Rochelle
St. John Ruiz
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 Chapel Hill, TN with her favorite people and one medium-sized, loyal, guard dog.
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 oldest 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! for both of my girls, 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 like going on adventures and spending time with family and friends.
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 Tennessee?
I love the mountains, the rivers, and the beautiful people I get to call family and friends.
Do you have any animals?
We have one, medium-sized, loyal dog named Winn-Dixie. He is always very excited to see me and likes to follow me around the house.
What are your favorite colors?
My two favorite colors are yellow and blue.
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, their three fun and creative sons, and their new twin daughters. She thinks, with gratitude, on all the good things overflowing in her life!
Contact the Author:
Book readings, Book Signings, Assemblies
"If you choose to focus on the beautiful things in life- LIFE will become beautiful."
-ROCHELLE ST. JOHN RUIZ
