Member Spotlight 2022 V2
At UMassFive, we believe that our members are what make us great—after all, each and every one owns a piece of the Credit Union. That's why each Newsletter, we feature a short interview with one of our members.
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What is your name?
Mike Curato
What is your occupation?
I am an author and illustrator of children’s books and graphic novels.
Can you tell us more about your books?
I have written a picture book series called Little Elliot about the enduring friendship between a tiny elephant and his best friend, Mouse. The first book, Little Elliot, Big City, has been translated into fourteen languages. I’ve also gotten to illustrate five other books for several other authors. My debut young adult graphic novel, Flamer, is about a teenage boy at scout camp in 1995 who is coming to terms with his identity. It won the Lambda Literary Award for LGBTQ Young Adult book and the Massachusetts Book Award for Middle Grade/Young Adult book. My latest picture book, Where Is Bina Bear? is about a bear with social anxiety who is trying to hide at a party and doing a very bad job at it.
Where do you live?
I have lived in Northampton for over five years now.
Do you have kids?
Do my books count?
Are you excited to build your business relationship with UMassFive?
Yes! I’m glad that banking with a credit union means more dollars will stay in my community.
What do you do in your free time?
I love to travel, cook and bake, sing karaoke, read, walk Leia, and laugh with my friends.
What is your favorite food?
Who can choose just one??
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
Hmmm… ice cream flavor taste tester? Yes. That.
If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only have three items with you, what would they be?
Pencil, paper, and my pillow. Never underestimate a good night’s sleep.