CSUEB alumna authors picture book about children too busy to go to sleep
Mrs. Claus (Susan Pace-Koch '04) reads to children from her first book, "Get Out of My Head, I Should Go to Bed" (courtesy of Susan Pace-Koch
- December 19, 2012 5:00am
Susan Pace-Koch, BA, human development, (’04), thinks that books are the ideal holiday gift for children. What other present has the ability to engage children, educate them, and help them form connections?
She is helping to encourage a lifelong love of reading by not only authoring children’s books, but she has also established her own publishing company, Get Out Books, based in Concord, Calif. to help bring books to market.
Her first title, Get Out of My Head, I Should Go to Bed (Get Out Books, 2011) won the 2012 "Best Book" award from the Bay Area Independent Publisher's Association (BAIPA ) and was selected for 24th Annual Children's Book Exhibition at the Sun Gallery in Hayward.
Pace-Koch, told the Concord Patch that her first book came as a dream when the words "Get out of my head, I should go to bed" popped into her mind and she envisioned a picture book about all the wild imaginings that keep children awake at night. The idea wouldn't leave, and so she decided to pursue it.
She describes her first release as a “bedtime book with gorgeous illustrations” by Jeremy Kwan about 10 kids who can't go to sleep because they are too busy. They are off their regular schedules which makes them a wee bit more cranky than normal. No doubt this is a situation that many parents will be facing during the holiday season.
Her own kids are all grown up, but Pace-Koch dedicates each of her books to them in a very special way — by hiding their initials somewhere among the illustrations.
About her time at Cal State East Bay, Pace-Koch, “It was all I hoped it would be; excellent professors, steady guidance, encouragement and support. I thought each professor I had knew his/her craft very well and was encouraging and supportive of the students. One I remember in particular was Assistant Professor Xeno Rasmussen. He always knew his material, and allowed for individual expression. I do remember him taking the time to talk about my 'direction' and my goals. While I was leaning towards Elder Care, I decide to go the opposite direction and work with children's books. But I appreciated his confidence in me.”
“Get out Of My Head, I Should Go to Bed" can be found at Berkshire Books in Concord or purchased online or on Amazon. Follow Get Out Books on Facebook or Twitter to stay updated on Pace-Koch’s upcoming releases.
Way to follow your dream, Susan!
KL