Jim averbeck biography

Jim Averbeck enjoys throwing himself into situations which give him an opportunity to explore and grow. He joined the Peace Corps in his late twenties and lived and worked in Cameroon in western Africa for almost four years.

One night, listening to the intricate rhythms of nearby drumming, Jim fell into a dream of a highly visual story, perfect for translation to a picture book. Then and there, he realized he wanted to write for children. And he’s done so, to much acclaim.

Publishers’ Weekly said in a starred review that his first book, In a Blue Room, a Charlotte Zolotow Honor for picture book text, would “feel to children like a promise kept” while School Library Journal called the book “perfect.” (Also a starred review.)

And he’s accumulated more starred reviews over the years for the following delightful stories:

Trevor

“Both poignant and triumphant at once” – Kirkus

“a lovely ode to friendship that gets even better with repeat readings” – Scho