Jean Marzollo: Author Of Children's Books

Children's book author Jean Marzollo, a longtime resident of Cold Spring, died April 10. She was 75.

Marzollo wrote more than 150 books, including the award-winning I SPY series for children, which also became a successful series of video games. She was also the author/illustrator of online interactive books for children. Her website has many free stories, songs, and games for children to play on computers, SMART boards, and various handheld devices. Her work became a family affair, with her husband, Claudio Marzollo, a sculptor, co-authoring the e-books and some of her children's science fiction and fantasy books; and two sons, Dan Marzollo and Dave Marzollo ghostwriting some of the I SPY books.

Born and raised in Manchester, CT, she graduated from the University of Connecticut in 1964 and the Harvard Graduate School of Education in 1965.

She was the editor of Scholastic’s monthly magazine for kindergarteners for two decades.

The children's room at the Butterfield Library in Cold Spring is named in her honor.

“Jean Marzollo was a Hudson Valley treasure who brought education and wonder to millions of children and parents. I remember enjoying her work – especially the I Spy series – with my own children," Representative Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18) said in a statement. “Jean was a personal friend and neighbor – she danced at my wedding and baked cookies with my kids. She was a passionate voice for education and a stalwart booster of the Haldane School District. This is a tragic loss for the Cold Spring community. Randy and I offer Claudio and her entire family our condolences during this difficult time. Jean’s intellect and decency sparkled in this life and she will be missed.”