When Mary Kratz’s aunt told her she was writing a children’s book and needed an illustrator, Kratz jumped at the chance to combine her two loves - early education and art. This creative duo recently published Ella Bella Loves the Rain, the first book in what they hope becomes a series.

Kratz, who graduated with a BA in early education and minored in art, said her aunt, Suzanne Downey Farrell, had always wanted to write a children’s book. Through the years, she told Kratz that she wanted her to illustrate the book.

“We went through the process together. I drew it and it was exactly as she wanted it to be,” Kratz said. “I wanted it to look hand drawn so I didn’t go the graphic route,” said Kratz, who used colored pencils to draw the illustrations.  

The 18-page rhyming book, follows the journey of Ella Bella as she turns a gloomy day into a day of pure joy. Kratz describes Ella Bella as a sweet, adventurous girl who loves nature and is thrilled to go out into the rain. The book came out in October 2020 and was published by Austin Macauley Publishers, London, England. The book is available at Amazon.

Kratz has read the book numerous times to her two-year-old son Calder. She and her husband, Jake, a fellow NU alum, live in Schwenksville, Pennsylvania, and are expecting their second child in February 2021.

Prior to becoming a stay-at-home-mom, Kratz worked as a pre-k, kindergarten, first- and second-grade teacher. She was always drawn to teaching the younger grades and used these teaching experiences to shape her drawings for the book.

“I always wanted to do something with children’s books, and I may do one of my own someday,” Kratz noted.

The book publishing process was challenging so when Kratz finally received her first copy of Ella Bella Loves the Rain, she was thrilled. Due to the pandemic, she thought the October release date would be pushed back into 2021. Kratz and Farrell are currently working on their second book where readers may find Ella Bella at the beach.

“We are more excited and inspired to see what is to come next,” Kratz said.