About The Authors

Renee Forrester and Raye Kimberlin are the authors of the Little Libby Books series, a collection of stories inspired by family history, community memories, and generations of strong, faith-filled women. They grew up in Lebanon Ohio where they saw family model service, creativity, honesty, and perseverance. Together, they bring personal experience, historical truth, and heartfelt storytelling to stories designed to help children see possibility, resilience, and kindness in everyday life.

Renee Forrester throughout her life, has found joy in making others laugh through her personal experiences. Growing up, Renee spent her days playing with cousins and neighborhood friends, learning life lessons through community, imagination, and fun. As an adult, she lived what she lovingly describes as an “adventurous” and spontaneous life, raising her children to see the world with curiosity, humor, and hope. Creativity and “thinking outside the box” were daily practices, and those experiences now shape the heart of Little Libby. One life lesson from her Aunt Lib, “When you get lemons make lemonade.”

Renee’s professional life included nearly ten years at Lebanon Citizens National Bank and a 30-year career at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base with the Foreign Technology Division (now the National Air & Space Intelligence Center). Alongside her work, she expressed her gifts through cooking, sewing, knitting, crocheting, catering, and singing in church and community choirs—always finding joy in bringing people together.

As a former board member of MLK Lebanon, Renee spearheaded many initiatives including the Lunch On Us program to help students with lunch debt and paid school fees so seniors could receive their dipolmas at graduation. She also served as the chairperson for the annual King Day celebration for a number of years.

At its core, Little Libby Books reflects Renee’s lifelong goal: to make people smile, to share untold stories, and to encourage children to dream, find their passion, serve others, and believe in their own possibilities. Through stories rooted in real history, family, and love, Renee preserves legacy while opening doors for the next generation and always honoring where you come from.

Inspired by her family’s history and a lifelong commitment to children and community, Raye Kimberlin developed an early appreciation for storytelling, service, and the power of education.

With more than 25 years of experience across print, television, and radio, Raye has built a career centered on communication, advocacy, and public service. She holds degrees from Ohio University and Franklin University and has served in leadership roles in higher education, nonprofit organizations, and financial institutions. She currently works in the Development Department at ThinkTV, Dayton’s local PBS station.

Throughout her career, Raye has championed children and families through partnerships with child advocacy, public health, and community organizations, while also volunteering in local arts, education, and civic initiatives all across the state of Ohio. She also created her own projects including The Color of Love Bridal Shows and Giving Tuesday Lebanon. As the former Executive Director of MLK Lebanon, Raye organized many initiatives including the Stand Up To Hate campaign, scholarship program, educational seminars, marches, and community events. She believes stories can teach us about kindness, courage, and standing up for what is right. 

Through Little Libby Books, Raye weaves history, heart, and lived experience into stories that encourage young readers to dream boldly, serve generously, and believe in their ability to make a difference to shape a better future.

Together, Renee and Raye wrote the Little Libby Books to share stories about family, community, and service. They hope these books help children believe in themselves - to dream boldly, to care deeply, and to remember that their stories matter too.