He’s written about international leaders and world-changing events — decisions and moments that affected millions of people and, in some cases, resonated for years — but none of those people and things mean as much or are as personal to Ben Feller as his most recent composition.
Feller, a former chief White House correspondent for The Associated Press, wrote his first book, “Big Problems, Little Problems,” a children’s book, which will be available in mid-May.
The 30-page, hardcover book tells a father-son tale, focusing on Feller’s personal passion, his son and their relationship. The book addresses life’s daily challenges, love triumphing over frustration, a secret handshake and the wisdom of children.
“When my son Sam was about 4 or 5, I could tell when he was getting upset when he could not solve a problem on his own, like zipping a coat. So, I would get down on one knee just so I could look him in the eye at that age, and I would tell him softly, ‘Don’t get frustrated.’ And then I would help him do that by taking three deep breaths together,” said Feller, who earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism in 1992. “I explained the difference between a big problem and a little problem so he would understand that life’s little challenges were natural and not that big of a deal.
“He listened and learned — and absorbed it all far more than even knew. One day, when I was stuck in traffic that had no end in sight, Sam heard me sigh. Sitting in his car seat, he saw the exasperation on my face by looking at me through the rear-view mirror. And out of nowhere, this little boy of mine said, ‘Daddy. Don’t. Get. Frustrated.’ I laughed and I was so touched. He was teaching me the lesson in return.”
PODCAST: Ben Feller Discusses "Big Problems, Little Problems"
Feller is a strategic counselor who has worked with leaders of academia, business and philanthropy for the past nine years. Before that, his career with The Associated Press included six years as chief White House correspondent, focusing on the administrations of presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush. Feller was twice honored for excellence in reporting on the presidency. His position allowed him to ask the first question at many news conference and he traveled aboard Air Force One to more than 25 countries.
With that background, he’s a different kind of children’s book author. Plus, Feller’s book tells a story from a father’s point of view, also a rarity in the field.
The years-long book project got its start with an idea when Sam was about 4, not long after that moment in traffic. While the writing itself did not take long, the process did. Feller worked with a children’s book consultant for guidance, pitched the idea to Tilbury House Publishers during a pandemic, tracked the work of the illustrator (Mercè Lopez), and worked through edits.
Only a bit more waiting remains for hard copies of the book to be printed and delivered. Sam, now 10, has seen the book’s progress on a computer screen and his dad cannot wait to have the book in hand.
“I've never done anything this personal in my writing career,” Feller said. “It's a different kind of pride —certainly an accomplishment to have written a book, but also just that sense of knowing my relationship with my son during his early years will be captured forever. Sam has seen it on the computer, but I don't think it will really hit him until we receive a hard copy. No book becomes real until you can hold it — especially a children's book!”
Feller and his son live in Brooklyn, not far from Sam’s mom. They remain close and share custody of Sam.
Feller, who was raised in State College, has been recognized as a Penn State Alumni Fellow, the highest award given by the Penn State Alumni Association, for achievements across his communications career. He comes from a Penn State family, has appeared on the cover of Penn Stater magazine, and has spoken at Penn State’s Foster-Foreman Conference of Distinguished Writers. He got his journalism start at his hometown Centre Daily Times in State College, Pennsylvania, in 1992.