By Judy Shields
Los Angeles, California (The Hollywood Times) 05/12/2023
Known for her roles in television classics including 21 Jump Street, Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper, For Your Love, 15 Hallmark Christmas movies and especially Morning Show Mysteries, Holly Robinson Peete is also a bestselling author and proud spokesperson for autism awareness, having shared about the joys and challenges of raising a child with autism for several decades.
As an author, Robinson Peete published her third children’s book alongside her son, RJ, entitled “Charlie Makes a Splash!” (Scholastic) in September 2022 which celebrates the power of water for those who have autism. The book is a companion to the NAACP Image Award-winning “My Brother Charlie” (Scholastic, 2010) which was co-written by Robinson Peete’s daughter, Ryan
Elizabeth Peete. Her debut book “Get Your Own Damn Beer, I’m Watching the Game: A Women’s Guide to Loving Pro Football” (2005, Rodale), garnered Robinson Peete the 2006 Quill Literacy Award. She also published “Same But Different: Teen Life On The Autism Express” which catered to young adults/tweens and was co-authored by her twins Ryan Elizabeth & RJ and released in spring 2016.
The Hollywood Times had the opportunity to catch up with Holly Robinson Peete to talk about her latest children’s book Charlie Makes a Splash!, written by her and her son RJ Peete. Enjoy the conversation.
The Peete family, creators of the bestselling autism classic My Brother Charlie, are back with a new story, presented in the voice of RJ Peete whose journey with autism is expressed through his own experiences. By presenting Charlie’s story, RJ invites us in to his world, where being in and around water lets him shine. Partnering with his mom, Holly Robinson Peete, bestselling author actress and national autism spokesperson, RJ tells Charlie’s story, reminding us that every child can discover their own gifts and abilities when given the chance to make a splash.
REVIEW
Holly and her son RJ, did an amazing job with this book “Charlie Makes A Slash!”. The story is heartwarming and follows twin brother and sister who share a bound most of us might never know and their adventures together. The colorful drawings make you want to turn the pages before you finish reading the words. My four year grandson really enjoyed me, his grandma, reading the book to him as he turned the pages and asked questions about them. He loves water so much that this book was right up his alley. This book will be really special for parents that have an autistic child. I highly recommend this book for any parent to share with their child. A great gift for baby showers, all the birthdays to come as well as a special holiday gift. As Holly said buy a couple to donate to your local library and your child’s school. Judy Shields, The Hollywood Times
Fresh off of her run in The Masked Singer, Robinson Peete read her first children’s book My Brother Charlie, in April, based on her son and co-written by her daughter Ryan Elizabeth Peete, who knows firsthand what it’s like to grow up with a sibling with autism. The award-winning book is illustrated by Shawn W. Evans and published by Scholastic Press on Storyline Online read-alouds.
The Peete’s storytelling and Evans’ illustrations bring Charlie’s story to life and illuminate how his brain works in a special way. While it’s harder for Charlie to make friends or show his true feelings, for everything that Charlie can’t do well, there are plenty more things that he’s good at. Charlie knows the names of all the American presidents and can even play the piano better than anyone he knows.
As with all Storyline Online read-alouds, My Brother Charlie is accompanied by a complementary supplemental activity guide (link) for teachers that aligns with Common Core Standards that strengthen verbal, written and comprehension skills. My Brother Charlie has themes of love, patience, acceptance, family and uniqueness. This book is aimed towards students in 1st through 3rd grades.
To watch My Brother Charlie and all of Storyline Online’s read-alouds, visit storylineonline.net. Keep up with new videos by subscribing to Storyline Online on YouTube and following Storyline Online on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
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ABOUT THE HOLLYROD FOUNDATION
Founded in 1993 by actress, Holly Robinson Peete and husband, former NFL player, Rodney Peete, the HollyRod Foundation is a recognized California based 501c3.
The HollyRod Foundation is dedicated to raising awareness and providing resources to families that have a loved one who has received an autism or Parkinson’s Disease diagnosis. We advocate for ethical treatment, inclusion and access to services and treatment of individuals living with autism or Parkinson’s Disease with the goal of empowering them to live their best lives.
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