Lexington Author Rae Murphy Pearson is Doing Big Things for Little Readers

Lexington native Rannette Murphy Pearson — better known in the literary world as Rae Murphy — is turning pages and turning heads with her bold entrance into children’s publishing. A first-time author with a heart the size of Davidson County, Murphy is bringing purpose, passion, and powerful representation to the youngest of readers.

“My goal is simple,” she says. “I want kids of every ability, background, and identity to feel confident, joyful, and proud of who they are.” With a mission rooted in empathy and a colorful brand called Color with Faith Murphy is rewriting what early literacy looks like — one affirmation at a time.

Her first books launched between June and July of this year and have already begun to make an impression in classrooms, homes, and even newsrooms. She’s got five new titles available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, each one packed with confidence-building language, joyful imagery, and characters that reflect real kids in all their beautiful diversity.

Here’s what’s on her growing bookshelf:

• I Am Me – an affirmation coloring and activity book for girls

• I Can Be – a career exploration book for young girls

• I Can Be Anything – the companion version for young boys

• I Can Do Big Things – designed especially for children with special needs

• Faith & Emma: Look Different. Love the Same. – a beautifully inclusive picture book about friendship across color lines

Murphy isn’t just selling books — she’s showing up. Her first school appearance is set for Stoner-Thomas School on August 22, where she’ll connect with students who face significant disabilities. Just days later, she’ll be live on FOX8 Morning News on August 26 at 9:30 AM, sharing her story, her books, and why representation and affirmation aren’t optional — they’re essential.

And if you’d like to meet this local changemaker in person, mark your calendars for August 30 at 5:30 PM, when Murphy will appear at Arts Davidson County for a special “Meet the Author” event.

Behind the pen name Rae Murphy is a woman grounded in lived experience. A proud daughter of Edna Crump McIntosh and Randall Murphy and one of six siblings, she draws strength from family, including her brother who has Down syndrome. After losing her mother to breast cancer in 2004, Murphy felt called to create stories that heal, uplift, and empower. Her work with children with disabilities and her current healthcare career also shape the lens through which she writes.

And she’s not doing this alone. Her fiancé, Elijah Dixon, helps manage her growing outreach and website — making this literary journey a team effort. Together, they’re building a brand that helps kids “color, learn, cope, grow, and believe.”

Rae Murphy may be new to the publishing scene, but she’s already a powerhouse for change. She’s not just coloring inside the lines — she’s drawing new ones.