Peter H. Reynolds – Author Study

Three Things You Can Learn from the Bestselling Author-Illustrator

Today we conclude our 2020 Author Study series with Peter H. Reynolds! (You can read our author studies on Sophie Blackall and Lesa Cline-Ransome here and here.) Written by Keila V. Dawson, our author studies focus on a few elements from our Superstar Speakers and what you can learn from their work before the big online conference on October 3, 2020. Here are three things you can learn from Peter H. Reynolds.

Learn from the Cook

Peter H. Reynolds remembers drawing as early as kindergarten. Creativity was always valued at home. However, his excitement about using his creativity came in middle school when a teacher saw his potential as a visual storyteller. And today, Reynolds encourages kids to see their own value and to imagine themselves as creators, too.

A multiple award-winning author and illustrator, Reynolds is well known for his trilogy about creativity, THE DOT (be brave and make your mark), ISH (nurture your creativity), and SKY COLOR (search for creative solutions to problems). The picture books he writes and or illustrates include inspirational messages and resonate with children and adults.

Besides writing and illustrating books, Reynolds lives a creative life alongside his twin brother Paul, running a bookstore The Blue Bunny, in Dedham, Massachusetts, a children’s media company, FableVision and the Reynolds Center for Teaching, Learning, and Creativity, a nonprofit to inspire and nurture innovation and creativity in educators and school leaders.

Learn from the Book

BE YOU!

written and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds ‧ Release Date: March 3, 2020.

Peter explores the concept of what it means to be the best version of you. The very first spread lists the many possibilities one may aspire to be. Using diverse characters, the visual narrative guides readers through the experiences of growing up starting at an early age.

“You were born to

         Be

so many things.

My wish for you

no matter where your journey leaves you

is to always

Be YOU!”

The book encourages them to – be ready, be curious, be adventurous. As the characters age, the text and illustrations show the rise and fall of emotion as they navigate life’s challenges and Peter continues to encourage them to – be persistent, be your own thinker, be patient.

The tension peaks in the spread that shows a child in a boat on stormy seas using the repeated phrase – keep going.  

“Be persistent.

Keep going,

     never stop.

            Keep going,

                 never stop.

                       Keep going,

                                never stop.”

Learn from the Hook

A hook for a concept book may inform readers about the takeaway for young children.

Be You! is an inspirational how-to live an authentic life guidebook filled with wisdom about growing up. It has multiple meaningful takeaways for kids at different stages of their lives, making the book one to read again and again.

Themes in Be You! include:

• individuality
• kindness
• courage
• persistence
• patience
• diversity

Other books written and or illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds are equally inspirational, include life advice, and contain wonderful teachable moments that resonate with children and adults of all ages.

Learn More

Peter is bringing his special brand of inspiration to Picture Book Summit Special Edition: Finding Your Voice on October 3, 2020. Join us as Peter presents The World Needs YOUR Voice: The Five Encouragements to Create YOUR Picture Book

NY Times Best Selling Author/Illustrator Peter H. Reynolds, creator of THE DOT, ISH, THE WORD COLLECTOR, SAY SOMETHING, and BE YOU will encourage you to find your own, unique, creative voice – and then be brave enough to share it with the world. Don’t just create another picture book, create YOUR picture book. The book that is so YOU that the world will truly know you better by experiencing it. Dream Boldly, Create Bravely, Be You!

Peter will be speaking alongside Superstar Speakers Sophie Blackall and Lesa Cline-Ransome. Join us for the LIVE online conference October 3, 2020.

Click this button to see the full program and get registered today!

We can’t wait to see you there!

Keila V. Dawson is a former community organizer, educational consultant, and advocate for children with special needs. A New Orleans native, she has also lived and worked in several states across the U.S., in the Philippines, Japan, and Egypt. Keila is a co-editor of No Voice Too Small (Charlesbridge, September 22, 2020), author of The King Cake Baby (Pelican Pub, January 23, 2015), and the forthcoming Opening the Road: Victor Hugo Green and His Green Book, (Beaming Books, January 19, 2021).

She is represented by Dawn Frederick, Red Sofa Literary