and their beloved tree house becomes one of its victims.
This story of loss, hope, and resiliency was inspired by actual events from my childhood. It explores universal themes of natural disaster and rebuilding. In the classroom, this book serves as an effective discussion tool. A free Teacher's Guide and book related activities are available through a link on this site. I love to go to schools for Author Visit programs!
When purchased through their blog link, a portion of the proceeds will go to Habitat for Humanity in New Orleans, as well as the American Red Cross of Central New Jersey.
The book is also available on Amazon, Barnes&Noble, and Stemmer House Publishers.
New manuscript complete! Children's biography of a blind painter
After 2 years of research, interviews, writing and revising, I have completed my children's biography about a remarkable blind painter. I am currently in the process of seeking a publisher.Who is Esref Armagan?
Esref Armagan (born 1953) is a contemporary Turkish painter who has been completely blind since birth. He grew up poor and uneducated, and never had an art lesson, yet he paints detailed pictures in bright colors and 3-point perspective without assistance. For decades, Armagan was the subject of curiosity, awe, and skepticism in his native
I discovered Esref Armagan quite by accident three years ago when an article about him popped up in an unrelated google search. It caught my eye, and I was immediately hooked. I knew I had to write a book and share his inspiring story with kids everywhere. After 18 months of research, interviews, and writing, I have finally completed my children's biography about this remarkable painter. The manuscript, Painting in the Dark: The Esref Armagan Story, has been favorably reviewed by members of the Arts and Disabilities organizations, as well as national and international organizations for the blind. (Click here to read reviews). I am currently seeking a publisher.
Watching My Book Come To Life!
January 2009One of the many nice things about working with a smaller publishing house is that they are often willing to allow contact between author and illustrator. This is the case with Stemmer House Publishers. My talented illustrator is Rex Schneider, who has been working diligently on the illustrations for our upcoming book. He's sent me some of his preliminary sketches. Wow! Watching my story come to life is an enormous thrill.
It's also a privilege to assist him in the process. The story is set in New Orleans in 1965, during Hurricane Betsy. Finding historically accurate photos to work from was no easy task. I contacted the Corps of Engineers office in New Orleans and was able to acquire archived photos of the city after Hurricane Betsy, including flooded streets and evacuation shelters. (That sure brought back a "flood" of memories!)
Rex and I discovered a mutual love for frogs. Our inside joke will be little frogs hidden in illustrations throughout the book. Shhh. Don't tell our editor.
Check out Rex's website: http://www.bluemousestudio.com/
February 2008
I am excited to now be a part of a wonderful kids' newspaper, which is distributed free to elementary schools around the country. In my position as Local Editorial Director of Kidsville News, Middlesex County (New Jersey) edition, I have created an interactive page called "The Write Stuff." The monthly themes and prompts encourage kids to write creatively and see their work published. The newspaper is a FREE, quality alternative to classroom mags such as Weekly Reader or Scholastic. Check it out! www.KidsvilleNews.com
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