The Power of Rhyme: Our mission is to bring awareness to the power of rhyme
When children experience rhyme - specifically in children’s picture books - vocabulary, spelling, reading levels and, therefore, probable life outcomes are improved.
Robin House Press was formed by Lois Nelson Smith in early 2023 to publish “Once Upon a Robin”, a rhyming picture book written by Lois and illustrated by Hannah Scheele, both residents of Indiana. The mission of Robin House Press is to promote the “Power of Rhyme” to improve children’s reading and writing skills. Lois hopes that, in addition to publishing her own books, Robin House Press will provide publishing options and resources for other beginning writers and illustrators. Connect with Robin House Press @robinhousepress on Instagram and Robin House Press on Facebook.
Turnstone's Kimbrough Early Learning Center in Fort Wayne
Lois Nelson Smith
Lois has been writing poems and singing songs since childhood. A native of Philadelphia, she and her family moved to the Midwest in the late 1980’s. Lois majored in elementary education for three years before receiving a business degree from Temple University. Her varied career has included positions as assistant to a nationally syndicated talk show host, financial analyst with a major pharmaceutical company, stay-at-home mom, substitute teacher, barista, nanny, and writer. She enjoys developing new recipes, repurposing fabrics into sewing projects, playing the piano, and writing. Her favorite activity is spending time with family and friends. Lois would love to hear from you.
She can be reached at RobinHousePress@gmail.com.
You can also connect with Lois on Instagram @lois_nelson_smith
Hannah Scheele
Hannah graduated from Olivet University with a degree in communications. Her passion for art and storytelling began at a young age. During her early years she struggled with dyslexia; picture books became her refuge. As she became older she discovered she had a talent for artwork and it was then her parents told her she was born blind, a fact five doctors confirmed. Her vision was restored in what doctors called a miracle. Since learning this, Hannah has appreciated and cherished her artistic talents even more. Her hope is to use her artwork to spread love and encouragement to others. She loves encouraging young children with dyslexia to embrace who God created them to be. Hannah works with her clients to help them tell their story in a variety of multimedia forms including video, pictures, and illustrations. Her favorite hobby is making art and spending time with her husband and Havanese puppy, Mr. Bennet. Hannah is on Facebook and Instagram @peacefulpaintdrop. Her website is peacefulpaintdrop.com.
“Nursery rhymes might seem like a silly, unproductive pastime, but volumes of empirical evidence suggest that they are actually invaluable pedagogical tools for small children. Rhymes help develop the memory, language skills, and reading skills in a way that slips in under kids’ radars because, above all else, rhymes are just plain fun.”
Connect with us
Lois enjoys classroom visits! Whether it’s reading “Once Upon a Robin” to a kindergarten class, encouraging older elementary students to write their stories in book form, or sharing with upper grades about her experience choosing a college major, Lois would welcome the opportunity to visit your school. Lois also looks forward to connecting with women’s groups and seniors’ groups to share her enthusiasm for making a career change later in life.