The author, Bob Priest (aka Bobby), was raised in a family of 7 children and 17 nieces and nephews, however, he has yet to experience the joy of raising children of his own. Several years ago, he thought, “Maybe my purpose in life is far greater than raising and influencing kids of my own. Maybe I’m meant to affect the lives of hundreds, thousands, or even millions of children somehow.” In 2013, he had the vision of leaving his life in corporate America behind, traveling the world, and writing books to inspire and educate young adults about life in other cultures. “My friends and family thought I was crazy” he recalls. “For me, not pursuing my true passion seemed even crazier…”

Inspired by the loss and memories of his loving mother and father, he set out upon a path in life dedicated to following his passions of writing and composing music. It was a serious leap of faith. During this journey, he realized that there was a huge opportunity to teach children at a very young age about the life lessons that he’d learned, and an even bigger opportunity to convey these lessons by using the combined power and creativity of books AND music. As a creative writer and musician singer/songwriter at heart, bedtime stories with lullabies were born. Shortly thereafter, the text and melody of “The Voice of the Moon – Happiness,” was complete, and the character ‘Lit’l Bobby’ came to life.

As a California Native, he graduated with honors from the University of California San Diego (UCSD). His honors thesis was focused on a learning technique to teach children how to improve their reading comprehension and retention. He spent countless hours in college working directly with children observing reading behavior and measuring what they learned. “It’s very interesting to me that now I’m writing children’s books and my own education has inadvertently come full circle” he recalls. After UCSD he went on to earn his Master’s Degree in Business at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, CA.

“I didn’t realize until I left Corporate America that for me, success is not defined by material things. Success is defined by the quality of relationships in my life, being passionate and mindful with my time, and the positive difference I make in the lives of others, especially the younger generations.”

Bobby is finally dedicated to following his dreams and pursuing his lifelong passions of creating books and music. His vision is to continue to focus on his purpose of changing the world… one child at a time.

A Note from the Author:

I was recently told by someone, “if you think like everyone else and do the ordinary, you meet little resistance in life. It’s in the process of doing extraordinary things that you meet great resistance.”

The resistance I’ve encountered during this process of bringing Lit’l Bobby to life has sometimes been overwhelming. I’ve wanted to quit many times when the journey became overshadowed by obstacles. I’ve never given up because I love what I do. The hurdles I encounter make me more determined than ever to focus on my passion of writing books and music.

Days before my father passed away I asked him to give me one life lesson that I could live by. I said, “dad… take your time and think about it.” He said, “Bobby, no, I don’t need to think about it. Just be honest. Be honest with yourself and be honest with others, but just be honest.” I will always honor those words of my late father. In turn I’m honoring myself by following my dreams and passion to write books and music – I’m being honest to myself. Now I understand more than ever exactly what he meant…

Bobby Priest – Author, Singer/Songwriter