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One of my favorite parts? Writing books that can be read and sung! Musical books help kids engage with stories and boost their early literacy skills. Most of my books start with a small idea that I keep rolling around in my head for a while. I decide on the tune and then the rest just come flowing out!
Curious about the process? Drop your questions in the comments, and I’ll be happy to share more!
Repetition in reading is actually a great thing! It helps kids build vocabulary, recognize patterns, and develop a sense of story structure. So the next time you find yourself reading Goodnight Moon for the hundredth time, just remember—you’re giving your child an amazing literacy boost.
What’s your child’s must-read book? Drop it in the comments!
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For example, if your child loves dinosaurs, grab a copy of Down in the Valley and stomp around like a T. rex or stretch your neck like a Diplodocus! 🦖 Moving while learning helps kids retain new words and develop a deeper love for reading.
How do you make storytime interactive? Share your favorite tips below!
Try singing classic nursery rhymes or even making up silly songs about your daily routine. And if you're looking for a singable book, my stories are perfect for turning reading time into a fun musical experience! What's your child’s favorite song? Let me know in the comments!
Sing, read, and celebrate the wonders of spring! Written to the cheerful tune of Have You Ever Seen a Lassie, this delightful picture book invites young readers to explore the magic of the changing seasons.
As the days grow longer and the weather warms, little ones will discover blooming flowers, playful baby animals, rainy day fun, and breezy kite-flying adventures. With real springtime photos blended with whimsical cartoon illustrations, this book brings the beauty of spring to life in a way that engages and excites early learners.
Perfect for reading, singing, and exploring together, Let’s Celebrate the Springtime encourages early literacy skills while fostering a love for nature and seasonal change. Whether at home, in the classroom, or outdoors, this joyful book is a must-have for springtime fun!
🎶 Let’s celebrate the springtime—there’s change in the air! 🎶
✨ Ideal for ages 0-5
✨ Supports early literacy through rhythm, repetition, and song
✨ Encourages curiosity about nature and the seasons
✨ Great for storytime, singalongs, and outdoor adventures
Get ready to welcome spring with a book that’s as bright and joyful as the season itself!
Now, to keep in the spring mood, download a free counting rhyme of Five Little Ducks available on my Free Printables page: Click to Download
Attending a craft fair, book festival, or local market is a fantastic way for independent authors to connect with readers, sell books, and build their brand. However, one common challenge is making sure attendees know that you are the author—not just a bookseller! A well-thought-out display can help you stand out, engage visitors, and boost sales.
One of the biggest mistakes new authors make is setting up a booth that looks more like a bookstore than an author’s table. Here’s how to fix that:
Banner & Signage: A large, clear sign with your name and “Children’s Book Author” is a must. You can include your photo and a fun tagline like “Meet the Author! Stories & Songs for Little Readers!”
Framed Author Bio: Display a short and engaging bio with a professional or fun photo of yourself. Include your social media handles so visitors can connect with you later.
Business Cards & QR Codes: Have a stack of business cards or bookmarks with a QR code leading to your website or online store.
Wear Your Brand: A T-shirt with your book’s logo, title, or your name can reinforce your branding.
Your booth should be welcoming, visually appealing, and easy to browse. Here’s how to create an engaging setup:
The “Meet the Author” Setup: Feature a large author sign, books displayed on stands, and an interactive space for signings or chats.
The “Storytime & Sales” Setup: Include a reading area, small props related to your books, and an activity like coloring sheets.
The “Bookstore Display” Setup: Use tiered shelving for a clean, professional look, with a focus on sales and book bundles.
Use Vertical Space: Tiered stands, bookshelves, or stacked crates help create an inviting, eye-catching display.
Tablecloth & Colors: A bright, clean tablecloth that matches your book’s theme makes your table pop.
Lighting: If indoors, use small fairy lights or clip-on lights to draw attention to your table.
Your signs should communicate important information at a glance:
A “Meet the Author” sign (with your name and photo)
A “Get Your Book Signed!” sign near the checkout area
A price list (clear and professional—avoid handwritten signs)
Social media & website sign with QR codes for easy digital connections
Make sure you have these key items to keep your booth running smoothly:
Plenty of books (organized neatly in stacks or on shelves)
Sharpies or pens for book signing
Business cards, bookmarks, or flyers for those who don’t buy but want to follow you later
Payment options: A Square reader, PayPal/Venmo QR code, or cash box with change
A giveaway basket: Coloring pages, stickers, or small freebies to draw people in
A notebook for email sign-ups (or an iPad with a digital form)
Many authors aren’t natural salespeople, but connecting with potential readers doesn’t have to be awkward. Try these tips:
Have a quick introduction ready: “Hi! I’m [Your Name], and I write fun, singable picture books for little learners!”
Ask open-ended questions: “Who’s the little reader in your life?” or “What kinds of books does your child love?”
Offer a freebie: Coloring pages or bookmarks encourage visitors to stop and engage.
Host a mini reading session: If the fair allows, set a time for a short read-aloud to gather a crowd.
Creating an inviting and professional author booth takes some planning, but it’s well worth the effort. The key is to make it clear that you’re the author, use eye-catching signage, and engage visitors in a natural way. With a well-designed booth, you’ll leave every event with more book sales, new fans, and growing recognition as an author!
It is just a little sign too. I don't make enough to have a custom sign made yet. I'm not sure what to do, but am thinking on it. I was just thrown off that people didn't realize I was the author - This one woman's whole demeanor changed when I clarified that I wrote the books. She wasn't interested at all, picking up a book and glancing through it as if it wasn't worth her time. I spoke up clarifying that I wrote the books, had over 60 titles, etc and then she lit up! The books then became worth her time. It was the oddest thing, but then I learned that there are companies that come to event selling books, a variety, not their own. I hadn't realized that!
In any case, I've learned, I need to clarify my advertising! Something else to work on in my free time LOL
Picture books are magical tools for engaging young children, but interactive picture books take that magic a step further. By inviting children to touch, press, shake, or even make sounds, these books make reading an active experience—one that builds early literacy skills in a natural, playful way.
As a librarian visiting classrooms for March is Reading Month, I’ve seen firsthand how interactive books captivate even the most restless preschoolers. These books transform reading from a passive activity into a hands-on adventure, sparking curiosity and reinforcing key early literacy practices like talking, playing, and reading together.
What Makes an Interactive Picture Book Special?
Unlike traditional picture books, interactive books encourage children to physically engage with the story. Books like Touch the Brightest Star by Christie Matheson and Press Here by Hervé Tullet prompt kids to tap, tilt, shake, and press pages, creating a sense of cause-and-effect that feels like magic.
But interactivity isn’t limited to touch—it also includes books that invite children to move, think, or make noise. My book Down on the Farm follows this approach by encouraging children to sing along to the tune of The Wheels on the Bus while making different farm animal sounds. As kids oink like pigs, moo like cows, or cluck like chickens, they’re not only having fun but also practicing phonological awareness, an important pre-reading skill. Plus, the book prompts children to think of other animals that might live on a farm, adding an extra layer of engagement and critical thinking.
Why Teachers and Parents Love Them
For teachers, interactive books are a game-changer in the classroom. They keep kids engaged, promote group participation, and encourage children to follow instructions. Parents also love these books because they turn storytime into an immersive experience—one where their child isn’t just listening but actively helping the story unfold.
Beyond entertainment, these books support:
Bringing Interactive Books Into Your Routine
Incorporating interactive picture books into daily reading time is simple:
Interactive books turn reading into an adventure, keeping children engaged while reinforcing early literacy skills. Whether you're a teacher, parent, or librarian, adding these books to your collection is a surefire way to make storytime more dynamic and memorable. If you need a list to get started, check these out:
This list includes books that get kids talking, moving, thinking, and participating in the story—making reading time more fun and educational.
Encourage your child to use their imagination and creativity by making up stories inspired by what they see.
At the Park: Ask your child to tell a story about a squirrel gathering acorns or a bird building a nest.
At the Farm: What adventures might a baby goat or a fluffy chick have?
Petting Zoo Fun: Let your child invent a tale about their favorite animal they met that day.
For extra engagement, record their stories on your phone or write them down together when you get home. This helps develop narrative skills and boosts confidence in storytelling!
Singing builds phonological awareness, an important skill for early reading. Sing songs about animals, nature, or favorite outdoor activities while exploring.
Sing ‘Old MacDonald’ at the farm and add in fun animal sounds.
Make up a song about a bunny hopping or ducks waddling at the park.
Use books like Down on the Farm or Old MacDonald had a Cat to sing along while watching real animals in action.
Turn any outdoor adventure into a literacy-rich scavenger hunt!
Letter Hunt: Find objects that start with different letters of the alphabet (e.g., ‘B’ for barn, ‘T’ for tree, ‘C’ for cow).
Sight Word Search: Look for words on signs at the park or farm.
Rhyme Challenge: Pick an object and think of words that rhyme with it (e.g., tree – bee, hay – play).
Bring a book along and enjoy a nature storytime.
Spread out a blanket and read under a shady tree.
Read a book about farm animals before or after visiting a petting zoo.
Pair a book with your surroundings (e.g., Let’s Celebrate the Springtime while spotting flowers and baby animals).
Encourage pre-writing and storytelling skills with simple outdoor activities.
Use sticks to draw letters or shapes in the dirt or sand.
Bring a notebook and let kids draw what they see, then help them add words or captions.
Trace letters on foggy car windows or soft mud for sensory learning.
Role-playing and movement support comprehension and vocabulary growth.
Pretend to be different farm animals and act out their movements.
Make up a story about a day in the life of a zookeeper or a farmer.
Use puppets or stuffed animals to retell a favorite story outdoors.
Early literacy isn’t just about books—it’s about fostering a love for language and learning through everyday experiences. Whether you’re singing, playing, or telling stories, every outdoor moment can help build important early reading skills.
This spring, take learning beyond the pages and explore the world through words, songs, and stories! Looking for books that encourage singing and interactive learning? Check out my collection for fun, engaging stories perfect for outdoor adventures.
Two years ago, I attended my very first author event at Reading Rocks in Rockford—a fantastic book festival in Rockford, Michigan, hosted by the Krause Memorial Library (part of Kent District Library). And let me tell you—it was an awesome experience!
I had no idea what to expect, but I walked away with new readers, valuable lessons, and a fresh excitement for in-person book events. If you’re an indie author thinking about selling your books at vendor events, craft fairs, or book festivals, here’s what I learned (plus a few tips to help you get started!).
Since this was my first event, I didn’t go all out with an elaborate setup, but I did put some thought into making my table inviting. I brought 50 books and sold 12, which I consider a win for my first-ever outing!
Here’s what worked well for my display:
✔ Baskets & Book Holders: I used cute wire book holders (thrifted from Goodwill!) to make my books stand upright and easy to flip through.
✔ Signage: I grabbed dollar-store black picture frames to display my author name, a "Ways to Pay" sign, and a QR code linking to my books online. (The QR code was scanned multiple times!)
✔ Flyer Holder: A simple plastic stand made my book lists easy to grab.
💡 Tip: A bright or patterned tablecloth makes a big difference! I used a floral one that caught people’s eyes—definitely keeping that for next time!
One of the biggest surprises? Half the people wanted to pay with a card! I came prepared with Venmo, Cash App, and PayPal, but I’m so glad I also bought a Square card reader. It was a lifesaver!
However, I thought I had Apple Pay set up, but it didn’t work. Lesson learned: Test all payment options before the event!
💡 Tip: If you're selling books, assume people will want to pay in different ways. A simple “Ways to Pay” sign listing cash, card, and digital options makes checkout smoother.
The absolute highlight of the day was interacting with families, chatting about books, and watching kids get excited about my stories. Even those who didn’t buy a book scanned my QR code, grabbed a bookmark, or took home a book list.
One thing I wasn't expecting? Kids LOVE getting their books signed. They lit up when I wrote their names inside! If you’re doing an event, bring good pens and have a go-to autograph phrase ready.
After wrapping up my first event, I made a quick list of things to tweak for next time:
🔲 Make sure Apple Pay actually works!
🔲 Bring a cooler for snacks & drinks. Events can be long, and you’ll thank yourself later.
🔲 Keep track of which titles sell best. Data = smarter restocks!
🔲 Stock up on fun swag. My animal bookmarks were a hit—need to make more!
🔲 Stick with the flower power tablecloth. Eye-catching = more visitors.
🔲 Have a signature autograph phrase ready. Kids love personalized books!
If you’re a self-published or indie author wondering if vendor events are worth it—YES, 100%! You don’t need a huge setup or tons of experience. Just bring your books, a welcoming attitude, and a way to take payments.
Have you done a book event before? Got any tips? Let’s chat in the comments!