Rod Gonzalez

After my 40-plus year career as an art director and creative director in both publishing and marketing came to an abrupt end, I saw an opportunity to do something I truly loved. I wrote and illustrated my own books. I also became a full-time substitute teacher. My new endeavor put me squarely in the middle of the chaos that is often called a classroom. I spend an inordinate amount of time picking up pencils, crayons, and erasers and finding them appropriate homes. My new book explores that world. My outlet has been to use what I see in the classroom and create stories I could share with students. My personal path has included creating three self-published books; Pablo Penguin, Apprentice to Pirates, My Substitute Teacher is a Chicken, and Space Dweeb. The tools kids use daily are extensions of their own creativity. Some students form a bond with their favorite pen or pencil. They believe these tools make them better artists and writers. My story follows that symbiotic relationship.