Turquoise Tail is the story of a young coyote born with a unique tail that makes her the target of ridicule and bullying from the other desert animals. Why was this an important book for you to share with young readers?

As a retired Special and Regular Ed. Teacher of 37 years, I have dealt with the issue of bullying in many facets both inside and outside of the educational environment. Many children, as well as adults, experience bullying, especially individuals with special needs, who long to feel included by society. I have always felt an extreme responsibility to teach the “Golden Rule” and model it for all students to practice…treat others as you would like to be treated. By instilling this philosophy at a very young age, how wonderful the world would be, if kindness and caring for others was spontaneous, without any thought, lasting through a life span.

Is there anything from your own life you put into the characters in little Cielo’s tale?

Cielo, a Spanish word that means “sky” or ‘heaven”, inspired me as the name for my main character in Turquoise Tail. Cielo is a little girl coyote, who is born looking and feeling very different, based on what other critters see. I have worked with children who feel so isolated and hurt based on how they are treated by others. Teaching students to see how much they have to offer; their uniqueness and hidden talents are true gifts from heaven. Bliss, the spiritual white coyote, enters Cielo’s life to reassure her that her beauty inside and outside shall not go unnoticed. He inspires her to realize that with her unique turquoise tail that others make fun of is really a blessing from heaven. She paints the sky turquoise blue with her beautiful tail based on the spiritual guidance from Bliss, for the enchanting New Mexico balloon Festival!

The illustrations in your book are fantastic. Can you tell us a little about your collaboration with Rebecca Jacob?

My older sister, Rebecca Jacob, has numerous stellar qualities as an artist, sister, and friend. She frequently visits New Mexico in the summer where we share many outdoor adventures, collaborate on critters, scenes, settings, etc. for our next story. I create the story first and then share it with Rebecca. I asked what she thought about doing a children’s book together with her as the illustrator with our first book, Desert Bliss, and she excitedly exclaimed, “Sure!” Since our first book, it has been a very spiritual and transformational journey with each new book that we create as a team. Overall, I feel very fortunate to have such a wonderful relationship with my sister Rebecca Jacob.

What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?

I have just finished my fifth Children’s Book, Hatch Chile Willie, which will be available for preorder purchase in March 2024, and released in June 2024. I am very thrilled with the characters in Hatch Chile Willie. Hatch Chile Willie is a silly magical chili pepper, and Farmer Pablo, is a very lonely farmer. The setting takes place in the beautiful town of Hatch, a unique small town located in southern New Mexico. The book also includes a Spanish/English Glossary with given vocabulary words used throughout the text, celebrating the Spanish culture and influence in NM history with the celebrated Hatch Chile and Hatch Chile Festival every Labor Day weekend in Hatch, NM.

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