Teachers and parents alert: two fun books to “read together and do together”

La Familia de Broward just received the books “Lucky to live in Florida” and “The wise animal handbook”. These two books are part of a series that was just launched today, May 1st, 2017. We are thrilled with the initiative because it allows parents and educators to interact with the children who also interact with the book itself. 

The author is Katie B. Jerome, and award- winning author who has written more than 100 children’s book including Who was Amelia Earhart. She is passionate about intergenerational communication. Here is an interview with Jerome that was submitted by Arcadia Publishing.

Q&A with the author of the Lucky to Live In… and The Wise Animal Handbook children’s series:

Kate B. Jerome

1. As a best-selling, award-winning author of over 100 nonfiction books for children, what inspired you to create these two series?

In 2015 I did a Fellowship in the Distinguished Careers Institute at Stanford University. This year-long immersion allowed me the time to connect some important dots that ultimately inspired me to create these new series. It’s no secret that children thrive when they have frequent conversations with caring adults but sometimes our busy world makes it hard to find time to talk about some of the most important things that children need to learn. So I decided to tackle the problem. The result is the READ TOGETHER/DO TOGETHER™ line of children’s books that are intended to jump-start meaningful conversations between kids and adults that not only promote literacy but also contribute to a child’s social and emotional development. I was delighted that Arcadia was interested in the idea because their expertise in local and regional publishing allowed me to customize the content to particular regions and states to make it even more relevant to the reader.

2. What is your hope for these books and the people who purchase them?

My sincere hope is that the books inspire the kinds of conversations that bring out the laughter and love that already exist between kids and their favorite adults. I strongly believe these kinds of “vertical connections” are mutually beneficial to both!

3. When it comes to educating young people, what is the best bit of advice you can offer?

Helping a child learn to read unlocks the door. But thoughtful conversations give a child the courage to walk through it.

4. What has been your favorite part in creating these series?

I loved designing the multiple layers in the books…from beautiful design to interesting rhymes to meaningful purpose behind each spread. I was constantly working a kind of creative Rubik’s Cube in my head to get all the elements to come together…and believe me, there were many frustrating dead-ends (not to mention staring off into space moments with very patient friends!). But when the solutions all finally lined up…well, the satisfaction was immense!

5. Where do you find creativity and inspiration?

Have you ever been reading a book to a child and about to turn a page when the child suddenly yells out, “Wait…Wait!” because he or she is not done inspecting and examining and interacting with the page? That’s always a “holy grail” experience for me…and when I really tune-in to what is going on in that wonderful little mind right then and there, it often creates an “AHA” moment that leads to my next creative leap. Kids always provide an endless supply of magic in my life!

6. Are you working on anything new now?

Yes! I’m hard at work on another READ TOGETHER/DO TOGETHER™ series that will be ready sometime next year…and I’m advising on some other interesting projects including a virtual reality educational program. There are never enough hours in the day…but I wouldn’t trade it for the world!

 

NOTE: The books are selling for $16.99 and you can purchase it here: https://www.arcadiapublishing.com/Products/9780738527710

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