Barbara Santucci

Barbara Jean Santucci (born April 11, 1948, Chicago, Illinois) is an American artist, poet and author of several children's books.

Santucci is most widely known as a children's book author and traveling lecturer, her stories and lectures deal with the struggle of children to adapt to an adult world. Santucci is known for weaving her stories in a straightforward and simple language that is easily accessible to young readers, gently introducing them to the complex subject matter while avoiding oversimplification.

Biography

Barbara Santucci was born and raised in Chicago. As a young adult Santucci was concerned with helping others, first pursuing a career in nursing, then finding her home as a teacher and librarian. As a teacher, Santucci blossomed, enthralled by the imagination and purity exhibited by her students.

In the 1980s Santucci left teaching to focus on her own children. It was during this time period that she developed a love for children's literature that would later lead to her desire to write.

As her children left home to start lives of their own, Santucci grew as an artist. Santucci's style stresses creativity, borrowing everyday objects to create colorful patterns, heavily inspired by nature.

Santucci is perhaps best known for her literature for children. In 2001, Santucci published her first book, "Loon Summer", in which a young girl strives to deal with her parents' divorce. The book is a meditative work, exploring the complex nature of relationships and the continuing ability to grow. "Loon Summer" was followed by "Anna's Corn" and "Abby's Chairs", both of which focus on the ability of children to adapt to change.

Personal life

Barbara and her husband, Dr. Michael Santucci, have two children, Elizabeth Marie Pfohl and Laura Anne Mick.