We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Rachel Pezzimenti. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Rachel below.
Alright, Rachel thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you tell us the backstory behind how you came up with the idea?
Rachel, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Most of my adult life was spent raising my eight children. We were a military family and lived in some really interesting places. There are twenty years between my oldest and youngest children. By and large, our family homeschooled over 32 years. I loved homeschooling because I’m just that nerdy. I love learning! I’m not sure my children would agree. Playing teacher and mother can be a bit gnarly at times, but we got by. Some of my favorite memories with my family were those “light bulb moments” when things just came together for them. Over the years, I had a chance to familiarize myself with lots of curriculum. I noted what my kids liked and why they enjoyed it. I saw a great need for children’s literature that both entertains and enlightens. I am an avid reader myself and I admire the great illustrators. They’re the ones who make the stories leap off the page with life! I’m very thankful to have not only written “Mr. MacBoggle’s Little Bird,” but also to have illustrated my work. It’s my world and welcome to it!
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
I love children and care deeply about what happens to them, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Children are completely vulnerable. They’re dependent on adults for care and guidance. There are so many options in the world of children’s literature- it staggers the imagination! Many books appeal to a child’s “lesser angels.” Unfortunately, kids can be used as tools to advance political and social agendas. Furthermore, a vast majority of children’s literature aims to produce yet another generation of mindless consumers. With so many literary choices, it can be difficult for parents and caregivers to provide literature that will not only be age-appropriate, but also entertaining. Children’s hearts and minds must be nourished within the context of their entire being, not merely beguiled on the basis of their appetites. I was driven to write “Mr. MacBoggle’s Little Bird” to fill a void. I’m seeking to promote literature in which the welfare of the reader is the primary objective.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rmpezzimenti.com/
- Instagram: r.m..pezzimenti
- Facebook: R.M. Pezzimenti
- Youtube: R. M. Pezzimenti
Image Credits
All images are mine.