Deborah Underwood

Deborah Underwood is a children's book author known for writing both picture books and early chapter books. Her most recognized work is "The Quiet Book," published in 2010, which became a New York Times bestseller and launched a series including "The Loud Book" and "The Christmas Quiet Book." Prior to her career in children's literature, Underwood worked as a street musician and later as a freelance writer. She has written over 30 books for young readers, spanning various genres and styles including both fiction and nonfiction. Her works often explore themes of sound, silence, and the natural world, with titles like "Outside In" receiving multiple starred reviews and being named a Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year. Other notable titles in her bibliography include "Part of Your World: A Twisted Tale" and "Bad Bye, Good Bye." Underwood's writing has earned numerous accolades, including being selected for the Society of Illustrators Original Art Show and receiving state reading list recognition. She resides in San Francisco, where she continues to write books for young readers.

Readers consistently praise Underwood's ability to capture children's attention through simple yet meaningful concepts, particularly in "The Quiet Book" series. Parents and teachers report that children request repeated readings and engage with the different types of quiet described. Liked: - Gentle, calming tone helps with bedtime routines - Teaches emotional awareness through relatable scenarios - Illustrations complement text effectively - Appeals to both young children and adults - Works well for classroom discussions Disliked: - Some find the concepts too subtle for very young children - Several readers note the books are shorter than expected - A few mention the price point is high for the length Ratings averages: Goodreads: "The Quiet Book" - 4.2/5 (12,000+ ratings) Amazon: "The Quiet Book" - 4.8/5 (1,300+ reviews) "Outside In" - 4.7/5 (200+ reviews) Reader quote: "Perfect for helping children understand different emotional states without being preachy." - Amazon reviewer

The Quiet Book - A picture book exploring different kinds of quiet moments throughout a child's day.

The Loud Book - A companion book examining various types of loud experiences in childhood.

The Christmas Quiet Book - A seasonal addition to the series focusing on quiet moments during the holiday season.

Outside In - A picture book that explores the connections between indoor life and the natural world outside.

Part of Your World: A Twisted Tale - A reimagining of The Little Mermaid story that explores an alternate plot direction.

Bad Bye, Good Bye - A picture book following a child's emotional journey through moving to a new home.

Interstellar Cinderella - A science fiction adaptation of the classic Cinderella tale featuring space travel and mechanics.

Here Comes Santa Cat - A picture book about a cat who decides to take on the role of Santa Claus.

Here Comes Easter Cat - A picture book following Cat's attempts to become the Easter Bunny.

Here Comes Valentine Cat - A holiday-themed story about Cat's reluctant participation in Valentine's Day.

Mac Barnett writes picture books that blend humor with unexpected narratives, similar to Underwood's style of finding fresh angles on familiar topics. His works like "Extra Yarn" and "Sam & Dave Dig a Hole" demonstrate the same attention to pacing and quiet moments that characterize Underwood's books.

Julie Fogliano creates picture books that focus on small moments and natural observations, matching Underwood's sensitivity to environment and mood. Her books "And Then It's Spring" and "If You Want to See a Whale" share the contemplative quality found in "The Quiet Book."

Peter Brown combines observation of the natural world with imaginative storytelling in his picture books. His work "The Curious Garden" and "Mr. Tiger Goes Wild" reflect themes of nature and self-discovery that parallel Underwood's "Outside In."

Philip C. Stead writes picture books that capture everyday moments with a gentle, observant tone similar to Underwood's approach. His books "A Sick Day for Amos McGee" and "Bear Has a Story to Tell" share the careful pacing and quiet wisdom found in Underwood's work.

Kelly DiPucchio creates picture books that range from quiet moments to energetic adventures, matching Underwood's versatility. Her works "Grace for President" and "Everyone Loves Bacon" demonstrate the same ability to shift between contemplative and playful tones.