Beyond the Page: Samantha Berger
This week we are excited to feature Samantha Berger, author of Rock What Ya Got illustrated by Kerascoët (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, September 2018). Get to know her through fun questions below.
If you could live on any planet (and survive), which one would you choose and why?
Krypton. Because when I came home to earth to visit friends, I could fly, be crazy strong, have X-ray vision, and help a lot of people.
Plus those ice crystal forts are pretty fly.
What did you want to be growing up?
I wanted to be an author
an illustrator
a cartoon writer
a cartoon voice
a comic book creator
and a Broadway star
(I did 5 out of 6…so far)
If you could live in any other country, which one would you choose and why?
Firenze, Italia (aka Florence, Italy). Because whenever I am there, I feel why it was the heart of the Renaissance. I’m instantly inspired, passionate and compelled to create. And drink wine and eat pasta.
Tell us one fun insider-fact about Rock What Ya Got .
My most recent book is Rock What Ya Got, a life mantra I always try to aspire to live by. One insider fact easter egg from the book is, the name of the girl in the story is Viva (which can mean LIVE!). One of the reasons I picked this name (other than she is a drawing who comes to life and LIVES) is because of a little girl I know named Viva. Viva is 7 years old, and she and her family started a nonprofit group called The Mutt Scouts. Together, they help rescue, rehabilitate and rehome dogs who have the least chances of being adopted. Many are seniors. Some are lacking eyesight or missing limbs. They are quite literally, underdogs. Well just this Christmas, this Viva helped 17 dogs find brand new homes! She is a SHERO, and a wonderful example of the best humans can be. So here they are side by side. It is not a coincidence Book-Viva is helping a dog – it is in the manuscript. The book Viva and the human Viva – being their very best Vivas. They both inspire me endlessly.
Samantha Berger
Samantha Berger has written picture books including What If…, Crankenstein and A Crankenstein Valentine, Witch Spa, Snoozefest, Santa’s Reindeer Games, and Martha Doesn’t Say Sorry, which won a Parent’s Choice Award Honor. When she isn’t writing, she’s doing voice-overs, traveling the world, and helping rescue dogs. Samantha splits her time between New York City and California.
