By AIESHA SOLOMON
Courtesy of Rishawna Gould
Laurel resident Rishawna Gould’s life took an unexpected new path after the death of her mother 10 years ago followed a few years later by the death of her aunt. She penned a children’s book.
“A suggestion was made to me [by a therapist]. Rather than dwell on the sad portion of losing a loved one, to remember her legacy and what she wanted to do and also my aunt as well,” Gould said.
In February 2024, Gould self-published The Adventures of Joanie and Juliet — her first book, but likely not her last. The book recounts the adventures of two sisters, Joanie and Juliet. Joanie is based on Gould’s mother, and Juliet is based on Gould’s aunt. They travel to Italy together using the power of their special pajamas — pajamas that can take them anywhere they want to go. On their trip, they fly in an airplane, enjoy sightseeing, try unfamiliar foods, meet locals and learn a new language.
Gould noted that mother and her aunt were not only sisters but best friends, as well.
“They were the most amazing problem solvers when you put them together, and that’s [why] that’s kind of like the theme of The Adventures of Joanie and Juliet,” Gould said. “These two sisters have to navigate a country, sometimes by themselves, sometimes with help — but they have to problem-solve.”
The special pajamas were inspired by Gould’s mother’s love of flannel pajamas. The characters’ pajamas feature the animals that Gould’s mother and sister adored: dolphins for Joanie and butterflies for Juliet.
Inspiration for the book came from Gould’s own experiences. Her family took annual road trips and traveled internationally. She learned it was important to know three phrases when traveling to another country: “Friend,” “Thank you” and “See you soon.”
“That you are willing to learn their language, their customs, their cultures. That can go so far,” Gould said.
She also recognized that many people do not travel far from their locality.
“At the children’s level, I can begin, at least, to get them interested in wanting to go to other places, or just creating that desire within them so that as they grow, they can develop that desire on their own,” she said.
Gould has a B.A. in graphic design from American University and is a visual information specialist with the D.C. Office of Planning. Though she didn’t illustrate The Adventures of Joanie and Juliet, she shared her vision with the artist who did.
Joanie and Juliet’s adventures will continue, Gould said, as the sisters travel in the U.S. and abroad in future books. The Adventures of Joanie and Juliet is available on Amazon and at Barnes & Noble.
