2025 Superstar Speaker #1

Breaking news! Katie Davis interrupts this blog post to bring us news about our first Superstar Speaker for Picture Book Summit 2025, coming to a computer near you on October 4, 2025.

Let’s go straight to Katie with her eyewitness report…

Superstar Speaker #1 Announcement

Thank you, Katie, for that special report. It’s been confirmed. Our first Superstar Speaker is….

New York Times Bestselling Author

SUSAN VERDE!

Susan will bring her one-of-a-kind inspiration to all Picture Book Summit attendees with her presentation:

Big Ideas for Small People:

Writing Concept Books with Heart, Honesty, and Respect for Young Readers

As picture book creators, we sometimes second-guess whether certain words or ideas are “too big” for children. But what if those very concepts—empathy, authenticity, mindfulness, activism—are exactly what young readers are ready for?

Through her bestselling I AM series, Susan Verde has made a career of honoring the emotional intelligence and curiosity of children. In this inspiring keynote, Susan will share her process for writing concept books that are both accessible and deeply meaningful. She’ll explore the challenges of tackling big ideas with simplicity and grace, and the tremendous rewards of trusting your readers while leaving space for reflection, conversation, and growth.

Get ready to feel empowered to write books that don’t talk down—but instead lift up.

Get to know Susan Verde:

New York Times bestselling author, Susan Verde, grew up in the heart of Greenwich Village in New York City, ultimately moving to East Hampton, where she writes books that capture and celebrate the unique experience of children. Her titles include, The Museum, You and Me, The Water Princess (written with Georgie Badiel), and the instant #1 New York Times bestseller I Am Human: A Book of Empathy which is part of a bestselling series that includes I Am Yoga and I Am Peace and the New York Times bestseller I Am Love: A Book of Compassion and the latest, I Am We: A Book of Community, all illustrated by the incredible Peter H. Reynolds. Some of her other books are the Feel-Good Fairytales series and Are You Listening? of the Sensing Your World collection and there are many more stories to come. Susan’s books inspire children, educators, yoga practitioners, and mindful humans alike helping to cultivate empathy and kindness in all of us.

In addition to writing, Susan teaches yoga and mindfulness to kids of all ages. Susan is currently living in East Hampton, New York and is a mother to her three children and a menagerie of pets.

Click to check out just a few of Susan Verde’s books:

It’s bound to be an incredible day and we invite you to join us! Mark your calendar!

Picture Book Summit 2025

Big, Bold, & Brave: Supercharge Your Picture Books!

October 5, 2024

Early Bird Registration opens June 11!