Steve

Metzger

Bestselling Children’s Author

Educator

Travels from: New York, NY

“The children were so excited to see a “real-life” author in person. They were amazed that the person reading to them is the same person that wrote their favorite stories.” — Dawn Gallis, Early Childhood Education Coordinator

Steve Metzger is the award-winning author of more than 80 children’s books, including The Way I Act (approved for classroom use by the California Department of Education), Detective Blue (IRA-CBC Children’s Choice List, SLJ starred review), Pluto Visits Earth! (ABC Best Books for Children), and Yes, I Can Listen! a Eureka! Honor Award winner from the California Reading Association.

In his newest book, The Bumble Brothers: The Not-So-Secret Clubhouse! author Steve Metzger has created a hilarious graphic novel — the second in a three-book series — for 7-11 year olds! With the collaboration of illustrator Brian Schatell, this exuberant read is packed with full-color illustrated panels that clearly show the action, emotions, and ideas of the nine-year-old characters. Middle-grade readers will laugh out loud at the silly situations these clueless twin brothers get themselves into. Parents, teachers, and librarians can use this as an enjoyable tool to engage reluctant readers. Crazy for Comics was chosen as a Gold Standard Selection by the Junior Library Guild.

To celebrate National Reading Month, Steve and Lauren Loquasto, Chief Academic Officer of Goddard Schools, participated in a webinar about children’s literacy. Please use this link to view this informative webinar.

Steve's Featured Titles

Bumble Brothers: The Not-So-Secret Clubhouse!

Reycraft Books |

October 10, 2023

Children’s Graphic Novels

“To nine-year-old twins Walter and Christopher, ‘Swampland’ is the best video game ever! But when the boys start arguing over whose turn it is to play, Mama and Papa Bumble banish them to the great outdoors. In the scary outside world full of nature and girls, the twins must find a place for a secret clubhouse and come up with a set of rules for their new, ultra exclusive club”–

Illustration & Graphic Storytelling, Kid-Lit: Picture Books & Early Readers

Bumble Brothers: Crazy for Comics

Reycraft Books |

January 1, 2023

Children’s

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection!

Walter and Christopher Bumble, 9-year-old twins, are given $2 to buy a quart of milk, but something always gets in the way! Find out what happens in the Bumble Brothers’ laugh-out-loud first book: Crazy for Comics!

Bestseller, Comedy & Humor, Fiction, Friendship & Community, Illustration & Graphic Storytelling, Kid-Lit: Picture Books & Early Readers

Thankful Animals, Thankful Me

Familius |

October 11, 2022

Children’s

A bug is thankful for a leaf,
A sea star for its coral reef.

A hawk is thankful for the sky,
A piglet for a muddy sty.

In this colorful board book, animals are the perfect examples of gratitude for the simple things, from the open sea to a safe barn stall. With adorable, brightly colored drawings and rhyming couplets, Thankful Animals, Thankful Me will teach your child about a multitude of animals, all while showing them how to be thankful. A life full of gratitude has never been so easy—or cute!

Animals & Wildlife, Bestseller, Fiction

Yes, I Can Listen!

Parenting Press |

August 6, 2019

Children’s

In a world filled with distractions, being a good listener has become more difficult than ever! This essential life skill helps children achieve success at school, follow safety rules, and show others that they care. The playful rhymes of Yes, I Can Listen! encourage children to appreciate the rewards of attentive listening in a wide range of familiar situations. Sweet characters and vivid illustrations make these interactions come alive.

Yes, I Can Listen! also includes suggestions for parents who wish to explore fun activities that enhance listening skills with their children.

Bestseller, Kid-Lit: Picture Books & Early Readers, Parenting & Families, Social & Emotional Development

Princess Kitty

HarperCollins |

October 17, 2017

Children’s

Princess Kitty is in for a royal treat! Her palace attendants are throwing a surprise party in her honor. At least, that’s what she thinks! There will be games, presents, cake, and more. But when the guests start arriving, no one is paying attention to the kitty of honor! What’s a princess to do?

From award-winning children’s book author Steve Metzger, and accompanied by colorful, vibrant illustrations by Ella Okstad, comes Princess Kitty, a sweet and silly story about a kitty who learns to share the spotlight.

Perfect for fans of They All Saw a Cat and Bad Kitty!

Bestseller, Fiction, Kid-Lit: Picture Books & Early Readers

The Way I Act

Parenting Press |

January 1, 2011

Children’s

The Way I Act explores thirteen ways of behaving. The friendly verses and bold illustrations convey many positive ideas of how to act in a variety of situations. In the companion book, The Way I Feel, children learned that feelings come and go and simply are.

A little older now, they are ready to think about the ability they have to control how things turn out. Like The Way I Feel, this book is ideal for children with autism.

(Ages 4-9)

Bestseller, Kid-Lit: Picture Books & Early Readers, Nonfiction, Social & Emotional Development

Author Visits

Suggested Audience: PreK – 5th Grade

Steve loves visiting schools and sharing the joy of children’s literature with children, teachers, and librarians. His multi-media presentations incorporate literacy standards, attributes of STEM and the six traits of writing. Steve will also explore the process of creating a picture book – from idea to publication.

Programs may be customized for your school and feature:

Artwork and rhymes from Steve’s brand-new “character development” picture book, Yes, I Can Listen!
Award-winning picture books, including Detective Blue (starred review from School Library Journal) and The Way I Act (approved for classroom use by the California Dept. of Education)
Science (Solar System) connections are made through Pluto Visits Earth! (ABC Best Books for Children)
For 2nd graders and older, Steve will read highlights from Lincoln and Grace: Why Abraham Lincoln Grew a Beard and discuss historical fiction and the power of communicating through writing. He will also read from his chapter book, Toto’s Story: My Amazing Adventures with Dorothy in Oz
An engaging PowerPoint presentation that explains the process of “How a Picture book Is Created — from Idea to Publication.”
Discussing how The Bumble Brothers; Crazy for Comics! was created – and reading a few of the beginning chapters.
Some time is always set aside for children’s questions

Steve’s interactive presentations promote the enjoyment of reading and the power of imagination.

Teaching Through Stories

Adult Audiences, Educators

Steve will highlight an assortment of picture books (his own, and those by other authors/illustrators). He will focus on their different themes, teaching applications, and how picture books can connect to different classroom curriculum areas, including science, math, and language development.

Teachers Are Storytellers

Adult Audiences, Educators

Steve will start by telling a story, and explaining how stories can be used as bridges to different curriculum areas. He’ll continue by discussing different techniques and ways to get started in storytelling.

Picture Books and the Early Childhood Classroom

Adult Audiences, Early Childhood Educators

Presenting to early childhood educators, Steve discusses the importance of reading picture books and, using a variety of examples, how they can connect to important classroom themes and children’s life skills. This will include topics like overcoming fears, being kind and caring, believing in yourself, perseverance, and accepting differences.

Reaching Reluctant Readers

Adult Audiences, Educators

Some kids, mostly boys, lose interest in reading (and learning to read if they haven’t done so already) in the middle grade years. This presentation shows educators how humorous graphic novels can be a gateway for them.

The Importance of Nursery Rhymes

Adult Audiences, Educators

It’s becoming more common to meet children who don’t know classic nursery rhymes, though studies have shown learning nursery rhymes in the preschool years helps children learn to read in the elementary school years. Steve explains why this is so, and helps educators bring nursery rhymes into their classrooms.

As part of this presentation, adult participants will create and share their own nursery rhymes.

Student Workshop: Create Your Own Book!

Duration: 2 hours.
Curricular connections: Reading, Writing (“The Six Traits of Writing”), The Power of Imagination, and Character Development.

Children write and illustrate their own picture books.

From idea (using story starters), to outline, to first draft, to finished illustrated work, Steve guides children to completing their work and sharing it with others in the workshop group.

“The visit was great! So many teachers came up to me after and spoke of how their kids made connections and are excited to write now.” — Tracey Wong, SLMS, PS54, Bronx, NY

“We loved your books and your visit!!!” — Bethany Hatheway, Classroom Teacher, Brooklyn, NY

“I would absolutely recommend booking Steve Metzger to visit your school! I can’t tell you how many students and teachers came up to me the next day to tell me how wonderful he was.” — Monica Rosario, ESL Teacher, PS 29, College Point, NY

“The information you provided during your keynote address is making a difference in the lives of Missouri’s young children and their families.” — Gretchen Berhorst: Supervisor, Missouri Conference on the Young Years

“Thank you for enhancing shared literacy and the love for reading and writing to children. The kids were overjoyed about meeting an author.” — Tova Markowitz, Reading Specialist, Lido Elementary School, Long Beach, NY

“The Way I Act is a children’s guide to understanding how their actions express who they are. Some qualities that are described and encouraged in actions are being friendly, brave, considerate, curious, imaginative, active, capable, and many more. Zany, brilliantly colored illustrations swoop off each page to bring The Way I Act to full vibrancy. A Note to Parents at the end fives helpful suggestions for ways to use the book to help teach children to develop desired qualities and good judgment. The Way I Act is sure to please both parents and children, with its imaginative invitation to act in positive, helpful, creative ways.” — Midwest Book Review

“The madcap mystery will keep children — and adults — intrigued with tiny tips that point the detective and readers in the right direction.” — School Library Journal, Starred Review

“… Princess Kitty’s interpretation of events offers an ironic counterpoint that will have read-aloud audiences giggling as they follow along. Cat lovers will recognize Princess Kitty’s sense of royal entitlement and find her charms irresistible.” — The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“Part folk story, part social history, this offers the character development and gently illustrated plot points of a storybook scaffolded by benchmark historical events. Lincoln is a perennially favorite historical figure, and this book reminds readers of the humble and friendly persona that was his hallmark.” — Booklist

“We are amazed at Steve Metzger’s new chapter book, Toto’s Story. It’s so much fun to hear Toto’s side of the story!” — Dawn Gallis, Education Coordinator, JCC of Staten Island

Meet the Bumble Brothers

Honors, Awards & Recognition

Junior Library Guild | Gold Standard Selection
ABC | Best Books for Children
Colorado Children’s Book Award | Nominee
2019 Honoree | Eureka! Nonfiction Children’s Book Award
IRA-CBC Children’s Choice List