Picture an American storyteller who turned a simple pea into a picky eater and a duck-rabbit into a lesson on perspective—meet Amy Krouse Rosenthal! Known for her whimsical children’s books and heartfelt memoirs, Rosenthal’s playful storytelling and knack for finding wonder in the everyday captivated readers of all ages. Her viral New York Times essay, penned just before her passing in 2017, left a lasting mark on hearts worldwide.
Born in Chicago, Rosenthal’s creative spark shone through her multifaceted career as an author, filmmaker, and radio contributor. From picture books like Duck! Rabbit! to her innovative memoirs, she wove humor, kindness, and curiosity into everything she made. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this extraordinary creator!
The Making of Amy Krouse Rosenthal
Amy Krouse Rosenthal was born on April 29, 1965, in Chicago, Illinois. A Tufts University graduate, she initially worked in advertising, crafting commercials before a pivotal moment—what she called her ‘McEpiphany’—struck while at McDonald’s with her kids. She vowed to pursue writing, a decision that launched her into a prolific career. Her love for wordplay and connection, nurtured by her Chicago roots and family life with husband Jason and their three children, Justin, Miles, and Paris, shaped her unique voice.
Amy Krouse Rosenthal’s Unforgettable Stories
Rosenthal’s children’s books, over 30 in total, radiate fun and wisdom. Little Pea (2005), illustrated by Jen Corace, flips the picky-eater trope with a pea who loathes candy but loves spinach, teaching kids about perspective with humor. Duck! Rabbit! (2009), with Tom Lichtenheld, is a clever optical illusion that sparks debates over perception—perfect for young readers and parents alike. Exclamation Mark (2013) celebrates individuality as a punctuation mark finds its place, while Uni the Unicorn (2014) champions belief in the impossible.
Her adult works are equally inventive. Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life (2005), an alphabetized memoir, captures life’s small joys and quirks, earning a spot among Amazon’s top 10 memoirs of the decade. Textbook Amy Krouse Rosenthal (2016) blends reflections with interactive text-messaging, a first in publishing. Rosenthal’s style—playful, poignant, and deeply human—infuses every page with her signature warmth and curiosity.
Beyond books, she created short films like The Beckoning of Lovely, a YouTube project that culminated in a magical 2008 Millennium Park gathering where 400 strangers sang, danced, and connected. Her TED talks and NPR contributions further showcased her ability to find beauty in the mundane.
Why Amy Krouse Rosenthal Matters
Rosenthal’s impact lies in her ability to make the ordinary extraordinary. Her children’s books, praised by The New York Times for radiating ‘fun the way tulips radiate spring,’ teach empathy and wonder, resonating with families and educators. Her memoirs invite adults to cherish life’s fleeting moments. Her viral 2017 New York Times essay, ‘You May Want to Marry My Husband,’ written as a dating profile for her husband Jason amid her battle with ovarian cancer, touched millions, showcasing her selflessness and love. The Amy Krouse Rosenthal Foundation continues her legacy, promoting child literacy and ovarian cancer research.
Her work inspires readers to notice life’s tiny gems—whether a palindrome or a kind gesture—and to embrace connection. Rosenthal’s storytelling reminds us that even in loss, there’s beauty in sharing our stories.
- Born: April 29, 1965, Chicago, Illinois
- Key Works: Little Pea, Duck! Rabbit!, Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life
- Awards: Three children’s books on the Best Children’s Books for Family Literacy list in one year
- Died: March 13, 2017, from ovarian cancer
About Amy Krouse Rosenthal
Snag Duck! Rabbit! or Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life and dive into Amy Krouse Rosenthal’s whimsical, heartwarming world! Her stories will leave you smiling and searching for life’s little wonders.