Local Author Hops on a Longtime Dream

In January, Paradise Valley Estates resident Georgia Buehl DeBarr made one of her longtime dreams come true. She self-published a holiday children’s book she’d been dreaming of for many years.

Her illustrated storybook, “Rainbow Rabbit: An Easter Story,” is written for children ages 2 to 7 and takes readers to an imaginary world where all Easter eggs are plain white until one when day Rainbow Rabbit hatches a great plan.

The colorful idea first took shape when Georgia was living in Hawaii. “I admired the beauty and wonder of rainbows and watched for them to appear during the daily mists of rain,” says Georgia. “On one of those days, the colorful picture book of Rainbow Rabbit hopped into my brain and settled there.”

Many years later and now living in Northern California’s Paradise Valley Estates, Georgia discovered the Town Square Library Writers in Vacaville was hosting a Boot Camp for aspiring writers. One of the group’s featured workshop subjects would be illustrating children’s books. She quickly made plans to attend.

“I made certain I went to that session with Rainbow Rabbit held snugly under my arm – hoping to be released. It was an exciting day for me to meet other authors and see their books on display, and then to have Dotty Schenk read my story and offer to be the illustrator,” she says. “That was magical! Dotty and I hit it off immediately, because she is a cat lover, too.”

Because Rainbow Rabbit was published before Easter, Georgia had a number of book readings and signings scheduled for March and early April at local libraries and bookstores. “Needless to say, everything was cancelled due to the pandemic we are in, but if anyone would like a copy of the book, they can order one,” says Georgia.

To order a copy, you can email the author directly.