Rhonda's Awards & Reviews

5-STAR REVIEW: FRIZZLE

“Frizzle by Rhonda Goodall is a charming children’s book that follows the journey of a lovable, quirky character named Frizzle as he explores the concept of family and belonging in the vibrant community of Happy Town. Frizzle feels lonely and questions where he fits in among his friends, who each have loving families and do not look like him. When he seeks the wise counsel of Mr. Owl, Frizzle learns a valuable lesson. Through Frizzle’s experiences, children reading this book will learn essential lessons about family, community, and their roles in society. Goodall’s story conveys an important message, demonstrating the multifaceted nature of family and the unwavering power of love.

I found Frizzle to be both heartwarming and engaging. The plot is simple but well-paced, with just enough action and reflection to keep me hooked while imparting essential values. Frizzle is a unique, relatable character whose journey of self-acceptance and understanding is universal. I could relate to Frizzle’s experience because I was once like Frizzle, who was puzzled about life and kept comparing himself with his friends. Mr. Owl’s wisdom serves as a gentle reminder of the importance of community. The vibrant illustrations add depth, bringing Happy Town to life and effectively conveying the story’s warm, inclusive message. I appreciate how Rhonda Goodall uses accessible language to explore complex ideas like family and belonging, which makes this a perfect read for young children. Frizzle is a delightful story that celebrates love, friendship, and the diverse forms that family can take, which makes it a meaningful addition to any child’s library.”

—Chad Richins for Readers’ Favorite

5-STAR REVIEW:
WHERE’D GRANDMA GO…

“Where’d Grandma Go by Rhonda Goodall is a tender and heartfelt story designed to help young children navigate the complex emotions associated with the loss of a loved one. Told from the perspective of Goodall’s youngest son, who was only four years old at the time of their family’s loss, the book gently explores the confusion and sadness that accompany the death of a grandparent. The narrative is simple yet deeply touching, making it accessible to young readers while addressing their feelings with empathy and care. The illustrations by Rhonda Goodall complement the story perfectly, providing a soothing visual accompaniment to the text. Where’d Grandma Go offers a gentle way to open up conversations about loss and grief, making it a valuable resource for families dealing with similar experiences.

Rhonda Goodall’s writing is compassionate and thoughtful, capturing the innocence and sincerity of a child’s perspective on loss. The plot is straightforward yet powerful, allowing the themes of love, remembrance, and healing to shine through. The pace is well-suited for young readers, providing ample time to absorb and reflect on each page without feeling overwhelmed. Goodall’s skill in addressing such a sensitive topic with kindness and clarity is commendable, making the book both comforting and enlightening. The characters, particularly the young narrator, are relatable and endearing, drawing readers into their world with ease. Overall, Where’d Grandma Go is a beautifully written and illustrated book that handles the delicate subject of loss with grace, making Rhonda Goodall’s work a touching addition to children’s literature on grief and remembrance.”

— Foram Vyas for Readers’ Favorite

5-STAR REVIEW:
MY PANCREAS NEEDS GLASSES

“My Pancreas Needs Glasses is a children’s picture book written and illustrated by Rhonda Goodall. It tells the story of Zach and his younger brother, Julian, who has Type 1 Diabetes. Zach admires Julian for taking care of his health and being brave by taking shots and rarely complaining. One day, they meet a diverse group of people with various health issues during a walk. They encounter people with hearing impairments, others with heart conditions, and even someone with an artificial leg. Despite their differences, they all share a common bond – the need for constant care and support to manage their conditions, just like Julian. Readers can join these two brothers on their educational walk and learn about different health conditions with them.

My Pancreas Needs Glasses is an outstanding book that addresses Type 1 Diabetes in a way that is relatable and accessible to young readers. Author Rhonda Goodall cleverly uses the analogy of the pancreas needing glasses to explain the condition, demystifying it, and enabling children to feel more comfortable and informed about their own or a loved one’s health. The book also educates children about various health conditions, fostering empathy and understanding for those facing similar challenges. Its relatable analogies and colorful illustrations make it engaging and easy to follow. The word search activity and questions at the end provide additional learning opportunities. Most importantly, the book teaches valuable lessons about embracing differences and having a positive attitude when living with chronic illnesses, making it a must-read for children and parents alike.”

—Luwi Nyakansaila, Readers’ Favorite

PRAISE FOR
MY PANCREAS NEEDS GLASSES

by Brooks Biagini, Executive Director, JDRF North Florida

“My Pancreas Needs Glasses has been such a great resource for JDRF North Florida to utilize as we’ve educated students in various classrooms about type 1 diabetes. The way the story is told really puts a perspective on having type 1 diabetes that elementary children and adults can relate to.

“In addition, My Pancreas Needs Glasses is proving to be a great tool for newly-diagnosed families, so much so that we’ve elected to include it in our Bag of Hope locally, which is provided to newly-diagnosed patients at the hospital.”

5-STAR REVIEW:
FRIZZLE MEETS FRAZZLE
(IN FRANCE)

“It doesn’t take much time to have Frizzle win your heart as a sweet blue frizzle from Happy Town, USA. Frizzle Meets Frazzle (in France) by Rhonda Goodall is cute, entertaining, and educational. I loved this heartwarming book for its charming appeal for early readers, and it’s educational for older kids. Frizzle learns when boarding the wrong flight that he can learn the best lessons in hard times. He meets helpful and kind people who come to his assistance in troubling moments. Children can learn along with Frizzle about airplane flights, France, a little French language, and French food. While Frizzle is happily enjoying France, the reader is pleasantly surprised by the introduction of Frazzle in a fun way. Who knew there could be two adorable blue Frizzles in the world? And two Frizzles with two similar stories? It was meant to be.

Positive messages flow from this book about Frizzle and Frazzle trying new things as they experience life in France together. This is a happy book with happy messages (the houses in Happy Town are smiling), as the illustrations are funny and meaningful. The fact that the author is also the illustrator enables the reader to follow the story perfectly. Frizzle and Frazzle made me smile. Whether read as a bedtime story or in the classroom to young or older readers, Frizzle Meets Frazzle in France by Rhonda Goodall will delight the storyteller and children everywhere.”

—Nancy Tobin, Readers’ Favorite

5-STAR REVIEW:
FRIZZLE’S FUNKY DAY AT THE ZOO

Frizzle’s Funky Day at the Zoo by Rhonda Goodall is a kids’ picture book. Frizzle lives in Happy Town and Saturday has finally arrived – it’s the day Frizzle and Mr. Owl are planning a visit to the zoo. They’d never been before and arranged to meet at the Happy Gardens, but Frizzle was too excited to wait for Mr. Owl. When the Zoo Train arrives, Frizzle is shocked to see the driver and, as he jumps aboard for a trip around the zoo, he is amazed to see all the animals – a pink polar bear dotted with purple hearts, a green and yellow monkey, a purple bear and much, much more! Then he wakes up and realizes it was just a dream. But he and Mr. Owl have just as much fun when they explore the real zoo together.

Frizzle’s Funky Day at the Zoo by Rhonda Goodall is a wonderfully illustrated story that’s a lot of fun for kids to read. It has some lovely characters, and it’s clear Rhonda has an amazing imagination. This isn’t just a story, though. It teaches children not to hide their true selves and that they should embrace their individuality and not try to be what others expect them to be. It teaches them to let their imaginations run free, embrace their dreams, and enjoy whatever life throws their way. This story is written in simple language, easy for kids to understand and follow, and the illustrations are bright and eye-catching. This is one story that your kids will want to hear all the time: one that teaches them a few important life lessons along the way.

—Anne-Marie Reynolds, Readers’ Favorite

“SUCCESS STORY: RHONDA GOODALL”

by Lorrie DeFrank, Jacksonville Women’s Business Center

The blue blob that made Rhonda Goodall giggle when she imagined it as a young girl has become a business success for her as an adult and a comfort to countless young readers. So far, the Jacksonville Beach author and illustrator of children’s books has written a series of five books that feature Frizzle, a loveable blue character that is different from those around him, and two other books, all of which offer understanding and compassion for children who need it … just like Frizzle.

Goodall recently traveled to Orlando to receive two more Presidential Book Awards from the Florida Authors and Publishers Association—this time for her original Frizzle book as well as Where’d Grandma Go, a tribute to her mother that helps young children deal with losing a loved one. Almost all of her books have received FAPA awards.

Possessing a self-proclaimed passion for kids, Goodall is the mother of five—two grown stepchildren in her native Pennsylvania and three sons in Florida ranging from age 12 to 24. Before they moved to Florida in 2006 to be near her husband’s family, she worked in the medical field and was involved with children’s hospitals, including art projects for a Ronald McDonald House. She met her husband Doug at an ice cream shop called Sweet Temptations that she owned in Pittsburgh.

Settled in Florida, Goodall became absorbed in raising her sons, dabbling at writing but not taking time to pursue publishing her books. One of her sons was diagnosed with diabetes as a toddler. When he was in first grade and she noticed how curious his classmates were about his shots and routine, she wrote My Pancreas Needs Glasses, a lighthearted look at body parts that don’t work quite right. The original Frizzle book, which talks about family—and how those in our lives who love and protect us are truly our family, whether they’re the family we were born into or not—soon followed.

After Goodall’s mother, Dorothy McCreery, drowned in a horrific car accident on Goodall’s birthday in January 2015, she felt an urge to publish her books—for herself and her family. The following April she reached out to well-known local biographer Susan Brandenburg who helped Goodall get her existing projects published, encouraged her to write more books and introduced her to the Jacksonville Women’s Business Center.

“Rhonda Goodall had a great idea for a children’s book, and I recognized her talent and her drive to succeed. Her Frizzle character is universal…we all have a little bit of Frizzle in us,” said Brandenburg.

“I introduced Rhonda to our JWBC St. Johns County Success Circle and she has grown immensely through the advice, connectivity and encouragement of the circle. Never underestimate the power of a circle of supportive women!”

“Every year since then a new book has come out,” said Goodall, praising Brandenburg for her strong support and guidance. “I feel like my mom is with me with every single book.”

Goodall credits the monthly JWBC Success Circle meetings with keeping her on task and providing peer support to keep her inspired.

“It is a wonderful group of trusting friends,” said Goodall, commending JWBC for focusing on women in business. “Every woman, no matter what career or position, can use encouragement. They really care about you.”

The real value is that the circles allow participants to be accountable for what they say they are going to do, said Joan Bonnette, who facilitates JWBC Success Circles in St. Johns and Clay counties.

“Rhonda has a passion and direction for writing these books. She needs to get the illustrating and writing done. With her busy life, keeping on track is a valuable thing,” Bonnette said. “For small business owners who don’t have a large staff of people to talk to, the circles serve as their advisory boards.”

The group support also provides Goodall the credibility that she is a recognized writer in business to make money, Bonnette said. For a good-hearted person like Goodall who enjoys giving her books away, that is a challenge she acknowledges. Therefore, she heeds advice from Bonnette and other JWBC contacts to market and promote her books through social media and other venues. She has moved on from Brandenburg’s publisher and contracted with Southern Yellow Pine Publishing in Tallahassee to publish her books.

Goodall illustrates her books and turns the sketches over to a graphic designer to turn them into book form. She features children’s drawings in the backs of her books and, as suggested by her Success Circle, plans to use kids as spokespersons to promote them.

Her books are available at select area bookstores, hospital gift shops and doctors’ offices, through major booksellers online, and through Southern Yellow Pine Publishing’s website.