Susan Verde – By Word of Beth

I AM ONE by Susan Verde, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

The wonderful and creative Susan Verde and Peter H. Reynolds, who have brought us such books as The Museum, I Am Yoga, and I Am Peace, among others, have collaborated on another inspiring book — and I think this may be their best yet! In the wake of the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, many people have been inspired to take action, but some, especially children, may be thinking, “I’m just one person. What can one person do?” This book, about the simple actions one person can take that can build into great change, can help answer that question for us all. Through Susan’s simple and inspiring text, and Peter’s heartfelt and down-to-earth art, we see just what one person can do — that “beautiful things begin with just One, and that “One by One, we can make a difference.” This is a lovely, timely book. I highly recommend it. You can find it at your local independent bookstore, your library, or you could order an autographed copy from Peter’s bookstore, Blue Bunny Books & Toys.

In the Spotlight — Past Interviewees

4 Comments / Ad-Lib Mondays, In The Spotlight / By Beth

Do you enjoy watching those “where are they now” shows on TV? I do, especially when they feature people who were once the kids on TV programs I used to enjoy. It’s interesting to see how their lives have changed, and what interesting projects they might be involved in now. In previous years on this blog, I’ve done interviews of some very interesting people. I hope to get back to doing interviews at some point. I got thinking that it might be fun to do a “where are they now” post about a few of the people I’ve interviewed on By Word of Beth. You’re likely aware of what some of them are doing now, but even so, I hope you’ll find it interesting to revisit some of those old interviews, and get a bit of an update.

Susan Verde, Debut Author — Interview

28 Comments / In The Spotlight, Monday Musings / By Beth

I met Susan Verde last summer, on the first day of the Stony Brook Southampton Children’s Literature Conference, when Pat Tilton eagerly introduced us to each other as fellow Children’s Book Hub members and picture book writers. I soon learned that Susan was looking forward to the publication of her first picture book, and I have been eagerly awaiting it ever since! I’m delighted that Susan agreed to this interview about her writing, and about the events that have led to the publication of THE MUSEUM (illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds). You can find a review of Susan’s book on Pat Tilton’s wonderful blog, Children’s Books Heal. Do come back here for the interview, though! AND don’t miss the giveaway mentioned below — one lucky commenter will receive a copy of the book AND an original watercolor by Peter H. Reynolds inspired by THE MUSEUM. Susan Verde grew up in a brownstone in the heart of Greenwich Village in New York City with her older brother Michael. She spent much of her time as a child clad in bell bottoms and rainbow suspenders, roller skating up and down her block with a skate key around her neck and a piece of chalk in her pocket (for spontaneous hopscotch). Susan’s household was filled with books, music and the smell of mocha chip pies, which her mother made for their neighborhood restaurant. Susan often wrote stories and poetry to share with family and friends and even her high school poetry magazine. Susan’s love of literature began in utero (according to her mother) and never dwindled. She can, to this day relate very well to Amelia Bedelia. Ultimately, she moved to the Hamptons and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s in reading remediation and become an elementary school teacher at a private school in Bridgehampton. She has also participated in the Southampton Children’s Literature Conference at Stonybrook University. Although no longer a school teacher, Susan is a certified kid’s yoga instructor which allows her to frog jump and wag her tail in Downward facing dog with great frequency. Currently, Susan lives in East Hampton New York amidst an explosion of Legos, art supplies, and picture books with her twin boys Joshua and Gabriel and her daughter Sophia. They are the constant inspiration for her writing. They never let her forget how to see things from a child’s point of view and keep the kid in her alive and kicking.