Blog Archives
Remember Me
In Remember Me, Rachel Vogel celebrates her mother, a woman who was the wittiest, funniest, and most delightfully chaotic person she’s ever known. From standing up to insufferable, thankfully not, in-laws to causing a scene at the zoo to playing the role of a shameless matchmaker, Rachel’s mother was everything to her—a beacon of light and, most importantly, her unwavering defender. To honor her memory and inspire others, Vogel journals some of the most iconic and beloved moments they shared.
Transcending the realm of mere tributes with impeccable humor, deep affection for her mother, and incredible storytelling skills, Vogel transforms cherished memories into tales that could easily belong to a hilarious stand-up routine. From the first memory to the last, Vogel sweeps readers into a whirlwind of emotions, leaving a lasting impression. Her witty and engaging writing style makes this book an intriguing and captivating read, leaving readers craving more stories. Her anecdotes will have you laughing out loud, gasping in shock, and nodding in admiration.
While her mother was undoubtedly quirky, Rachel also highlights her mother’s strength and resilience. She paints a vivid picture of a superwoman who was her rock and inspiration. Through her portrayal, Vogel expresses her love and respect for all super moms. Ultimately, she has crafted a wholesome work of art that not only preserves the memory of her eccentric mother but also underscores the importance of journaling.
Remember Me, by Rachel Vogel, is a heartfelt and humorous homage to a remarkable woman who left an indelible mark on her daughter’s life. Through vivid storytelling and engaging anecdotes, Vogel captures the essence of her mother’s vibrant spirit and enduring love. This book is not only a celebration of an extraordinary mother but also a powerful reminder of the importance of cherishing and documenting our own precious memories.
Pages: 84 | ISBN : 978-1955568432
Interactive and Creative Opportunities
Raccoons Go Rafting: Coloring and Activity Book invites young readers to illustrate, provide dialogue, and display creativity as they bring the story of six adventurous raccoons to life. What inspired you to create an activity book as a companion text to Raccoons Go Rafting?
The inspiration for Raccoons Go Rafting: Coloring and Activity Book came from my interactions at readings and events. Young readers loved that the simplicity of the text in Raccoons Go Rafting let them create some of the raccoon’s reactions in their own style. Students in the schools were asking great questions about the Hudson River and raccoons. Most exciting to me was the number of students with a passion for writing. They truly have stories inside them just waiting to be told. These amazing future writers inspired me to create a version of this “tail” that gave them more interactive and creative opportunities. Thank you to all my raccoon fans whose curiosity, passion, and inquisitiveness brought this coloring and activity book to life!
You include a list of facts about raccoons and the Hudson River for your readers. In your research for this book, did you find anything particularly interesting?
I found this section to be the most difficult to create because there are so many cool facts that could have been included! All the Hudson River facts were pieces of information that I would tell my crew while guiding. It was a lot of fun to research raccoon facts. Out of all the wildlife presentations and programs I have attended throughout my youth, raccoons were only briefly mentioned, if ever. Raccoons’ adorable black masks, delicate black hands, and bushy tails are some of my favorite physical features. I found it interesting that raccoons can have as little as four rings on their tails to as many as ten rings. Also, I did not realize that a raccoon’s lifespan in the wild is three to five years!
I love the idea of having readers supply dialogue for characters. How important do you believe it is for children to practice creative writing?
I believe that it is crucial for children to practice creative writing organically. If they enjoy creative writing in their youth, they will be more apt to continue writing as they transition from adolescence to adulthood. Also, creative writing and reading tend to go hand in hand. A child who loves writing most likely also loves reading and vice versa. As a mother of five and with my experience in education in various roles, I have seen the power and confidence that imagination and creative writing give children. It enables them to communicate effectively, encourages them to see the world from different views, and inspires them to become actively engaged in the world around them!
Can fans look forward to seeing more adventures with the raccoon crew? What are you currently working on?
Our raccoon crew is working hard exploring new possibilities for future adventures! While our Raccoons Ride the Dragonback is still being created, we have been enjoying other local gems like the Natural Stone Bridge and Caves in Pottersville (N.Y.) and Secret Caverns in Howe (N.Y.). These amazing natural wonders are perfect for raccoon adventures and family fun! Add them to your summer adventure list too!
Winter adventures will also continue with Nugget and Bandit’s chapter books; our newest installment Nugget & Bandit: From Student to Teacher is anticipated to release this upcoming winter season!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Amazon
Raccoons Go Rafting: Coloring and Activity Book
Raccoons Go Rafting: Coloring and Activity Book, an engaging coloring and activity book written by Rachel Vogel and illustrated by Anthony Richichi, is an ideal addition to any child’s summer vacation toolkit. This delightful book invites young readers to bring the story of six raccoons on their first river rapids adventure to life with their own creative touches on the black-and-white pages.
As an educator, I am particularly impressed by the inclusion of blank speech bubbles that encourage children to craft their own dialogue, enhancing the raccoons’ lively tale. This feature not only stimulates imagination but also fosters budding writing skills, allowing children to create unique conversations and exchanges between characters throughout the book. Vogel’s open-ended activity is a brilliant tool for inspiring young writers to develop original adventure stories.
Raccoons Go Rafting: Coloring and Activity Book goes beyond storytelling by incorporating a variety of activities that promote learning. The book concludes with adventure badges, a hidden picture puzzle, a maze, blank pages for story writing, a word search, and two informative pages about the Hudson River and raccoons. These additional features make it an excellent resource for both rainy-day indoor activities and long car rides.
Young readers who enjoy a blend of fiction and nonfiction will find Vogel’s work captivating, relishing the opportunity to participate in the story construction themselves. I highly recommend Raccoons Go Rafting: Coloring and Activity Book to families seeking an educational book that ignites the imagination and creativity of their young readers.
Pages: 42 | ISBN : 978-1955568289
A Champion for Nature
Raccoons Go Rafting follows a group of mischievous and adventurous raccoons as they go on a rafting trip over the summer. What was the inspiration for your story?
This summer “tail” is based on my adventures as a NYS Whitewater Raft Guide on the Hudson River. The raccoons featured in Raccoons Go Rafting (RGR) are based on guide friends I formed amazing friendships with. Nugget was the nickname I was given on the water by Bandit, the rascally red-vested raccoon. In real life, Bandit was the one who taught me how to raft!
The art in this book is vibrant and entertaining, making readers wish they were right there on the river with the raccoons. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Anthony Richichi?
I have been very fortunate that the indie publisher, Saratoga Springs Publishing (SSP), has such talented illustrators available to her authors! While in the storyboarding process with SSP, we realized that RGR needed an illustrator with a passion for nature and animals as well as a sense of adventure. Anthony possesses all of those traits! During our collaborations, it was amazing to see my stick figure raccoons turn into the adorable furry adventurers featured on the pages of RGR.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
In my debut book, I wanted the Hudson River’s beauty and strength to shine. As a guide, I fell in love with the River and the animals that call it home, therefore I wanted to create an engaging and educational picture book that could grow with young readers. On the first read, this “tail” is very vibrant with short bursts of text but on your second, third, and later reads the different rapids and animals within the pages start to pop. The call of conservation as seen on the map’s signs “Take only memories” and “Leave only pawprints” is another aspect that I like to expand on during my author readings. It is very important that our youth begin to not only experience and fall in love with our vibrant Earth; our youth must also become active in conservation so that they can continue to be a champion for nature as they grow up.
What future adventures do readers have to look forward to with these mischievous raccoons, and when can they expect the next story?
This gang of raccoon friends isn’t done exploring yet! The Raccoons Go Rafting series will be expanding this summer with a trip down the Sacandaga River! This new adventure, Raccoons Ride the Dragonback, will be splashing onto shelves later this summer. Nugget and her friends still have many other river adventures ahead of them with the Moose River, Niagara Falls, and even rivers outside of Nugget’s home state, New York, on their TBR (standing for To Be Rafted) list! Follow our adventures on Facebook for the inside scoop!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Amazon
Raccoons Go Rafting
Raccoons Go Rafting by Rachel Vogel is a charming little tale that’s like a splash of cold river water on a hot summer day – refreshing and invigorating. It’s a cute picture book that follows a group of adventurous raccoons on their rafting escapade. The simplicity of the narrative, with its short and snappy phrases, makes every page a delightful turn for young readers.
Vogel’s writing style is playful and energetic, perfectly capturing the essence of a child’s adventure. Phrases like “Raccoons rush” and “Raccoons flush” are not only fun to read aloud but also vividly portray the raccoons’ antics. The rhythm gets little minds racing with excitement. The brevity of the text per page makes it an excellent choice for beginner readers or a quick bedtime story.
The illustrations by Anthony Richichi are absolutely charming and match the book’s fun tone. They are windows into the raccoons’ world, rich in color and life. The raccoons’ expressions as they surf and swim bring the story to life. Kids will love pointing out the little details in each picture, from the raccoons’ mischievous grins to the vibrant river scenes. It’s a visual treat that complements the story beautifully.
Raccoons Go Rafting is a splendid pick for young readers and parents alike. This children’s book is very entertaining, even with just a few words. The book is an invitation to explore the outdoors, fostering a love for adventure and nature in its readers. I’d recommend this picture book to anyone with young kids, especially those who are just starting to read or have an affinity for animals and nature. I’m sure it will be a book that will be reached time and again at bedtime, becoming a cherished part of any child’s book collection.
Pages: 32 | ISBN : 1955568278
Impressions Are Always Changing
Nugget and Bandit’s First Winter follows an adventurous and curious raccoon living on one side of a mountain who makes friends with another raccoon and two squirrels, and together they explore the other side of the mountain. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration for Nugget & Bandit’s First Winter came from my own “tail” of friendship. My adventure started with learning to ski at West Mountain with the instructor who became the inspiration for Bandit. I swear when I first met him, I thought he was crazy, so it was only fitting that Bandit experienced the same first impressions in our wintry “tail.”
The gifts inside our debut chapter book were also reminiscent of the “Chicklets from your chick” I used to give Bandit. The necklace in the book was one of my most cherished gifts from Bandit. The mountains on the map are all places that we explored together, and Bandit did actually gift me a day of skiing at Bromley that ended in a terrible tumble. My right big toenail will never look the same!
The art in this book is fantastic. Each page is filled with wonder and draws young readers’ attention right into the story. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Anthony Richichi?
When starting my author journey, I was encouraged to query traditional publishers, but during my research, I found that was not the best publishing path for me. I wanted to be fully hands-on throughout the whole publishing process, including illustration design and layout. In the end, this desire to retain full rights to all decisions made indie publishing the best for me. When I found Saratoga Springs Publishing, owned by Vicki Addesso Dodd, she was as passionate about creating my books as I was!
As I created this “tail”, images were already swirling around my head like the snowflakes in this wintry adventure. After drafting my image ideas and placements, SSP and I storyboarded. There were so many little details from my own memories that I wanted to highlight! The names of the trails are actually from West Mountain on page 67.
My amazing publisher, Vicki, introduced me and Anthony. I had told Vicki I had all the images already thought of but would be in need of an illustrator and she had happily provided referrals. I fell in love with Anthony’s gorgeous nature paintings.
It was amazing to be able to storyboard with Vicki, and her encouragement has led me to actually like my “Franken-coons” as we call my cat-faced, stick-bodied, and raccoon-tailed attempts at drawing! After creating our storyboard drafts, we all worked together with Anthony through initial drafts to final images. Watching Anthony be able to capture the images that were in my head with such skill is mind-blowing. I look forward to more fantastic artwork collaborations with Anthony and Vicki!
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
In this chapter book, I wanted the message of friendship to resonate throughout the adventure. As a mother of five children, I think that it is important to remember that friendships won’t bloom if you don’t give them a chance. Anyone and everyone you meet could possibly become a friend. While first impressions are very important, I wanted to remind my children that impressions are always changing. Having an open mind to try new adventures with all kinds of people makes life memorable. I would know from experience! If I hadn’t become friends with Bandit, I would not have earned the nickname Nugget. There would have been a lot of experiences I would have never enjoyed as well!
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
This is the first book in a winter and summer series featuring the adventures of Nugget and Bandit. Fans can expect a sassier Nugget and even bigger surprises from Bandit! There will also be lots of new friends made along the way. The next book will really highlight the underlying message of exploration and believing in yourself as you continue to learn new skills. We anticipate another furry release in Winter 2024! While you wait for the next snowy adventure, check out Nugget and Bandit on the Hudson River in Raccoons Go Rafting. The rafting sequel, Raccoons Ride the Dragonback, will be released this summer!
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Everyday she would visit her favorite log on West Mountain until Nugget meets new friends and experiences a different side of the mountain.
Join the adventure as Nugget learns to ski with Bandit, the raccoon, and Pip and Squeak, two squirrel brothers.
Explore West and Bromley Mountain with these furry friends. Both mountains bring new lessons and new memories.
“There are more skiing adventure to come,” promises Nugget.
Nugget & Bandit’s First Winter
Rachel Vogel’s Nugget and Bandit’s First Winter invites readers into a charming and beautifully illustrated world of woodland adventure. The story centers on Nugget, a curious raccoon who discovers the joys of exploration and friendship upon meeting Bandit, a fellow raccoon. Their escapades, along with the amusing squirrel duo Pip and Squeak, are set in a picturesque forest that vividly comes to life through Anthony Richichi’s captivating illustrations.
Nugget, characterized by her sweet and inquisitive nature, evokes a sense of familiarity and warmth reminiscent of personal encounters with wildlife. With his audacious and humorous personality, Bandit complements Nugget’s character perfectly. The inclusion of Pip and Squeak adds a delightful layer of humor to the narrative, enhancing the story’s overall appeal. The book’s setting, integrating real-life mountains and trails, lends an authentic touch to the narrative. The story’s conclusion elegantly leaves the door open for future adventures, subtly balancing the promise of more tales to come with a satisfying sense of closure.
Nugget and Bandit’s First Winter is a heartwarming tale of adventure and friendship, making it an ideal read for families and young readers. Its engaging storyline, delightful cast of characters, and enchanting illustrations make it a memorable addition to children’s literature. Vogel’s creation is a testament to the joys of exploration and the bonds of friendship. It’s a story that entertains and subtly inspires a love for nature and adventure, promising more exciting journeys with Nugget and her friends in future installments.
Pages: 88 | ASIN : B0CJXHQW1W
LITERARY TITAN 