SUSANNA REICH
Children's Book Author

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News

  • Coming in October 2023! Pass the Baby, Illustrated by Raúl Colón and published by Neal Porter Books/Holiday House.
  • ¡José! Nacido para bailar has been named to Bank Street College of Education's 2023 list of Best Children's Picture Books of the Year in Spanish.

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Susanna Reich photoWelcome to the official website of award-winning children's book author Susanna Reich. Here you can learn about Susanna's books; find out about upcoming events and see photos of past appearances; view discussion guides; and check out the FAQ and fun pictures on the Kids page.


Stand Up and Sing! Pete Seeger, Folk Music and the Path to Justice
Stand Up and Sing! Pete Seeger, Folk Music and the Path to Justice
Illustrated by Adam Gustavson
Foreword by Peter Yarrow
Published by Bloomsbury U.S.A. Children's Books
Available now!
Buy now from an independent bookstore
Buy now from Amazon.com

Inspired by the rhythms of American folk music, this moving account of Pete Seeger's life celebrates his legacy, showing kids of every generation that no cause is too small and no obstacle too large if, together, you stand up and sing! Learn more.

A Junior Library Guild selection.

Click here for Six Trait Guru's fantastic teaching guide for Stand Up and Sing!

"The 'We Shall Overcome' songwriter's legacy spans decades, and this will surely help a new generation understand his fervor and still-relevant message."—Booklist

"an excellent introduction" to Seeger's life—Kirkus Review

"an intimate look at a pivotal American figure"—Publishers Weekly


Fab Four Friends: The Boys Who Became the Beatles

Fab Four Friends: The Boys Who Became the Beatles
Illustrated by Adam Gustavson
Christy Ottaviano Books/Henry Holt
August 2015
Buy now from an independent bookstore
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The true story of how four ordinary boys growing up amid the rubble of postwar England became the bestselling band in history. Learn more.

Bank Street Best Children's Books of the Year, 2016.

A Junior Library Guild selection.

"a gorgeous love letter to an unforgettable band"—School Library Journal

"The perfect introduction to the mythic pop band - a thoughtful and delightful retelling that, like the Beatles, hits all the right notes."—Bob Spitz

"[A] grand and archetypal tale."—Kirkus Reviews

"Reich concentrates on the qualities that brought them together, focusing especially on their humor, their work ethic, and their consummate musicianship. Gustavson's luminous oil paintings capture likenesses and personalities that are utterly recognizable, even when the bandmates are just little boys and teens."—Booklist

Click here to read a press release.

Click here for launch events and book tour.


Grace and Sylvie: A Recipe for Family

Grace and Sylvie: A Recipe for Family
American Girl
Spring 2015
Available as an e-book only.
Buy now from Amazon, BN.com, iTunes or wherever e-books are sold.

Read about Grace's trip to Paris from her cousin's point of view! Learn more.

 

 

 


Minette's Feast: The Delicious Story of Julia Child and Her Cat

Minette's Feast: The Delicious Story of Julia Child
and Her Cat

Illustrated by Amy Bates
Abrams Books for Young Readers
May 2012
Buy now from an independent bookstore
Buy now from Amazon.com

A hilarious true story about the beloved chef's first cat, a Parisian who lapped up Child's leftovers but preferred mice. For cat-lovers, foodies, Julia Child fans, and everyone who loves a tasty picture book. Learn more.

"A fine recipe for pleasure: Julia Child, the culinary arts, Paris and a lucky cat. Magnifique!" - Kirkus, Starred Review

"Cozy." "Lyrical." "Playful." "Charming." - Publishers Weekly

"A feast for the senses." - School Library Journal, Starred Review

"Reich finds an easy and appealing way into the biography of Julia Child...Bates? illustrations work marvelously well...[A] charming conceit." - Booklist, Starred Review

"Reich has a storyteller?s instinct for entrancing incident and a poet?s gift for sound and sensory detail." - Horn Book

"Delightful" - The Atlantic

"It has already become a bedtime favorite" - KQED, "Bay Area Bites"

"Sure to delight and inform foodies and non-foodies of all ages." - WETA "Reading Rockets"

"Merlin gives Minette's Feast his highest rating of four paws." - CatWisdom101.com

Blog Tour Click here for blog tour schedule.

Click here to read a press release.

Radio Click here to listen to Susanna's interview with Randol White on "Eat, Drink, Explore."


Painting the Wild Frontier
Blog Tour

Meet the Indiana Jones of the 19th century art world...

Painting the Wild Frontier: The Art and Adventures of George Catlin
Clarion Books (2008)
Buy from an independent bookstore
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A spectacularly-illustrated and meticulously-researched biography of the man who painted Native Americans from icy Alaska to the Amazon jungle. A thrilling adventure story for readers ages 10 and up. Learn more.

Click here to listen to Susanna read an excerpt from Painting the Wild Frontier on Teaching Books.net.

Click here to read a press release.

Click here for Discussion Guide and Activities.

"Graceful writing and fascinating artwork...A handsome, well-documented volume." - Kirkus, Starred Review

A "lucid, detailed discussion of the artist...A great introduction to Catlin?s work." - ALA Booklist, Starred Review

?An excellent choice for libraries looking for good biographies.? - School Library Journal, Starred Review

"Reich successfully performs a delicate balancing act--steering her text between thoughtful art interpretation, comprehensive biography, and kid-pleasing adventure tale." - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books


"A joy to behold from cover to cover...This is exactly the kind of non-fiction work that will engage middle readers as well as or better than any fiction on the shelf." - Field Guide To Parenting.com



Penelope Bailey

When a proper Victorian girl breaks the rules to follow her star...

Penelope Bailey Takes the Stage
Marshall Cavendish (2006)
Buy a signed copy now. Email for additional information.

A historical novel for readers ages 9 and up.

"The lively writing is filled with realistic dialogue. Details paint a vivid picture of place, time, and contemporary mores...Wannabe actresses are sure to enjoy this fast-paced, fun story." - School Library Journal

"many readers will connect with Penny's plucky determination and enjoy the glimpse of San Francisco manners and mores at the turn of the last century." - Booklist

"A wonderful story of art and dreams and following your destiny." - Kids Bookshelf.com</p>

"I would give this book a 10. The story moved quickly and was full of interesting twists and turns. I look forward to reading more of Susanna Reich?s fabulous books." - Time for Kids.com

Penelope's strait-laced aunt will do everything in her power to thwart the girl's ambition to become an actress. But when Penelope is befriended by Isabelle Grey - a character based on the famous dancer, Isadora Duncan - the young actress must decide how far she is willing to go to follow her dream.

This novel, set in 1889 San Francisco, combines meticulous historical research with imaginative flair in a debut that will charm every young reader who has ever yearned for the spotlight. Learn more.


Jose!  Born to Dance

José! Born to Dance: The Story of José Limón
Illustrated by Raúl Colón
Paula Wiseman Books/Simon & Schuster (2005)
Buy from an independent bookstore
Buy from Amazon.com

José! Born to Dance has won the Tomás Rivera Mexican American Children's Book Award. This award was established in 1995 by the College of Education at Texas State University-San Marcos to encourage authors, illustrators and publishers of books that authentically reflect the lives of Mexican American children and young adults in the United States. Click here for more info about the award.

José! Born to Dance has also won the International Latino Book Award in the category of Best Educational Children's Book - English. This award is given by Latino Literacy Now, a non-profit organization that supports and promotes literacy and literary excellence within the Latino community. It is affiliated with Edward James Olmos and the Latino Book & Family Festivals. Visit the organization's website at www.latinobookfestival.com/home/.

José! Born to Dance: The Story of José Limón was also chosen as one of Booklist's Top Ten Arts Books for Youth, one of the New York Public Library's 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing, and one of Bank Street College of Education's Best Books of the Year.

"soaring text and visuals..... An inspiring tribute to a major figure in the arts." - Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

"Sensitively written and beautifully illustrated....An expressive, stately tribute." - ALA Booklist, starred review

"ideal for the budding young dancer or choreographer, [or] any lover of modern dance, of any age. It artfully celebrates a life in art." - Boston Globe

"enthralling....Brava! to Reich" - El Paso Times

"Beautifully crafted" - Hispanic Magazine

"The mystery of the creative process comes through...Attests to the openness and perseverance that artistic passion requires." - Publishers Weekly

This picture book biography for kids ages 5-8 was eight years in the making and features spectacular art by the award-winning illustrator Raúl Colón, and a lyrical, poetic text.
Learn more.



Clara Schumann: Piano Virtuoso

Clara Schumann: Piano Virtuoso
An award-winning biography for readers ages 8 and up
Buy a signed copy now. Email for additional information.

Clara Schumann won an Orbis Pictus Honor for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children from the National Council of Teachers of English. Click here to learn about the Orbis Pictus Award.

Clara Schumann was also an ALA Notable Book, an ALA Best Book for Young Adults, and one of School Library Journal's Best Books of the Year. Click here to see a complete list of honors and awards. Learn more.

"compelling" - Library Journal

"colorful" - Booklist

"lucid and quietly passionate" - Horn Book

"extremely well-researched and presented" - Kirkus

"fun and informative" - Hungry Mind Review

"delightful....a page turner" - El Paso Times


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