Adopted from Nice, the Franco-American author of children’s literature Susie Morgenstern was at the Var Book Festival, we met her

Heart-shaped glasses, which don’t contrast with his permanent smile. And in front of his stand, a continuous flow of readers. Children, but also parents, even grandparents.

“It’s because I’m old now! But it’s very Nice to see mothers or fathers who come and say to me, ‘I read this book and now I’m passing it on to my son or daughter.'”.

For 40 years, Susie Morgenstern has been shining in children’s literature and still takes great pleasure in meeting her readers. “I love it, signing books is the materialization of all the work upstream: from the idea to the struggle of finding a publisher. Then people take the book, look at it, I love seeing the batteries disappear”smiles the Franco-American.

A real “battle” to have a book published in inclusive writing

The timeless author of The Sixth or The first time I turned 16 presented during the three days in Toulon its latest born, My own Ariel. A book written with her daughter Aliyah. “This is my first children’s book in inclusive language”she announces.

Indeed, in this story, we follow the daily life of a child who takes refuge behind his imaginary friend Ariel. A character neither male nor female called “He”.

“It was a battle! The publishers thought it wasn’t suitable for kindergarteners, that they didn’t need inclusive language. But my daughter, who is a linguist, says we need to start changing the mentalities from a very young age I am quite proud of this book, there is also a game with layers, that too is a first for me.”

Beyond inclusive writing and its layout, My own Ariel also stands out for its background. This story of a little boy who, over the pages, frees himself from this imaginary friend behind whom he takes refuge in difficult times. “When I dedicate this book I tell the children, ‘I prefer you to have real friends’”.

At almost 80 years old, the author keeps the flame and “hope because young people still read my books.” His book Bra was a great success at the show with young teenagers.

From 3 to 18 years old, Susie still knows how to talk to all the children, even if she confesses “since I was a great-grandmother, I have made a lot of books for babies.”