By way of introduction, here is Patrice’s bio:
Patrice was raised in the state of Delaware and has always had a love for learning and teaching children.
She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Delaware and received her Master’s in Communication Disorders from Penn State—combining her love of reading, writing and rhyming with a passion for helping every child find their voice.
With the help of her illustrator, Mina Anguelova, Patrice turned her passion into colorful, playful pages with Rhyming Fun with Feelings – Learning Made Easy, the first book in an exciting series.
Patrice’s mission is to help children of all abilities learn by creating books that encourage a love of reading, learning, and knowledge.
When Patrice isn’t inspiring children’s learning through her books, she is making memories with her daughter and fiancé, going on nature walks, capturing beautiful landscapes through her camera lens, or enjoying some rest and relaxation.
Hello, Patrice, welcome to Angel Kiss Publications. Thank you for agreeing to do this interview.
Thank you for having me.
When did the writing bug ensnare you?
Early in my career I worked in a preschool that included children with learning differences. The teachers were frustrated that they couldn’t just pick up a book and read it to their students because the stories were too long.
After listening to the teachers and what they wanted to read to their students, I decided that one day, I was going write a series that corresponds with themes taught in school so the that the teachers could have books to pick up and read that would engage the children and help them learn.
Is writing your full-time profession?
No, it isn’t. My career as a Speech Language Pathologist has spanned 30 years now.
How long have you been writing?
I have always enjoyed writing. I took a writing course through the Institute of Children’s Literature in the 1990s.
I wrote a couple of books outside of the course in the early 2000s. This series that I was driven to write finally came about in the past 4 years, with five published books so far.
How many published books have you written?
I currently have five published books. Rhyming Fun with Feelings, Rhyming Fun with Farm Animals, Rhyming Fun with Nature’s Colors, Rhyming Fun with Nature’s Numbers, Rhyming Fun with Transportation.
Which genre do you write?
I write fun, interactive, educational children’s picture books.
What are you working on now?
I currently have notes jotted down for three more books.
What is your favorite book review from a reader?
“I love this book! It has really lovely illustrations and great content for learning. The characters faces were very expressive, providing lots of opportunities to discuss feelings. I also used this story to work on pronouns and actions because there were so many people in it doing so many different things. Versatile for therapy and fun for kids!”
-Kailey Riker, MA, CCC-SLP Speech and Language Pathologist and author
“Love, love, love this book! It gives my struggling students a chance to quickly get immersed in a book and to love reading.”
-J. Gearhart, Language Specialist and 30-year veteran teacher
“The pretty pictures.” “All the colors on the pages.” “The words are really nice.” “I like the way they draw.” “I like how your friend uses good words.” – Comments from children Kindergarten-5 grade when asked what they liked about the books
5.0 out of 5 stars Engaging & Fun!
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on July 25, 2023
What an enjoyable and engaging book to read with our 2-year old granddaughter! Not only does Patrice use great rhyming examples she offers guidance of how to help grow a child’s curiosity and strengthen their vocabulary all in a fun way. Very helpful for both parents and grandparents! – Mary D.
Can you share a random interesting fact about yourself?
I also enjoy landscape photography and attending arts and crafts fairs.
What has been your most rewarding experience since publishing your work?
My most rewarding experience was at a ball game. I had a table set up to give away 72 free Rhyming Fun with Feelings books thanks to the generosity of sponsors.
I noticed a teenage girl looking at my book from afar. I invited her over to look at the book. She was turning the pages and smiling as she talked with her friend. Then she looked at me and said,”“I love this book! I wish I had books like this when I was little. It would have helped me so much! I could have turned to the page that showed how I was feeling. I am autistic.”
Phoebe – Highschooler
Phoebe was there that night because her school from another state was singing the National Anthem. I still get tears in my eyes when I think about this. It just provided confirmation that my books are needed and will help children learn to express themselves.
What are your favorite books?
When I was younger, I loved reading The Cricket in Times Square over and over. My favorite children’s book series are If You Give a Mouse a Cookie and the Froggy series by Jonathan London.
Do you have a website/Facebook page, etc?
Yes, I do.
Website – https://rhymingfunbooks.com/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rhymingfunbooks/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/rhymingfunbooks
Youtube – Rhyming Fun with Feelings read aloud https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJHJRqIMqYc
Youtube -Rhyming Fun with Feelings book trailer https://www.youtube.com/shorts/75hP-QwUja0
Youtube – Rhyming Fun with Farm Animals book trailer https://youtube.com/shorts/mkRGjyCbIv4
Youtube – Rhyming Fun with Nature’s Colors book trailer https://youtube.com/shorts/oTYiSgxOi2A
Youtube – Rhyming Fun with Nature’s Numbers book trailer https://youtube.com/shorts/9QJ0ljUXuaU
Youtube – Rhyming Fun with Transportation book trailer https://youtube.com/shorts/LJDdlC5gJHM
Website (Speech Language Pathologist)- www.patricegilbertslp.com
Where can we find your books?
You can find my paperback books on Amazon or order directly from me if you would like your copy signed. You can order your hardcover copy of Rhyming Fun with Feelings directly from me/my website or print on demand from Barnes and Noble.
Amazon – Rhyming Fun with Feelings https://www.amazon.com/dp/1960309005
Amazon – Rhyming Fun with Farm Animals https://www.amazon.com/dp/196030903X
Amazon – Rhyming Fun with Nature’s Colors https://www.amazon.com/dp/1960309072
Amazon – Rhyming Fun with Nature’s Numbers https://www.amazon.com/dp/1960309099
Amazon – Rhyming Fun with Transportation https://www.amazon.com/Rhyming-Fun-Transportation-Learning-Made/dp/1960309110
Website – https://rhymingfunbooks.com/
Barnes and Noble – https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rhyming-fun-with-feelings-patrice-gilbert/1147532067?ean=9798881189174 My other titles will be available soon.
Thank you, Patrice, for spending time with us and sharing your story. We wish you continued success and lots of luck.
Book Blurb:
Learning made easier! A brand new series for learning! The Rhyming Fun – Learning Made Easy Series can be enjoyed by children of all ages and abilities.
The concise text and simple rhyming phrases enable children of all ages to enjoy engaging with the content as they have fun learning. Fun ideas for learning are included in the book!
They are books that don’t take a long time to read, and because each rhyme is independent, you can take a break any time! Each book will focus on a different childhood theme, so children can learn to state categories and items in categories, learn to describe the items, and so much more! They won’t realize they are learning because the books are so fun, engaging, and colorful.
The series includes 4 books so far! With more on the way. Be sure to check out all of the books in the Rhyming Fun series – Rhyming Fun with Feelings, Rhyming Fun with Farm Animals, Rhyming Fun with Nature’s Colors, Rhyming Fun with Nature’s Numbers.
The series was developed so that children who have difficulty learning or listening to long stories can be engaged and interested while learning categories, vocabulary, concepts, rhyming, and how to read without being frustrated.
The white text on blue and easy to read font was chosen because it is easier for the eyes to process for children learning to read, especially if they have visual processing difficulties. Repetitive items are included as a fun activity to encourage children to scan the page to find the picture.
Ages 3 – 8+
Can be enjoyed by younger and older readers too!