top of page
MY LITTLE HEART, RUTHIE


A STORYBOOK OF HEALING
WITH MUSIC
Written for Survivors of Childhood Traumas
![]() | ![]() |
---|---|
![]() | ![]() |


For information about the piano score, contact Toni at tonij@tonijannotta.com

REVIEWS
"My Little Heart, Ruthie is an
inspirational book. . . I was truly moved by what I read."
- Rosie Malezer, Readers Favorite
"Poetic cure for the loneliness of feeling less than whole."
- Jessica Hernandez, Bookshop West
"This is an amazing children's book in which the words sing . . . It opens the heart and the mind to who a person truly is . . . There is an accompanying CD with divine music to play as you read the book which deepens the experience to an entirely different level . . . "
- Sandra Jeffs, Author
"It's a touching story set to musical scores that mirror the emotions expressed in the lyrics. Tenderly recited, Jannotta shows a sensitivity for the lyrics that translates into real life. Ruthie is in everyone . . . It's a story that both parent and child will find opens their consciousness."
- Susan Francesny, Blogcritics.org
"My Little Heart, Ruthie is poetic and powerful. Illustrations by Jennifer Mones and an accompanying jazz CD with narrative give the reader a work of art that stirs the soul."
- Author Susan L. Schoenbeck
"Deeply touching and imaginative, this is a project to savor."
- Grady Harp, Amazon Hall of Fame Top 500 Reviewer
"Ruthie's story sheds sympathetic light on the secret suffering of abuse victims . . . [Ruthie] encourages and inspires . . . "
- Barbara Scott, Publishers Weekly
"Jannotta has masterfully composed a musical suite . . . What a glimmering gift for your child to experience, and one I am certain will touch the sentiment in you at the same time."
- Jeff Becker, Jazz Sensibilities
" . . . the idea to portray Ruthie and Clyde as hearts clarifies how important feelings are . . . Kindness heals every wound . . . Music is one of the most powerful sources of inspiration, as it teaches one to love, hope, and dream . . . Even through I am not a child anymore, I was touches by this delicate and charming story."
- Astrid Iustulin, Readers Favorite
"Something different for the child in all of us."
- Sylvannia Garutch, The Jazz Word
"Jannotta has artfully brought together the best of both worlds in sound and word, for a lasting resonance, both in music and pen. A bedtime story, yes – but one with larger implications and wrapped in a jazz sonic . . ." - Constance Tucker All About Vocals
" Jannotta's suite is filled with poignant, heartfelt movements . . . Each player eloquently contributes their instrument voices, but most of all it is Jannotta's suite writing that shines above all else . . . Lately with the climate of hatred growing in our society, this was a breath of fresh air that reached beyond the lines trending news and delved into the subject of being human."
- Bea Willis, Five Finger Review.com
INTERVIEWS
"MY LITTLE HEART, RUTHIE" PROMO
VENTURA TV INTERVIEW

bottom of page