Picture a storyteller who turned her love for books into a treasure trove of children’s adventures—meet Suzanne Williams! This American author, with over 80 books to her name, has enchanted young readers with tales of magic, friendship, and empowerment. From her days as an elementary school librarian to co-authoring the beloved Goddess Girls series, Williams has crafted stories that spark imaginations and celebrate the joy of reading.
With a knack for blending humor and heart, her works like Library Lil and the Princess Power series have made her a cherished name in children’s literature. Let’s dive into the world of Suzanne Williams and discover how she became a literary hero for kids everywhere!
The Making of Suzanne Williams
Born and raised in Eugene, Oregon, Suzanne Williams grew up surrounded by books and nature, thanks to her parents’ love for reading and her father’s work as a nurseryman. She earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a master’s in library science from the University of Oregon, setting the stage for her decade-long career as an elementary school librarian. It wasn’t until her thirties, inspired by her own children’s antics, that she began writing. Her first book, Mommy Doesn’t Know My Name, published in 1990, sprang from a playful moment with her daughter, marking the start of her storytelling journey.
After moving to Renton, Washington, with her husband, Williams balanced librarianship with parenting two children and a menagerie of pets, including a dog named Sniffer and a calico cat named Patches. These real-life experiences, paired with her love for Nancy Drew’s bravery, fueled her creative spark, leading her to craft stories that resonate with young readers.
Suzanne Williams’s Unforgettable Stories
Suzanne Williams’s bibliography is a vibrant tapestry of picture books, chapter books, and middle-grade series, each brimming with adventure and humor. Her picture book Library Lil, illustrated by Steven Kellogg, won the New Mexico Children’s Choice Award in 2000, charming readers with its tale of a spunky librarian who gets a TV-obsessed town to love books. My Dog Never Says Please, another picture book gem, showcases her playful style, appealing to kids with its relatable humor.
In collaboration with Joan Holub, Williams co-authored the wildly popular Goddess Girls series, a modern spin on Greek mythology for ages 8–12. Set at Mount Olympus Academy, the series follows young goddesses like Athena and Artemis navigating friendship, school, and mythical challenges. Other joint ventures include Heroes in Training, Grimmtastic Girls, Thunder Girls, and Little Goddess Girls, each blending folklore with contemporary themes of empowerment and teamwork. Her solo series, Princess Power, features adventurous princesses like Lysandra, whose talent show antics in The Perfectly Proper Prince delight young readers with their pluck and camaraderie.
Williams’s writing is known for its accessibility, humor, and strong female characters, encouraging kids to embrace their individuality. Her ability to weave cultural elements, like Arabian influences in Princess Power, adds depth, making her stories both entertaining and educational.
Why Suzanne Williams Matters
Suzanne Williams’s impact on children’s literature lies in her ability to craft stories that inspire and empower. Her books, filled with relatable characters and themes of friendship, have captivated readers worldwide, fostering a love for reading among young audiences. By transforming classic myths and fairy tales into modern narratives, she makes ancient stories accessible, encouraging kids to explore history and culture through a fun lens.
As a former librarian, Williams understands the magic of a good story, and her work continues to influence educators and parents seeking engaging, values-driven books. Her legacy is one of joy, imagination, and the belief that every child can be a hero in their own story.
- Birthplace: Eugene, Oregon
- Key Works: Library Lil, Goddess Girls, Princess Power
- Awards: New Mexico Children’s Choice Award (2000) for Library Lil
- Fun Fact: Her first book was inspired by her daughter saying, “I’m not a pumpkin, I’m Emily!”
Snag Library Lil or dive into the Goddess Girls series to experience Suzanne Williams’s magical world of adventure and empowerment!