Suzanne Bloom

Suzanne Bloom is the author and illustrator of 18 picture books and the illustrator of one written by Patricia Brisson and two more written by Eve Bunting. Using either pastel or gouache, her illustrations have been called “riotously colored”, “wickedly humorous” and “rampant with homey detail” by reviewers. The stories are known for their "sweet celebration of differences" (Kirkus Reviews) and "straightforward storytelling" (BCCB). One, in particular, is "wonderfully alliterative" (School Library Journal).

She and her imaginary friends, Goose, Bear and Little Fox, Grant, Samantha and Antoine, Gus and Tess have received some lovely awards, such as the inaugural Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor award, ALSC Notable Children’s Books, Texas 2x2 awards (twice) and the Pennsylvania One Book (twice) as well as inclusion in Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Books of the Year list. Various titles have been translated into Mandarin, Korean, Dutch, German, Danish, Spanish and French.

Bear is modest about their achievements, even though there is a sculpture celebrating Goose and Bear's friendship in The Story Garden in Binghamton, NY. Goose is not shy about announcing that they were on the United Kingdom Literacy Association’s Children's Book Award short list. And Little Fox gives credit to Cooper Union, Suzanne’s alma mater, for honing their artistic abilities.

In real life Suzanne and her husband designed and made wooden toys for many years and live on a wooded hillside in the house they built together decades ago.

Writing books coincided with raising children. The job of muse has been passed on from her sons to their children who are by turns amazing and amusing.

Of course, inspiration is everywhere. A trip to the supermarket is good for more than just groceries. And visiting with students unleashes an abundance of possibilities.

Suzanne’s goal is to create moments; witty, wise or wacky with drawings and words. Speaking of words, what fun to find just the right sounds and rhythms and rhymes to serve up silliness and emotional truth. Whether the characters are human or animals they each bring their colorful personality to the page.

In her latest book ZACK AND IKE ARE EXACTLY ALIKE, Zack and Ike are quite busy having adventures with Zena Lola-Jo Lee and Woofie. Who knows which new friends are waiting in the wings?