10 Hidden Heroes: In Conversation with Mark Shriver

Lisa Hendey is joined by Mark K. Shriver, author of the bestselling new Loyola Press book 10 Hidden Heroes.

From New York Times best-selling author Mark K. Shriver comes 10 Hidden Heroes, an exciting seek-and-find book with a message. Featuring everyday heroes at home and in our neighborhoods, this vibrantly illustrated book helps children develop counting skills and learn how they too can be heroes in day-to-day life. Ideal for children ages 3-8.

Mark K. Shriver is president of Save the Children Action Network in Washington, D.C. He is the author of Pilgrimage: My Search for Pope Francis and New York Times best-selling memoir, A Good Man: Rediscovering My Father, Sargent Shriver, which received a 2013 Christopher Award. Shriver lives with his wife, Jeanne, and their three children, Molly, Tommy, and Emma, in Maryland. 

Mark, congratulations on the publication of 10 Hidden Heroes. The book is a timely gift for families in the wake of a turbulent year. What inspired this project?

Thank you very much, Lisa. I’m really excited to share 10 Hidden Heroes with young children and readers of every age! I was inspired over the last 12 months — during this time of pandemic — by all the heroes who have helped us all, day in and day out. 10 Hidden Heroes is a chance to celebrate people who are doing good deeds every day. These are not people who are trying to achieve fame or fortune or to become a celebrity. They are doing acts of goodness without fanfar e— American culture too often focuses on money, power, and wealth. This book is a chance to celebrate what Pope Francis calls “the hidden Saints next door who do tiny acts of love.” There’s so much goodness in our society — this is a fun-filled way to celebrate those heroes with young children.

Enjoy Lisa Hendey's chat with Mark Shriver, author of new Loyola Press children's book 10 HIDDEN HEROES and learn how YOU are called to be a hidden hero too! #catholicmom

The book is ultimately very empowering for little ones. Why write for children, and what hope do you have that this book will bear fruit in their families and communities as well?

When someone reads the short rhymes on each page to little ones, they will undoubtedly ask them to find the heroes on the page. The little kids will search and explain to their loved ones why a certain person is a hero. I’m hoping the book sparks engaging conversations for both the adults and the little ones. I don’t want to ruin the ending but hopefully, they’ll be lots of little heroes in homes and communities as a result!

The “hidden heroes” featured in the book are inclusive in many ways. Why was this a priority?

I’m afraid that for too long, heroes have been the rich and powerful, predominately male and white BUT we all know that’s not the complete picture. It is important to show that ALL people can be heroes. I wanted to particularly show that people with developmental differences can lead and be heroes and that people with physical limitations can lead and be heroes, too. Heroes come in all shapes and sizes and all different nationalities. If you love and serve your neighbor, whoever that neighbor maybe, you are a hero in my book.

Please say a few words about the contribution of your creative partner, illustrator Laura Watson.

The idea for 10 Hidden Heroes came to be during the COVID-19 lockdown last spring. We looked at a number of illustrators — and by “we,” I mean my wife, Jeanne, our three children, and I. We all reviewed the illustrators and then we took a secret ballot. Laura was first in everyone’s rankings! Her pictures are bright and fun and cute. Don’t you love each page? We should have done 15 hidden heroes so she could do 5 more pages. She’s the best.

How are we each called to be “hidden heroes”? Why does this matter now more than ever?

There’s too much anger in America today, too much fighting and name-calling. If we all do tiny acts of love, which is what a real hero does, then I really think we can heal our country. It sounds corny, doesn’t it, but I really believe that if we all take small, positive steps and our kids lead the way … Wow! It will make a big huge difference in our homes, in our neighborhoods, in our states and, ultimately, our country.

Are there any additional thoughts or comments you would like to share with our readers?

What’s better than snuggling up with your child and going on a joy-filled adventure?!? My sister and brother called me up and told me that they loved reading it to their grandchildren and that the kids loved showing them all the heroes and telling them why they were heroes. I hope you have a similar journey!

Learn more about 10 Hidden Heroes at 10HiddenHeroes.com

A question for you: Who is your favorite hidden hero, and why?

Copyright 2021 Lisa M. Hendey
Images: author photo credit Laurence L. Levin; all others, Loyola Press
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