CHRIS RUMBLE
Author-Artist-Musician

Dear Colleagues,

If you're like me, you sometimes face a dilemma when selecting an author/illustrator to visit your school. You worry about spending a large sum of money on someone who's a complete unknown to you. You want to know before you spend the money that you are getting someone who relates well tostudents. Unfortunately, budget contraints may necessitate that you hire someone who is just getting started and doesn't command an exorbitant fee rather than an author with a proven track record. That's where it's nice to hear a recommendation from someone you know, and boy do I have someone to recommend!

McKendree hosted Chris Rumble, author & illustrator of the Uncle Stinky series, on October 4th. The kids loved him! To inspire the students to read, he played his guitar and invited students to sing along on the chorus. He had them singing "My Book" to the tune of "My Girl" and "I'm a Big Reader" to the tune of "I'm a Believer". You're already hearing the tunes in your head, aren't you?

He then read selections from his books and showed them how he drew his Uncle Stinky character. One "lucky" student (pre-selected by teachers based on challenges the student had faced) was awarded the drawing from each assembly. After the assemblies, Mr. Rumble autographed each book sold with words of encouragement and even an original drawing. He had the foresight to do the drawings ahead of time to speed up the autograph process, but spent time with each student who came to his table.

His books were a pleasant suprise as well -- laugh-out-loud funny. Not personally into bathroom humor, I was caught off guard by his humor and found myself chuckling in spite of myself. And if his humor doesn't tickle your funny bone, you will certainly appreciate the underlying messages of encouragement in his books. Uncle Stinky has no patience with bullies!

I took a chance on Mr. Rumble based on only a phone conversation and testimonials at his website. I'm glad I did, and know you will be too if you bring him to your school. I can recommend him without reservation. In fact, I suggest you hire him before he hits the big time as he is surely destined to do.

Meg Reed
Media Specialist, McKendree Elementary
Lawrenceville, GA

Chris Rumble was both motivating and inspiring as he helped Social Circle Primary kick off our reading incentive program. His love of reading, music and children is clearly evident throughout his program. He believes in audience participation, and he had both students and teachers singing and dancing as he sang songs like “I’m a Big Reader” (to the tune of “I’m a Believer”). You won’t be disappointed if you invite the Reading Guitar Man to entertain and educate your students – and you’ll probably be looking for an opportunity to have him back!

Barbara Wright
Principal, Social Circle Primary School
Social Circle, GA


Chris was wonderful with our students! He kept their attention by singing songs about reading and involving the students in the singing. His stories were entertaining and funny! Our students really warmed up to him and kept wanting to give him hugs after the presentation! He really helped focus our kids' attention on reading and how much fun it can be!

Molly Gibney
Media Specialist, Jefferson Elementary School
Jefferson, GA


Chris is one of those kind, gentle people that attracts everyone. You can feel his warmth in his presentation. Kids love him and listen to him and want to sing with him. It's a fun time, with great messages.

Ann Lott
Media Specialist, Black's Mill Elementary
Dawson County, GA


Here's a big THANK YOU for giving an amazingly FUN and UPLIFTING performance for our Cheatham Hill Champions last week. I can't remember when our children enjoyed a guest in our school more. Your heart is in the right place for these children, and it really shows. Even when you're a millionaire book tycoon, please keep singing your way into our children's hearts!! I hope you'll come see our students again in the years to come!

Jean Black
Parent and Substitute Teacher, Cheatham Hill Elementary
Marietta, GA


Mr. Chris Rumble, also known as "The Reading Guitar Man," brought to my second graders songs about reading, books about laughing, and poems about loving. My students would listen intently and participate wholeheartedly as Mr. Rumble would lead songs and read books. Mr. Rumble’s passion for children and excitement about learning was evident every time he entered our classroom. He instilled values and promoted friendship, displayed compassion, and celebrated the uniqueness of each child. Mr. Rumble blessed my second graders in a powerful way and made quite an impression on them. They are better people because of the impact he had on their lives.

Kelly Ingle
2nd Grade Teacher, Sims Elementary
Rockdale County, GA


I can’t tell you how much we enjoyed having Chris visit Rocky Branch. Our teachers were most impressed. I asked the students at bus dismissal what they thought of the Reading Guitar Man. Every kid said he was terrific. We would love to have Chris return after his book is published. We are glad he came our way.

Thomas L. Brown
Principal, Rocky Branch Elementary
Oconee County, GA


Chris - thank you for coming to our Family Reading Night. It was such a treat to see the students of all ages engaged in celebrating reading. You motivated all of us to be readers and made each child feel special. You were definitely the hit of the night!

Ann Driver
PTO Parent Volunteer, Frey Elementary School
Acworth, GA