Picture a New Jersey storyteller who turned sticks, stones, and scarecrows into heartfelt tales for kids—meet Beth Ferry! A New York Times bestselling children’s author, Ferry crafts picture books that weave friendship, kindness, and self-discovery with a playful charm. Her stories, like the beloved Stick and Stone, capture young hearts and spark imaginations with their simple yet profound messages.
Living by the beach, Ferry draws inspiration from the rhythm of the waves and the warmth of family life. With a knack for wordplay and a love for rhyming, she’s become a cherished voice in children’s literature, creating stories that resonate with readers and parents alike.
The Making of Beth Ferry
Beth Ferry grew up in New Jersey, where her love for words took root early. A lifelong bookworm, she was inspired by the magic of storytelling, from classic literature to the whimsical quotes of Albus Dumbledore. After raising her three children and caring for pets like bulldogs and a blue-tongued skink, Ferry began her writing career in 2011, chasing a dream she’d long held. Her persistence paid off, proving it’s never too late to follow your passion—a lesson she hopes inspires her kids and readers.
Ferry’s journey into children’s literature was fueled by her knack for finding magic in the everyday. She joined the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), honing her craft and connecting with a community that helped launch her debut, Stick and Stone, in 2015. From there, her career blossomed, blending her beachside musings with stories that sing.
Beth Ferry’s Unforgettable Stories
Ferry’s picture books are known for their lyrical prose, clever wordplay, and heartwarming themes. Her debut, Stick and Stone, illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld, is a New York Times bestseller that celebrates an unlikely friendship between a stick and a stone. With its catchy rhymes and message of loyalty, it’s a staple in classrooms and storytimes.
Another gem, The Scarecrow, illustrated by the Fan Brothers, tells a tender tale of a scarecrow who befriends a fallen crow. Its poetic narrative and stunning art explore love and loneliness, earning starred reviews and a spot on Amazon’s Best Books of 2019. Swashby and the Sea, with illustrations by Juana Martinez-Neal, blends humor and heart as a grumpy pirate learns to embrace new neighbors. Meanwhile, the Fox & Rabbit graphic novel series, illustrated by Gergely Dudás, delights young readers with playful adventures and lessons about sharing friendship.
Ferry’s style shines through her use of rhythm and alliteration, making her books a joy to read aloud. Her stories often subvert expectations, like turning a fierce pirate into a softie or a lonely scarecrow into a nurturing friend. Themes of found family, courage, and kindness thread through her work, inviting kids to see the world with empathy and wonder.
Why Beth Ferry Matters
Beth Ferry’s impact lies in her ability to craft stories that are both timeless and timely. Her books teach kids about friendship and resilience while sneaking in lessons about diversity and inclusion. By collaborating with illustrators like Tom Lichtenheld and the Fan Brothers, Ferry elevates her words with visuals that captivate young readers, making her books cherished keepsakes.
Her influence extends beyond the page. Ferry’s playful narratives inspire kids to love reading, while her research into topics like sharks, pirates, and magnets sparks curiosity. As a mom and author, she shows that dreams can bloom at any age, leaving a legacy of hope and creativity in children’s literature.
About Beth Ferry
- Lives in New Jersey with her husband, three children, and two bulldogs.
- Debuted with Stick and Stone in 2015, a New York Times bestseller.
- Known for books like The Scarecrow and Swashby and the Sea.
- Loves rhyming, wordplay, and beachside inspiration.
Ready to dive into Beth Ferry’s world? Snag Stick and Stone or The Scarecrow and let her playful, heartfelt stories light up your storytime!