Dedham Author/Illustrator Hits #1 On NY Times Bestseller List

DEDHAM, MA - Dedham resident Author/Illustrator Peter H. Reynolds was happily surprised by a phone call this week from his agent in Manhattan notifying him that his latest storybook collaboration with Author Susan Verde, entitled I Am Human: A Book of Empathy had just debuted on the New York Times Best Sellers List at the #1 position.

The newly released I Am Human picture book is another co-creation from the duo of Author Susan Verde and Illustrator Peter H. Reynolds - the team behind I Am Yoga and I Am Peace: A Book of Mindfulness. I Am Human is the third book in their wellness series is a hopeful meditation on all the wonderful - and challenging - parts of being human. At its heart, this picture book is a celebration of empathy and compassion that lifts up the flawed fullness of humanity and encourages children to see themselves as part of one big imperfect family - millions strong.

The book has attracted quick praise from the publishing industry. Kirkus Reviews noted, "Reynolds' simple line drawings with bursts of color have become iconic, and they serve the simple, affirming text with their own vision of the emotions and possibilities we humans have in this wide world . . . Grown-ups will enjoy reading this regularly with the children in their lives: The reminders benefit us all."

The School Library Journal added, "Verde brings it all together in the end with the connectedness of humans to each other. The clear and concise text is well-matched by Reynolds’ familiar illustrations in which viewers follow an unnamed boy of color (born on page one) on his human journey . . . An age-appropriate and hopeful look at what it means to be a connected human on this planet."

Reynolds shares, “This is my sixth collaboration with Susan. She's kindred spirit who shares the same mission to want to inspire and heal through the power of story, especially at a time when so many are searching for ways to navigate challenging times.” Other Verde-Reynolds titles include The Museum, You & Me, and The Water Princess.

This is the second time Reynolds’ work has hit the New York Times Best Seller List this year. Earlier this year, his book The Word Collector – a story book about a little boy named Jerome who loves to collect words as much as other kids collect stamps and rocks – debuted at the #4 position.

First edition copies of I Am Human are now available at bookstores everywhere, including signed and personalized copies at The Blue Bunny Bookstore & Café at 577 High Street in historic Dedham Square and/or online at www.TheDotCentral.com.

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