Susan Verde is a New York Times bestselling children’s author, children’s yoga and mindfulness expert, former teacher, and parent. She grew up in the West Village of Manhattan, NY and much of her inspiration comes from the magic and wonder of the city and her own childhood as well as the children she has met along the way. She believes every child's experience is unique and should be celebrated! Her best-selling and award-winning stories tell tales of magical museum visits, share the keys to lasting friendships, help to cultivate empathy and self-love and compassion.

Verde’s book I AM Human: A Book of Empathy, her follow-up to I Am Yoga and I Am Peace became an instant #1 New York Times best-seller. I Am Love: A Book of Compassion, also made the New York Times best-selling list. Both books are a part of Verde’s I AM series, all illustrated by Peter H Reynolds, to help children feel empowered, strong and believe in themselves. With the I AM series, infused with mindfulness and self-reflection, Susan hopes to provide children with tools in their “toolbox” to manage their emotions, reach for kindness and be able to take a compassionate, empathetic approach towards themselves and others.The I AM series includes I Am Yoga, I Am Peace: A Book of Mindfulness, I Am Human: A Book of Empathy, I Am Love: A Book of Compassion, I Am One: A Book of Action, I Am Courage: A Book of Resilience, I Am Me: A Book of Authenticy and there are more to come!

Verde also works to educate children and adults about the global water crisis through her book The Water Princess, also illustrated by Peter H Reynolds. Inspired by the childhood story of African-born model Georgie Badiel the book describes Badiel’s childhood living in Burkina Faso, Africa. It details the long walk to water that was her daily experience along with the other women in her community because of the lack of access to clean water. This vibrant, engaging picture book sheds light on this struggle that continues all over the world today, instilling hope for a future when all children will have access to clean drinking water and was the impetus for Georgie to create The Georgie Badiel Foundation.

Educators around the world have embraced Verde’s books and have used them to teach students about multiple topics that touch their lives. The stories often tie into the school ‘s SEL curriculum and inspire special projects that create community and connection in the classroom. This was the case at Brooklyn School P.S. 321, where students who were inspired by Verde’s book Hey, Wall: a book of art and community commissioned an anti-bullying mural on the courtyard wall.

Verde spends much of her time visiting schools sharing both her skills as an author as well as yoga and mindfulness exercises for students and educators. She leads mindful parenting and educator workshops and shares special words of wisdom she has learned along the way.

In addition to writing books for kids Verde also teaches yoga and mindfulness to children of all ages. She is a yogi herself and is still working on her headstand.

Currently, Susan lives in The Hamptons, NY with her 3 kids and a menagerie of pets.

Please  visit the books page to find out more as well as schedule a visit to bring Susan and her unique programs to your school, library or yoga studio.

Image provided by Robin Saidman