A household name in children's literature and a familiar face in our Mystic community, Tish Rabe (“Robby”) is an author, singer, songwriter, and publisher who has spent her life using her creativity to enrich the lives of children and families. From writing over 200 rhyming books for Sesame Street, Blue’s Clues, Disney, and Dr. Seuss among others to performing with her five-piece band "Tish Rabe and Friends," Tish’s passion for storytelling and music has made her a local treasure.

While she originally earned a degree in opera from Ithaca College and pursued a professional singing career in New York City, she was lucky enough to land a job on Sesame Street that shifted her path. She began as Music Production Assistant on the show, hiring singers to provide the singing voices for Jim Henson’s Muppets, and even sang with Oscar the Grouch in "I Love Trash." Tish’s transition to writing children’s books is also credited to Sesame Street. She wrote her first book ,Bert and the Broken Teapot ,which was based on a true story from her childhood when she broke a “priceless” antique teapot and her mother told her she loved her more than any old, dusty piece of glass, which sparked a lifelong journey into children’s publishing.

After Dr. Seuss died in 1991, Random House Publishing asked Tish to write The Cat in the Hat’s Learning Library a series of science books in rhyme for early readers. She rose to the occasion, writing Is a Camel a Mammal? and many more—a fitting role for someone who can still recite the verses by heart.

A proud Mystic resident since 2008, Tish splits her time between Connecticut and New York City. Locally, she is known not just for her literary work, but also for her musical talent. She performs with her husband, John Rabe, a four-string tenor banjo and bass player, at the Steak Loft and other local venues. The band regularly draws a crowd and is beloved by the community. Tish shared, “I’m so grateful that our fans have embraced our music. It brings so much joy to be part of it.”

She is also the author of Mystic By the Sea is the Best Place to Be, a charming children's book that celebrates the beauty of our region and is proudly sold in the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce’s Visitor Center. This local favorite is a perfect example of how Tish combines her love of Mystic with her talent for writing stories that delight and inspire young readers.

Tish is also deeply passionate about community service and literacy. In 2020, she founded her own publishing company Tish Rabe Books and continues to donate thousands of books each year to children in need. Her latest title, Sometimes Apart Always in My Heart-The Book for the Military Child, holds special meaning for her. Dedicated to the brave service members who protect our nation and the children who wait for them to return home, the book debuted at a moving event at Mystic Seaport Museum with the Stonington Sing Rays chorus performing the march written in the book. “The Chamber’s support and the community’s understanding of military families means the world to me,” Tish said.

Tish also partnered with Pajama Program to write Sweet Dreams Ahead Time for Bed, a bedtime story with an easy-to-sing lullaby that helps every child get the sleep they need to thrive. 

Despite turning 70, retirement isn’t in her vocabulary. “I still have more books to write and more kids to reach,” she says. Her mission is clear: keep writing and getting books into the hands of as many children as possible.

When she’s not writing, singing, or donating books, Tish is spending time with her six grandchildren, playing ping pong at Thrive 55+, or welcoming Santa when he arrives on the Santa Boat which has become a family tradition. Her creative life is a testament to her belief that you can redesign your life at any point—and still end up exactly where you’re meant to be.

Thank you, Tish, for showing us what it means to follow your joy, give back generously, and celebrate the power of storytelling and song. To learn more visit TishRabeBooks.com