Susan Dudley Gold has written more than fifty children’s books, many of which focus on health issues. She has also written several histories of Maine companies and has packaged and designed a number of book series for major New York publishing firms, including Simon & Schuster, Macmillan, and Henry Holt. The Grandma Star is her first picture book for children.

Among her many careers in journalism are stints as a reporter for a daily newspaper, managing editor of a statewide business magazine, and freelance writer on diverse topics including business, commercial fishing, politics, and real estate for several regional publications. She and her husband, John Gold, own and operate a web design and desktop publishing business, which has published a wide range of titles, including reference books, histories, and volumes of poetry. Susan has received numerous awards for her writing and design work.

After being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 1992, Susan founded a chronic pain support group, which she led for fifteen years. In 2001 she received a Jefferson Award for community service in recognition of her work with the support group.

She attended Brandeis University and the University of Southern Maine, graduating with a BA degree in English. She has also taken a number of design courses at Maine College of Art. Susan resides in Saco, Maine, with her husband, John. They have one son and two grandchildren.

The illustrations in The Grandma Star are based on photographs taken by Colleen Seymour Morrison, Susan’s daughter-in-law and inspiration for the book.