Raindance is an independent publisher of books that connects kids and nature. Children everywhere rush to pick a dandelion, so that they can close their eyes, make a wish, and blow the seeds into the air. Raindance seeks to engage a child’s imagination and the joy of discovery with wildlife and the outdoors.
Meet the Author & Illustrator!
Patrice lives with her three large dogs in Fallbrook, California, a small rural community in San Diego. Patrice enjoys writing feature articles and writes because she enjoys it. She has a degree in journalism. Early in her career she was a news reporter, feature writer, magazine editor and copywriter. This is her first children’s book.
Her professional business background was in several fields: advertising, public relations, entertainment, law and outside sales. She is the mother of two sons, a grandmother, and enjoys cooking, baking, tai chi, yoga, the ocean and the outdoors.
Patrice has a genuine desire to inform, influence and entertain. She also enjoys photography, sailing and traveling. A native of Southern California, she loves the ocean and is sincere in her concern for the environment, water quality, deforestation and endangered wildlife.
WHEN WE SAVE WILDLIFE, WE SAVE OURSELVES
Patrice feels it essential to connect our children and future generations with wildlife and the outdoors –and how doing so is good for our health, economy, and environment. Today the amount of time kids spend outside is alarmingly low – only minutes per day – while screen time is at an all-time high. Patrice feels strongly we need to connect children and youth with nature, starting in our own backyards, holding outdoor classes, or exploring local parks and trails. Get up, get out, get going.
Who illustrated Samson the Frog?
Patrice and her son, Jason Weil, 7 years old at the time the book was written, and Fallbrook artist, Shirley Calvert, all worked on the illustrations for Samson the Frog. Patrice says: “This was a home school project for all of us, both challenging and fun. I felt it important to include Jason’s artwork as it gives kids 4-8 something they can visualize on their level.
Typically, one professional illustrator will do the art in a book so everything is consistent. Life is not consistent or perfect and the imperfections in Samson the Frog mimic the changes in nature that all collide to create a grand design.
Background image by Shirley Calvert.