Susan B.
Picture Book & Middle Grade Author
Bilingual Speaker / Illustrator
Travels from: San Francisco, CA

“I loved her management of our classes. Her kind nature, her knowledge and games that she played with the students. Best assembly we have had by an author!” — Mrs. Norenberg, Teacher

Susan B. Katz, NBCT is an award-winning, bestselling, Spanish-bilingual author/illustrator with Scholastic, Simon & Schuster, Penguin Random House, Bala Kids (Shambhala), Barefoot Books, Callisto Media, Capstone, North South, Lerner (Sesame Street series), Little Bee, and Heinemann. She has over 80 published titles. Gaudí: Architect of Imagination (North South) earned a starred review from School Library Journal and Share Your Love (Shambhala) was given a National Parent Product Award. Her book, The Story of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, hit #18 on Amazon’s overall Bestseller List as well as #9 in children’s books. Meditation Station, a picture book about trains and mindfulness, won the 2020 International Book Award for Best Mind/Body/Spirit Children’s Book and was selected as an Amazon Editors’ Pick for Best Non-Fiction Book for Kids. Ms. Katz also earned the 2012 Moonbeam Gold Award for Best Picture Book in celebration of My Mama Earth. For the past 30 years, Ms. Katz worked as a bilingual elementary educator, National Board Certified Teacher, and literacy specialist. She is a frequent keynote speaker and workshop presenter who many teachers have heralded as presenting “the best author assembly they’ve ever had.” Susan creates engaging and inspirational presentations using multimedia, songs, puppets, and props (grades K-2) and hands-on, minds-on writer’s workshops, standards-based assemblies, and critique groups for grades 3-8.

Susan B.'s Featured Titles

Share Your Love

Bala Kids |
Children’s Picture Book

A playful, rhyming book for kids ages 3-7 on how to send loving, kind thoughts to yourself and others to make the world a better place.

​ Keep sharing your love
from morning till night.
See the change you can make
with a love that shines bright.

Worried or sad, grateful or mad, you can send good wishes to yourself, others, and the whole world with your thoughts! Just repeat these simple phrases: “May you be protected and safe. May you feel happy and pleased. May your body be healthy, and may you live with ease.”

This book teaches young readers that even from far away, you can wish others happiness, good health, peace, and safety. Starting with the individual child and extending outward to the whole universe, the rhyming couplets and beautiful art carry the reader through the thoughtful process of extending love and kindness to yourself and all those around you. The book makes a great daily ritual to increase lovingkindness, and if a child is having a rough time or witnessing outside struggles, they can use the repeated phrases in the book to find peace and calm.

Strong Girls in History: 15 Young Achievers You Should Know

Rockridge Press |
Children’s

Inspiring stories of unstoppable girls and everything they achieved–for kids ages 8 to 12

 

Girls are smart, capable, and determined All over the world, young women have made huge strides in pop culture, politics, social justice, and more. This book explores 15 of these girls and the incredible impact they made before they were even 20 years old. Discover how they powered through challenges and stood up to anyone who said they couldn’t make a difference.

  • The girl who invented a genre–Read about famous author S. E. Hinton, who wrote the bestselling book The Outsiders as a teenager and helped launch the popularity of Young Adult novels.
  • A protector of natural resources–Learn how Autumn Peltier became the chief water commissioner for the Anishinabek Nation in Ontario, Canada, when she was just 14 years old.
  • A champion for equality–Find out how 11-year-old activist Marley Dias started a campaign to collect books featuring Black girls as the main character and donate them to schools around the world.

 

Show any ambitious girl how much talent and power she has inside her with Strong Girls Change History.

Gaudi – Architect of Imagination

NorthSouth Books |
Children’s

Your dreams can change the world! 

Colorful mosaics, playful flowing forms, imaginative facades—Barcelona shines with the buildings of Antoni Gaudí. How did the son of a Catalan blacksmith become a world-famous architect? The first years of Gaudí’s life were challenging. Because of an illness, young Gaudí couldn’t attend school and was often alone. Many of his days were spent out in nature, which he would later call his great teacher. Even during his training as an architect in Barcelona, his teachers were puzzled, wondering: is he a “genius or a fool?” Many considered his unusual ideas eccentric, sometimes even crazy. But Gaudí was simply ahead of his time. His buildings are now a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Heritage Site.

With an insightful eye into the world of an inspired genius, award-winning author Susan B. Katz tells of Gaudí’s life and work. Linda Schwalbe’s dazzling and powerful illustrations reflect the inventive, daring, and flamboyant style of Gaudí’s work.

The Story of Walt Disney: A Biography Book for New Readers

Rockridge Press |
Children’s

Discover the life of Walt Disney–a story about imagination and invention, for kids ages 6 to 9

Walt Disney was a talented artist who created magical new worlds in the form of TV shows, movies, and amusement parks. Before he won the hearts of millions with characters like Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck, Walt was an imaginative boy who loved drawing. He learned how to use the newest technology to make cartoons that would entertain and delight viewers all over the world. This book explores how Walt went from being a young boy growing up in the Midwest to a creative genius.

What sets this Walt Disney biography apart:

  • Core curriculum–Kids will discover the Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How of Walt’s life, and take a quick quiz to test their knowledge.
  • Short chapters–This Walt Disney book features brief, easy-to-digest chapters that will keep young learners engaged and wanting to read more.
  • His lasting legacy–Kids will discover how Walt changed the world of animation and entertainment for future generations.

 

How will Walt’s hard work and love of storytelling inspire the child in your life?

The History of the Civil War: A History Book for New Readers

Rockridge Press |
Children’s

An introduction to the history of the Civil War for kids ages 6 to 9

The United States was not always united. On December 20, 1860, South Carolina became the first state to leave the Union. Soon after, many other states joined it to try and create their own country: the Confederate States of America. Within months, the Confederates would launch an attack on Fort Sumter and begin a war that lasted almost four years. This engaging story explores how and why the war started, who was fighting, what happened during the many bloody battles, and how the Union and Confederacy reunited.

This Civil War book for kids features:

  • A visual timeline–Kids will be able to easily follow the history of the Civil War thanks to a timeline marking major milestones.
  • Core curriculum–Teach kids about the Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How behind the Civil War, and test their knowledge with a quick quiz after they finish.
  • Lasting changes–Encourage kids to explore thought-provoking questions that help them better understand how the Civil War changed the United States.

 

Get early readers interested in one of America’s most defining historical events with this standout guide to the Civil War for kids 6-9.

The Story of Jane Goodall: A Biography Book for New Readers

Rockridge Press |
Children’s

Inspire kids ages 6 to 9 to love and protect animals, just like Jane Goodall

Jane Goodall is a celebrated scientist for her studies of chimpanzees in the forests of Africa. Before she observed chimps and helped save them from losing their home, Jane was a curious kid who loved learning about animals. She showed people that women could be scientists, just like men, and fought to follow her dream of working with wild chimps. Explore how Jane Goodall went from being a young nature lover in England to the most important chimpanzee expert in the world.

This Jane Goodall chapter book for kids ages 6-9 includes:

  • Word definitions―Discover helpful definitions for the more advanced words and ideas in the book.
  • Test your knowledge―Take a quiz at the end of the book to make sure you understand the Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How of Jane Goodall’s life.
  • A lasting legacy―Learn about how Jane made the world a better place for future generations of both humans and animals.

How will Jane Goodall’s strong will inspire you?

The Story of Ruth Bader Ginsburg: A Biography Book for New Readers

Rockridge Press |
Children’s

Inspire kids ages 6 to 9 to fight for what’s right, just like Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Learn the story of how Ruth Bader Ginsburg became the second woman ever to serve as a judge on the Supreme Court of the United States. Before she fought for equal rights and made history, Ruth was a curious kid who loved to read stories about strong women. In school, Ruth wished girls could have as many opportunities as boys. She soon learned that by studying and working hard, she could change her life―and the world.

Of all the Ruth Bader Ginsburg children’s books, this one really lets you explore how she went from a Jewish girl during World War II to one of the most celebrated leaders in America.

  • Helpful glossary―Find definitions for the more advanced words and ideas in the book.
  • Visual timeline―Newly independent readers can check out visual timelines of Ruth’s amazing progress.
  • Lasting change―Learn about how Ruth has made the world a better place for future generations, including you

 

Get inspired by this standout among Ruth Bader Ginsburg children’s books for grades 1-2.

Deep in the Sea

Little Simon |
Children’s

Compare sea creatures to land animals with similar names in this interactive play-on-words pop-up book with spectacular illustrations.

Lions roar…sea lions snore. Are catfish, dogfish, and elephant seals the same as a cat, a dog, or an elephant? Pop-ups reveal their differences in this delightful introduction to amazing creatures of land and sea.

The History of Pearl Harbor: A World War II Book for New Readers

Rockridge Press |
Children’s

Explore the history of Pearl Harbor–the attack that brought America into World War 2

On December 7, 1941, the Japanese military launched a surprise attack against the Pearl Harbor naval base in Oahu, Hawaii. The next day, President Roosevelt declared war and America entered into World War 2. Go on a suspenseful journey with this colorfully illustrated story about World War 2 for kids. It takes you through all the events that led up to the attack on Pearl Harbor, the attack itself, and the impact it had on the future of the war.

This book about Pearl Harbor and World War 2 for kids includes:

  • A visual timeline–Take a look at all the important details of the Pearl Harbor attack with a timeline marking the major milestones.
  • Core curriculum–Learn the Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How of Pearl Harbor, and take a quick quiz to test your knowledge after you finish this book about World War 2 for kids.
  • Lasting change–Explore thought-provoking questions that help you better understand how the events at Pearl Harbor affected the world you live in today.

Learn about “the day that will live in infamy” with this engaging book about World War 2 for kids.

The Story of Gandhi: A Biography Book for New Readers

Rockridge Press |
Children’s

Discover the life of Gandhi–a story for kids ages 6 to 9 about building bridges to peace

Gandhi was one of the most important leaders in history. He used peaceful protests and other nonviolent methods to stand up for equal rights for all people. Before he showed the world that peaceful actions can create powerful change, he was a shy young boy who kept to himself. He studied hard in school, became a lawyer, and used his skills to help others.

Explore how Gandhi went from being a quiet kid growing up in India to one of the bravest and most outspoken leaders in the entire world. How will his strength and dedication inspire you to do great things?

The Story of Gandhi includes:

  • Word definitions–Find a helpful glossary with easy-to-understand definitions for some of the more advanced words and ideas in the book.
  • Test your knowledge–Take a fun quiz to make sure you know the Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How of Gandhi’s life.
  • Lasting change–Dive deeper into the ways Gandhi changed the world for future generations, including you.

 

Gandhi started out as a dreamer, just like you Learn more about his life with The Story of Gandhi.

The Story of Fred Rogers: A Biography Book for New Readers

Rockridge Press |
Children’s

Discover the life of Fred Rogers-a story about helping others for kids ages 6 to 9

Fred Rogers created one of the longest-running children’s TV shows ever, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. Before he became famous for his puppetry and storytelling, Fred was a shy kid who couldn’t play outside because of his allergies. He found a passion for puppets, which he used to start his own TV show as an adult.

On his show, Fred helped kids make sense of both serious and silly things, talk about their feelings, and feel loved. Explore how Fred Rogers went from a young boy growing up in Pennsylvania to an award-winning TV show host and beloved role model.

The Story of Fred Rogers includes:

  • Helpful definitions-Explore a glossary with easy-to-understand definitions of some of the more advanced words and ideas in the book.
  • Visual timeline-Watch Fred Rogers progress from a little boy with a dream to a famous TV star with a visual timeline of his life.
  • Lasting legacy-Learn more about how Fred Rogers made a difference in the lives of millions of children and changed the world for the better.

How will Fred’s kindness inspire you?

Meditation Station

Bala Kids |
Children’s

Winner of the 2020 International Children’s Mind/Body/Spirit Book Award!

Your racing train of thoughts may try to take you down the railroad tracks, but you can stay in the Meditation Station, where children ages 4-8 learn how to calm their bodies and minds.

All aboard for Meditation Station! It’s time to learn how to manage our busy minds, difficult feelings, and frustrations by staying with our breath and in our body. Your train of thoughts might be racing, but you can manage it with some simple steps. Take a deep breath in, and then let the breath out slowly. That is how you will learn what meditation is all about. The next train is coming. Can you hear it chugging along? Stay in the meditation station–don’t hop on the train! Just wave goodbye to your racing mind and find inner calm.

The Story of Marie Curie: A Biography Book for New Readers

Rockridge Press |
Children’s

Discover the life of Marie Curie―a story for kids 6 to 9 about discovering big things through hard work

Marie Curie became one of the most celebrated scientists in history. Before she changed the world with her discoveries in physics and chemistry, Marie was an intelligent girl who studied hard to reach the top of her class. She overcame many challenges, including people who told her she couldn’t be a scientist because she was a woman. She didn’t let anything stop her, and her important research is still helping people today. Explore how Marie Curie went from being a young girl growing up in Poland to a famous, Nobel Prize-winning scientist.

The Story of Marie Curie includes:

  • Helpful glossary―Find easy-to-understand definitions for some of the more advanced words and ideas in the book.
  • Lasting change―See how Marie Curie made the world a better place for future generations.
  • Test your knowledge―Take a fun quiz about the Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How of Marie’s life.

How will Marie’s determination and curiosity inspire you?

The Story of Albert Einstein: A Biography Book for New Readers

Rockridge Press |
Children’s

Help kids ages 6 to 9 discover the life of Albert Einstein―a story about unleashing your imagination and discovering big things

Albert Einstein became one of the most important scientists in history for his discoveries about physics and how our universe works. Before everyone knew him as a genius, Albert was a curious kid who loved reading, learning, and experimenting with new ideas. He asked big questions and wasn’t afraid to make mistakes.

Explore how Albert Einstein went from being a young Jewish boy growing up in Germany to the most celebrated physicist ever.

The Story of Albert Einstein includes:

  • Visual timeline―Watch Albert progress from curious kid to famous scientist.
  • Helpful glossary―Find definitions for some of the more advanced words and ideas in the book.
  • Lasting change―Learn about how Albert made the world a better place for future generations.

How will Albert Einstein’s life encourage your own curiosity about the world?

The Story of Frida Kahlo: A Biography Book for New Readers

Rockridge Press |
Children’s

Discover the life of Frida Kahlo―a story about strength, creativity, and never giving up for kids ages 6 to 9

Frida Kahlo is one of the most celebrated artists in the world, but before she made history with her beautiful paintings and brave spirit, she went through a life-changing accident that would have made many people want to give up. This Frida Kahlo children’s book shows you how she fought to overcome setbacks and follow her passion to create amazing artwork and make the world a more colorful place.

In this unique Frida Kahlo children’s book, you can explore how she went from a young girl from a small Mexican town to one of the most well-known painters in history. How will her creativity and can-do attitude inspire you?

This vibrant Frida Kahlo children’s book includes:

  • Word definitions―Increase your knowledge with a helpful glossary of easy-to-understand definitions for the more advanced words and ideas.
  • See Frida’s progress―Check out a visual timeline of Frida’s life so you can get a picture of her important milestones.
  • A lasting legacy―Learn about how Frida made the world a better place for future generations.

 

Take an exciting stroll through history with this illustrated Frida Kahlo children’s book.

All Year Round: A Story of the Seasons

Orchard Books |
Children’s

Follow two friends as they explore the changing seasons through the beauty of each month’s iconic shapes and celebrations — from January to December — all year round.

 

A world of shapes, twelve months abound,from four-cornered square, to circle, round.Circle round, ready to roll. Add two sticks, a carrot and coal. (January)A sporty diamond, player at bat. Bases loaded, tilt your hat. (June)Triangle treats-pumpkin, peach. Want some pie? Excuse my reach! (November)Poetic text by Susan B. Katz (ABC Baby Me!, My Mama Earth, ABC School’s for Me) is paired with debut illustrator Eiko Ojala’s intricate cut-paper artwork to bring the months and their shapes to life! Bold colors, adorable characters, and lyrical text fuse together perfectly in this truly creative look at the world around us.

ABC School’s for Me!

Scholastic Press |
Children’s

Get ready for school with this clever, rhyming alphabet story illustrated by bestselling artist Lynn Munsinger!

Alphabet from A to Z.

Books that are just right for me.

Crayons for coloring in my hand.

Dump trucks playing in the sand.

 

Cuddle up with your little bear and enjoy this rhyming read-aloud chock-full of the ABCs of school. There’s so much alphabet to explore!

My Mama Earth

Barefoot Books, |
Children’s

Watch the wonder experienced by a small boy as he journeys through the world and round the day taking in the many magnificent aspects of nature. With a deceptively simple, lyrical narrative, Susan Katz celebrates the three-way relationship between Mama Earth, a human mama and a child,

making this a reassuringly intimate picture book to share with little ones.

Emphasises the essential role that nature plays in everyone’s life by equating it to the significance of a mother.

Illustrations depict different scenes of nature from around the world.

Timeless theme of a loving mother-child relationship.

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STEAM Themes: Animal Look-Alikes/Rain Forests

Flutter, flutter What did you just see? Was it a butterfly or a moth? Butterflies and moths are similar, but they have some important differences. Find out how their colors, antennae, bodies, and behaviors can all help you tell these two animal look-alikes apart. Filled with stunning photos and playful text, early learners will be delighted as each page turns.

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How to Research and Write a Biography

Learn how to research and write a biography using chapter book biographies by Susan B. Katz as guides.

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Publishing Process: from seed to story

Learn how to publish your own stories from ideas through final publication.

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Elementary School-wide Events, Including Assemblies for K-5 Students by Grade Level, in either English or Spanish

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School Events in Full Costume and Character

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Mindfulness Education

All aboard for Meditation Station! It’s time to learn how to manage our busy minds, difficult feelings, and frustrations by staying with our breath and in our body.

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The Publishing Process: From Seed to Story Writer's Workshops

  • Grade Levels: Differentiated & Delivered K-2 Non-fiction animal books (30 minutes), 3-5 Important People Biographies (45 minutes), and 6-8 Personal Narratives (60 minutes)
  • Purpose: Learn from award-winning, Spanish-bilingual author and National Board Certified Teacher, Susan B. Katz, how to publish your own stories from idea through editing/revising to final publication.
  • Note: Middle school workshops include learning how to run critique groups, revise, and edit each other’s work.
  • Virtual visits include the following: A brief presentation by the author, time for students to share ideas with a partner, writing time, and time for the author to provide feedback. Finally, there will be some sort of presentation or author’s chair.
  • This can be done as an overview in one session or as an on-going, four-week series that goes more in-depth.

 Workshop Model & Timeline

Week 1:  Introduction to the Writing Process & Brainstorming Step
-Pre-writing / Brainstorming
-Dreams, memories, imagination, personal interests
-Name Acrostic
-Product: Students come away with their seed (idea) to start their story

Week 2:  Building First Drafts from Brainstorm: Author with Teacher Support in Small Groups
-Five Ws:—who, what, when, where, why
-Develop Your Voice.
-Include details to make your story come alive

Week 3:  Editing and Revising: Author with Teacher Support
-Use the Revision Checklist
-Have someone else read your story out loud
-Get feedback from peers *Note: this is where critique groups are covered in 6-8
-Check your grammar, spelling, and punctuation

Week 4:  Publishing & Illustration: Author with Volunteer /Parent /Teacher Support
-Illustrate and Publish—someone else can illustrate your story. You can swap
-Plan how to divide your text onto the pages of your book (paginate)
-Follow the guidelines from the publication and copyright page hand-outs
-Will you write your story neatly – or type it?
-Make simple drawings for the inside of your book
-Draw a great picture for the cover
-Cut-and-paste your words and pictures…
-Or carefully copy the story directly onto the pages

Susan’s Portfolio

Susan’s Upcoming Events

Honors, Awards & Recognition

2024 National Parent Product Award for Share Your Love
School Library Journal starred review for Gaudí: Architect of Imagination
2020 International Book Award for Best Mind/Body/Spirit Children’s Book
Amazon Editor’s Pick for Best Non-Fiction for Kids
Amazon Overall Bestseller List
Moonbeam Gold for Best Picture Book
BA Environmental Science | University of Michigan

Media Kit

By clicking the link below you will be directed to a Google Docs Folder
where you can download author photos and cover images.

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