Sophie Sleeps Over by my first best friend: Marisabina Russo

When I attended Camp Chinqueka, a sleepaway camp for girls, back in the last century, I met Cookie, aka Marisabina, Russo. We were great friends back then and re-discovered our relationship when she attended  my alma mater, Mount Holyoke College. She truly is my ‘oldest’ friend speaking in terms of longevity, not age.

It’s been a privilege and a thrill to watch my fellow art major thrive in the field of children’s book authorship and illustration with over 30 volumes to her credit.

The reason I’m writing about her today is that last night she presented me with her latest picture book, Sophie Sleeps Over, which she dedicated to me. It tells a wonderful story about friendship and feelings. I highly recommend it for children of all ages.

Not only did this story touch me, but also I can’t begin to say how honored I am by this recognition of our friendship and how grateful I am to have had Cookie in my life for all these years.

I’ve gone around the world (let me know if/when you get sick of hearing me say this…) and realize that in spite of the excitement, education and breathtaking experiences I took part in, what I most value is right here in my own backyard. Friendships like this are high on my list.