a husband and wife team. We dabbled for years with the prospect of writing a children's book, being inspired by my early childhood background and love for children's literature, coupled with Al's talent for drawing. In January 2005 we selected seven publishers and submitted my first manuscript with samples of Al's illustrations for our debut book Jewish Alphabet. We received complimentary responses from three of the seven publishers. Pelican Publishing Company, Inc. from Gretna, Louisiana responded with an offer in May 2005. Pelican proposed a date of completion of December 15, 2005, with plans to have the book debut in the Fall of 2006. This allowed us at least a half year to complete our book. Informed by Pelican not to proceed futher until we received our signed contract and specifications, we waited with great anticipation. We were anxious to begin the process of manuscript editing and revision, and final copy color illustrations. However, Mother Nature had a different time table planned for us. Pelican Publishing Company, just 5 miles south of New Orleans, was of course impacted by the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in August 2005. Months passed without communication. Once we heard from Pelican again their staff needed time to put both their lives and Pelican Publishing back in order. Our contract therefore was not signed and returned until November 9, 2005. The specifications for the illustrations arrived two days later. I was in awe watching Al complete all the black and white illustrations and the dust jacket art with almost immediate turn around to final color artwork. In spite of the delay, we were able to complete everything by a deadline extension that was just two and a half weeks beyond the original December 15, 2005 completion date. Jewish Alphabet, our debut book has been an enormous learning experience for both of us, although due to Hurricane Katrina quite possibly not typical in any way.
Janet Clement
I am a Provider Consultant for childcare and early education. I offer technical assistance and training to center based directors and staff and also to family childcare providers through the central agency for childcare administration in Pinellas County, Florida. Born in Washington, D.C., after my earliest years, I grew up as a child in the Bronx, New York and then moved to Florida during my teen years, when my mother remarried. I graduated from Miami Beach Sernior High School and earned my Bachelor's degree in Education from Florida State University. In the mid 1980's when my third son became a toddler, I initiated and then for nine years directed an Early Childhood Center at my synagogue in the Tampa Bay area. I am a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators and the Pinellas Advocates for Children and Families, Inc, a non-partisan advocacy group involved with childcare and early education issues.
Albert G. Rodriguez
Albert, better known as "Al," (or "Mr. Al" at the Jewish Day School) grew up in Brooklyn, New York. As a young child, Al looked forward to his father’s return from work each Friday evening when his father would present Al with an array of new drawing materials for Al to experiment with. Aware of Al’s natural talent, his eighth grade teachers encouraged him to apply for acceptance into the High School of Art and Design in New York City. Following his years at the High School of Art and Design, Al pursued his studies at the City College of New York in Manhattan planning for a career in architecture, but as is often the case, life's path goes in a different direction. Al has been employed by the Pinellas County Jewish Day School just short of a full decade. Our debut book, Jewish Alphabet, has lead Al back to his artwork.
We are blessed to have six grown children; my sons Michael, Bradley and Robert and Al's sons Adam and Andrew, and daughter Nicole. We also have three precious grandchildren Elijah 5, Jayden 4 and Aiden, a toddler.
Janet Clement Rodroguez and Albert G. Rodriguez. Original site design by Janet Clement, Albert G. Rodriguez & Forrest Feld, 2006