NEW BOOK! Jenie-with-a-J! Out Now!

Illustrated By: Sarah Hawklyn

Get to know Rhonda-Kay!

Rhonda-Kay has inspired many children through her life during her 40 years of teaching primary
students and now as she writes and reads to children since retiring. Rhonda-Kay lives in the state of Nevada, near Las Vegas, in a small town. The Mojave Desert is just out back of her neighborhood along with being just down the road from Lake Mead and the Colorado River. Rhonda-Kay grew up in the south and though she has become attached to the west, a part of her heart still belongs to the deep south. Rhonda-Kay was born in Tampa, Florida, attended high school in Montgomery, Alabama, and received her Bachelors of Science from Auburn University, with a Master’s in Elementary Education Literary Arts/Storytelling from Lesley College. Rhonda-Kay resides with her husband since 1989 in Boulder City, Nevada, where she spent her last 25 years teaching second grade. Rhonda-Kay received the American Graduate Champion award from Las Vegas Public Broadcasting System (PBS) for her active role in making a difference in students’ lives. She continues to make an impact difference with children through reading at her book signings, special events, and functions at elementary schools.  Rhonda-Kay received Author of the Year Award in 2020 by Path To Publishing, for her Excellence in Publishing, Outstanding Vision, Dedication, and Contribution to the Literary Industry. 

Jenie-with-a -J is Rhonda-Kay fifth published picture book filled with creative stories from the influences of her own childhood. Rhonda-Kay wrote Jenie-with-a-J when her desert became so dry and water was becoming scarce. When teaching her second graders sometimes the students spent time out back of the school learning about the desert plants, animals, and the weather.