Today I’m welcoming Ronni Diamondstein who reached out to me through my website earlier in the year about her book, JACKIE AND THE BOOKS SHE LOVED, illustrated by Bats Langley. Of course I’m familiar with many details of the legendary former First Lady’s life in the White House and beyond, but this book is really inspiring and you’ll want to order it now so when it comes out next Tuesday, November 7th your copy will be waiting for you at your favorite indie bookstore. Or ask your library to order it. Even more inspiring than the book’s subject, is the author! In the months since I first heard from Ronni, we’ve become friends. She shares beautiful photos of flowers with inspirational quotes and wonderful photos of her toy parti poodle Maggie Mae. She’s a former librarian and her lifelong love of books and dogs makes her a kindred spirit. Plus, I hope I’m not giving away too much but Jackie loved dogs and books too!
Ronni is generously offering one lucky winner (US only) a signed copy of JACKIE AND THE BOOKS SHE LOVED. To enter the giveaway, please comment below. Also feel free to share this post on your social media.
What were you like at the age of your target audience?
First, I’d like to thank you Laura for having me on your blog.
I was a very creative child. As you can see from this photo of me (I’m on the left) with my sister and our babysitter, I always liked fashion. I designed clothes for my Barbie doll and loved to draw and paint. I read a lot and wrote stories. And my sister and I used to put on shows to entertain the kids in our neighborhood.
What inspires you?
Nature inspires me. I love to take photographs. People are always suggesting exotic places to visit and photograph. Having lived abroad and traveled a lot, I find that some of the most extraordinary subjects are right in my own backyard. Beauty surrounds us … we just have to see it and appreciate it. That includes my darling dog, Maggie Mae!
What’s one thing you hope readers will take away from your book?
The message to young people, and people of all ages in JACKIE AND THE BOOKS SHE LOVED, is how important books were to her and how that can shape a person’s life. Jackie once said, “There are many wany to enlarge your child’s world. Love of books is the best of all.” I hope this book inspires young people to read and write and follow their dreams.
What’s next for you?
JACKIE AND THE BOOKS SHE LOVED, is my debut picture book so I’m very excited about events in November. The official launch on Thursday, November 9 at 7PM is a virtual and cosponsored by the Chappaqua Library, Friends of the Miller House and Skyhorse Press. I’ll be reading my book, followed by a Q&A. Registrants are eligible for a raffle of a signed copy of JACKIE AND THE BOOKS SHE LOVED, and there’s a craft activity packet they can pick up at the library. As a longtime resident of Chappaqua and former Library Board President it is a perfect way to kick off the book! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jackie-and-the-books-she-loved-virtual-book-launch-registration-710322823687?aff=oddtdtcreator
I was honored to be asked by the National First Ladies Library in Canton, Ohio to do an event. They currently have an exhibit about Jackie.
Legacy Lecture: Jackie and the Books She Loved, Penning a Jackie Kennedy Picture Book, Thursday, November 16 at noon.
I’ll be reading JACKIE AND THE BOOKS SHE LOVED, and discuss how the book came to be and the remarkable literary life of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, the First Lady of Literature. Free tickets are available now. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/legacy-lecture-jackie-and-the-books-she-loved-penning-a-picture-book-tickets-675262156287
On Saturday, November 25 from noon to 2PM I will have a book signing celebration in Chappaqua, NY at Susan Lawrence Gourmet Foods. It will be great fun. I hope to see a lot of people there. We’ll have some nice surprises!
To learn more about Ronni:
Website: http://www.ronnidiamondstein.com. Facebook– Ronni Diamondstein
IG and Thread @maggiemaepupreporter Twitter @MaggieMae10514
Post @ronnidiamondstein Bluesky @ronnidiamondstein.bsky.social
Laura Roettiger Books 
I recently saw this book featured on another blog and I can’t wait to read it! I know Jackie was a fan of art and invited the public to visit the White House to see the Mona Lisa. I wish more first ladies/presidents would be so public about supporting the arts of all kinds.
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Danielle, yes she invited the public into the White House in a recorded tour and then had to be a young widow and mother in the public eye as well. The book is beautiful and shows Jackie’s love of books throughout her life. Definitely worth looking for and Ronni’s done a wonderful job sharing her book on social media and in blogs. Good luck in the giveaway.
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Thank you, Danielle!
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It’s wonderful that this book focuses on this First Lady’s literary interests and accomplishments. She’s such an inspiration for all readers! I loved learning how her love of literature began in childhood and was a constant part of her life.
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Thank you for sharing, Lisa! I’m so happy to see this beautiful book and heading into the world to spread a love for reading! And dogs. 😊 Good luck in the giveaway.
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Thank you so much, Lisa!
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This is a terrific book! I’m excited to see it getting attention.
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I couldn’t agree more! I love that it’s focused on literacy. Thanks for stopping by and good luck in the giveaway.
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Thank you so much!
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