Sustrin Books : The home of Mrs. Belle

 
 

Mrs. Belle,
this will not do!
You must wear
the proper shoe!

 
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Quotes & Reviews

THE TEACHER WHO WOULD NOT RETIRE

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After reading The Teacher Who Would Not Retire, my first grade inclusion class fell in love with Mrs. Belle. They had so many questions and they wanted to meet the authors. We wrote them a fan letter. This past April my class was fortunate to have Miss L. and Miss S. Sustrin visit. They read one of their books to the class.

Miss L. and Miss S. explained how they came up with the idea for their books and how long it took them to write them. They discussed what the author and the illustrator do. The authors explained the publishing process and how long it takes for a book to be published. Before they read the book Miss L. and Miss S. reviewed the chant and had the children recite it with them. They also explained that when the chant appears in the story we were all to say it. As my class was first grade Miss L. and Miss S. also explained any concepts / vocabulary that might have been new (ever being first grade teachers!). After the story Miss L. and Miss S. answered any questions the children had.

The children thoroughly enjoyed their visit and learned so much about the book making process. They were so excited they got to meet real authors. This was the highlight of our year in first grade!

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—Patricia Behrens, Special Education Teacher
North Elementary School, Brentwood, NY
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Our primary school population was visited by authors Letty and Sheila Sustrin. This is the second time they have visited our school and our students truly enjoy finding out about the adventures of the Teacher Who Would Not Retire. Their visit to our school was a big hit and enjoyed by all. We would recommend them to any other school looking for an author. Quote Right
 
—Barbara Mieczkowski, Cultural Arts Chairperson
Tamarac Elementary School, Holtsville, NY
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The Teacher Who Would Not Retire,” is an enjoyable story collaboratively written by Sheila and Letty Sustrin, with easygoing and fun color illustrations by Thomas H. Bone lll. “The Teacher Who Would Not Retire” would prove an especially welcome and popular addition to any elementary school library book collection. Quote Right
 
—Midwest Book Review
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I read this delightful book and giggled at the many ways Mrs. Belle tried to remain at her job. As a teacher who is close to retirement, I feel many of the ways that Mrs. Belle did. This would be a wonderful book to read out loud to the young children who will come to school next fall and no longer see their “old teacher” in her room. I purchased another copy for a retiring friend just because it is possibly the only children’s book on retirement I have seen. Just a joyous book to share! The pictures are adorable and those ballet slippers..... Quote Right
 
—Amazon.com Reviewer: reallytag from Dallas, TX
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Just a note to thank you both for the superb presentation on your career change and new book! The members of Business and Professional Women of Deer Park still remark how much they enjoyed your remarks. Please let me know when you pen another book and don’t forget to come back to visit us again. Quote Right
 
—Kim Nowakowski, President of BPW/DP
 
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Sheila and Letty Sustrin introduced their new book, “The Teacher Who Would Not Retire,” to our Kindergarten through 3rd grade students. Their storytelling was interesting, exciting, and perfectly paced for their primary school audience. The children delighted in learning about the character, “Mrs. Belle,” and how the authors’ own retirement and experiences led to her creation. Quote Right
 
—Anna Stokes, Librarian,
S.S. Cyril & Methodius School Deer Park, NY
 
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I can’t thank you enough for the wonderful programs you conducted for the Kindergarten through 3rd grade students at East Woods. The children were fascinated by your discussion of the creation of “The Teacher Who Would Not Retire” and thoroughly enjoyed hearing the delightful story. I know I speak for all of the teachers in telling you that this was an invaluable experience for all the children. Quote Right
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—Wendy Kaplan, Library Media Specialist
East Woods School, Oyster Bay, NY
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Sheila and Letty Sustrin tackle a common problem, the forced retirement of a beloved teacher. The clever illustrations of Thomas H. Boné lll accentuate the humor of the text. Quote Right
 
—Heartland Reviews 1/28/03
 
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Letty and Sheila Sustrin were fantastic presenters at our annual Writer’s Symposium on March 25, 2003. They were extremely well-prepared. This was their first year with us and as a result of their professionalism, cooperation and success with the students, we will be asking them to return to our school when we have our next Writer’s Symposium. Quote Right
 
—Leanore Rosenzweig, Special Projects Consultant
Holdrum Middle School, Rivervale, NJ
 
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Dear Sheila and Letty, I cannot thank you enough for the book and the wonderful sentiments, “We have made a cozy corner in our library and we will invite Mrs. Belle to read her favorite stories to the children.” I would love to have the two of you read your wonderful story to our kids here at Woods Road. Quote Right
 
—Steve B Golub, Principal
Woods Road School, North Babylon, NY
 
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“The Teacher Who Would Not Retire” is a funny story of a teacher who will do anything to continue to stay involved with her students. Parents, Teachers and Kids, will enjoy how the book teaches about retirement and the love of learning. Quote Right
 
—Sharon Herath,
Booktalk for Kids
 
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Grandparents, parents and yes, teachers - will get a kick out of this fun way to teach children, ages 4-8, about retirement and the love of learning. The imaginative story will cause many older readers to wistfully recall the Mrs. Belles they have known in their lives. Quote Right
 
—John Scott Cooper,
Waycross Journal Herald
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It was wonderful to have you here and to finally meet you both. I really do love your book and have, since I first saw it at my Bohemia Store. I hope we can plan another event when your new book comes out. Please keep us in mind. Quote Right
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—Nicole Scherer
Borders - Riverhead, NY
 
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The guest speakers, a charming and entertaining duo who authored a children’s book about a retiring teacher, kept us all amused with their tales of unretiring. Sheila and Letty Sustrin take on retirement from the teaching profession through the eyes of their literary character, Mrs. Belle.

“Retirement was the worst day of our lives” according to Sheila (or was it Letty?). The twins were impossible to tell apart.. Writing their book is just an excuse to go back to school. In fact, one of their students thought they were “back from vacation.” Apparently kids don’t understand retirement. Their extended family now includes former students, parents, and now rotary members.

Their sequel, “Mrs. Belle Goes To Camp” comes out shortly. “We see you here, We see you there, We see your slippers everywhere” is not just a description of Mrs. Belle, it describes Sheila and Letty Sustrin.

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— Tom Licari
Islip, New York Rotary
 

THE TEACHER WHO WOULD NOT RETIRE
GOES TO CAMP

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Elementary school teacher Mrs. Belle is off to summer camp to be the Head Counselor. The eccentric Mrs. Belle insists on wearing ballet slippers for all the camp events and activities (including hiking, bowling and scuba diving!) which is plunging the camp kids, staff and the owner Mr. Rivera into upheaval and disorder. Can the children devise a compromise between Mrs. Belle and Mr. Rivera (who wants her to be in normal, sensible shoes) that will take into account Mrs. Belle’s sore feet?

Imaginatively written for readers ages 4 to 104 by Sheila and Letty Sustrin, and energetically illustrated with the artwork of Thomas H. Bone III, The Teacher Who Would Not Retire Goes To Camp is a unique, original, and superbly presented picturebook whose story and imagery will capture the delighted attention of readers from first page to last.

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—Midwest Book Review
 
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Funny and Great Illustrations I think the book was funny especially the part when Mr. Rivera went fishing and caught Mrs. Belle. The illustrations are so funny and the story makes you laugh and happy Quote Right
 
—A Kid’s Review Amazon.com
 
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The Misses Sustrins Do It Again. The Sustrin’s second book is equal to their first, “The Teacher Who Would Not Retire.” The story is delightful and entertaining; the illustrations are wonderful and jump right off the pages. I took care of a great portion of my Christmas gift list by purchasing numerous copies of this book. Quote Right
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—Lorraine Wright Saratoga Springs, NY
Amazon.com Reviewer
 
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I have known and worked with Sheila and Letty Sustrin for about five years in my official capacity as Corporate Sales Manager for Borders Bohemia. They have done many book signings here for their books The Teacher Who Would Not Retire and The Teacher Who Would Not Retire Goes To Camp. Sheila and Letty are always the first on my list to come do a special event as they always draw a large crowd and are so easy to work with. They are engaging, gregarious, and warm. Their events are not just about selling the book; they read, do activities with the children and speak to the adults. If your organization or group is looking to do something fun, Sheila and Letty are the ladies you want. Quote Right
 
—Suzan K. Pelkofsky Corporate Sales Manager
Borders Books, Bohemia
 
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Sheila and Letty Sustrin brought laughter and inspiration to 200 retirees at our Regional Conference. Their love of children and teaching was very evident as they shared their experiences in the transition to retirement. Their extraordinary talents and humor naturally led them to writing children’s books. They know exactly what turns children on and how to reach them. At the same time their personal story is highly motivating to other retirees who are searching for a new path in life. Quote Right
 
—Dorothy Zuckerman Retiree Services Consultant
New York State United Teachers
 
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Letty and Sheila Sustrin presented their book, “The Teacher Who Would Not Retire Goes To Camp” to the students at East Woods School in May, 2006. They did four 30 minute back-to-back presentations, reading aloud from their latest book. They were very enthusiastic during these presentations, and tailored them to meet the different age and interest levels of their audiences. Even before the day of their presentation, Letty and Sheila were very helpful and detailed-oriented in the planning process and were a pleasure to work with. Letty and Sheila’s presentations were dynamic and engaging. Their experience as teachers was evident as they interacted well with the students, who were asked to “help tell the story.” They were also well received by the faculty members who were grateful to receive the classroom packets of book-related activities. Based upon our experience, Letty and Sheila Sustrin are talented authors who are gifted in reaching their audiences. I have no hesitation in recommending them for their program. Quote Right
 
—Ruth Lorbert Library Media Specialist
East Woods School
Oyster Bay, NY
 
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Dear Sheila and Letty, On behalf of the faculty and students of Our Lady of Lourdes in West Islip, I would like to thank you for the fabulous job you both did during your recent visit. The students of all ages enjoyed hearing about the newest adventure of Mrs. Belle. The way you presented the story, read to the students, and discussed the events, shows what great teachers you are. Thank you again for the wonderful presentation. We look forward to hearing your next story. Many Thanks. Quote Right
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—Stephanie A. Hager Pre-K Teacher
Our Lady of Lourdes School West Islip, NY
 
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I wanted to thank you again for providing the children with such a memorable and wonderful literary experience. All the children, teachers, and administrators were so impressed by your visit. Hopefully you can visit us again when your new book is published. Quote Right
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—Lucette Colantonio-Lang
Trinity Regional School
East Northport, NY
 
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On April 24, 2007, Harbor Country Day School was honored with a visit from Sheila and Letty Sustrin. During the visit, the sisters held separate workshops with the pre-school students, kindergarten students, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders. It was in the scope of these workshops that they discussed their books with them ("The Teacher Who Would Not Retire" and "The Teacher Who Would Not Retire Goes To Camp").

I was extremely impressed with their keen ability to tailor each workshop to the children's appropriate age level. They engaged the children immediately, and the 40 minutes allotted to each group flew by! Their organization and ability to relate to the children was admirable. It was such a joy having them come to our school that we can only hope they will come back again next school year.

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—Carrie Zuckerman Co-Chairperson - Library Committee
Harbor Country Day School,
St. James, NY
 
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This program was an evening event and it emphasized how reading is fun and exciting. This event was correlated with "PARP." Sheila and Letty Sustrin were teachers for 38 years and they now continue to teach with their books and storytelling performances. They are patient, attentive, and can handle student questions in a fun way. They also know how to interact with the students and have a genuine love for children. Their 30-minute presentation was perfect for this event. Quote Right
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—Edie Manchenko P.T.A. Book Swap Chairperson
Signal Hill Elementary School
Half Hollow Hills CSD, NY
 

THE TEACHER WHO WOULD NOT RETIRE
DISCOVERS A NEW PLANET

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Dear Sustrin Sisters:

Thank you so much for presenting during last week's Day of Wonder at Forest Avenue School. I have received so much positive feedback from the students, teachers, and parents. This wonderful event could not have been possible without you! You were so generous to share your time and talent with the students of Forest Avenue School and your generosity is greatly appreciated!

On behalf of everyone at Forest Avenue School, I thank you!

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—Christine Tona
Principal Forest Avenue School, West Babylon, NY
 
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The Teacher Who Would Not Retire Discovers a New Planet by Sheila and Letty Sustrin,
Illustrations by Thomas H. Bone III

Recommended by Susan Peterson, Twin Pines Elementary School, Brentwood, NY, School Librarian
Suitable for: K-5

Why I chose this book: The authors have created an exciting story about the main character, Mrs. Belle, discovering a new planet. The President invites Mrs. Belle to go to space school so she can join the space team as they go into orbit. With each turn of the page young readers will feel the excitement mount as the heroine prepares for the space expedition. The illustrations in this book are clear and brightly colored, and will appeal to young and old alike.

How teachers can use this book: Teachers can use this book to launch a unit on the solar system. The book includes a letter from a teacher who participated in summer space camp. Both the letter and the book are rich with science vocabulary. This story could also be used as a prompt for students to create and write about their own planet complete with scientific properties.

What I liked best: In the books, The Teacher Who Would Not Retire and The Teacher Who Would Not Retire Goes to Camp, Mrs. Belle is a feisty character with a genuine regard for her students. She is warm, funny, and intelligent. In this latest epic Mrs. Belle is true to form right down to her wardrobe of ballet slippers and she does not disappoint her readers.

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—This book was reviewed in the December, 2011 issue of the NYSUT United Magazine
 
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The latest installment in the wonderfully upbeat "The Teacher Who Would Not Retire", The Teacher Who Would Not Retire Discovers a New Planet is a children's picturebook about the enthusiastic Mrs. Belle, who does not let her age (or her profession!) dissuade her from embarking on exciting adventures. Mrs. Belle not only discovers a new planet - she also prepares for a space voyage to visit it! "For the first week, Mrs. Belle, Mr. Rivera, Kitty Belle, and Magic went through a very hard training period. They had to get in good shape for their trip to outer space. Each night, the children watched as the astronauts in training jumped hurdles, did pushups, ran the 100-yard dash, and even climbed ropes up to the ceiling."

Exuberant, cartoon-style color illustrations enhance this delightful storybook, with sufficiently detailed and involved text to be ideal for young people who are almost ready to make the transition from picturebooks to chapter books. "The Teacher Who Would Not Retire" is an excellent choice for children's public library collections, or just for read-aloud storytime. Also highly recommended are the previous series installments, "The Teacher Who Would Not Retire" (0967560239, $16.00) and "The Teacher Who Would Not Retire Goes To Camp" (0967460271, $17.00).

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—Midwest Book Review
 
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There's a new addition to the series, "The Teacher Who Would Not Retire" by Sheila and Letty Sustrin, with illustrations by Thomas H. Boné III. In the new book, she Discovers A New Planet ($17.95, Blue Marlin Publications, West Bay Shore, N.Y. 11706). This is the third book about this teacher who has various adventures. This one is by far the most far out (no pun intended) as Mrs. Belle is enlisted by the President to go into space and report back about the planet which she names Bellerina, naturally. Suffice it to say it is a very fanciful story of space travel that will prove quite entertaining for those ages 4 to around 10 or so. Quote Right
 
—BOOKVIEWS by Alan Caruba
 
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To Whom It May Concern,
It has been our great pleasure to have twin authors Sheila and Letty Sustrin visit our school to share their book series with us, The Teacher Who Would Not Retire. These delightful authors engaged all of our students with their wonderful tales of "Mrs. Belle" and the amazing adventures she continues to have with her students even after retirement.

Your students and teachers will thoroughly enjoy this wonderful literacy experience as these talented educators share their love for children and for reading through their charming stories.

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—Aimee R. Adams
Principal of Babylon Christian School
 
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Dear Sheila & Letty Sustrin,
I would like to thank you both for a wonderful author visit on April 14, 2009. The children and staff enjoyed your presentation and you.

It was evident to all how much you love children and treasure them. You charmed our students from your greeting to your farewell.

You were so gracious during the luncheon with several of our second graders. The children could feel your love and respect.

We look forward to a visit in the future.

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—Fran Libretti
Librarian
May Moore Primary School, Deer Park
 
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To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing this letter on behalf of Letty and Sheila Sustrin. They are retired elementary school teachers who in retirement have become authors. We recently invited them to our school for our Author Visit that we do each year.

The Sustrin sisters are the authors of "The Teacher Who Would Not Retire" series featuring the lovable Mrs. Belle! These twin sisters are also very lovable and endearing themselves! Prior to their visit, our teachers exposed the students to their work and involved them in various activities. On the day of the program, the children were eager to welcome the Sustrin sisters to their school!

Letty and Sheila Sustrin were able to engage students from kindergarten to fifth grade with their stories and audience involvement. They provided each grade level with their own presentation which allowed them to truly cater it to that age's specific ability. The Sustrin sisters presented each teacher with a folder of extension activities and reproducibles for their books. This is a generous and valuable resource that they share.

The Sustrin sisters were most enjoyable to all of the classes. Both students and teachers benefited from their visit to our school. I would encourage others to welcome them into their school!

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—Maria Gross
Kindergarten Teacher
John F. Kennedy School, West Babylon

 

THE TEACHER WHO WOULD NOT RETIRE
BECOMES A MOVIE STAR

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The Teacher Who Would Not Retire Becomes a Movie Star is the fourth book in the popular "The Teacher Who Would Not Retire" series, following the adventures of energetic, high gumption Mrs. Belle, who proves that age is no barrier to embarking on new adventures! Bright, colorful cartoony illustrations fill this engaging story in which Mrs. Belle is nominated in an "Everybody's Favorite Teacher" contest and wins. The prize? A biography of her life will be filmed in her home town, with Mrs. Belle playing herself! The text of this uproarious and cheerful story is sufficiently detailed to appeal to young people who are almost ready to move on from picturebooks to chapter books. The Teacher Who Would Not Retire Becomes a Movie Star is a treasury of whimsey and fun, highly recommended.

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—Midwest Book Review
James Cox

 

 
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There's another series I have been following called "The Teacher Who Would Not Retire" and in this one she Becomes a Movie Star" ($17.95, Blue Marlin Publishers). In others she discovers a new planet and goes to camp in stories told by Sheila and Letty Sustrin with illustrations by Thomas H. Bone III. When a Hollywood film study holds a contest for student's favorite teacher, Mrs. Belle wins and her adventure begins. The story and artwork will keep younger readers turning the pages to find out what happens next.

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—Book Reviews by
Alan Caruba

 

 
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To Whom it May Concern:

It is with great pleasure that I write this letter of recommendation for Letty and Sheila Sustrin.

Mmes. Sustrin and Sustrin were guest authors at Hemlock Park Elementary during Reading Stampede Week, March 2013. Each grade received a copy of their first three books prior to their visit. These books were read aloud. Students were familiar with the main character, Mrs. Belle, and her ballet slipper trademark. During the author visit, Mmes. Sustrin and Sustrin read their latest book, The Teacher Who Would Not Retire Becomes a Movie Star. They included a shared reading component and highlighted unfamiliar vocabulary words. The students were engaged, active participants.

Ms L. and Ms. S. Sustrin were personable and geared their presentation to students in UPK and grades 1 - 5. They talked about the importance of writing about what you know, caring for books and using a bookmark. Each student received a Mrs. Belle bookmark as a gift.

Without hesitation, I recommend Ms. Letty and Ms. Sheila Sustrin for an author visit. They were professional, accommodating, and truly love being educators.

If I can be of any further assistance, do not hesitate to contact me at 631-434-2451.

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—Laura Alicastro,
Principal Hemlock Park Elementary School, Brentwood, NY

 

 
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To Whom it May Concern:

On March 18. 2013 we had the pleasure of having the Sustrin Sisters at our school to kick-off our P.A.R.P. celebration. Their assembly program was both informative and engaging for all of the students ranging from kindergarten to fifth grade. The children especially loved having them read their newest book, "The Teacher Who Would Not Retire Becomes a Movie Star". In addition, they provided the teachers with follow-up activities for their classes and offered autographed copies of their books to the children for a very nominal cost. Sheila and Letty Sustrin were wonderful to work with. Their program was well organized and they were very accommodating to our schools needs. I would definitely recommend their program to other elementary schools.

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—Kristine Hancock,
Cultural Arts Coordinator, South Bay Elementary School, West Babylon, NY

 

 
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Dear Miss S. and Miss L. Sustrin,

Thank you very much for sharing your new, fabulous book The Teacher Who Would Not Retire Becomes a Movie Star. Your presentation was fantastic! Ms. Pinto has shared all of your books in a series with us and WE LOVE ALL OF YOUR AMAZING BOOKS!!!!!

In The Teacher Who Would Not Retire Becomes a Movie Star, our favorite part is when Mr. Rivera drops all of Mrs. Belle's new ballet shoes. We thought the part when Mrs. Belle was a baby in a baby carriage was hysterical!!!!

We look forward to another new adventure for Mrs. Belle. Thank you for being such awesome authors and we Love Thomas Bone III's illustrations, too.

You have inspired us to write our own Autobiography's and we will be writing Biographies about each other.

Thank you again!

Love,
Ms. Pinto's MAGNIFICENT 2nd Grade CLASS

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—Eileen Pinto,
Laurel Park Elementary School, Brentwood, NY

 

 
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Everyone who has ever had a favorite teacher will be enchanted at Mrs. Belle's exploits. In this beautifully illustrated and colorful book, Mrs. Belle manages to be herself when fame comes knocking at her door. Follow Mrs. Belle on a fun trip to stardom! Quote Right
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—Amazon.com Reviewer: CLH

 

 
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We are at four and counting and each book is a treasure. My grandchildren and nieces and nephews are in love with the Sustrin's books and Mrs. Belle. This fourth book is a gem, full of interest and bursting with color, Mrs. Belle is truly a "Star". Hope the fifth book is in the works. Quote Right
 

—Amazon.com Reviewer: RLW

 

 

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