Régine Théodat
About the Author
I write the stories I wish I had as a child. Growing up in the US, I always felt drawn to my Haitian culture, but didn't have the kind of access that would have helped me develop strong identity markers.
I moved to Haiti in 2010, where I lived for 11.5 years. I had my daughter there. When I sought books for her that centered her culture, I didn't find many so I started writing them. With my sister we launched Isse & Lo where we make learn and play tools that center Caribbean Heritage.
I write stories inspired by Afro-Caribbean Folklore and Haitian culture. I heavily incorporate intentional bilingualism into my writing.
Through picture books and middle grade fiction, I create cultural blueprints that help children see themselves as brave, brilliant, and whole. And most importantly, their cultural stories as just as good as, rather than less than.
In every lifetime, if there are many, I always want to come back as Haitian person.
KidLit
I am the author of one bilingual picture book published through Isse & Lo, a heritage brand dedicated to creating playful learning tools that celebrate Haitian and Caribbean culture. I am also the creator of our Sounds of Haiti Board Book line.
Alongside these published works, I have six picture book manuscripts, a middle grade novel, and a young adult novel in development. These projects expand my mission to place Haitian and Caribbean heritage into the hands of the next generation.
I am currently seeking an agent to represent me and my work.
Op-Eds & Essays
Beyond children’s literature, I write about culture, justice, and liberation in essays and op-eds. My published work includes:
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Opinion: Hate against Haitian immigrants ignores how US politics pushed them here, USA Today, October 2, 2024 Read Here
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I Moved to Haiti to Help it Recover from the 2010 Earthquake, Violence Forced my Family to Flee
Boston Globe Magazine, July 8, 2022
Read Here (Paywall) -
6 Tactics for Storytelling that Drive Behavior Change
Viamo Website, 2021 Read Here -
Overstand: Driving Haiti to the Brink and Back
Okay Africa, July 20, 2018 Read Here -
Annul Haiti Elections and Have Free Fair Elections
Philadelphia Inquirer, December 5, 2010 Read Here
Substack
I share essays, reflections, and abolitionist dreaming out loud on my Substack: HERE. It’s a space where I explore culture, motherhood, Haiti, and the everyday practice of building a liberated future.