About PeteR
Born in Toronto, Canada, Peter H. Reynolds is an accomplished writer, storyteller and illustrator who has been acclaimed around the globe for his best-selling “stories for all ages” about protecting and nurturing the creative spirit, including the three books in his “Creatrilogy” - The Dot, Ish and Sky Color.
Scoring prestigious starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Booklist and School Library Journal, the Dot has now been published in over twenty languages, including Braille, and has won numerous awards, including the Irma S. and James H. Black Honor -- Bank Street College of Education, Oppenheim Platinum Toy Award, and the Christopher Medal. The film version of The Dot (Scholastic/Weston Woods) went on to win the American Library Association's (ALA's) Carnegie Medal of Excellence for the Best Children's Video, while the film version of Ish was named one of ALA's Notable Children's Videos.
In 2009, Iowa-based educator Terry Shay introduced his classroom to The Dot and spearheaded a one-day celebration of creativity, courage, and collaboration to coincide with book’s publication anniversary date. Since then, each September, a growing number of educators and students have joined International Dot Day for a global celebration of creativity in the classroom, with over 19 million teachers, librarians and students from 189 countries participating to date.
Another of Peter’s cornerstone books, The North Star, was originally self-published in 1997 under the FableVision Press imprint, and eventually republished by Candlewick Press. Peter’s art and spare text convey a powerful allegory that challenges each of us to follow our own unique path through life. As a book, curriculum and musical, The North Star has inspired children of all ages around the world. The North Star was released as an animated film, produced by his Boston-based educational media & interactive fim FableVision Studios in collaboration with Scholastic Weston Woods. His other series of original, animated film shorts, including "The Blue Shoe," "Living Forever,” “Above & Beyond,” "He Was Me," and “I’m Here”, “The Reflection In Me” - all produced by FableVision Studios - have won many awards and honors around the globe.
Peter is also author and illustrator of Rose's Garden, a heartwarming fable dedicated to the late Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, I’m Here, So Few of Me, The Smallest Gift of Christmas, and Playing from the Heart. His award-winning publishing work also includes illustrating the New York Times bestselling books Someday and Little Boy, written by Alison McGhee, and the New York Times best-selling Judy Moody and Stink books, written by Megan McDonald.
His first book collaboration with his twin brother, Paul, Going Places, was published in March, 2014. They have since collaborated on the Sydney and Simon early chapter book series which includes 3 titles, Full Steam Ahead, Going Green, and To the Moon. Peter has also illustrated many books with author Susan Verde, including The Museum, The Water Princess, I am Yoga, and I am Peace, I Am Courage, I Am Human, and I Am One. In total, Peter’s children’s book career includes the publication of over 50 titles.
Throughout all of his endeavors, Peter’s mission shines through: to use media to tell stories that matter and challenge us to reach our full potential. Besides his publishing career, he founded his own indie book shop outside of Boston called The Blue Bunny Books & Toys. Peter and his identical twin brother, Paul, also founded the award-winning children’s media company, FableVision, Inc., in 1996. An educational media/digital interactive developer and publisher, FableVision uses storytelling and technology to create positive programming and products to help all learners navigate their full potential.
In 2007, Peter received an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from his undergraduate alma mater, Fitchburg State University, in recognition of his "substantial contributions to education and the arts." He was named Verizon Literacy Champion for his “tireless efforts in promoting reading, writing and self-expression”, and also awarded an Education Advocacy Award at the Massachusetts’ Statehouse for his “amazing work supporting & promoting arts education.” In 2013, he was named recipient of a Visionary Award by the Association of American Publishers (AAP) Learning Group, which celebrates the extraordinary accomplishments of the learning resource industry and the ongoing mission of helping every child receive a world class education. In 2017, Peter was awarded the Distinguished Eagle Award by the Boy Scouts of America, an award for distinguished service in his profession and to his community for a period of at least twenty-five years after attaining the level of Eagle Scout.
Much of Peter's spare time is spent giving back to the community: revitalizing the businesses in his beloved downtown, Dedham Square, supporting schools, and serving on the board of several non-profit organizations, such as Horizons for Homeless Children, Read to a Child, and the Motherbrook Arts and Community Center.
Peter and his twin brother, Paul, also launched the Reynolds Center for Teaching, Learning, and Creativity (RCTLC). The center is a nonprofit organization that encourages creativity and innovation in teaching and learning. It is dedicated to ensuring that all learners develop the vision, confidence, knowledge and skills needed to move their own lives forward, and to use their talents, strengths and energy to move their communities and the world to a better place.
Peter enjoys in-person and virtual speaking engagements all over the world, championing “off the path” learning, everyday creativity, and inspiring children and “grown up” children to lead successful and meaningful lives.
