Picture an American storyteller who spun tales of mermaids, unicorns, and star-crossed lovers—meet Suzanne Selfors! Born in 1963, this national bestselling author found her groove in children’s literature, enchanting young readers with whimsical worlds and heartfelt themes. From her island home in the Pacific Northwest, Selfors crafts stories that spark imagination and celebrate self-discovery, proving it’s never too late to chase your dreams.
Selfors didn’t start as a writer. Her journey to becoming a beloved tween author is a tale of reinvention, filled with theater dreams, diverse jobs, and a passion for storytelling that bloomed later in life. Let’s dive into her world and discover why her books are treasures for young readers!
The Making of Suzanne Selfors
Born in Munich, Germany, on an army base, Suzanne Selfors grew up on Bainbridge Island, Washington, where she still lives. Her childhood was filled with happy memories, great friends, and a love for storytelling that sparked in high school theater, playing roles like Juliet in Romeo and Juliet. She studied dance and art at Bennington College, earned a BA in Theatre/Film Studies from Occidental College, and later completed an MA in Communications at the University of Washington. Before writing, Selfors worked as a children’s photographer, organic flower grower, and marketing director, but motherhood and reading to her kids ignited her passion for children’s literature.
Suzanne Selfors’s Unforgettable Stories
Selfors’s writing career began with her first children’s book, To Catch a Mermaid (2007), inspired by a jog in Vancouver. This whimsical tale of a girl finding a magical mermaid set the tone for her playful, imaginative style. Her young adult novel Saving Juliet (2008) reimagines Shakespeare’s tragic heroine, blending humor and heart as the protagonist, Mimi, rewrites Juliet’s fate in 16th-century Verona. Coffeehouse Angel (2009) weaves romance and magic, following Katrina, a barista who encounters a guardian angel in a quirky coffee shop. Her middle-grade series, like Imaginary Veterinary, featuring mythical creatures like sasquatches and unicorns, showcases her knack for zany adventures with educational tie-ins.
Selfors’s stories often explore themes of self-discovery, friendship, and believing in the impossible, resonating with tweens who are navigating their own journeys. Her settings, inspired by the lush, rainy Pacific Northwest, feel like characters themselves—mossy, magical, and alive. With over 30 books, including the Ever After High series and Spirit Riding Free, her work has earned Junior Library Guild Awards and a Washington State Book Award nomination.
Why Suzanne Selfors Matters
Suzanne Selfors’s impact lies in her ability to make young readers feel seen. Her stories encourage tweens to embrace their quirks and believe in magic, whether it’s a mermaid in a bathtub or a griffin’s riddle. By blending humor, heart, and fantastical elements, she taps into the boundless imagination of middle-grade readers, fostering a love for reading. Her perseverance—shifting from failed adult novels to children’s literature success—inspires aspiring writers to keep going, no matter the setbacks.
Selfors’s work also bridges entertainment and education, with books like The Order of the Unicorn offering activities to explore mythology. Her influence extends beyond pages, creating a legacy of joy and wonder for young readers and the adults who share her stories with them.
- Born: 1963 in Munich, Germany
- Key Works: To Catch a Mermaid, Saving Juliet, Coffeehouse Angel, Imaginary Veterinary series
- Awards: Five Junior Library Guild Awards, Washington State Book Award finalist
- Fun Fact: Her last name comes from Selfors, a town in Norway!
Ready to dive into a world of mermaids and magic? Snag To Catch a Mermaid or Saving Juliet and let Suzanne Selfors’s whimsical tales sweep you away!