I Am Human Debuts on New York Times Best Seller List at #1

Author/illustrator Peter H. Reynolds, co-founder of FableVision and The Reynolds Center, was happily surprised by a phone call this week from his agent in Manhattan notifying him that his latest storybook, entitled I Am Human: A Book of Empathy has just debuted on the New York Times Best Sellers List at the heralded #1 position. 

The newly released I Am Human picture book is another co-creation from the duo of illustrator Peter H. Reynolds and author Susan Verde - the dream team behind I Am Yoga and I Am Peace. This third book in their wellness series is a hopeful meditation on all the wonderful - and challenging - parts of being human.  At its heart, this picture book is a celebration of empathy and compassion that lifts up the flawed fullness of humanity and encourages children to see themselves as part of one big, imperfect family—millions strong.

Peter H. Reynolds and author Susan Verde at the I am Human book launch party at the Blue Bunny.

The book has attracted quick praise from the publishing industry. Kirkus Reviews noted, "Reynolds' simple line drawings with bursts of color have become iconic, and they serve the simple, affirming text with their own vision of the emotions and possibilities we humans have in this wide world . . . Grown-ups will enjoy reading this regularly with the children in their lives: The reminders benefit us all."

The School Library Journal added, "Verde brings it all together in the end with the connectedness of humans to each other. The clear and concise text is well-matched by Reynolds’ familiar illustrations in which viewers follow an unnamed boy of color (born on page one) on his human journey . . . An age-appropriate and hopeful look at what it means to be a connected human on this planet."

This is the second time Reynolds’ work has hit the New York Times Best Seller List this year.  Earlier this year, his book The Word Collector – a story book about a little boy named Jerome who loves to collect words as much as other kids collect stamps and rocks – debuted at the #4 position.

Reynolds reflects, “I really do feel blessed to be in a position where work can serve to inspire and heal, especially at a time when so many are searching for ways to navigate challenging times.” 

Copies of the first edition release are now available at bookstores everywhere, including signed and personalized copies at The Blue Bunny Bookstore & Café at 577 High Street in historic Dedham Square and/or online at www.TheDotCentral.com.