Ossining Resident Susanna Reich Writes a Children's Book About the Beatles

An informative new children’s book called Fab Four Friends, written by Ossining resident Susanna Reich, describes the early lives of the four members of the Beatles — John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. Reich provides the reader with vivid portraits of the boys as they grow up in Liverpool, England and ascend to world-wide fame and rock music stardom.

The School Library Journal called this book “ideal for those seeking to introduce older elementary school students to the quartet” and described it as “a gorgeous love letter to an unforgettable band.”

Publisher Christy Ottaviano/Henry Holt released the book on August 18, 2015 and it is available at amazon.com and bookstores.

“I’ve always loved the Beatles and thought kids would enjoy finding out how four boys from Liverpool became the most popular rock band in history,” Reich said. “I knew that the entire story of the Beatles would be too long and complicated for a picture book, so I decided to focus on the early years.”

Reich is also the author of the following books:

• Clara Schumann: Piano Virtuoso (1999)
  
• Penelope Bailey Takes the Stage, a historical novel (2006)
• Jose! Born to Dance: The Story of Jose Limon (2008)
• Painting the Wild Frontier, about artist and adventurer George Catlin (2008)
• Minette’s Feast: The Delicious Story of Julia Child and Her Cat (2012)
• Grace & Sylvie: A Recipe for Family, an American Girl e-book (2015)
  

Clara Schumann: Piano Virtuoso, her first book, won an Orbis Pictus Honor from the National Council of Teachers of English.

Her writing has earned recognition from many organizations in the literary world. She received a Scripps Howard Best Book of 2006 award for Penelope Bailey Takes the Stage and the following awards for Jose! Born to Dance: The Story of Jose Limon -- Tomas Rivera Mexican American Children’s Book Award and an International Latino Book Award

Her work has been lauded by ALA Notable & Best Books for Young Adults, Kirkus Best Young Adult Books, and Booklist Top Ten Arts Books for Youth.

She grew up in Hastings-on-Hudson, studied at the Royal Academy of Dancing in London, England and the American Ballet Theatre School in New York City and is a graduate of the Tisch School of the Arts, one of the schools at New York University.

Fab Four Friends includes impressive paintings by Adam Gustavson.

Reich’s website is www.susannareich.com.