I recently started reading chapter books aloud to my oldest. We’re still reading lots of picture books too, but since I gave birth to her little sister, chapter books have been a good way to get a few minutes alone together. So far we’ve read:
Juana and Lucas, written and illustrated by Juana Medina. We read the Spanish edition, translated by Alexis Romay (who translated my book A Sled for Gabo and has since become a friend!)
Dory Fantasmagory, written and illustrated by Abby Hanlon. So far we have read the first two books, also in the Spanish translation. I read this series to my niece years ago when they were first published, and still find Dory irresistibly funny.
I especially love reading with my daughter in the early morning. She shuffles into my room in her too-small sleep sack, holding the book in her little hands, and says, “¿Otro capítulo?” One more chapter, indeed.
What were/are your favorite chapter book read-alouds? Reply and let me know what I should add to my list!
Giveaway!
I know it seems like the publication of Cousins in the Time of Magic is far away, but in the publishing world, it truly is no time at all. By pre-ordering the book, you help build excitement for the series and make it more likely that future books in the series will be published. Can you order your book now (from any bookseller, it doesn’t make a difference on my end where you shop)?
To make this a little more fun, I’m giving away four $20 gift cards to Astoria Bookshop (they ship anywhere in the country and the cards are digital, so anyone in the United States can enter). Here’s how to get your shot:
Pre-order Cousins in the Time of Magic from any bookseller
Reply to this email with a screenshot of your receipt
Gift cards will go to the 1st, 8th, 6th, and 2nd people who reply (the digits in 1862–the year the book takes place!)
Onward to 1862!
Other News:
There are now free printable activity sheets on the Reina Ramos character page over at the I Can Read website
I’m booking school visits and keynotes for the 2024-2025 academic year. Visit my booking page or get in touch with Lisa Nadel at lonnilanemarketing@gmail.com to schedule. Lisa can also tell you about an opportunity for school visits during the launch of Cousins in the Time of Magic!
I’m thrilled that Cousins in the Time will be published simultaneously in Spanish, which is huge–typically there is a long wait for the Spanish translation!
Upcoming Events:
I’m presenting a workshop titled Make It a System: How to Handle Business, Manage Your Time, and Organize Everything at the virtual conference of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators this August. Register at www.scbwi.org
I’m presenting a workshop titled Don’t Get Lost: Plan Your Book and Writing Process Like a Pro at the LKBF Latinx Storyteller’s Conference in September. I’m also offering one-on-one consultations. Register here!
Reading at the Carle Museum, 2023