Local Author Susan Hood Launches Three New Children's Books at Halloween Event

Join us for a children’s Halloween event at the downtown Fairfield University Bookstore, 1499 Post Road, Fairfield, CT 06824…Children’s author Susan Hood will read from two of her new books-- Spike the Mixed up Monster and Just Say Boo!  Sunday, October 28, 2012 starting at 1:30pm on the 2nd floor. 

Children should come dressed in their HALLOWEEN COSTUME!  Halloween craft project to follow the stories! Please call 203-255-7756 or email Nancy L Quinn at bookstoreevents1276@yahoo.com to reserve your child’s spot! Event is free and open to the public. Susan Hood will sign copies of her three new books at the event.

What do a mouse, a shark, and a Mexican salamander have in common? They are colorful characters created by Fairfield resident Susan Hood in her three new children’s books.

For more than 25 years, Hood has worked in children’s
publishing as an editor and writer for companies including Nick Jr. Magazine, Sesame Workshop and Scholastic. But with the publication this fall of three new books, she has officially launched her career as a picture book author. “It’s an exciting time,” says Hood, “and I’m honored to be collaborating with some of the best illustrators working today.”

The three new books are Just Say Boo! (HarperCollins, published July 25, 2012 ),  The Tooth Mouse (Kids Can Press, published Aug. 1, 2012), and Spike, the Mixed-Up Monster (Simon and Schuster, to be published Sept. 25).  Just Say Boo! is a playful, rhyming book about Halloween that gives children power over their fears.  “There’s a comforting warmth underlying Hood’s rhymes, and Henry’s copper and silver palette gives the story a note of timelessness,” says Publishers Weekly in a starred review. The Tooth Mouse is a modern fairytale with a French twist. It stars a little pink mouse named Sophie who must meet three challenges to become the French equivalent of the Tooth Fairy. “Beautifully executed,” according to Kirkus Reviews. Spike, the Mixed-Up Monster is the tale of a real Mexican salamander called an axolotl who has to gain confidence to grow into his useful spikes. Illustrated by Caldecott Honor Medalist Melissa Sweet, the book provides background on this critically endangered species as well as a glossary of Spanish words. 
 Kirkus says, “Hood and Sweet succeed admirably in creating a new twist on an identity story while cleverly introducing Spanish words and exotic creatures.”

Just Say Boo!, The Tooth Mouse, and Spike, the Mixed-Up Monster are wonderful additions to any child’s library! Hood grew up in Greenwich and Fairfield. She and husband Paul Kueffner returned to Fairfield in 1987 to raise their two daughters. For more information on Hood and her books, visit www.susanhoodbooks.com.