We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rachel Kaplan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Rachel, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

A central theme in my children’s books is the importance of accepting differences and showing kindness towards others. Having been bullied and feeling like an outcast when I was young , I know how deeply it can hurt to feel excluded. Those experiences inspired me to create stories that encourage inclusion, compassion and friendship. Through my characters, I hope children learn that everyone has unique strengths. By celebrating what makes us different, my books aim to help young readers see that acceptance and understanding makes the world a kinder place.

Rachel, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I didn’t learn to read until High School and up to that point my main exposure to storytelling came from watching Disney movies and musicals. Those colorful worlds sparked my imagination and planted the dream of becoming an author. Even though learning to read later than most was a challenge, I was determined to follow my dream for creating stories, no matter what others thought or said. That determination shaped my journey as a writer and heart of my books which focuses on friendship, kindness, and believing in yourself. Through my stories, I hope to inspire children to see that dreams are always within your reach.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Writing books for children allows me to share the values I believe in most- kindness, friendship and the acceptance of differences. Through my stories, I want to help young readers see that everyone deserves respect and understanding. My characters learn that small acts of kindness can make a big difference. I hope to encourage children to celebrate what makes every person unique.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

When I first started submitting my book for publication, I faced a lot of rejection, and it was frustrating at times. I refused to let it stop me from pursuing my dream. I believed in my story and the message that it carried, and that kept me going. Every rejection became a lesson reminding me that success comes to those who don’t give up. Seeing my books published made every challenge along the way worthwhile.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @littlerayray18