Featured Guest
Yolanda Lopez Rettew

5 Questions for: Yolanda Lopez Rettew

YOLANDA LOPEZ-RETTEW is the author of LEFT SHOE RIGHT SHOE, her first picture book that introduces the concept of left and right to young children. She began writing in 2004 after taking on the role as a new mom where she witnessed firsthand how reading great books not only impacted her son’s development but also inspired his own love of reading. Those first years with her son sparked the beginning of her interest in writing and soon grew into a desire to publish and promote children’s books. As an author, her goal is to develop enjoyable books that teach something new to a broad audience of children. As the founder and editor of Storytime Favorites (http://www.storytimefavorites.com), a fast growing website, her mission is to “celebrate the magic of children’s books” and help get quality books in the hands of all children.

Born and raised in Texas, Yolanda now lives in southern California with her husband, young son, three stepchildren and two dogs. She is an avid supporter of community reading programs and child abuse prevention programs and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). Her hobbies include reading, painting, and playing sports. She loves spending time with her family and close friends, being involved with her son’s school activities and meeting regularly with her mom’s group and book club.



  1. STF: What inspired you to write your first book?

    YLR: The first book I "wrote" is actually about baby sign language – something I strongly believe in. When I was pregnant with my son, I read an article on the subject and decided it was worth pursuing. When our son was about 6 months old, my husband and I started signing with him and it was great - we loved it! Even though I found some tools to help us teach our son, I felt there could’ve been an easier way. Since some of my background includes training, I believed I could develop something easier to follow and more enjoyable to learn. This book is still in my files – along with a few others. Soon after, I wrote Left Shoe Right Shoe.

  2. STF: So then what prompted the publishing of Left Shoe Right Shoe as your first book?

    YLR: Left Shoe Right Shoe really touches my heart. When I started teaching my son the concept of left and right, I searched everywhere for a book I liked on the subject and came up empty. And then one day I was in the garden with my son and I loved his sense of awe as I pointed out flowers, and birds and bugs to his left and right. That’s when the idea hit me. The character of Lorenzo was definitely inspired by my son.

  3. STF: As a new author for children’s books, is there something particular you hope to achieve?

    YLR: I’m constantly amazed at the impact books can have. They can shape and alter a child’s view of the world – however little or big, it’s pretty special. I’ve seen it happen over and over again with my own little boy. I want that – a part of impacting a child’s view of some aspect of his or her life. I feel passionate about this and that's what drives my vision for growing Storytime Favorites.

  4. STF: Your bio states that you like to paint, yet you didn’t illustrate Left Shoe Right Shoe. Do you see illustrating some of your work in the future?

    YLR: I do love painting. But like any skill, there are always different levels involved -not to mention different styles. I’m not ready to attempt illustrating yet; maybe one day. Thank goodness for Bonnie Lemaire [the illustrator]. Bonnie brilliantly translated my vision to paper and gave the scenes a sweet simplicity and made the characters incredibly charming and likable. Bonnie was wonderful and I couldn’t be more pleased with the final product.

  5. STF: What’s next?

    YLR: Well, the ink is barely dry on Left Shoe Right Shoe and I want to enjoy it. This is my first children's book and my son is overjoyed about it! I’m looking forward to promoting my book and seeing what kind of real response I get. I’m also working on growing Storytime Favorites. Storytime Favorites has been a big undertaking for me and there is still more to do to expand its capabilities. Overall, this is an exciting time for me!