Picture a Venezuelan-born storyteller who turned dragons into literary superstars—meet Tui T. Sutherland! This prolific children’s author, now calling Boston home, has enchanted millions with her bestselling Wings of Fire series and a treasure trove of over 60 books. With a knack for crafting immersive worlds and a playful storytelling style, Sutherland has become a beloved name in children’s literature, weaving tales that spark imaginations across generations.
From her global upbringing to her Jeopardy! championship, Sutherland’s journey is as colorful as her stories. Whether writing under her own name or pen names like Erin Hunter, she brings heart, humor, and adventure to every page, making her a must-read for young fantasy fans and beyond.
The Making of Tui T. Sutherland
Born on July 31, 1978, in Caracas, Venezuela, Tui Tamara Sutherland was named after the tūī, a vibrant New Zealand bird, by her Kiwi mother. Her childhood was a whirlwind of moves—Paraguay, Miami, the Dominican Republic—before settling in New Jersey for high school. There, she dabbled in theater, mostly backstage, hinting at her love for storytelling. After earning a Bachelor’s in English Literature from Williams College in 1998, with a thesis on Shakespeare’s Ophelia, she dove into publishing as an editor at HarperCollins and Grosset & Dunlap. Inspired by a children’s literature course in New Zealand, Sutherland began writing, kicking off with This Must Be Love, a modern retelling of A Midsummer Night’s Dream in 2004.
Tui T. Sutherland’s Unforgettable Stories
Sutherland’s bibliography is a vibrant tapestry, spanning baby books to young adult novels, but her Wings of Fire series is her crown jewel. Launched in 2012, this epic dragon fantasy saga follows young dragons like Clay and Sunny as they navigate prophecies and tribal wars on the continents of Pyrrhia and Pantala. With over 27 million copies sold, the series blends action, friendship, and moral dilemmas, earning a spot on the New York Times bestseller list for over 200 weeks. Its graphic novel adaptations, illustrated by Mike Holmes, have further fueled its fandom.
Beyond dragons, Sutherland co-wrote the Menagerie trilogy with her sister Kari, a whimsical tale of magical creatures, and contributed to the Warriors and Seekers series as Erin Hunter, exploring cat and bear clans. Her Pet Trouble series, with titles like Loudest Beagle on the Block, adds humor to doggy adventures. Sutherland’s style shines through her character-driven narratives, vivid world-building, and a touch of joy, inspired by nature documentaries like Planet Earth and authors like Anne McCaffrey.
Under pen names like Tamara Summers and Heather Williams, she’s tackled young adult romance and Little House on the Prairie spin-offs, showcasing her versatility. Her ability to switch voices—playful, epic, or heartfelt—makes her stories timeless, appealing to readers of all ages.
Why Tui T. Sutherland Matters
Sutherland’s impact on children’s literature is undeniable. Wings of Fire has sparked a global fanbase, inspiring fan art, conventions, and even an animated series in development at Amazon MGM Studios. Her focus on diverse dragon tribes and themes of unity resonates with young readers, encouraging empathy and imagination. As a former editor, she’s shaped the industry from both sides, mentoring new voices while crafting stories that feel like a warm hug or a thrilling adventure. Her multicultural upbringing—blending Baptist, Buddhist, and Judeo-Christian influences—adds depth to her worlds, making them richly inclusive.
Her 2009 Jeopardy! run, where she won $46,200, and her Substack newsletter launched in 2024 show her engaging personality, connecting with fans beyond the page. Sutherland’s legacy is one of joy, creativity, and inspiring kids to soar through their own stories.
- Birth Date: July 31, 1978
- Key Works: Wings of Fire, Menagerie trilogy, Pet Trouble
- Awards: Two-day Jeopardy! champion (2009)
- Fun Fact: Her dog Sunshine inspired the dragon Sunny in Wings of Fire
Snag The Dragonet Prophecy and dive into Tui T. Sutherland’s dragon-filled adventures! Whether you’re a kid or just young at heart, her stories promise a wild, magical ride.