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Hatch Chile Willie follows a chile farmer from New Mexico who discovers in his greenhouse a Hatch Chile who has come to life and plays a guitar. What was the inspiration for your story?
I was driving to Las Cruces for a book signing in southern New Mexico with my husband and our German Shepherd, Bliss. We were about thirty minutes away from our destination, when I looked out the window noticing a breathtaking green landscape next to the Rio Grande. I exclaimed to my husband, “Oh Guy, can we please stop here?!” It was a charming little town called Hatch, New Mexico, “The Chile Capital of the World”! After our enchanting road trip, I researched all about the tiny town of Hatch, NM, along with the world known distinct delicious Hatch Chile… my imagination prevailed, creating Hatch Chile Willie.
Are there any books or authors that inspired you to become a writer?
One author who truly inspired me on my journey as a writer was Shel Silverstein. His books are pure genius, engaging, thought provoking, and imaginative. I am always amazed at his wonderful talent of using words, poetry, illustrations, etc., to capture and engage the reader. I especially remember reading and rereading his wonderful children’s picture book, “The Giving Tree” as a child and later in life as a teacher.
What advice would you give to a new writer working on their first children’s book?
My advice to a new writer working on their first children’s book is to allow yourself a quiet time and space to gather and create your thoughts over time. For example, ideas and thoughts may come in the middle of the night, have a journal next to your bed to write down what comes to mind to reflect on later. Lastly, believe in yourself and your abilities as a writer…persevere in your dream of creating a masterpiece.
What is the next book that you are working on and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I always feel consummated and at peace after a book has been published. My next book is a lingering mystery within me, as I ponder upon sequels to books that I have written, or something totally unprecedented.
Author Links: Amazon | Facebook
Suddenly, he is startled by beautiful Spanish music and a reddish-green light! What will happen next?
Hatch Chile Willie
In Hatch Chile Willie, author Rachel Bate transports readers to a warm summer night in New Mexico, where Farmer Pablo, nestled in his greenhouse among his specialty New Mexico Chiles, encounters an extraordinary phenomenon. As he dozes off in his rocking chair, he is startled awake by the enchanting sounds of Spanish music. To his amazement, the source of this music is none other than a half-red, half-green chile strumming a guitar. This whimsical character introduces himself as Hatch Chile Willie, a chile pepper with a passion for music and dance.
The narrative unfolds as Farmer Pablo, initially convinced he’s dreaming, realizes that Hatch Chile Willie is indeed a real presence in his greenhouse. The story delicately explores the surreal yet charming bond that forms between Farmer Pablo and his musical chili companion, leaving readers to ponder the significance of Hatch Chile Willie’s appearance and his mysterious plan. What makes this tale particularly delightful is its uniqueness. The idea of a singing, guitar-playing chile pepper is both imaginative and endearing. Bate’s storytelling is captivating, drawing the reader into the magical world she creates. The bond between Farmer Pablo and Hatch Chile Willie is portrayed with warmth and humor, offering a narrative that is both fun and heartwarming. Complementing Bate’s storytelling are Rebecca Jacob’s illustrations, which are playful and visually engaging. These illustrations are likely to capture the hearts of young readers, fostering a sense of connection with Hatch Chile Willie, much like the bond he forms with Farmer Pablo.
With its blend of whimsy and warmth, this book is an excellent choice for parents seeking a unique and entertaining story to share with their children. Its charm lies not only in the imaginative storyline but also in the subtle messages of friendship and surprise. Hatch Chile Willie is a delightful read for children and adults alike, offering a journey into a world where magic and reality intertwine in the most unexpected ways.
Pages: 38 | ASIN : B0CV9HMS8K
Turquoise Tail
Turquoise Tail, authored by Rachel Bate and illustrated by Rebecca Jacob, presents a engaging narrative set in the animal kingdom. The protagonist, a coyote pup named Cielo, is born with an unusual turquoise tail, setting her apart from her peers. This difference becomes a central theme as Cielo encounters various challenges, including ridicule from Leroy, a lizard, and others in her community. The story thoughtfully explores themes of discrimination and bullying, resonating with societal issues that extend beyond the confines of its pages.
The book is a testament to the enduring appeal of children’s literature, which often captures complex topics through accessible storytelling. Bate’s narrative is straightforward yet effective, allowing readers of all ages to engage with Cielo’s emotional journey. The simplicity of the language is a notable strength, making the story relatable. Rebecca Jacob’s illustrations complement the narrative beautifully, enhancing the storytelling with vivid imagery. The choice of colors and artistic style add depth to the characters and settings, creating charming images that help convey the story’s emotional nuances.
Turquoise Tail is not just a story about overcoming adversity; it’s a reminder of the importance of embracing individuality and fostering inclusivity. While primarily aimed at young readers, its themes and presentation make it a delightful read for adults as well. The book serves as a wonderful tool for connecting with children, offering both entertainment and valuable life lessons.
Rachel Bate’s creation, paired with Rebecca Jacob’s artistic contributions, makes Turquoise Tail a meaningful addition to any child’s library. It’s a book that promises not just a captivating reading experience but also an opportunity for young minds to learn and grow. Turquoise Tail is an invitation to engage in conversations about diversity, acceptance, and the beauty of being unique.
Page: 38 | ISBN : 978-1684019885
Tierra Day
When Tierra joins her eagle friend Eli for a walk along a nature trail, they are dismayed at the amount of trash scattered around the landscape. They meet up with Monte Mountain Lion on the trail and brainstorm ways to clean up land together. They devise a plan to hold Tierra Day on Earth Day, a celebration and community clean-up event to help humans and animals.
Tierra Day, written by Rachel Bate, is an inspiring children’s book that teaches the importance of recycling and cleaning up after yourself. The story talks about how keeping the Earth clean is a community effort. One person alone can not do it all, and this story highlights the value of getting the entire community involved. The animals even work together to surprise the humans on this special day.
The artwork done by Rebecca Jacob is beautiful and colorful. The paintings will appeal to children with their vivid colors and textures. I especially liked Monty; his expressions made me laugh.
At the end of this educational book is a fact sheet on Earth Day and a glossary; this makes it perfect for classrooms and teachers to use for a lesson on Earth Day. Many children’s books on Earth Day focus just on actually cleaning up and the importance of recycling. What stood out for me in this book was that the planning was discussed. The author emphasizes how important it is to get the word out and get involvement from the community, even the Mayor and Governor. This shows children that it is the responsibility of all people, no matter how important their jobs are, to help keep the Earth clean and trash-free.
Tierra Day is a well-thought-out and written children’s book with an important message about doing your part to keep your community clean. This book would be excellent for anyone who wants to teach children the importance of recycling and how taking care of the Earth impacts not just humans but the animals we share the planet with.
Pages: 38 | ASIN : B0BGZXNCWV
LITERARY TITAN 