Jennie Trocchio, PhD, is an autism educator and a developmental specialist who has spent more than two decades helping autistic children and the people who support them build connections, confidence, and meaningful relationships. Her work has spanned teaching, private practice, school consultation, and training professionals across the country.
After more than twenty years of living through hurricane seasons in South Florida, Dr. Jennie saw how much it helped children to understand what was happening and know what to expect. She wrote many hurricane social stories for the children and families she supported—but Hurry the Hurricane was the one that stayed with her. She now lives in Washington, DC, with her dog, Buddy.
Q: What inspired the idea behind your book?
A: Hurry the Hurricane grew out of more than twenty years of living through hurricane seasons in South Florida and supporting children and families through them. Whenever a storm was approaching, I noticed how much the world around children suddenly changed—adults were watching the weather, buying supplies, putting up shutters, changing plans—and yet children weren’t always included in the conversation about what was happening or why.
As an autism educator and developmental specialist, I often created social stories to help children understand what to expect before, during, and after a hurricane. I saw how powerful it was when we gave children clear, honest information in a way they could understand. They weren’t just waiting for something scary to happen anymore; they could understand what was happening, know what to expect, and even have a role in getting ready.
Over the years, I wrote many hurricane social stories for individual children and families, but the idea behind Hurry the Hurricane was the one that stayed with me. I wanted to create something that could help more children experience hurricanes with a little less uncertainty and a little more understanding, confidence, and connection.
Q: As an author, what tips would you give anyone who wants to get into writing?
A: Start writing! In a notebook, on a device, on Post-its, napkins—anywhere and everywhere inspiration hits. Don’t wait until you have the perfect idea, the perfect words, or even know exactly where the story is going. Capture the ideas when they come and give yourself permission for the first (many!) version(s) to be messy. You can always shape, edit, and polish later. The important part is getting the words out of your head and onto something you can come back to.
Q: What is your favorite book?
A: The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. I’ve loved it for as long as I can remember. I love how such a simple story can say so much—and somehow feels a little different every time you come back to it.
Q: Was your main character modeled after anyone in your life?
A: Hurry isn’t modeled after any one hurricane, but he—and the story around him—grew out of a LOT of hurricane seasons! The preparations the family makes reflect the steps I watched families take again and again when a storm was coming. There are also little nuggets from my own experiences tucked throughout the illustrations—like the recurring ibis, a nod to my University of Miami roots, and even a displaced welcome mat inspired by a real post-hurricane experience!
Q: What is your favorite part of the writing process?
A: When inspiration hits! I love that moment when an idea starts flowing and I’m scribbling words into a notebook—crossing things out, writing in the margins, adding carets, drawing arrows, and squeezing in new ideas wherever they’ll fit. By the end, the page may look like complete chaos, but somehow, a story is starting to take shape.
Q: Do you believe that being a “good writer” is a developed skill or a natural talent?
A: One hundred percent both! I think writing is a little like a muscle—you have to use it to make it stronger. Some people may naturally have a way with words or storytelling, but the more you write, read, revise, and play with language, the better you get. There’s always room to keep growing!
Q: Do you have a favorite book, poem, TV, or movie quote?
A: “Nothing is impossible. The word itself says, ‘I’m possible!’” —Audrey Hepburn
Q: Would you write another book (or are you already writing another book)?
A: Absolutely! I have lots of ideas scribbled in notebooks and tucked away in different places. For now, though, I’m really excited to send Hurry out into the world and see where the wind takes him!
Q: Is there an author you look up to, and why?
A: It’s so hard to choose just one! I love Mo Willems and the way his Elephant & Piggie books can bring so much humor, heart, and BIG feelings to such simple words and illustrations. I also adore authors who make reading feel like play—Eric Litwin with Pete the Cat and Peggy Parish with Amelia Bedelia are longtime favorites. If a book can make a child laugh, feel something, and want to read it again, that’s pretty magical.
Q: If there were an apocalypse and you could only take five books into your doomsday bunker, what would they be?
A: Can I bring my Libby app? 😂 Truthfully, when I’m reading for myself, I’m not a big re-reader—I love discovering what’s next! So, if Libby is off the table, I might have to bend the rules and bring five blank notebooks instead. If we’re stuck in a doomsday bunker, I’m going to need somewhere to write, get my thoughts out, and maybe come up with a few new stories!
Learn more about Jennie Trocchio and her debut children's book, Hurry the Hurricane, here. Coming soon November 10th, 2026!