Eve Nadel Catarevas

Eve Nadel Catarevas always loved to write. There was her newsletter for the kids in her Connecticut neighborhood when she was eight, featuring the “Best Backyards for Sledding” report, tips on houses to avoid on Halloween (pencils, popcorn balls, APPLES!), which raspberry patches were surrounded by poison ivy, and updates on how many more Bazooka Joe bubble gum comics she needed for that itty-bitty, fits-in-the-palm-of your-hand spy camera.

Junior high was about helping with “Dear Prudence,” her sister’s advice-to-the-lovelorn column for the school newspaper.

Later, it was poetry she knew better than to tell anyone about (until now). After college, she actually got paid to write ads for a pharmaceutical company about everything from aspirin and moisturizer to sunscreen and deodorant.

But it wasn’t until she began writing about little-known historical figures that she truly found her sweet spot. Discovering them, dusting them off and sharing their achievements with others was a turning point. They’ve been educational for her as well, and she’s planning to continue bringing their inspirational stories to light.

Eve lives in Westport, Connecticut with two- and four-legged family members. Her new non-fiction picture books, Queen of Judo and Wonderful Hair will be published in 2022.

Reviews

Queen of Judo

…Catarevas presents the tale in clear, concise prose, with careful attention to the facts, and, with a sense of admiration, emphasizes Rusty’s determination and strength. Peluso’s mostly earth-toned illustrations are well matched to time periods, locations, and events, with stylized characters that display their personalities, reactions, and emotions via spot-on facial expressions and body language.

A worthy homage to a fascinating woman who was a force for change in a man’s world. (author’s note, photos) (Picture-book biography. 7-10) Kirkus 1/22