Meet Rebecca J. Gomez, Author and Illustrator

A literary meet-'n'-greet in 10 pictures or less

Welcome back, friends!

I can’t wait for you to meet Rebecca J. Gomez.

She’s a picture book author who just published her first middle-grade novel in verse—which she illustrated herself. Yes, she writes and illustrates—wow!

And now, I’ll let Rebecca take it away!

All About Rebecca

I’ve been writing and drawing for as long as I can remember, and when I’m not creating books, I’m often reading them. I also enjoy baking, hiking, and spending time with my growing (occasionally chaotic) family. I live in Nebraska.

A lot of my favorite things start with P. Popcorn, poetry, pink, poodles, puzzles! Does that mean my favorite letter is P?

Wondering how I hit my head UNDER the slide? I used to love to swim up to the edge of the pool, go underwater, then spring up and hop onto the edge in one smooth motion. One time, I was standing next to the slide when I went under, and when I came up, I had somehow moved under it. Ouch.

I read so many types of books for the pure joy of reading, but my favorite things to read and write are picture books and novels in verse. I think it’s important for writers to spend a good chunk of time reading the types of books they want to put out in the world.

I typically read 20 books 30 per year, not counting picture books. My must-read (auto-buy) authors are Brandon Sanderson, Sharon Creech, and Mac Barnett.

I sometimes check out an audiobook version of whatever I’m reading in print in order to finish it sooner. I’ll listen while cooking dinner, working on an art project, or cleaning my office.

My hubby rarely smiles for photos, but I promise he’s happy!

All About Rebecca’s Books

A novel in verse (and doodles)! As the middle child of nine, Mari uses poetry to express her feelings of being lost and overshadowed in her large family, but when she hears of a school-wide poetry contest, she sees it as a chance to move from the margins to center stage.

Fun fact: This book came out today! Happy book-birthday, Mari. 🥳

Here’s where you can get your copy!

Rhyming picture books with humor, heart, and great vocabulary!

• What About Moose? by Corey Rosen Schwartz and Rebecca J. Gomez, illustrated by Keika Yamaguchi

• Hensel and Gretel: Ninja Chicks by Corey Rosen Schwartz and Rebecca J. Gomez, illustrated by Dan Santat

• Two Tough Trucks by Corey Rosen Schwartz and Rebecca J. Gomez, illustrated by Hilary Leung

• Two Tough Trucks Get Lost! by Corey Rosen Schwartz and Rebecca J. Gomez, illustrated by Hilary Leung

• Federico and the Wolf by Rebecca J. Gomez, illustrated by Elisa Chavarri

Books that Rebecca read and loved

• Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein

• A Walk in Wolf Wood by Mary Stewart

• Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse

• The Three Billy Goats Gruff by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen

• Ted Kooser: More than a Local Wonder by Carla Ketner, illustrated by Paula Wallace (Read my review.)

• Yumi and the Nightmare Painter by Brandon Sanderson

Here’s how you can connect with Rebecca

I hope you enjoyed getting to know Rebecca!

Snippets and Sketches is where you can find

Rebecca J. Gomez

on Substack. She shares book recommendations, writing tips, life reflections, and more.

Check out her catalog of books—and see her beautiful blackline art—on her website.

Here’s where you can find her on Twitter/X, Instagram, and Facebook.

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Thank you, Rebecca, for chatting books today!

And thank you for being here, readers.

Catch you next time,

Michelle