TCI: Local Author Pens Courageous New Children’s Book

#Providenciales, June 1, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – Local author Rachel Gregory is making waves by releasing her highly anticipated illustrated children’s book which aims to teach children about grief, hope and the courage that comes after experiencing a painful loss of a family member.

The book, which is cleverly dubbed “The Great,” is a moving story which is inspired by true events.  The illustrated book follows a courageous young Gracie through her first day of third grade, where she tells her classmates about losing her baby brother, who was born prematurely during her summer vacation.

Rachel, who experienced the loss of her son due to premature birth complications in the summer of 2017, spoke about how much this project means to her. “This is a personal project for me, a project that I attribute to my late son Konnor Maxwell Smith and everyone who has experienced the loss of a child or a loved one.” Rachel said in an interview, “This was not an easy story to tell but telling it from the eyes of a third grader with an optimistic and creative view has turned this tragic narrative into a beautiful story of hope.”

When asked what her inspiration behind the book was, she responded, “I wanted to write a story that I could share with my daughter, a story where I could explain death in a language that a child could understand as well as the hope that comes after.” She believes that pain and adversity should not be viewed as signs of defeat but instead, finding hope and turning it into something beautiful.

In additional to the colorful illustration, “The Great” also features a Forever Star— which is used to create a star in memory of a loved one, “This star comes with a special place to write notes to your loved ones. You can choose to hang it at the place of your choice- this way your loved one is forever with you, and it is also a visible reminder that your loved one is forever in your heart and represented as a star in the sky” she said.

Today, Rachel is a founding member of the Turks & Caicos Premature Foundation and the mother of a beautiful daughter, “There is always a rainbow after a storm.”

“I am truly grateful for all the love and support thus far. Special thanks to my publishing house- Halo International.  They were most excited to work with me, even saying that my book is what the world needs.” In addition, she credits her illustrator Jack Foster and her editor Pam Halter.

“The Great” is now available on Amazon.com and Barnsandnoble.com. A launch and book signing event is scheduled for this summer.