Jeff Nathan is a multi-award-winning children’s author and the creator of CurricuLaughs in Children’s Literacy school programs. He lives in Andover, MA, with his wife and they have four grown children. Jeff graduated from the University of Rochester in Rochester, NY, and, before his first book came out, he was a high tech marketing executive for a Fortune 500 company. He now travels internationally, speaking, performing and enjoying his work to help kids and teachers.
How could such an unpopular kid have grown up to earn a Ben Franklin Award for innovation in children’s literature?
In my first grade classroom, my teacher was so frustrated with me that she hit me in the head. I knew I was different but I didn’t know why. Why couldn’t I remember what my teachers had just said five seconds earlier? Why was I shunned by the other kids? Why did I continually drive my self-esteem as low as I possibly could?
At age 40, when I finally got the ADHD diagnosis, I swore I would help kids who are now struggling in the same way. I created CurricuLaughs in Children’s Literacy which has blossomed into the best educational school visit program in the nation by multiple standards. It boasts more principals’ superlative-filled letters than anything else in the country, thanks to its having been wildly successful at getting kids to absorb critical lessons while laughing hysterically.
-Jeff Nathan, Children’s Author
Sherlock Poems has done some research as well, and discovered these facts about Jeff!
Jeff Nathan drives a teal Prius.
Jeff Nathan has 4 grandchildren. They live in Florida.
Jeff Nathan wears a size 13 shoe. (Actually, two of them!)
Jeff Nathan played football in college. (He was a wide receiver!)
Jeff Nathan is a type 1 diabetic.
Jeff Nathan’s mother was a science teacher.
Jeff Nathan’s favorite flavor of ice cream is chocolate.
Jeff Nathan loves animals! One of his books is a book of animal poems.
Jeff Nathan plays several musical instruments, including guitar, harmonica, bass guitar, keyboards, drums and the bicycle pump.
Some questions and answers:
What is the farthest place that you have traveled?
I have visited Shin Yokohama, Japan, about eight times.
What other countries have you visited?
Canada, Venezuela, Jamaica, Japan, Italy, England, France, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Finland, South Korea, Taiwan, Mexico, Costa Rica, Bahamas
Where were you born?
Albany, NY
How many languages have you spoken?
Three (Four if you include Pig-Latin)
Do you have any patents?
Yes