PETER H. REYNOLDS BIO
Creativity champion, Peter H. Reynolds, is a NY Times best-selling author & illustrator. Published in over 25 languages, Peter's books The Dot, Ish, The Word Collector and Happy Dreamer, among many others, inspire children and “grown up children” with his messages about authentic learning, creativity, bravery, empathy, and courageous self-expression.
Peter also illustrated the best selling I am Yoga, I am Peace, I am Human, and The Water Princess with Susan Verde, as well as, the Judy Moody series by Megan McDonald. Peter lives in the Boston area where he founded The Blue Bunny, a family-owned and operated children’s book, toy, & creativity store.
Peter and his twin brother Paul, launched the Reynolds Center for Teaching, Learning, and Creativity (TLC). The center is a not-for-profit organization that encourages creativity and innovation in teaching and learning. 
THE WORD COLLECTOR ~ WRITTEN & ILLUSTRATED BY PETER REYNOLDS
Some people collect stamps.
Some people collect coins.
Some people collect art.
And Jerome?
Jerome collected words . . .
In this extraordinary new tale from Peter H. Reynolds, Jerome discovers the magic of the words all around him -- short and sweet words, two-syllable treats, and multisyllable words that sound like little songs. Words that connect, transform, and empower.
From the creator of The Dot and Happy Dreamer comes a celebration of finding your own words -- and the impact you can have when you share them with the world.
INTERVIEW WITH PETER REYNOLDS
The story about how you got started in 7thgrade is inspirational. Would you share it with our scribblers?
The nutshell version is this: Mr. Matson challenged me to use my art, storytelling and imagination to teach math. I went home and created a comic book to teach math. When I showed it to him - he pointed out that it was also called a storyboard which a filmmaker uses to plan out a film. So - at age 12 I made my first animated film to teach math!
Besides the fact that you are great at it, why do you write and draw?
Thanks for the kind words. Honestly, I think that drawing and writing is like breathing for me. I have to do it. It makes me happy. I also love that I can share my ideas with people around the world. It feels good to help people get inspired to have an amazing life. It also helps to write and draw so that I don't lose my ideas!
What would you consider yourself? An artist? An author? A storyteller? All of these things?
I think I'm all of the above. I also like to think that I'm a social change agent-that is, someone who is trying to make the world a better place. I want to inspire bravery, creativity, and kindness. I'd like to encourage everyone to be proud of who they are, of their voice and to participate in making it better for others.
You are famous for the book, The Dot, celebrating the power of great teachers who are able to see the possibility in every student. How did you get the idea to write this book?
17 years ago, I was leading an art workshop for kids. I was about to unexpectedly get inspired by a little girl who said she could not draw. She was in first grade. That broke my heart. How did she come to the conclusion that she was not an artist? I decided I'd write a story to help her and anyone who second guessed their potential.
What is International Dot Day?
Dot Day is a day to celebrate creativity which is now a worldwide event. My friend, Terry Shay, a teacher in Traer, Iowa and I brainstormed a day dedicated to the themes of my book, The Dot. You can find out more information at www.thedotclub.org
Your book, Happy Dreamer, helps remind people that not every kid will fit the cookie cutter mold, yet all minds can be great. Does every book you write have a meaningful message for you? Is that how you come up with your book ideas?
Yes, each book starts with a bit of wisdom I've come across during my many decades of the journey. Story is a great way to share big ideas. Picture books are an even more efficient way to make messages transportable.
Tell us about your latest book and why you wrote it.
My latest two books are The World Collector and Say Something!- both celebrate the power of words and how we all can use our words, our voices, our ideas to change the world for the better. I wanted to make the point that all voices matter - and that those voices can express themselves not only through words, but through art, music, theatre, anyway that allows a person to share what is in their head and heart.
What is your favorite quote and why?
"Patience and perseverance have a magical affect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish." - John Quincy Adams
