Ann Patchett stopped by the Today show to discuss her new children’s book.
Patchett’s The Verts: A Story of Introverts and Extroverts, illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser, was published last month by Harper. The book follows Estie, a girl who decides to throw a birthday party for her little brother, Ivan, but learns that he, as an introvert, would rather just hang out with her instead. A critic for Kirkus called the book “an affirming read that values introverts and extroverts alike, uplifting each for their unique qualities.”
Today show co-host Hoda Kotb asked Patchett why she decided to write a book about introverts and extroverts.
“Part of it was the pandemic,” Patchett said. “I’m such an introvert, and I thought the pandemic was the rise of the introverts, because I was like, I’m going to have to stay in the house for two years? That works for me. And Robin, who is my partner in all of this, is a crazy extrovert.”
Co-host Jenna Bush Hager noted that kids don’t tend to think in terms of introversion and extroversion.
“It’s also interesting with this book, a lot of adults are buying it,” Patchett said. “What we have found is so many people have relationships with their opposites. My husband’s an extrovert; Robin’s husband is an introvert.”
Michael Schaub is a contributing writer.
