Jackie and the Books She Loved

by Ronni Diamondstein, Bats Langley (Illustrations)

"There are many little ways to enlarge your child's world. Love of books is the best of all." —Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

Discover a delightful new story about Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis, one of the most famous women in the world.

History remembers Jackie as the consummate First Lady, especially for her White House restoration and the cultural events she instituted during her husband’s administration. Jackie was on the world stage in 1963 when President Kennedy was assassinated. She led the nation in grieving the fallen leader with grace and dignity.

In this inspirational celebration of reading, Ronni Diamondstein, with her engaging writing style in this picture book biography, introduces readers to an independent and confident Jackie and the idea of how books guided her life. The insightful story paints the portrait of a child captivated by reading and a love of literature and writing—from five‑year‑old Jackie reading Chekhov stories to a seasoned and confident Jackie at her desk as an editor in the last two decades of her life.

Jackie never wrote a memoir but revealed herself in the nearly 100 books she brought into print. Jackie and the Books She Loved is a dazzling book about the real woman behind this American icon of style and grace brought to life by the whimsical and tasteful artwork of Bats Langley. 

Genres: Picture Books, Biography, Nonfiction, History, Books About Books, Childrens, Historical

38 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 7, 2023

About the author

Ronni Diamondstein is a children’s book author, journalist, award-winning photographer and retired school library media and teacher of gifted and talented students in the U.S. and abroad.

As an avid reader since childhood, libraries, books, and writing are her life’s work. Ronni immersed herself in the world of children’s literature and nurtured her students’ creativity by sharing her love of books.

Ronni grew up reading and writing stories and creating writing opportunities for herself. In high school, Ronni successfully pitched a column for the school newspaper, so she had a voice. Many years later, she gave a voice to her toy poodle by creating the Maggie Mae Pup Reporter column in a local magazine writing from a dog’s point of view that developed into a blog.

Ronni took pride in her collection development, as she enriched the lives of her students with extraordinary books, both fiction and nonfiction, that she read and recommended to them.
Ronni once lived in a building in Rotterdam, the Netherlands called the “The Pencil,” the perfect place for a writer!

Ronni’s work has appeared in The New York Times, WAG Magazine, Inside Chappaqua magazine, U.S A. Trade Today, Window on the Netherlands, EuroHolland Magazine and Women’s News.

She is a graduate of Syracuse University, attended Bread Loaf Writers Conference and led writing workshops and open mics to encourage people of all ages to tell their stories.
Ronni served on the Board of the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival and is a Past President of the Chappaqua Library Board of Trustees. Jackie and the Books She Loved is her debut picture book.

She lives in Chappaqua, New York with her toy poodle, Maggie Mae. Learn more at https://ronnidiamondstein.com

Reviews

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

"There are many ways to enlarge a child's world. Love of books is the best of all."

We all know Jackie Kennedy as First Lady of the United States and widow of President John F. Kennedy. Largely considered one the most popular and iconic First Ladies of all time, most people don't realize that she was an editor at a publishing house, or that she was a voracious leader. In this charming children's story with whimsical illustrations, Ronni Diamondstein takes readers behind the scenes into a little-known part of Jackie's life and how her love of the written word fundamentally shaped who she was as a person.

Like most people who read this book, I had no idea that Jackie worked as an editor and edited so many books. This was a real treat to read and get more insight into such a beloved First Lady. Hearing about how much she loved to read made me admire her all the more.

A book for history and book lovers alike, as well as fans of Jackie Kennedy, this celebration of Jackie and her love of reading is a thoroughly recommended read.

[Susan]

Most of us know Jackie Kennedy as a former First Lady, but did you know she was a voracious reader and edited nearly 100 books, many of them bestsellers? I had no idea, so I found it fascinating to discover her literary side. Ronnie Diamondstein's text and Bats Langley's illustration not only pay tribute to a great woman but they simultaneously celebrate the power of reading.

[Jane Healy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jackie—courageous, classy, chic—is the subject of many books, yet author Ronni Diamondstein found a new angle for one more! Jackie and the Books She Loved emphasizes Jackie’s lifelong love of literature, the impact that reading had on her, and her work as an editor in bringing books to readers. Many of the wonderful illustrations by Bats Langley are based on photos and rendered realistically, showing Jackie’s determination and dreams as a girl and her grace as an adult. The impressive back matter includes a timeline of Jackie’s life, an explanatory Note from the Author, a selection of books edited by Jackie, Selected Sources, and Source Credits. This picture book is full of information and inspiration, especially for young people who love books. The positive impact of reading is reinforced by Jackie’s quotes included on the end papers. The last page serves as an excellent summary: “A love of literature guided her life. The books that she read and that she edited were her story.…now her books are her legacy and have painted her self-portrait.” The illustration appropriately shows Jackie encircled by the books that she loved. This book would be an excellent addition to any library, as well being a fine gift to children who love books or are interested in First Ladies. I received this book in an online drawing.

[Karen Greenwald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ronni Diamondstein introduces children to Jackie Bouvier and her dedication to/love of books. Adults reading this with children will most likely know about the stylish, popular First Lady's highlights--but this view of Jackie offers a more intimate sense of the woman behind the legend. Young readers will see how a childhood interest can help guide you and even your future. Although I already knew a lot about her, Diamondstein's research, delightful word choice, and interesting story, coupled with Bat Langley's vivid art educated, engaged, and fascinated me! I am sure children and those who read with them will feel the same! There are many life lessons to be learned in Diamondstein's story--and also well-researched, interesting back matter. A beautiful book about a woman who loved books!

[Stephanie Gibeault · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned so much about Jackie Kennedy from this book. She was a public figure, yet I never knew about her work as an editor and how a love of books flowed through her life. This biography is a wonderful way to introduce children to an influential First Lady and icon as well as to foster an interest in reading and writing. The delightful illustrations are bright and full of extra details about Jackie such as the titles of books she worked on and the fashions she wore. I also loved the back matter which gave more information about Jackie including a timeline of her life, selected sources, and a list of some of the books Jackie edited during her publishing career. I recommend this book to readers of all ages.

[Marni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jackie and the Books She Loved is a wonderful tribute to a great lady. We get a look at Jackie Kennedy's life from childhood through being the First Lady and after. I loved learning how she supported her husband in his work, and how she continued to move forward in her own work after his death. Definitely worth reading.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jacqueline Kennedy was so much more than a First Lady or fashion icon. Her deep love of literature was a hallmark of her life. This picture book biography, charmingly illustrated by Bats Langley, shows how that love manifested itself: in her own writing, sharing books with her children, and in her own editing career. I've long admired Jackie and it will be lovely to share this important part of her life with children.

[Sabelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jackie O and her memory hold an incredibly special place in my heart, and I’m overjoyed to have been sent a copy of Jackie and the Books She Loved to not only review, but cherish too. Jackie and the Books She Loved is not your typical children’s biography, but rather, is meant to serve as a further proponent to Jackie’s legacy of fostering literacy, art, and cultural education to the American masses–only now, Ronni Diamondstein has prioritized children in our culture’s frequent recount of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis’ narrative.

–And what a gift to expose today’s young girls to the self-sufficient, fabulous, and soul enriching life of Jackie Kennedy!

It’s beyond refreshing to read of, as well as see, a beautifully illustrated Jackie prioritizing a life molded by intellectual curiosity and taste-making. With the recent trend in conservative rhetoric, I can’t think of anything to be better exemplified to young girls, than that of the true-story of a woman who saw the innate value in the humanities, and sought to propel literature, as well as preserve and further American culture. Jackie will always be an icon in fashion and style, but more than that, she is an “icon” on account of her passion for literature. I truly believe Jackie, as well as many other “iconic” womens’ grace, stems not from their innate sense of fashion, but their brilliance–that is, their devotion to something greater than perception. And by the way, the secret to style is intellect. One can learn about fashion, but without passion for something greater than one’s self, “style” can never truly be formed. Jackie O remains the blueprint for a “style icon” due to her deep understanding of who she was: not a housewife, not a mere First Lady, not someone with an eye for clothes, but someone proficient in the arts and humanities. Jackie understood style because Jackie read books. Many have tried to mimic the class and elegance of Jackie Kennedy, but all who have avoided the fate of the intellect have failed. Although it remains all-too-often ignored, Jacqueline was an editor and a tastemaker first and foremost; and so, I’m beyond pleased to finally find a project which reflects the secret to Jackie’s often celebrated essence as opposed to a mere reiteration of the obvious: “Jackie was stylish”. No actually, Jackie was more. Jackie was intelligent.

As for why Jackie is special to me: I have been enmeshed with the fashion industry for quite some while now, and although I have always been surrounded by fashion, I recall the pivotal moment of our love story having first occurred when I was 8 years old, visiting the vintage shops with my family, shopping for the perfect pill-box hat and pair of gloves to wear for my 3rd grade “wax-museum” project. My parents had chosen Jacqueline Kennedy for me, as I had yet to develop any interest beyond aestheticism, and Jackie satisfied my parent’s requirement of the “independent woman” while satisfying mine of “wearing pretty dresses”. Although at age 8, I had researched Jackie’s biography extensively, I had failed to learn about her life as it existed outside of her proximity to John F. Kennedy. Over the years, I had come to resent my “failing” in revering a woman I had later thought to be meek and needy. Oh how ignorant I had been! Come to find out, after having grown up to study literature in college–whilst still dipping my toes in the ins-and-outs of the publishing industry, I soon learned that Jackie and I had had a lot in common (beyond fashion) all along! And spoiler alert: neither of us are anything less than self-sufficient nor accomplished. If only I had had access to a book like this when I had been researching for my 3rd grade project. Rather than understanding Jackie as an icon of Americana and style, I might have understood Jackie for the reflection I saw of myself within her. The shy girl I had once been would have been so comforted to learn of another little bookworm ballet dancer, who later grew up to become an accomplished journalist, editor, and overall champion of literature and culture. It fills me with such joy to know that what was once a woman celebrated for being JFK’s wife, and then later admired for what she wore, has since become a woman respected by young girls for the many achievements of her own.

What Ronni Diamondstein understands is that Jackie Kennedy is a role model beyond her contributions to fashion nor the Kennedy Administration. I’m grateful for this book, and so pleased to have been sent a copy of my own! Thank you Ronni!

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very competent look at a story I knew nothing about – I really think I would have failed to tell you in what capacity Jackie Bouvier met Kennedy in the first place, and nothing at all about how they combined in the writing aspects of his career, before the widow became a most successful book editor. Yes, this mentions JFK "died", and that's it, allowing Jackie's life story, from being a ballet-loving young bibliophile to respected and worthwhile publisher, to shine.

Whether she would have created this herself remains to be seen, as despite the fashion interest and Onassis diamonds and everything she comes across as a lot more humble when it comes to literature. I don't think she would have rejected this, however, for the thrust of the book is very clear. This is a woman who worked when she certainly didn't need to, and loved books – almost when she didn't need to; you would expect her interests to lie in other directions than giving us Russian folk stories, memoirs by author/screenwriters, and Paul Simon's attempts at picture books.

Acting clearly as a tribute and a thank you, without ever dropping into hagiography, this probably will barely be seen outside the American shores, and might not land with all members of its potential audience, but really seemed like a success to me. In taking someone much loved and heartily respected, and proving to the ignorant likes of me that she loved and helped create books, is only going to revive her 'get reading' message for a new generation. Four and a half stars, with the lack of universality about the only thing to lose this the highest acclaim.

[N Katz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE THIS BOOK. Most biographies of Jackie describe her as "the pretty wife of...". But this perfect book memorializes her as full person, one who has always been passionate about books, celebrating writers, and telling important stories. How many of us truly understood her devotion to literature? I'm so glad this is the book I read to my kids as their first introduction to Jackie. They were mesmerized by the whole story. If you were to ask them about Jackie now, the first thing they would tell you is how much she loved books.

Ronni Diamondstein clearly has a talent for telling Jackie's story in such a delicate way, rich with impeccably researched nuances that bring Jackie to life. The illustrations are remarkable. One can't help but imagine Jackie reading this book herself with a tear in her eye because finally she is understood. As a mom, I learned that the legacy Jackie would have wanted to leave children is that whatever your passion is in life, never stop sharing your gifts with the world. From there, anything is possible. Ronni DiamondsteinJackie and the Books She Loved

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

JACKIE AND THE BOOKS SHE LOVED is a picture book biography that explores a lesser known history of America’s former
First Lady.

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis had a lifelong passion for literature. She wrote poetry as a child, created a White House Guidebook, and edited nearly 100 books in the final 20 years of her life.

Author Ronni Diamondstein uses simple, straightforward sentences that will hold younger readers’ attention. Older readers will appreciate the expanded details of Jackie’s life in the back matter.

Artist Bats Langley’s well-researched illustrations are filled with historical details, including outfits (and oversized sunglasses!!) Jackie was photographed wearing, a 1950s taxicab, and April 1951 issues of Vogue and Life magazines at a newsstand.

Want to support the writer, artist, and many others who brought this book to life? Borrow and/or buy the book, ask your local bookstore/library to purchase copies, and share your review of the book online.

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you produce one book, you will have done something wonderful in your life. ~ Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

A love of books and words was a paramount passion in the life of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Her career in editing for Viking Press and Doubleday resulted in nearly one hundred books. While she did not write a memoir of her own, her legacy lives on in the books she edited and so many other ways. Her life was full of accomplishments, but her work as an editor was a career she chose to do even though she did not need to work. This picture book bio even includes a list of some of the books she worked on during that time. Last week I finished Jackie: Public, Private, Secret and found this picture book to be a satisfying followup to that read.

[K. Marcus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jackie and the Books She Loved by Ronnie Diamondstein and Bats Langley is a beautiful love letter to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. I enjoyed learning about Jackie’s childhood and how independent, creative, and smart she was as a child and feel that child readers will be completely enamored with Jackie. I felt like the author was having a conversation with the reader while also showing great respect to the child reader by sharing who Jackie was in her personal life but also in her professional life. Jackie was such an important part of our culture and I feel this book will be a perfect fit in both home and school libraries. The illustrations have a lot of movement, are engaging and will pull readers in. There is a lot of information in the backmatter, an author’s note, and a timeline which teachers will appreciate. I especially love the quotes in the endpapers. This is a lovely and important book and I highly recommend it.

[Brooke - TheBrookeList · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jackie Kennedy was a woman well-known for her fashion, poise, and grace. I certainly could not have told you that she was a journalist, writer, or book editor. Ronni Diamonds writes an interesting biography of her childhood, the things she loved and the habits that turned her into a reader, writer, and editor as she grew. For a woman so famous and a face so well-known, it does feel like a fascinating discovery to see her as one in the background of so many books or other literary works.

Read as a nomination in the nonfiction book award category as a panelist for Children's and Young Adult Bloggers' Literary Awards (Cybils Awards).

My teen daughter noted it was disconcerting to her that the images of Jackie Kennedy feature such a realistic head, but the rest of the body and images lack the same details or specificity. I can sort of see that. The well-known face on the non-descript body.

[Chana Stiefel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Ronni Diamondstein is passionate about Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and her story shines on the pages of this beautiful new picture book. From Jackie’s childhood surrounded by books and storytelling to becoming a journalist, helping her husband President John F. Kennedy write his famous book Profiles in Courage, to becoming an award-winning book editor after his death—everything about Jackie’s story surprised and inspired me. Along with the text, Bats Langley’s gorgeous illustrations capture our First Lady in loving detail, giving her much more dimension than I ever knew. After reading this picture book, I hope children will be inspired to write their own stories. As Jackie said, “If you produce one book, you will have done something wonderful in your life.”

[Kathryn LeRoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A biography for every lover of books!

I have always admired the former first lady and knew of her love of poetry. But Diamondstein gives the reader a glimpse of Jackie Kennedy Onassis as a professional editor and literary contributor. Tracing Jackie’s love of books and writing brings her to life for children and adults who may only know her as a fleeting name in history books. She is so much more. The author and illustrator gifted us a beautiful biography, a mentor and a legacy for reading, writing, and sharing our words. Read with a child you love. We need more readers, writers, and lovers of books.

[Sylvia Chen · Rating 5 out of 5]

JACKIE AND THE BOOKS SHE LOVED is such an insightful read with fascinating facts about First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy! With expressive and delightful details, intriguing insight centered on her interests and especially for reading and writing, and engaging tone throughout, this book shines for both the excellent writing plus the fabulously illustrated portrayals of Jackie Kennedy from young-aged to adult. And I really appreciate the amazing takeaways which really spoke to my soul: the joy of reading and writing, working hard to do what you love, meaningful and creative traditions, and the vast impact editing skills can make. A truly inspiring read!

[Carrie Finison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently drove by Miss Porter's, the school that young Jacqueline Bouvier attended, and was intrigued to know more about her life outside of being First Lady. This book lays out Jackie's life with a clear focus on her love of books, writing, and reading. She was always writing stories, collecting poems, and reading, reading, reading as much as she could. I loved the detail that a love of books and reading was part of what drew her and John F. Kennedy together and that, later in life, she found purpose and solace in her work as a book editor. Ronni Diamondstein has done a wonderful job of sharing this aspect of Jackie's life with young readers.

[Judy Cheek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ronni Diamondstein provides insights into Jackie beyond her role as First Lady. Children will enjoy hearing how Jackie wrote stories and poems about family animals when she was young. Adults will appreciate the additional insights provided in the backmatter. Ronni’s writing will engage children just as Jackie’s words point out how all the changes in the world start with words. The words in this delightful book, enhanced with the illustrations by Bats Langley, show how books are a gathering of words that can guide, inform, entertain, and inspire. It is a book about a book lover, written by a book lover to create future book lovers.

[Ellen Leventhal · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the opening spreads of this lovely book, Ronni Diamondstein's wonderful text paired with Bats Langley's brightly drawn illustrations brings us into the world of Jackie Kennedy Onassis when she was just little Jackie Bouvier. As the book progresses, we see how Jackie's life changes, but all that she was and what she did is because of her love of reading and writing. It was the foundation on which she built her life. Young readers will be immediately pulled into the intriguing story, and the adults who read it to them will also enjoy this book.

[Lynn Street · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy played many more roles in her life than First Lady of the United States. Her childhood love of reading and books (she created her own library!) continued into adulthood, adding richness and purpose to her work as an author and editor. Readers will enjoy perusing the fine details in the illustrations—from books to décor to fashions. Jackie’s tradition of writing birthday poems to her family may spark creative ideas for similar projects. A wonderful story for fans of books and history and Jackie!

[R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful biography depicts Jackie’s life through the lens of her love of books and writing, from a child who drafted hand-written stories and poems for her mother, to a young Washington D.C. reporter, to the successful book editor she ultimately became. The book showcases a side of Jackie beyond her fashion icon and First Lady status, and it is so refreshing and lovely. The backmatter includes and extensive Note From The Author that provides more details and information about the author’s inspiration.

[Marilyn Wolpin · Rating 5 out of 5]

More than being one of our most famous First Ladies, Jackie Kennedy from an early age was a lover of books. She collected them, read them, wrote her own stories, and later in life edited them. If kids’ books are supposed to model behavior for children, then Ronni Diamondstein’s debut PB accomplishes the job using lyric prose to show kids that the love of books and reading can turn into a career. A beautiful bio of Jackie illustrated by Bats Langley with backmatter to help fill in gaps invites the curious to learn more about Jackie Kennedy.

[Laurie Kutscera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a wonderful read, especially having known very little about Jackie Kennedy's life. A perfect book for young readers, Ronni Diamondstein artfully tells the story of Jackie Kennedy's passion for books—from reading and writing poetry at a young age, to assisting her husband, President Kennedy with what would be an award winning autobiography, and later in life, to the wonderful books she humbly edited.
The beautifully layered illustrations by Bat Langley are a wonderful accompaniment to the authors well paced story.

[Jena · Rating 4 out of 5]

JACKIE AND THE BOOKS SHE LOVED is a nonfiction picture book biography about Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis and how her love of books really shaped her life. I had no idea she was an editor towards the end of her life or that she insisted on doing it the old school way (i.e., no perks because she was well known). And the illustrations by Bats Langley were a revelation to me! I know his work from the GROGGLE books by Diana Murray. This is a different style for him and it works! I love it! This is a great picture book biography from a unique angle I had never heard of before.

[Lois · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew former First Lady Jackie Kennedy had undertaken a career in publishing after President John F. Kennedy died. But I learned from reading the book that Jackie loved books as a child and wrote poetry. Ronnie Diamondstein, the author, obtained permission from Jackie's daughter, Caroline, to include one of Jackie's poems written when she was about ten. The author's details and Bats Langley's illustrations enrich the text. A Timeline fills in the gaps, and the rest of the back matter provides more information---an inspiring biography for children and for book lovers of all ages!

[Kelsey Gross · Rating 5 out of 5]

JACKIE AND THE BOOKS SHE LOVED is a fascinating look at the life of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, specifically her love of literature and writing. Readers will be interested to learn that her passion for books stayed strong throughout her life. The text is well researched and shows scenes from her life that will be of interest to children, and pairs well with the colorful, detailed illustrations. Kids who love history, biographies, or books will really enjoy this new title, as will adults who remember Jackie!

[Leah Schanke · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Engaging and Educational Read!
Ronni Diamondstein's prose and Bats Langley's illustrations pair beautifully in this nonfiction picture book about how the love of reading impacted the life of First Lady Jackie Kennedy. A perfect way to introduce young readers to an important historical figure and encourage an appreciation of reading. Although the text is full of details, they don't affect the pace of this enjoyable read, and the rich backmatter greatly supplements the biographical information in the text. 

[Helen Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that will inspire children to read and write - what more could you ask from a book! There is a lot of very interesting history that is not well known about Jackie Kennedy, and about the huge contribution she made especially to women's literature. The writing style I think is geared toward older children (8-11) which works for a biography of this type, I think. I bet there will be more kids writing stories and poems after reading this book.

[Danielle Hammelef · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew a few details about this inspirational woman's life, but this book showed me the down-to-Earth side of Jackie. I learned how Jackie and I share a love for books and how she made books a priority on her life, her husband's life, her children's lives, and the lives of so many children who visited the White House. Jackie took her passion for books and writing to a career level and edited hundreds of books featuring subjects she cared about deeply.