Valerie Carr
Tracy Nelson
The idea for Valerie Carr’s children’s book Once Upon a Time and Now! just came to her one day. “I wanted to leave my legacy and write an inspirational children’s book for young girls to use their imagination and be inspired by their dreams to embellish their future.”
Although Valerie has always been a talented artist, she considered herself an ordinary, average child. She grew up in New York City as an only child who desperately wanted a sibling. Although she had other relatives, they lived far away and holiday gatherings were the only times she saw them. These experiences inspired her to want to connect in deeper ways with her family. “I realized that as I was growing up, I never asked enough questions. I wish I had asked my grandparents more.”
When Valerie was 17, her family finally moved out of their little apartment to a new home outside the city. She always dreamed of meeting “Mr. Right” one day and having a fairytale wedding, and by fate, her future husband happened to live right next door. They were married at the young age of 21. Valerie was inspired in high school by art classes, so she went on to college and majored in art. She developed an interest in all aspects of art media. Her imagination took her in many different directions throughout her life.
She became involved in community activities and helping others. Valerie became a Cub Scout Master for her two sons. She planned weekly craft projects geared towards earning the Scouts’ badges. She joined the Rahway, N.J., Junior Women’s Club and designed and painted an art mural at the Rahway children’s hospital.
Today, her talent has her generating paper collages which she sells, making quilts for local charities, and sewing stuffed animals to donate to our area’s needy children.
Her artistic ability is shared by her son Jeff Carroccio who illustrated her book. As a child, he doodled constantly. He is currently a graphic artist. Jeff was thrilled to collaborate on her project and to work with his mother. He is extremely excited to see his work put into print.
Valerie’s book Once Upon a Time and Now! is available to purchase on Amazon. Her desire is to donate copies to local libraries, schools, and children’s organizations. She hopes her book inspires young girls to dream big, imagine their futures, and go for it!