Susanna Natti
Susanna Natti lives in Bedford, a town near Boston. She has two daughters. As a parent and an artist active in the local schools she gets to understand kids and is also a strong supporter of arts in the schools.
Susanna is the illustrator of numerous books including the popular Cam Jansen series by David Adler, the Ronald Morgan books by Patricia Reily Giff as well as the Beany books by Susan Wojciechowski. For the Cam Jansen books, Natti does the layout (64 pages with 15 to 20 illustrations). "It is like a puzzle to get it all to flow and fit together." She works hard to illustrate characters that kids will like and that they can identify with.
When asked about collaboration with an author whose book she is illustrating, Natti responded that there usually isn't any contact and for her that is a preferable approach. It is due partly to geographic restrictions, and she does not feel that tearing down the wall between author and illustrator would really be beneficial. You can never predict how people will relate to each other. Since the author and illustrator normally do not find each other, they are dependant upon the publisher who in essence plays the role of matchmaker. All parties hope that the "marriage" will work, and often the author does not see the illustrations until the work is complete.
However, Natti is not a stranger to collaboration. She and her mother, Lee Kingman, a children's author, worked together on a book-Catch that Baby. It worked because they were both established and secure in their fields. At the time we met they were working on a second book. Natti also learned that Stephen Krensky is a neighbor. Natti has illustrated the Lionel series by Krensky and a new books about Louise, Lionel's older sister. They do have contact, but he doesn't view work in progress. That, Natti says, would stifle creativity. However, Krensky gives visual clues and instructions, which help her understand the difference between what the text says and what may be going on in Lionel's head.
In her final comments regarding collaborations, Natti reiterated that she thinks fences between author and illustrator are necessary, but the fences should have gates and these gates need to be opened on occasion.
Contributor: Marilyn Courtot
Reviews
Beany (Not Beanhead) and the Magic Crystal
Susan Wojciechowski
Illustrated by Susanna Natti
Some crystals are magic. When Rosie, who works at the second hand store, gives Beany a crystal she warns her that a magic crystal will grant only one wish. Beany believes her crystal is indeed magic, but what should her wish be? To best her friend Carol Ann and win a school trophy? To have her teacher, Mrs. Babbitt, praise her in front of the class? To find the class hamsters that escaped their cage while Beany had them for the weekend? Beany saves her wish for something special and unselfish in this light and humorous story that will be enjoyed by young readers. 1997, Candlewick, Ages 7 to 10, $15.99. Reviewer: Carolyn Mott Ford
ISBN: 0-7636-0052-0
Cam Jansen and the Mystery of Flight 54
David A. Adler
Illustrated by Susannna Natti
The fifth-grade girl detective has to find a visiting French girl who doesn't speak a word of English and is lost in the airport. Using her photographic memory, Cam remembers seeing an older man who looked like the uncle whom the girl is to meet. Maybe she followed the wrong person. Readers will enjoy seeing Cam deduce the mystery while adults fluster around. Natti's line drawings, one to three per chapter, lighten the text and flesh out the characters in this twelfth entry of the "Cam Jansen" series. 1999 (orig. 1992), Puffin Chapters, Ages 7 to 10, $11.99 and $3.99. Reviewer: Susan Hepler
ISBN: 0-670-81841-0
ISBN: 0-14-130459-6
ISBN: 0-14-036104-9
Cam Jansen and the Mystery of the Carnival Prize
David A. Adler
Illustrations by Susanna Natti
Cam and her friends can't wait for the school carnival. This year her class is raising money to buy books for the school library. The children scope out all the cool rides and games as they walk through the gate to lock up their bikes. The Water Gun Shoot, the Boat Race, the Baseball Throw and even the Button Jar Guess made someone in the group a winner every time. The Dime Toss however, was impossible to win. Cam is sure there is something strange going on and is determined to figure out what it is. The mystery is revealed as the children go under cover to solve this case. This book is part of "The Cam Jansen Adventure Series" which offers a variety of action packed stories about a girl in the fifth grade and her classmates. Black and white illustrations highlight the excitement. 1999 (orig. 1992), Puffin Books, Ages 7 to 10, $3.99. Reviewer: Sharon Tolle
ISBN: 0-14-036022-0
Cam Jansen and the Mystery of the Circus Clown
David A. Adler
Illustrated by Susanna Natti
While on a trip to see the circus with Aunt Molly, Cam and her friend Eric end up searching for a pickpocket. Aunt Molly is always losing things, but when they realize that she isn't the only one missing a wallet, Cam's photographic memory comes in handy. She's sure a clown is the culprit, but is it one of the circus clowns? Another enjoyable mystery in the "Cam Jansen Adventure" series-as with all of them, the heroine teaches children to pay attention to the details. 1998 (orig. 1983), Puffin, Ages 7 to 10, $12.99 and $3.99. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen
ISBN: 0-670-20036-0
ISBN: 0-14-034897-2
ISBN: 0-14-130091-4
Cam Jansen and the Mystery of the Dinosaur Bones
David A. Adler
Illustrations by Susanna Natti
"Cam" is short for "camera", a nickname earned because she has a photographic memory. On a field trip to the museum, Cam notes that the Coelophysis skeleton is missing three tailbones. No one believes her, but she and her friend Eric pedal off on their bicycles in an attempt to catch the crooks. The story is quickly paced, and the two friends involve the authorities rather than entirely taking matters into their own hands. The series certainly proves the value of paying close attention to detail; the clues that Cam uses are in the book, but I had to look back to see that they were there. 1997 (orig. 1981), Puffin, Ages 7 to 10, $13.99 and $3.99. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen
ISBN: 0-670-20040-9
ISBN: 0-14-034674-0
ISBN: 0-14-038715-3
Cam Jansen and the Mystery of the Gold Coins
David A. Adler
Illustrated by Susanna Natti
The twists and turns in this fast-paced chapter book keep the reader guessing as well as reading. Cam has built a box camera for the science fair, only to have it stolen. Fortunately, her camera-like memory has kept a record of the many events preceding the theft. If she can unravel the facts, she hopes, the camera will reappear. She does, of course, and the second mystery of some stolen coins is resolved at the same time. A solid story, brisk and on target for the age group. 1998 (orig. 1982), Puffin, Ages 7 to 10, $11.99 and $3.99. Reviewer: Janet Morgan Stoeke
ISBN: 0-670-20038-7
ISBN: 0-14-038954-7
Cam Jansen and the Mystery of the Monster Movie
David A. Adler
Illustrated by Susanna Natti
In this reissue, another generation of kids will get to meet the intrepid and amazing Cam Jansen. This time the story takes place at a movie theater where the second reel of the Shoe Escape disappears. The major suspect is the owner of a competitive movie theater, but Cam with her photographic memory is able to deduce who the real thief is. Kids who dream of being detectives will enjoy the exploits of Cam and her friend Eric. Her very understanding and cooperative parents may be the only part that doesn't ring quite true. Part of the "Puffin Chapters" series. 1999 (orig. 1984), Puffin, Ages 7 to 10, $3.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-14-130460-X
ISBN: 0-440-41022-3
ISBN: 0-14-036021-2
Cam Jansen and the Mystery of the Stolen Corn Popper
David A. Adler
Illustrated by Susanna Natti
The fifth-grade girl detective is shopping for school supplies when another customer discovers her shopping bag is missing. Cam and her friend Eric follow leads until they not only find the thief but discover what she is doing with what she steals. A quick and satisfying read, the book is well served by Natti's line drawings in this eleventh entry of the "Cam Jansen" series. 1999 (orig. 1986), Puffin Chapters, Ages 7 to 10, $3.99. Reviewer: Susan Hepler
ISBN: 0-14-130461-8
ISBN: 0-670-81118-1
Cam Jansen and the Triceratops Pops Mystery
David S. Adler
Illustrated by Susanna Natti
As in the other "Cam Jansen" series books for young readers, this brief chapter book capitalizes on Cam's expert photographic memory. Cam and her buddy stumble upon a mystery at a local mall music shop while in search of a Triceratops Pops CD. The two sleuths track down the criminal who stole the six CDs, and return the merchandise to the store. As a reward, the store owner grants them a few free CDs. Providing positive role models for young readers, this text features two strong child protagonists who solve a mystery with little adult assistance. Though neither text nor illustration is of outstanding quality, Adler makes the plot complex enough to offer several possible solutions to the problem, which keeps readers guessing. This book and others in the series provide entertaining mysteries for children who are beginning to read chapter books, which could spark an interest in other, more challenging mysteries. 1997 (orig. 1995), Viking, Ages 7 to 10, $12.99 and $3.99. Reviewer: Michelle H. Martin
ISBN: 0-670-86027-1
ISBN: 0-14-037512-0
Don't Call Me Beanhead
Susan Wojciechowski
Illustrated by Susanna Natti
Beany, aka Bernice Lorraine Sherwin-Hendricks, is the effervescent star of the five separate stories that make up this perfect beginning chapter book. The stories can all stand on their own, but together they paint a full picture of Beany-her troubles, treasures, aspirations, and annoyances. Beany is a thoroughly modern heroine with troubles that readers will identify with; schemes that they'll cheer; friends who will sound familiar, and parents who come in handy. It's a great little package-let's hope it's the first of a series. 1996 (orig. 1994), Candlewick, Ages 6 to 10, $14.95 and $4.99. Reviewer: Judy Katsh
ISBN: 1-56402-319-2
ISBN: 1-56402-587-X
Good Luck, Ronald Morgan!
Patricia Reilly Giff
Illustrated by Susanna Natti
It's summer vacation and Ronald Morgan has two things to keep him busy: an impulsive new puppy and a new-age book about dog training. Getting to know his dog, as the book advises him to do, is something Ronald is having trouble with, since the puppy does not stay in one place very long. There's both humor and lessons learned here. But, better yet, there's another book for all those beginning readers who know Giff's books and delight in the comfort that a familiar author can bring. 1996, Viking, Ages 5 to 9, $13.99. Reviewer: Judy Katsh
ISBN: 0-670-86303-3
Lionel and His Friends
Stephen Krensky
Illustrated by Susanna Natti
"The Sandwich" chapter of this "Dial Easy-to-Read" book delightfully captures the spirit and complexity of being a youngster in a world run by grown-ups. Krensky's dialog describing Lionel's disappointment in finding that his lunch consists of a jelly and peanut butter sandwich instead of his usual peanut butter and jelly, creates a wonderful scene that could easily happen in any school lunchroom on any given day. The other chapters (really just stand-alone stories tied together by characters) involve the mysteries of politeness, the dangers of eavesdropping, and the miracle of friendship. With vocabulary that includes "imposter" and "suspicious," this title won't be useful to those looking for very easy readers, but the maturity and reality of the stories will appeal to readers eager to make the step up from picture books to chapter books. 1996, Dial, Ages 8 to 10, $12.99, $12.89 and $3.99. Reviewer: Donna T. Brumby
ISBN: 0-8037-1750-4
ISBN: 0-8037-1751-2
ISBN: 0-14-038742-0
Louise Goes Wild
Stephen Krensky
Illustrations by Susanna Natti
Now Louise, older sister in the Lionel series for younger readers, has a series of her own. Tired of being predictable, reliable, dependable and even boring, Louise changes her hairstyle, modifies her clothing, and chokes down hot peppers at a Chinese restaurant, and forces herself to join her friends in a dance act.. Her mother councils that change take time and the inner changes come slowly; her father advises that copying your friends is not as satisfying as finding your own way. When her two friends ask for candid dance evaluations from the old Louise, she rises to the occasion and decides that stirring things up a little is fine but being herself is fine, too. Short chapters, 80 pages, friendly black and white illustrations, and a tidy plot set at school and at Louise's home make this a cozy read for those ready to tackle more text and looking for a promising new series. 1999, Dial, Ages 7 to 9, $13.99. Reviewer: Susan Hepler
ISBN: 0-8037-2307-5
Louise Takes Charge
Stephen Krensky
Pictures by Susanna Natti
Louise and her classmates are in the clutches of Jasper, the class bully. He steals food at lunch, commandeers the playground, has other kids do his homework, and is a real terror. Louise is unhappy and frustrated. With serendipitous inspiration from her brother and a few words of wisdom from her dad, Louise hatches a plan to topple the tyrant. Krensky writes with a light hand about one of the most common problems in elementary school. Louise is a clever heroine and the lessons will not be lost on young readers. Natti's amusing black-and-white illustrations are liberally sprinkled throughout this chapter book. 1998, Dial, Ages 7 to 9, $13.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-8037-2305-9
Ronald Morgan Goes to Camp
Patricia Reilly Giff
Illustrations by Susanna Natti
Giff sends Ronald Morgan to camp in this easy reader. Introverted Ronald uses a harmonica, two plaid Band-Aids, old sunglasses and a cracker to make friends, gain confidence and learn how to enjoy new experiences. 1995, Viking, Ages 5 to 9, $13.99 and $4.99. Reviewer: Kathleen Karr
ISBN: 0-670-86195-2
ISBN: 0-14-055647-8
Young Cam Jansen and the Baseball Mystery
David A. Adler
Illustrated by Susanna Natti
Cam, with her photographic memory, once again solves a mystery for her friends. During an exciting game of baseball, the ball is hit far over everyone's heads and they must leave the ball field to find it. Not in a puddle, under a tree, or being used by other kids, the search takes the group on a dog hunt. Natti's colorful illustrations bring life to this book from the "beginning to read" program. 1999, Viking, Ages 5 to 8, $13.99. Reviewer: Mary Sue Preissner
ISBN: 0-670-88481-2
Young Cam Jansen and the Ice Skate Mystery
David A. Adler
Illustrated by Susanna Natti
What do you see when you look? How much do you remember? Cam (for Camera) Jansen has a photographic memory that helps her solve mysteries in a snap. The word "click" in blue or green or red is the signal that she's memorizing details so that later she can pull them out and "click!" have surprising answers to puzzles bedeviling her and her friends. In this level 2 easy reader, she supplies a rib-tickling solution to the missing locker room key and bails Eric out of an embarrassing fix. One of a popular series by this prolific author-illustrator team. 1998, Viking, Ages 5 to 8, $13.99. Reviewer: Judy Chernak
ISBN: 0-670-87791-3
Young Cam Jansen and the Lost Tooth
David A. Adler
Illustrated by Susanna Natti
Cam Jansen's real name is Jennifer, but because of her photographic memory, everyone called her "Camera" or Cam for short. Her technique is to snap a mental picture of a situation as she says, "Click" so that she can peruse it more carefully for clues later. In this story, Cam's friend has lost a tooth during art class. Not only did the tooth come out, it seemed to disappear mysteriously. Cam can't let her friend go home without the tooth, so she puts her best detective skills to work. In the tradition of mysteries, the tooth isn't found until the eleventh hour (even though most readers will have figured out what happened to the tooth back at page twelve). Cam saves the day once again. Young readers will take pride in solving the mystery before Cam can. This "Viking Easy-to-Read" book (Level 2) uses familiar vocabulary in longer sentences to increase independent reading skills. Natti's colorful illustrations of the characters support the text to guide readers along. This is a perfect choice for partner reading. 1999 (orig. 1987), Puffin Books, Ages 6 to 8, $13.99 and $3.99. Reviewer: Carol Lynch
ISBN: 0-670-87354-3
ISBN: 0-14-130273-9
Young Cam Jansen and the Missing Cookie
David A. Adler
Illustrated by Susanna Natti
Cam's nickname is short for "camera" because she has a photographic memory. She uses this skill to help her friend Jason deduce the identity of the thief who stole his chocolate chip cookie. This is a pleasant introduction for the young audience to the genre of detective fiction. Full color illustrations appear on every page to add visual interest for beginning readers. Also in the series are: Young Cam Jansen and the Dinosaur Game and Young Cam Jansen and the Lost Tooth. 1996, Viking, Ages 5 to 9, $11.99. Reivewer: Dr. Judy Rowen
ISBN: 0-670-86772-1
Added 1999
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