WEST WARWICK, R.I. - s4story -- An old, abandoned piano that lives in the corner of a music classroom longs for someone to play his keys again. When discovered by the music teacher, the piano is suddenly filled with hope. But that hope doesn't last long when some of the teacher's young students don't appear to take playing the piano seriously. But there is one special student who is unique. Will this unexpected student be able to fulfill the piano's wish, fill the room with beautiful music, and inspire her friends?

Dedicated to piano teachers everywhere, Play Me, Please! is a story about the love of music and diversity. Told with humor and whimsical, lavish illustrations, it teaches us that there is a place at the keyboard for everyone.

Author Gail Fulton-Anderson discovered her own love of music through vocal performances with acapella choruses, choirs, and quartets. Her music studies at San Jose State College in California allowed her to pursue a major in voice with a piano minor. Raising two daughters and moving 18 times in 25 years, she nurtured her keyboard studies as she traveled around the United States and Europe between 1967 and 1990. In 1992, Gail designed piano classes at the Rocky Hill School in East Greenwich, Rhode Island. Her teaching then expanded as she joined the piano faculty of the Rhode Island Philharmonic music school where she worked from 2004 to 2011. Her career gradually evolved into teaching private lessons in her own studio from 2011 to 2022. Her story in Play Me, Please! accurately describes the young students Gail worked with during her first year teaching classes. Gail lives in East Greenwich, Rhode Island.

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Originally from San Mateo, California, Elisha Gillette is an artist, illustrator, and graphic designer who currently lives in Providence, Rhode Island. A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, Elisha designs books, video games, and works with a diverse array of independent clients.

A special launch party for the Play Me, Please! is scheduled for Saturday, September 23rd at Stillwater Books, 1745 Main Street, West Warwick at 1 p.m. as part of the bookstore's grand opening celebration. Signed copies will be available. Parking and admission are free.

Play Me, Please! is available to purchase through select bookstores and gift shops, major online retailers, and through its publisher at http://www.StillwaterBooksRI.com. In addition, hand-signed copies are available from the author.

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Play Me, Please!

Written by Gail Fulton-Anderson
Illustrated by Elisha Gillette
Paperback: $20.00
ISBN: 978-1-96050554-5
August 2023