About Peter H. Reynolds
Blue Bunny Bookstore owner Peter H. Reynolds is an accomplished writer, storyteller and illustrator, who brings his enthusiasm and energy to every project he creates. As an author, he has become well known for his best-selling books about protecting and nurturing the creative spirit, including the three books in his “Creatrilogy” -- The Dot, Ish and Sky Color. The Dot has now been published in over twenty languages, including Braille, and has won a number of awards, including the Oppenheim Platinum Toy Award, Borders Books’ Original Voices Award, and the Christopher Medal. The film version of The Dot (Weston Woods) went on to win the American Library Association's (ALA's) Carnegie Medal of Excellence for the Best Children's Video of 2005, while the film version of Ish was announced as one of ALA's 2006 Notable Children's Videos. In 2009, teacher 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 10 million teachers, librarians and students from 143 countries participating to date.
Peter’s cornerstone book, The North Star, was originally self-published in 1997 under the FableVision Press imprint. This allegory that challenges each of us to follow our own unique path through life was later optioned and republished by Candlewick Press in 2009. As a book, curriculum and musical, The North Star has inspired children of all ages around the world. More recently, The North Star was released as an animated film, produced by FableVision Studios and Scholastic Weston Woods. His other series of original, animated film shorts, including "The Blue Shoe," "Living Forever" and "He Was Me," 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's most recent books include Happy Dreamer (which he wrote and illustrated) and several books illustrated for author Susan Verde, The Water Princess, I am Yoga, and I am Peace. 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 and his ownership of The Blue Bunny Bookstore, Peter and his identical twin brother, Paul, founded the award-winning children’s media company, FableVision, Inc., in 1996. An educational media-developer and publisher, FableVision uses storytelling and technology to create positive programming and products to help all learners navigate their full potential. FableVision, Inc. now encompasses two educational organizations: FableVision Studios, located on the top floor above the Boston Children’s Museum, and FableVision Learning, headquartered in his hometown of Dedham, MA.
In 2007, Peter received an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from his undergraduate alma mater, Fitchburg State College, 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 non-profit 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.
While he has 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, Peter loves to spend his Saturday mornings at The Blue Bunny, talking with old and new friends, and drawing with children.
