Far Hills Teachers Jessie Zinderman and Ana Robles Bring the Children’s Book Rocks in My Socks to Life Through Creativity and Collaboration

At Far Hills Country Day School, creativity and collaboration often extend far beyond the classroom. For Preschool Teacher Jessie Zinderman and Upper School Spanish Teacher Ana Robles, a shared passion for storytelling and artistic expression recently led to the publication of a heartfelt children’s book, Rocks in My Socks. Written by Jessie and illustrated by Ana, the book explores childhood clothing sensitivities through a warm and relatable story centered on empathy, perseverance, and self-understanding.

The idea for Rocks in My Socks began in summer 2023, when Jessie partnered with her future in-laws, Julie Tambussi and Nate Pieprzyk, founders of Laburnum Books, to create a picture book inspired by Jessie’s own experiences with clothing sensitivity. Jessie wrote the manuscript in a single day before the team began searching for the right illustrator.

That search eventually led back to Far Hills. After joining the school community in August 2023, Jessie later discovered that fellow faculty member Ana Robles had previously illustrated a children’s book. Jessie reached out to see if Ana would be interested in collaborating, and the project quickly took shape.

To help bring the story to life, Jessie shared childhood photographs, personal memories, and detailed reflections about her sensory experiences. Ana used those stories and interviews to thoughtfully design the book’s main character and visual style. The illustrations began as hand-drawn sketches before being completed digitally using Procreate.

Over the past two years, Jessie, Ana, Julie, and the Laburnum Books team collaborated closely on everything from illustrations and layouts to fonts, colors, and final formatting. After multiple rounds of revisions and proof copies, the book was officially published this spring.

Ana, who earned a B.A. in Graphic Design from Veritas University in Costa Rica and an M.A. in Art Education from the University of Florida, brought warmth and personality to every page through her illustrations. Jessie, a 2023 graduate of Dickinson College with a BA in Educational Studies and Law & Policy, says the book’s message is rooted in helping children feel understood.

“I am incredibly thankful to Laburnum Books and Ana for their partnership in creating Rocks in My Socks, and for everyone who has showered it with love and support,” Jessie shared. “Growing up with clothing sensitivity is stressful and confusing for kids and grown-ups alike, and I wish I’d had a book like this to help explain those feelings. My hope for Rocks in My Socks is that readers see themselves and their loved ones reflected in the story, building a community with awareness and understanding for those with clothing sensitivity.”

Together, Jessie and Ana have created more than a children’s book — they have created a story rooted in compassion, representation, and understanding for experiences many children quietly navigate every day.

To learn more or purchase a copy of Rocks in My Socks, click here! 

Families who order a copy are also invited to bring their books to school — Jessie Zinderman and Ana Robles would be delighted to personally sign them.