The Authors
Miami authors Laurie Friedman and Zack Bush share a love of books, especially for children. One day over a cup of coffee at their favorite local bookstore, they decided to put their talents together. Great friends became writing partners, and the result is The Little Superhero series.
Laurie Friedman
Laurie Friedman is the author of over fifty award-winning picture books, chapter books, and novels for young readers including the best-selling Mallory McDonald chapter book series and the Love, Ruby Valentine series of picture books. She was inspired to write her first book, A Big Bed for Jed, when her then three-year-old son was afraid to sleep in his new bed. The idea for her second book, Mallory on the Move, came when her daughter, six at the time, was devastated to learn they were moving. That started the Mallory McDonald series which now includes twenty-eight titles and over one million books in print. Laurie’s books have been translated into numerous languages and have won many awards including a Children’s Choice Award and a Bank Street College Best Book of the Year. Laurie is a frequent and popular speaker at schools and literary conferences across the country. Learn more at www.lauriebfriedman.com.
A native Arkansan with family all over the South, Laurie is the oldest of three girls. She attended Tulane University in New Orleans and the Sorbonne in Paris, France. In addition to writing, Laurie loves reading, watching movies, baking, doing yoga, and spending time with her amazing friends and family. Laurie lives in Miami and is the proud mother of two grown children.
Zack Bush
When Zack Bush was growing up he spent his free time listening to jazz. Instead of imagining a career in law or medicine like so many of his classmates, the Miami native knew he would take a different path. Zack learned to play the piano and would speak with family and friends about one day owning a venue that would bring the music he loved to others. Zack is now the co-owner of Ball & Chain, a historic live-music venue on Miami's famed Calle Ocho, in the heart of Little Havana. Zack and his partners renovated and restored the nearly forgotten gem, famous for hosting 20th-century jazz greats like Chet Baker, Count Basie, and Billie Holiday. Today, musicians from around the world perform live on the Ball & Chain stage. In addition to Ball & Chain, Zack co-owns several other historic restaurants and bars.
Zack's other passion is books. A devoted reader and writer, Zack's lifetime desire to become an author found a refreshed source of inspiration as the father of now six-year-old son Ace, and four-year-old daughter Ava. Zack is proud to have recently welcomed baby, Alexandra, into the fold, and is certain she too will provide inspiration for future books. Zack's first children's book, Made For Me, is a national best-seller. Made for Me is a winning presentation of tender moments that tie a father and his new child together—forever.
AUTHOR Q&A
What inspired you to write The Little Superhero Series?
Laurie: Superheroes are amazing! They have so many extraordinary powers. Who doesn’t want to be one? Zack and I decided to write this series to show kids they don’t have to run fast or jump high or have special powers to be a superhero. By being kind to others, doing the right things, and always trying their best, kids can be real-life superheroes.
Zack: I’ve always wanted to be a superhero. The next best thing is writing about them! But seriously, as a father of two, my goal is to always write something that will inspire my own children to be their best.
How do the two of you collaborate and write together
Laurie: Great question. We start by brainstorming ideas. Once we know what we want to write about, we email pieces of the manuscript back and forth until we’re both satisfied with the story. Then we get busy editing to make sure every word on every page counts.
Zack: All true. I would just add that writing together is more fun than writing alone.
Who is your favorite superhero and why?
Laurie: Easy question. Wonder Woman! She makes saving the world look easy.
Zack: Definitely Super Man. He can do it all and he has a cool cape.
If you could have one superhero skill, what would it be?
Laurie: Can I pick two? I’d want to be super strong and definitely fast!
Zack: Easy! I wish I could fly.
Do you have plans for more books in the series?
Laurie: Yes! The first book in the series is about the power of organization. Next up is the power of a good night’s sleep. Kids have so many real-life superpowers. Hopefully, we’ll get to write about them all.
Zack: Lots of them. Please keep reading!
ALSO BY LAURIE & ZACK
THE LITTLE BOOK OF SERIES
Having fun, learning, and doing the right thing doesn’t have to be complicated!
The Little Book Of Series introduces young readers to a wide range of ideas, activities, values, and emotions.
Illustrator Sarah Van Evera
Brooklyn based illustrator, Sarah Van Evera, has been a professional artist since 1996. She has a BFA in art and design from Parsons School of Design. Sarah is a watercolor artist at heart, but works in a variety of mediums. Her work spans a wide range of subjects, including children's book illustration, pet portraiture, print design, and fashion illustration. Sarah is a book lover with a special passion for illustrated picture books and is thrilled to be illustrating the Little Superhero Series.