The Author
Rochelle St. John Ruiz is an author, singer-songwriter, speaker, and ventriloquist. At the age of eight, she taught herself ventriloquism and has traveled the world with her puppet friend "Willie". She has been creating songs, scripts, and stories since childhood. Rochelle homeschooled her daughters for 18 years and her artistic endeavors have always been a family affair. She lives in Redding, CA with her favorite people and one, medium-sized, loyal, guard dog. Rochelle will be revealing her newest puppet friend, who will be traveling with her on book tours, very soon!
What inspired you to write Think Of Good Things and Gotta Give It To God!?
Think Of Good Things was originally a song I wrote for my daughter when she was small. She was a bit afraid of the dark, so I would sing the song to her at night, to move her focus off of her fears, and onto the beautiful things in life. I wrote Gotta Give It To God! when both of my girls were small. I used it as a tool to introduce them to the topic of feelings.
What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Cotton Candy!
What was your favorite children’s book when you were a child?
I remember liking Bedtime for Frances, written by Russell Hoban and illustrated by Garth Williams. I used to read it over and over again.
What do you like to do for fun?
I enjoy hiking and spending time with family.
What is your favorite place to eat?
I am spoiled by my husband who is an amazing chef! Anywhere he is cooking is where I want to be!
What is your favorite time of day?
I am a night person, which means I really enjoy the evening. I am more inspired and creative at night, and I have done some of my best writing during the late evening hours.
What are your favorite things about living in Northern California?
I love the mountains, lakes, and the beautiful people I get to call family and friends.
Do you have any animals?
We do have one, medium-sized, loyal dog named Winndixie. He follows me everywhere and is always very excited to see me.
What is your favorite color?
I equally love blue and yellow. I especially love seeing them together.
The Illustrator
Pennie Mirande first discovered her love for art as a young girl growing up in rural Colorado. She always dreamed of one day illustrating children's books and painting portraits of children. Pennie loves the freedom and joy that creativity brings. She spends her days painting, teaching art to children and adults, and enjoying the simple pleasures of life with her husband and their three fun and creative sons. She thinks, with gratitude, on all the good things overflowing in her life!
"If you choose to focus on the beautiful things in life- LIFE will become beautiful."
ROCHELLE ST. JOHN RUIZ
