CHILDREN'S AUTHOR & TEACHER
Bringing Three Decades of Teaching Experience to Every Page
Lisa has always loved children, reading, and writing. She draws on her experience as a teacher and mom for inspiration. Her students and her own children have gifted her with story ideas and life lessons. Lisa believes every child has something to teach us.
Lisa is a two-time first-place winner in the 2026 Purple Dragonfly Book Awards for Rachel's Gift
“The Gift of Kindness – A sweet story about how the kindness shown towards others is the greatest gift. Rachel’s Gift is a wonderful book to share with kids and family.” — Goodreads review
Rachel's Gift
First-Place Purple Dragonfly Award Winner FOR 2026
Rachel's Gift has received two first-place honors in the Purple Dragonfly Book Awards including: Picture books (6 and older) and Charity/Making a Difference
Rachel sees a stuffed donkey in a toy store window. She plans to save her allowance to buy it. But when she discovers the shop owner is hurt, her focus is on helping him. She forgets to mention that she is saving for the donkey and finds it gone one day when she comes to volunteer. Rachel is sad, but doesn’t want to upset her friend. When she returns home, something unexpected happens.
Rachel's Gift celebrates unconditional kindness and the joy of true friendship.
What Readers Are Saying
"It has all the markings of a classic picture book in children's literature: loveable characters, clear morals, a strong plot line, and attractive imagery."
~Becky Halton, Kid Lit Blogger
"Rachel’s Gift by Lisa Jacoby is a beautiful lesson in putting the needs of others before our own, and is sure to be a welcome fit in any household.
~Brooke Vitale, Children's Book Editor
Read Brooke Vitale's Full Review
"Rachel's Gift is a beautifully written story about a little girl who puts others before herself. I read this story to my students. They were intent and quiet throughout the book. We would stop and chat and make some predictions about upcoming pages. They were so excited at the end! Wonderful story and I highly recommend!"
~Therese M. Hubbell, Amazon Review
Rachel's Gift on BiblioBoard
Rachel's Gift is now part of the Indie New York: Discover Books From Local Authors collection! This digital catalog is available through the BiblioBoard Library platform to patrons of participating libraries across the region. With just one click, readers can now access the story for free on their mobile or web browsers. The link is provided below.
About the Author
Lisa Jacoby has a Bachelor of Arts in English from Binghamton University and a Master of Science in Teaching (Elementary Education) from Pace University. She has taught every grade from pre-kindergarten to grade seven during the course of her thirty year career. One of Lisa’s favorite classroom activities was reading aloud. Lisa has read hundreds of books to children over the years, and she took notice of what appealed to them. These observations informed her writing.
Rachel’s Gift was inspired by her grandmother, Shirley Sulkies. Shirley was a Holocaust survivor, yet always radiated positivity and kindness. Lisa’s grandmother always encouraged her. It was fitting for Lisa to dedicate her first published book to her.
Lisa retired from teaching and lives in Haverstraw, New York with her husband. She is currently working on several new children’s books.
Lisa Jacoby with her grandmother
Invite Lisa to Your Classroom or Event
I would love to connect with your students and community. Whether you are interested in a school visit, a library reading, or a speaking engagement, please reach out to discuss how we can inspire young readers together.
Lisa Jacoby Educator & Author
info@lisajacobyauthor.com
Every child has something to teach us.
— Lisa Jacoby