Down on Rollingbrook Way we are introduced to adorable twin bugs, Pixie and Trixie. We soon learn that all though these sisters are twins, they are different from each other and unique in their own way. Lauri B. Rosen has authored her first in a series of books called Pixie and Trixie Bug.
The Author
Lauri is the mother of two sons who were her inspiration to found Children’s Chapters, a children’s bookstore eleven years ago. This venture has helped fulfill her love of books and her desire to make them available to others. Lauri says:
The three R’s is what I and my bookstore is all about–what sets me apart, what makes myself and
Children’s Chapters unique and different. I RESEARCH, READ, and REVIEW each and every title before I add them to the store.“
In 2004, a divorce coupled with a slow economy required Lauri to close the brick and mortar portion of her bookstore. But in keeping with the changing times, Lauri was able to shift completely to being an on-line store. She has many book topics to search, but one of particular interest is called “Special Needs and All I’m Feeling.”
Pixie and Trixie
In the first book of the series, we have the pleasure of meeting a host of characters living in the garden. Children will be able to relate 
to one if not more than one character. Although Catrina the Caterpillar turns into a fabulous butterfly, she is still the same bug on the inside. Daphne the Doodlebug probably has sensory processing issues because she is bothered by loud noises and bright lights. Gus the Grasshopper is athletic and Willy the Walking Stick is a musician and uses a wheelchair to get around. There’s stylish Lizzie the Ladybug and more friends to meet on Rollingbrook Way, all with their special talents or different features.
I was intrigued by the selected characters and asked Lauri if anyone inspired them. She said:
The twins are me and my best friend- I am the barefoot risk taker!!! The frogs are loosely my parents, I LOVE Audrey Hepburn so Lizzie is my Audrey Bug (I think she was just the poster woman for being “REAL” and classy.)“
The text is written in a nice, comfortable rhyming format and is fun to read. The overall theme of the story is that we are all unique and special.
The illustrations by Bill Megenhardt are absolutely a sensory delight. I can imagine parents or teachers reading the book to their children and then spending a lot of time taking in the drawings. Many of the pages contain so much to look at and I’m sure that every time the book is read you will find something new that was missed the first time.
What’s Next?
In addition to all this, there’s still more! Lauri was excited to share that:
I have a colleague who lives in Detroit who is waiting for me to give him seven 10-minute shorts… YEP, TV development!!!“
Where Can You Find the Series?
Lauri revealed that:
I am keeping my books away from the big chains and mass media- I am an indie and have always prided myself on supporting the indies- long before I saw You’ve Got Mail!!”
Of course, you can find this book at Children’s Chapters. Lauri will donate a percent of the sales of her books to http://www.donorschoose.org/, an online charity where teachers from all over the country post “wish lists.” Shipping is free on orders and teachers and therapists can receive a 15 percent discount.
About Danette Schott, M.A.
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