Blog Archives
Simple Questions With Positive Responses
Play With Me follows a young child and their companion who go on a picnic adventure and explore their world and invite young readers along to join them. What was the inspiration for your story?
Do you want the official answer or the truth? Official answer: I saw a TED talk about how kids learn to talk with questions. Someone asks, “What’s your name?” They answer. Someone asks, “What color do you like?” They think about it and answer. It’s how most conversations begin—a question and an answer. So that’s what I wrote. (That’s all true, it’s just not the full truth. For that…see below.)
The secret, unofficial answer is that I watched a relative reading to my granddaughter and was surprised that he just read the words. There was no pausing, no interacting, no questions with the child. That’s when I realized many people don’t know how to “read” a book with a toddler or how to engage the child in the book. So, I wrote the questions and the interactions to help the adults engage with their child and the book together.
And I’m thrilled, thrilled, thrilled with how it turned out!
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Lorraine Nam?
That was all RISE publications. My incredible editor Nicole Fox chose Lorraine, and I was over the moon. Lorraine made sketches that the art director critiqued. I was shown them, but mostly said, “OMG that’s gorgeous!” And voila, beautiful book!
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I needed the book to be interactive. Simple questions with positive responses. My editor and I discussed what activities to portray. I was happy with all her suggestions because, for me, it’s about the question/answer format of the book.
Will this children’s book be the start of a series, or are you working on a different story?
A series! (A Playdate Series)
Book 1 – Play With Me. Releases April 2, 2024
Book 2 – Play with Me Outside Releases June 11, 2024
Book 3 – Play Games with Me. Releases Nov 11, 2024
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
This board book series invites young readers to take part in a playdate activity of their choice, thereby empowering them with autonomy and validation. The picnic playdate models balanced and shared play, creating a positive experience that will provide readers with a reference for what caring and considered friendship looks like. Many toddlers and preschoolers consistently ask for someone to play with them, and this book provides just that for the quieter moments of the day. Simple language and gentle questions will help children develop their social skills by practicing conversations, all while engaging them in fun and familiar topics.
Play With Me
In Play With Me by Kat Chen, readers are invited to join young Ellison and her companion Rabbit on an enchanting picnic adventure. The narrative encourages participation, as Ellison and Rabbit, along with their audience, engage in activities like cloud-gazing and sharing favorite books. This interactive approach not only entertains but also fosters a sense of inclusivity.
Chen’s writing style is notably inclusive, seamlessly integrating prompts that welcome every child into the story. This fresh, innovative technique ensures that all readers, regardless of their background, can see themselves in the adventures of Ellison and Rabbit. Such an approach in a children’s book is both refreshing and commendable. The story goes beyond entertainment, subtly imparting valuable lessons about inclusion and teamwork. These themes are woven into the narrative in an engaging and instructive way, making the book an excellent tool for instilling these values in young readers. Lorraine Nam’s illustrations complement the text beautifully with their simplicity and charm. The art style is straightforward yet captivating, focusing young readers’ attention on the narrative and its underlying messages. The illustrations enhance the story, making the book even more appealing to its intended audience.
Play With Me seems particularly well-suited for children aged 1-3 years, striking a balance between fun storytelling and educational content. It encourages children to think and participate actively, even when the book is being read to them. This aspect is likely to appeal to parents and guardians, who will appreciate the book’s capacity to engage young minds in a meaningful way. Play With Me is a delightful read for young children, meriting repeated enjoyment.
Pages: 24 | ASIN : B0C9ZJS2P5
LITERARY TITAN 