I Love It When We Read Together invites reading partners to create their
own special rituals with gentle prompts and endearing illustrations that
encourage kids to read along, spot animals, and spark lively conversations.
This book is perfect for building fluency and connection. Inspired by the
literacy challenges of the pandemic, early childhood educator Karolyn Wallace
crafts a cozy experience that helps families bring the joy of reading home.
Interview with Karolyn Wallace
Could you tell us about any research trips you took for this story? Which places did you visit, and what made them essential to your writing?
I Love It When We Read Together, my first book, is geared
toward children and adults. It is less of a story and more of a
feeling. My research spans the two decades I spent as an early
childhood educator. It is this background from which I drew
inspiration for wanting to shine light on the value of a shared
love of reading between partners of all ages. Two influential
trips include a visit to Reggio Emilia, Italy, in July 2016. The
Loris Malaguzzi Centre welcomes an international crowd to
learn about the Reggio approach to learning based on students’
questions and interests. The other noteworthy trip for me was
a visit to the Planet Word Museum in Washington, DC, in
September 2023. The sign that greets visitors says, simply,
“The museum where language comes to life.” These two visits
provide a foundation for my emphasis on the importance of
conversation and comfort surrounding reading.
What's the strangest thing you've ever had to research online for your book?
Even after some 20 years of teaching, I found myself
questioning the cycle of best practices in early literacy. I
listened to podcasts about recent reversals in trends and
debates about whole language. I also checked in with friends
and former colleagues about updates in curriculum and
opinions about phonics, comprehension, and reading skills.
What research (history, mythology, science) goes into your world-building?
The science of reading plays out on each page in my book. The
simple text suggests ways to deepen reading comprehension
through storytelling. Through research I have also gained an
appreciation for early relational health and pediatricians who
discuss the importance of literacy with new parents.
The landscape for my word building is the feeling of comfort
and trust one gets from sharing a book together. The feeling
can be built on trying any one strategy from any page in my
book. Or, it can be based on trying multiple suggestions at
once.
Have any of the people you've known, past or present, left a lasting impression on your writing journey? If so, we'd love to hear about a memorable experience that stands out to you.
I have been married to a journalist for over 40 years and my
children are both excellent writers. My journey is entwined with
theirs. We read together as a family for a long time at bedtime,
on road trips, through audio books, too. I have never been
disappointed in books they recommend to me and in their
description of why they think I would like a book. It gets to a
deeper understanding of who we are and how well we know
each other. I love that!
Do you write in the same genre all the time?
Children’s picture books is where I feel most at home.
If so, have you ever consider writing in another one?
Yes! I would like to create a series of books focusing on shared
experiences that underscore the importance of reading. For
example, cooking.
Which character, supernatural or human, do you enjoy writing the most and why?
Human characters appeal the most to me as a writer because I
rely so much on my background experience as an educator.
About the Author
Karolyn Wallace is a seasoned educator with over twenty years of experience
teaching in elementary classrooms across public and private schools in
Maryland, Washington, DC, Los Angeles, and New York. Before that, she was a
broadcast journalist at local news affiliates in Los Angeles and Flint,
Michigan. She is currently part of the team at The Children’s Learning
Lab, where experienced educators connect with elementary students for online
learning. She divides her time between Michigan and California, enjoying the
company of her husband, children, and grandchildren.
Contact Links
Website
Goodreads
Instagram
Purchase Link
https://mybook.to/LoveWhenWeReadTogether
Amazon
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