Author Talk, Musical Performance and Crafts

Join us at the Museum of Ventura County on Sunday, February 9, 2020 from 1—3PM for a special afternoon with author Toni Jannotta. Following Toni Jannotta’s talk on her book, My Little Heart, Ruthie, there will be a musical performance and a book making craft for visitors to participate in. Admission is free for museum members, $5 for nonmembers.

My Little Heart, Ruthie is the story of a wounded heart living alone in a cold, icy cell with only her harp for company. One day a warm breeze blows into her small space and so startles Ruthie that she gathers her courage and goes to see what this beautiful feeling is all about, nearly breaking free of her confinement. The breeze turns out to be a fellow heart warming up on his trumpet. This jazz guy named Clyde turns out to be a friend with whom Ruthie can share her darkest secrets. Their conversation, told both musically and in rhyme, leads Ruthie to realize that her sadness can heal, and that she has the right to be free. Told as a children’s rhyme this story speaks to the child inside of every person who believes that past abuses are because they did something wrong and tries to convince them that it was never their fault.

About the Author

Toni Jannotta started as a dancer, became an actress, performed in children’s theater, sang in musical theater, and ended up in jazz clubs. She has written jazz tunes, performed in the U.S. and abroad, and has composed the music for her original story rhyme, “My Little Heart, Ruthie.” Toni lives with her violin and piano in Southern California. This is her first book. Feel free to visit www.tonijannotta.com