Tis the Season for Holiday Sweaters

Look at those amazing sweaters!  In the back of my new book 'TIS THE SEASON (available now!) I included an activity : create your own holiday sweater.  There are gatherings in the book and what do people love to wear to holiday festivities?!  Fun sweaters, of course!  (my husband said to not use the term "ugly sweater" in a children's book)

A wonderful day care provider shared this picture with me of sweaters that some of her kids created.  I absolutely love them!  They are ready for any holiday party!  My heart is happy and ready for the holidays!

 

Quirky Christmas Books for Kids

 

I love books that are a little off center, especially around the holidays when stress runs high.  If you're looking for something a bit quirky, check these books out!  Of course I had to add one of my own  :) 

The LEGO Christmas Ornament Book by Chris McVeigh

Yes, you read that right - a book that gives you the directions for making LEGO ornaments!  You just need to have all of the pieces handy.  If you're like me, I'd say the color doesn't matter so much as long as it is the right size and shape.  There are actually a couple of books too, so you can really get into creating.

The Christmas Story : The Brick Bible for Kids by Brenden Powell Smith

Keeping with the LEGO theme, here is the Christmas story told through LEGO scenes and minifigures. It is really quite fun and clever.  If you have a child into LEGOs they might sit down and listen to the story.

National Geographic Kids Weird but True Christmas

NatGeo has many Weird but True books and this one focuses on Christmas and weird but true facts from around the world.  For instance "In Caracas, Venezuela, it's tradition to roller-skate to church on Christmas Day".    If you're going to be in Caracas on Christmas, don't be left out - bring your skates.  

The Night Baa-Fore Christmas by Dawn Young

It is Christmas Eve and Bo can't sleep, so he calls on the sheep.  Ohhh that's a mistake.  The sheep are thirsty and hungry and cause all kinds of trouble.  How can Bo get his present if the sheep are making a mess.  This is a delightfully quirky bedtime book and counting book.

Memoirs of an Elf by Devin Scillian

It is Christmas Eve and an elf named Bobbin has a story to tell.  It starts normal enough with Bobbin taking selfies in front of the sleigh before the big trip, but it doesn't take long for things to go wonky.  They actually, accidently take someone's dog!  OH NO!  Scillian is the king of Memoirs books (the Goldfish will always be my favorite).  If you haven't read his others, check them out. 

Santa : A Bingo Book by Cassie Veselovsky

Yes, of course I had to include a book by me!  Santa seemed fitting, though I could have included Five Rowdy Reindeer.  Both could be considered quirky.  In any case, I chose Santa because I am very proud of that book.  I love the simple story it conveys and the rhymes work really well.  If you enjoy singing the Bingo song (there was a farmer who had a dog and Bingo was his name-o), then give Santa a try!

Tough Cookie by Edward Hemingway

A twist on the Gingerbread Man, Tough Cookie is fresh out of the bakery running as fast as he can and he is caught by the fox.  Turns out this sugar cookie doesn't taste so delicious though.  What is a fox and cookie to do?  Read this and then make some cookies!

Just One Flake by Travis Jonker

Liam wants to catch just one perfect flake on his tongue.  He tries all sorts of creative ways.  Will he be successful?  You will laugh and probably also get some ideas to try yourself!

'Tis the Season

 Greetings friends!  It is getting to be that time of year when many feel as if they are being pulled in a million different directions.  I can relate.  I have been working on books - my most recent one 'Tis the Season is mentioned above - as well as keeping busy at work with evaluations and end of year things.  

I long for the moments when I can stop running and simply enjoy time with my family.    Those moments come and I treasure them.

'Tis the Season actually reminds people of that.  Amidst all of the hustle and bustle, don't forget the things that really bring us joy; the ones who matter most.

Testing out Amazon Ads

 

The decision to use Amazon ads when self-publishing through Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) depends on various factors, and there are both advantages and considerations to take into account. 

I  have tried them a few times now with mixed results.  My first couple of times I ran a week of a sponsored product campaigns with automatic targeting. I got a few clicks and the costs were low, but no sales.

This last time I tried manual targeting and WHEW the costs went up fast and I made one sale.  I chickened out and paused the campaign because the costs went up daily so fast and one sale didn't justify the cost.  I will need more testing, but it definitely felt like manual targeting reached more interested parties.   

If you want to try your hand at Amazon Ads, here are some points to keep in mind: 

Advantages:

• Increased Visibility:
• Amazon ads can increase the visibility of your book on the platform, making it more likely for potential readers to discover and purchase it.
• Targeted Advertising:
• Amazon's advertising platform allows you to target specific audiences based on keywords, interests, and other factors, ensuring that your ads reach relevant potential readers.
• Control over Budget:
• You have control over your advertising budget, allowing you to set daily or lifetime limits to manage your spending.
• Data and Analytics:
• Amazon provides detailed analytics, allowing you to track the performance of your ads and adjust your strategy accordingly.
• Promotional Opportunities:
• Running ads can be a part of a broader promotional strategy, especially during book launches or promotional periods.

Considerations:

• Costs:
• While you have control over your budget, advertising costs can add up. It's important to monitor the performance of your ads to ensure a positive return on investment.
• Competition:
• Depending on your book's genre, there might be considerable competition for ad space. This can affect the cost of ads and the visibility of your book.
• Learning Curve:
• Understanding and optimizing Amazon ads may take some time and experimentation. You need to be willing to learn and adjust your approach based on the data and feedback.
• Book Quality:
• Before investing in ads, ensure that your book has a professional cover, an enticing blurb, and positive reviews. Ads won't be as effective if the book itself doesn't meet reader expectations.
• Targeting Effectively:
• Effectively targeting your audience is crucial. If your ad reaches the wrong audience, it may not convert into sales.
• Seasonality:
• Consider the seasonality of your book and its genre. Certain genres may perform better at specific times of the year.

Tips:

• Start Small:
• Begin with a modest budget to test the effectiveness of your ads. Gradually increase your budget as you gather data and optimize your strategy.
• Monitor and Adjust:
• Regularly monitor the performance of your ads and be willing to adjust your targeting, keywords, and budget based on the results.
• Educate Yourself:
• Take the time to learn about Amazon advertising. There are resources available, including guides provided by Amazon, that can help you understand how to use the platform effectively.
• Integrate with Other Marketing Efforts:
• Use Amazon ads as part of a broader marketing strategy that includes social media, email marketing, and other promotional efforts.

The use of Amazon ads can be a valuable tool for increasing the visibility of your self-published book, but it's important to approach it strategically, monitor results, and be willing to adjust your approach based on data and feedback. Don't be afraid to click that "pause" button if you need time to look things over and change up your strategy. 

Repetition and Simple Songs in Early Literacy Development

Continuing with my theme of looking at different aspects of early literacy development, we are taking a peek at repetition and simple songs (think "The Wheels on the Bus" etc).  Repetition and simple songs play a crucial role in early literacy development for young children. They help children build foundational skills and understanding in various aspects of language and literacy. Remember, you don't have to sing like a pro - you need to engage with your child and have fun!  Doing those two simple things, you can help you child with:

• Phonemic Awareness: Repetitive songs and rhymes help children recognize and manipulate the individual sounds (phonemes) in words. This is a fundamental skill for reading and spelling.
• Vocabulary Building: Simple songs often include common words and phrases. Repetition of these words and phrases helps children expand their vocabulary and comprehension.
• Memory and Recall: Repetition enhances memory and recall. Children learn words and phrases more easily through repetition, which is crucial for language development.
• Language Rhythm and Fluency: Songs have a natural rhythm and melody, which help children develop language fluency and a sense of how sentences and phrases flow. This supports early reading fluency.
• Sequencing and Narrative Skills: Many songs and rhymes have a sequential structure, which helps children understand the concept of sequencing and storytelling. This is an important skill for comprehending stories and texts.
• Comprehension Skills: Songs often convey simple narratives or concepts. By repeatedly hearing and singing along with these songs, children develop comprehension skills and understand how stories are structured.
• Letter and Word Recognition: Simple songs can introduce letters, words, and their sounds. The repetitive nature of songs can reinforce these associations, which is essential for early reading.
• Motivation and Engagement: Children are naturally drawn to music and repetitive patterns. Simple songs and rhymes engage children and make the learning process enjoyable, which is crucial for motivation in literacy development.
• Social Interaction: Singing and repeating songs often involve social interaction with caregivers or peers. This interaction strengthens and fosters language development and communication skills as well as the bond between adult and child.

Examples of repetitive and simple songs for early literacy development include "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star," “Bingo,” "The Itsy Bitsy Spider," and "Old MacDonald Had a Farm." These songs are often used to teach letters, words, numbers, and basic concepts and are easily changed or adapted to other themes which enhance fun and learning. For example:  “Captain Seadog Had a Ship” (on sale now! $6),  “Old MacDonald had a Cat,” and “Santa: A Bingo Book”.

In summary, repetition and simple songs are powerful tools in early literacy development. They help children build a strong foundation in phonemic awareness, vocabulary, memory, comprehension, and other essential language skills while keeping the learning process engaging and enjoyable.  Make reading time more musical!

Why singing is important for early literacy development

Familiarity and repetition strengthen learning. In my series of Bingo Books, I have taken the familiar Bingo tune and created fun songs with other five letter words. Why? Because singing songs and listening to music are wonderful ways for children to develop early literacy skills. In song, each syllable of a word can be more easily heard. Hearing the rhythms and rhymes of language helps prepare your child to read and boosts memory and comprehension! Yes, rhymes are easier to remember. If you want to teach a young child an address or phone number, make it into a sing-songy rhyme! Singing is incredibly important though many adults are reluctant to sing to their child... I'm here to tell you that it is worth it and your kids really don't care if you can sing in tune or not! Here are some reasons you should dust off your vocal cords for your child:

• Phonological Awareness: Singing helps children develop phonological awareness, which is the understanding that words are made up of smaller sounds, or phonemes. When children sing, they break words into syllables, and they become attuned to the sounds in words. This awareness is crucial for learning to read because it helps children understand the connections between spoken and written language.

• Vocabulary Development: Songs often contain words that children may not encounter frequently in everyday conversation. Singing exposes children to a richer vocabulary, increasing their word knowledge.

• Rhythm and Rhyme: Many songs have rhythmic patterns and rhyme, which are essential for phonemic awareness. Children learn about the structure of words and the relationships between sounds, for example, that "cat" rhymes with "hat."

• Memory and Repetition: Songs often have repetitive elements. This repetition helps children remember words and phrases, reinforcing their language development.

• Social and Emotional Development: Singing can be a social activity, whether it's with parents, caregivers, or peers. This fosters social interactions, bonding, and emotional development. Songs can also convey emotions and help children understand and express their feelings.

• Fluency and Comprehension: Singing promotes fluency in language. Children learn the natural cadence of sentences, how to group words together, and the proper intonation for questions, statements, and exclamations. All of these elements contribute to better comprehension when they start reading.

• Mnemonic Device: Songs often serve as memory aids. Think about the alphabet song, for example. These memory devices help children remember information, which is a critical aspect of learning to read.

• Motivation and Engagement: Children often enjoy singing, and enjoyment is a powerful motivator for learning. When learning is fun, children are more likely to be engaged, which, in turn, aids in the learning process.

• Cultural Awareness: Many songs are tied to cultural traditions and stories. Singing exposes children to cultural diversity, broadening their horizons and teaching them about different cultures.

• Literacy Skills Transfer: The skills acquired through singing, such as recognizing sounds and rhythms, can transfer to reading. Children who have strong singing skills often have a head start in developing strong literacy skills.

Singing is a playful, enjoyable way to promote early literacy skills in children. It helps with phonological awareness, vocabulary development, rhythm and rhyme, memory, and social and emotional development. All of these aspects are essential for building a strong foundation for reading and writing as children progress in their literacy journey. Sing with your kids! And if you're still hesitant, check out my books which help to make reading time more musical!

Marketing your self-published picture book

 

You've written your children's book and have gotten it published.  No small feat.  Yet now you are faced with getting the word out about your wonderful book to millions of readers.  How do you go about doing that?

Social media is a great place to start - telling friends and word of mouth can help create excitement, but generally that is limited.  You need action.

This year I have been attending craft fairs and the results have been amazing, seeing smiling kids read my books, meeting teachers who want me to visit their class, talking to parents about early literacy.  Attending craft fairs to market children's books can be a great way to connect with your target audience, showcase your books, and generate sales. Here's a plan to make the most of your craft fair experience:

1. Select the Right Craft Fairs:

• Research local craft fairs and events to find those that attract families and have a strong attendance record. Many groups are on Facebook.  Key search terms include: vendors, vendor events and craft fairs.

• Consider the theme and demographic of the fair to ensure it aligns with your target audience for children's books.  Know the area you are visiting.  My daughter (pictured) wanted to wear her fox hat.  I kept saying "no".  But we were in a rural, hunting area and that darn hat brought a lot of people to our table!

2. Prepare Your Booth:

• Design an eye-catching booth with colorful, child-friendly displays that reflect the themes of your books.  My table is a bit bold, but that's me - I love bright colors and designs.

• Ensure your booth is well-lit, has clear signage, and is inviting for children and parents.  I found many items for display at my local Goodwill and resale shops.

• Have a table or display space for your books, along with any promotional materials or merchandise like bookmarks, posters, or stickers.  I offer my bookmarks, stickers and buttons free, so every child can get something.

3. Stock Sufficient Inventory:

• Bring an ample supply of your children's books to meet the potential demand.  I have 40 books, so I really consider where I am going and the theme for the day when I am choosing titles.   Be thoughtful!

• Consider offering bundles or discounts to encourage multiple purchases.

4. Marketing Materials:

• Create professional brochures or promotional materials that highlight your books, your background as an author, and your contact information. Canva is my go-to for creating promotional material.  Also be sure to display a QR code for customers to click right to your website.

• Collect email sign-ups for a newsletter or mailing list to keep attendees updated about future releases and events.

5. Interactive Activities:

• Host interactive activities for children, like storytelling sessions, coloring stations, or book readings.  Having a little coloring area is cost effective and gives you time to chat with the parents about your books.

• Offer a space where children can meet the author (you) and have books signed.  They love to have their books signed!

6. Payment Processing:

• Ensure you have a secure and convenient method to process payments, whether through cash, card readers, or mobile payment apps.  Create a signage with QR codes to the various payment apps and be prepared to use them!  This seems to be the go-to method for payment.   I also love my small, inexpensive Square card reader.  It gets a lot of use.

7. Pricing Strategy:

• Set competitive and clear prices for your books. Offer special discounts or promotions for event attendees.

8. Engage Attendees:

• Greet visitors warmly, engage with them, and provide insights about your books.

• Encourage parents and kids to browse your collection and ask questions.  If possible, have special copies of your books for people to go through.  All that opening and closing and fingers all over the pages does damage and later customers will notice.

9. Collaborate with Other Vendors:

• Collaborate with other vendors at the craft fair, particularly those selling complementary products or services for children.

• Cross-promote with vendors to increase exposure and foot traffic.  You are networking not only with the customers but with other vendors.  There is nothing like that for support and cross promotion.  You are helping each other and building strong relationships.

10. Collect Feedback:

• Request feedback from parents and children. This can provide valuable insights for improving your books and marketing strategy.  Find out what they think!  They are your market - it is important to know if you're meeting their needs.

11. Follow-Up:

• After the craft fair, follow up with attendees who expressed interest in your books.

• Send a thank-you email, share photos from the event, and include information on where to purchase your books.

12. Evaluate and Learn:

• Assess the craft fair's success. Evaluate what worked and what could be improved for future events.

• Use these insights to refine your approach for future craft fairs.  Even though I have only attending four events, I tweak my approach each time and have been fine tuning the display.  Keep changing things up and trying new ideas!

Remember, marketing children's books at craft fairs is not just about selling books; it's also about building relationships, creating memorable experiences, and connecting with your audience. By being well-prepared and engaging with attendees, you can make a significant impact and grow your readership.