#854: Tish Rabe — 200+ Children's Books, Getting Picked for Dr. Seuss, Lessons from Early Sesame Street, How to Write 300+ Songs, and More

Overview

This episode features Tish Rabe, a prolific children's book author with over 200 titles and 11 million copies sold. She shares her journey from aspiring opera singer to becoming a celebrated writer for iconic brands like Sesame Street and Dr. Seuss. Tish discusses her creative process, the impact of music and rhyme in children's education, and her passion for creating books that inspire kindness, literacy, and connection.

Notable Quotes

- The sound of your voice when you read and sing is what your child loves more than anything. – Tish Rabe, on the importance of parents reading and singing to their children.

- Children are our most precious gift. They are the future, the dreams of the future, and we must take good care of them. – Tish Rabe, on the importance of nurturing children.

- When you're in trouble for a rhyme, make up a word. – Tish Rabe, on the creative freedom inspired by Dr. Seuss.

🎭 From Opera Singer to Children's Book Author

- Tish Rabe began her career as an opera singer, earning a degree in opera with a minor in jazz.

- Her journey into children's entertainment started with a job as a music production assistant on Sesame Street, where she eventually sang with the Muppets.

- Her first big break came when she pitched a story idea to Sesame Street Books, which became her first book, Bert and the Broken Teapot.

🎨 The Creative Magic of Sesame Street

- Tish describes Sesame Street as a hub of creativity, where writers and puppeteers constantly innovated.

- The show pioneered double-level humor, appealing to both children and adults, and was one of the first to integrate educational research into its content.

- Tish credits her time at Sesame Street for teaching her to write endings first, a technique she uses in her books.

📚 Writing for Dr. Seuss and Beyond

- Tish was chosen to continue Dr. Seuss's legacy by writing a science-themed series in his signature rhyme and rhythm.

- She emphasizes the importance of perfect rhythm and pure rhymes in children's books, often creating new words when needed, as inspired by Dr. Seuss.

- Her book Oh Baby, The Places You'll Go! became a bestseller, designed to be read to babies in utero.

🎵 The Role of Music and Rhyme in Education

- Tish highlights how music and rhyme are powerful tools for teaching children, aiding memory and engagement.

- She incorporates songs into her books, often set to public domain melodies, to make them accessible and memorable.

- Her musical background helped her craft educational songs for Sesame Street and other projects, blending entertainment with learning.

🌍 Passion Projects and Giving Back

- Tish started her own publishing company at 71 to create books that address underserved topics, such as military families (Sometimes a Part, Always in My Heart) and financial literacy (Days Can Be Sunny for Bunnies and Money).

- She collaborates with organizations like Rotary Clubs and United Through Reading to distribute free books to children in need.

- Her upcoming projects include a book about Central Park and a kindness-themed story in partnership with Rotary Clubs.