Deanna Bussadori Inspires Young Minds With Her Award-Winning Stories Of Sibling Bonds And Kindness

PHOTO: Award-winning children’s author Deanna Bussadori, celebrated for her Super Big Brother series, championing sibling bonds and heartfelt storytelling.

Blending Fact, Fiction and Imagination

Award-winning author Deanna Bussadori shares her creative journey, highlights the power of sibling bonds, reflects on multicultural influences, and discusses her commitment to inspiring young readers and giving back to communities.

Deanna Bussadori’s enchanting ability to weave heartfelt themes with the lively cadence of rhyme has earned her a cherished place in the world of children’s literature. With every turn of the page, her stories captivate the imaginations of young readers while gently imparting timeless values of kindness, resilience, and familial bonds. Her celebrated Super Big Brother series invites us into a world where sibling relationships are celebrated and shaped by vibrant characters and relatable milestones—a world inspired by her own family’s journey.

An author whose pen flows effortlessly with poetic grace, Deanna draws from a mosaic of life experiences—her South African upbringing, her Greek heritage, and the courage it takes to adapt to new beginnings across the globe. Her books transcend boundaries, resonating with readers from diverse backgrounds. Whether penning stories that ease the transition of welcoming a new sibling or supporting charitable causes close to her heart, Deanna envisions a literary legacy that both uplifts and connects.

In this interview, Deanna Bussadori shares profound insights into her creative process, influences, and altruistic efforts as she continues to redefine how children’s literature can shape lives. Join us in celebrating this award-winning author who marries storytelling with purpose, generosity, and an unmistakable love for her craft. ​​

Deanna Bussadori masterfully blends creativity, heartfelt themes, and poetic charm to craft meaningful, award-winning stories that inspire children worldwide.

What inspired you to create the “Super Big Brother” series, and how did you develop the themes of sibling bonds? 

My debut book, Super Big Brother: Finding Your Hero, was inspired by my two children. Watching my son naturally step into the role of a mentor for his younger sister—who looked up to him as her hero—deepened my appreciation for their growing sibling bond. This connection inspired me to create stories that reflect the different stages of childhood and the unique relationship between siblings.

“Watching my son naturally step into the role of a mentor for his younger sister inspired the Super Big Brother series.” – Deanna Bussadori

Their acts of kindness and the special growing milestones they shared became the foundation for my sibling series, weaving in themes of emotional growth, empathy, and support which inspired the creation of Super Big Brother: The Big Brave School Day and Super Big Brother: New Baby Surprise for Super Big Sister. I wanted to write stories that encourage children to be kind, help one another, and embrace the power of family bonds.

Could you share the journey of writing in verse and how it shaped your storytelling approach? 

Writing children’s books in rhyme is where I feel most at home on this author journey—it’s simply how my mind works. Since childhood, I’ve been drawn to the playful, rhythmic storytelling of Dr. Seuss, whose books were my favorites. Their catchy verses, vibrant illustrations, and fun style made them an engaging read, encouraging me to read them repeatedly. That love for poetry and rhyme has stayed with me, and it’s one of the biggest reasons I enjoy writing in rhyme today.

How does your cultural upbringing in South Africa and your Greek heritage influence your writing? 

Growing up in South Africa in a Greek family with two siblings, I was always surrounded by loved ones—family and friends gathered around food, the outdoors, sunshine, the beach, and lively get-togethers. Our home was always open, with visitors coming and going, and these memories created a deep sense of connection that have influenced and shaped my writing.

I believe it’s important to encourage both single children and siblings to build strong family bonds, especially in today’s fast-paced world, where it’s easy to lose sight of the value of family roots and culture.

What motivated your decision to donate your books to organisations like REACH-A-Child and Hindis Libraries, and how has this impacted you as an author? 

As an author, I am committed to giving back and making sure children are supported with opportunities to read books. By donating books, I can support charities and share the gift of reading with more children. Organizations like REACH-A-Child and Hindi’s Libraries are just a couple I’ve partnered with.

Recently, I donated my books to schools and libraries in Los Angeles who have been affected by the recent wildfires, to help rebuild their collections destroyed in the fires and in so doing, continue to inspire young readers. Donating not only expands reach and visibility for me as an author but more importantly helps build stronger communities.

What were some of the challenges and joys you experienced while living in different countries, and how did these experiences influence your creativity? 

Rebuilding your life multiple times when moving to different countries is one of the biggest challenges. Leaving behind extended family, friends, and familiar surroundings is never an easy decision and comes with additional difficulties and uncertainties. It requires resilience, determination, and a strong family effort.

Through these experiences, I’ve learned the importance of perseverance, facing challenges head-on, finding solutions, and having the courage to adapt. Believing in myself and my decisions have been crucial lessons, shaping not only my creativity in writing but also my resilience to keep moving forward.

In addition, the joy of watching my family grow, making new friendships, embracing new cultures, and experiencing different ways of life has been incredibly rewarding. These experiences have naturally woven themselves into my stories, adding depth, emotion, and a universal sense of connection.

Can you tell us more about the process behind designing the award-winning cover for “Super Big Brother: Finding Your Hero”? 

Designing an award-winning book cover is a thoughtful and collaborative process that blends creativity, market appeal, and storytelling. It begins with understanding the essence of the book—its themes, emotions, and target audience. My goal is always to create a visually striking design that not only grabs attention but also conveys the heart of the story in a single image.

I worked closely with a talented illustrator at Blueberry Illustrations determining key elements that would make the cover stand out while staying true to the book’s message. We explored different color palettes, typography, and compositions to find the perfect balance of eye-catching appeal to create something that would resonate with both children and parents.

Winning the Cover-of-the-Month AllAuthor award in June 2023 for Super Big Brother: Finding Your Hero was an incredible honor, reaffirming that a well-crafted design can enhance the reading experience and draw more readers into the story.

How do you balance crafting engaging stories for children while also imparting valuable lessons and themes? 

Balancing engaging storytelling with meaningful lessons requires a blend of creativity, relatability, and subtle teaching. Rather than trying to teach a lesson, I subtly add valuable themes—such as kindness, bravery, and teamwork—naturally into the narrative.

Using rhyme and relatable experiences helps keep young readers engaged while allowing them to absorb positive messages, which aims to leave a lasting, meaningful impression.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors looking to write meaningful and impactful children’s books?

Don’t overthink—just take action! Do your research, and if you have a story to tell, tell it. Passion is key; without passion, creating something meaningful can feel like an uphill battle. While inspiration may come and go, if you keep returning to an idea, that’s a sign your passion is real. Don’t let self-doubt hold you back—it’s nothing but a distraction that keeps you from moving forward. Have a plan, stay committed, and follow through.