Born and educated in Brooklyn, New York, Sheila and Letty Sustrin decided at age five that they would be Elementary School Teachers when they grew up. Their dream came true and for 38 years they taught side by side in the Brentwood, New York, School District.

After retiring in 1998, they both realized that there was a void in their lives. They missed the interaction and everyday togetherness that they had with their students. The twins volunteered their time at the Laurel Park Elementary School where they had spent their last 18 years of teaching.

Sheila and Letty always wanted to write stories for children. They decided that now would be the perfect time to begin a new “Life After Retirement” career. They wrote their first picture storybook, “The Teacher Who Would Not Retire” and it was published by Blue Marlin Publications, a publishing company located in West Bay Shore, New York. This book won a “Red Ribbon” for second place at the Americana Fair of Islip Town in 2004.

Though the book was not autobiographical, the life of Mrs. Belle, their central character, paralleled the way they felt about the children. They wanted to continue their involvement with the children just the way Mrs. Belle did.

The Sustrins believe that “Humor” is important in the lives of children. The book and Mrs. Belle were embraced by readers of all ages so another humorous book about Mrs. Belle, “The Teacher Who Would Not Retire Goes To Camp” debuted in September of 2005. It received a “Blue Ribbon” for first place from Islip Town in 2006.

On May 16, 2009, the newest Mrs. Belle adventure, "The Teacher Who Would Not Retire Discovers a New Planet," was introduced to the public at a huge Book Signing at the Borders Store in Bohemia, New York. It received excellent reviews. On June 13, 2009, the book was chosen to receive the First Place Blue Ribbon Award in the Mixed Media Category, that was given by the Town of Islip at the Americana Fair in Sayville, New York.

Sheila and Letty Sustrin are very proud that they now have three, "Award Winning Books."

Book Expo Of America
The BEA was held at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City from May 30th through June 3rd, 2007. This is the biggest International Trade Show in the book world. Sheila and Letty Sustrin were highlighted by their Publisher, "Blue Marlin Publications," of Bay Shore, New York, on Saturday, June 2nd. The twins signed their first book, "The Teacher Who Would Not Retire" at the Blue Marlin booth, and then they did a signing at the traditional signing area of their second book, "The Teacher Who Would Not Retire Goes To Camp."

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Excerpt from
Re-Thinking Retirement: More Boomers Choosing To Work
by Taylor Gandossy
CNN.com October 26, 2006

Sheila and Letty Sustrin, twin sisters who taught kindergarten and first grade side by side for 38 years, said retirement was not only terrifying, it was unimaginable. "We'd been fighting it for many years," Letty said. But a financially appealing retirement package convinced them to leave their classrooms in 1998, and they said they had to find a way to pass the time. "We'd always wanted to write," Letty said. So they did, spinning out in 2002 "The Teacher Who Would Not Retire," a children's tale not so far from their experiences. Surprised by the book's success, they wrote "The Teacher Who Would Not Retire Goes to Camp," which was released three years later. "We go to children's groups and private and parochial schools," Sheila said. They read to young children, and teach about retirement. Their second careers are as fulfilling as their first, the sisters said.

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2007 Long Island Distinctive Authors Reception
The "Friends of the West Hempstead Public Library," in conjunction with the launching of the newly constructed West Hempstead Public Library, will be recognizing distinctive authors at a Cocktail Reception that will be held at the library on Thursday, October 18, 2007. This evening will bring guests from the town government, friends and family of the community, and guest speakers. This will be a prestigious recognition event for exemplary authors who have distinguished themselves in communities, business or academics. Each author has made significant accomplishments and continues to inspire and impact potential authors for success in future generations. Sheila and Letty Sustrin will be two of the authors that will be highlighted.
Excerpt from newsletter by Valentina Janek