Susan Rose

Children’s Book Author, Broadway Producer

Though Susan Rose was a theater major when she first began her career at University of Maryland, she knew performing wouldn’t be her career. “I wanted to have more control over my life. And as a performer, you’re always putting yourself out there and always getting rejected,” she says. So she started her career by producing plays, beginning with “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, which eventually took her to New York. Since then she has been nominated for five Tony Awards, winning one as co-producer of “The Band’s Visit.” She’s also produced two movies – “Cooler Climate” starring Judy Davis and Sally Field and “Jack” with Stockard Channing – which have been nominated for Emmy awards. Eventually, life brought her to Coral Gables, to be near her daughter and grandchildren. It was here that the idea for her first children’s book struck her. 

Accomplishments

“José and El Perro,” a book about learning Spanish with some canine inspiration, was selected as one of the Best Children’s Books of 2023 by the New York Public Library. The third book in the series, “Happy Birthday José and Feliz,” is set for release in July 2026. A separate picture book, “Where Are All the Pink Pájaros?” is also in the works.

What She Says

The idea for “José and El Perro,” she says, came from watching her dog “learn” Spanish from her Hispanic pet sitter in the company of the pet sitter’s son José. “I would laugh and say, ‘Wow… my dog’s going to be bilingual.’” What happened was the inspiration that children could learn Spanish alongside the family dog as they read. “I’ve always been passionate about everything I’m involved in,” says Rose. “So, I would just say, follow your passion. Because if you’re passionate about something, chances are you’re going to make it happen.”