CARMEN RUBIN
07726 manalapan,
New Jersey,
United States
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Carmen Rubin is an acclaimed and beloved author of picture books for children. Her best-known work, Ashti Meets Birdman Al has lyrically warmed the hearts of many children and their families. Other book titles include, The Gifted Guitar, Social Eyes, and Honcho Hates Mud. Love is for the Birds, But I am a Bee, Azure and Blue Dragon Fly, Ashti’s Harmony, Doodie and the Swag Jackers, and Mr. Robby’s Pink Bike, are just a few of her short stories.
She has supported programs such as Wade’s World Foundation, the YMCA, Sesame Street, Determined to Educate, Boys and Girls Club of America, Harlem Children’s Zone, and Reading is Fundamental (RIF). Carmen partnered with Grammy award winning Jazz artist, Al Jarreau, to promote literacy, and was acknowledged by former First Lady, Michelle Obama, for her book, Ashti Meets Birdman Al
Carmen has been recognized nationally on television, radio, print, and news media outlets and participates in community initiatives that support education and literacy.
CARMEN'S EARLY LIFE - As a little girl, Carmen wanted to be a lawyer or teacher. She spent a lot of time alone in her bedroom, writing, dreaming, and listening to music. She collected things like rocks, stamps, and even pencils! A pivotal moment occurred when she attended Grattan Elementary in San Francisco. That is where she met her favorite teacher, Mrs. Bolden. Mrs. Bolden’s class was like a home away from home. When she would teach, her voice was warm and cozy, like a hot cup of cocoa. She made learning fun and challenged students to use their creativity. On some days, Mrs. Bolden would allow Carmen to play in her hair while she graded papers. She was Carmen’s hero. After spending time in Mrs. Bolden’s Class, Carmen knew that she wanted to become a teacher. That dream came true. Shortly after graduating from Rutgers University, Carmen had classrooms of her own - just like Mrs. Bolden’s. She eventually left the classroom to broaden her exposure of meeting more children. She’ll travel anywhere just to hang out with and read to kids. It’s her favorite thing to do! Schools, libraries, and youth programs around the world have been impacted by Carmen’s books and storytelling.
CARMEN'S UNIQUE STYLE -
Carmen Rubin’s books are distinctively bright, playful, rhythmic, and multicultural. She also loves to bridge the gap between generations. In all of her books, she likes to show young children connecting to elderly characters. She is very much inspired by her grandparents when she writes. What is very unique about Carmen’s stories is that she hides peppermints in every one of them.
When Carmen was young, her grandfather created the Peppermint Candy Club. He’d pass out peppermint candies to the youth of his church as a way of showing love to them. They were encouraged to pay it forward by showing love to others. Everyone who received a peppermint became a part of the club. During author visits, Carmen engages children by performing an interactive reading and finding the hidden peppermints. They love it and hearing the story of Carmen’s grandfather who is almost 100 YEARS OLD! Their favorite part of it all is becoming members of Granddaddy’s Peppermint Candy Club.
Carmen loves tacos, Jazz, and visiting schools around the world to meet children.
