by Dev Petty
My first book, I DON’T WANT TO BE A FROG, came out last February and it’s been a wild ride this year publicizing and reading my book across the San Francisco Bay area which I call home. It’s kind of been the year when I went from “person who wrote and sold a book” to “writer,” if only because I now actually say “Writer!” when people ask what I do instead of coughing and pretending I didn’t hear the question like before.
My journey from Visual Effects artist, to mom, to writer was fast. I didn’t have a ton of time to consider what being a writer would mean or what it would feel like to read my book to a room full of eager faces. I’ve visited many schools, dozens of bookstores, a few libraries, workshops and panels too. I had a lot to learn, if only about engaging with kids, which even though I’m a parent, I needed some work on. What was surprising, and exciting, was how much I learned about writing FOR kids through the process of reading TO kids. It turns out, if you do the same sort of spiel and read the same book enough times, you start to notice some things and, like so many other experiences, those things inform the act of writing picture books…who knew?! So here are a few WRITING lessons garnered from READING.
Kids are power-hungry little critters. What do I mean? It means they like to have the information, fill in the gaps, answer the questions, even guess the question all before you, another kid or another adult gets a word out. Every time I read a certain page of I DON’T WANT TO BE A FROG, I get to the part where I say “Because you are a….”
and the kids all shout out FROG!
Which is infinitely more fun that me saying “frog” to them in my not-that-fun voice. Time after time, I realize that when given a chance to extrapolate and interpolate they’ll do it. What does this mean for writing? It means you can leave a little space. Kids can draw conclusions and they’ll feel good for doing so. It also means you can play with that phenomenon. It’s a fun technique to send ’em down one road and get them thinking they know the answer and then turn the page and it’s something else entirely…it’s kind of a safe way to be wrong about something.
Kids are smart. They OFTEN ask me about publishing, how a picture book is put together, how and where I write, etc. Unlike young Dev who spent a lot of time drawing some sort of hybrid human/hotdog people, these kids are sophisticated and curious and savvy. Spend an afternoon with a bunch of second graders and you’ll be jotting down words to look up when ou get home. I talk to them about paste downs, collaboration in a digital world, and revision. This ought to remind us writers to not dumb things down- it may take more than one read, but they’ll get it…and then they’ll teach you.

Dev’s required reading shoes
Kids are also weird and they appreciate weird. I’ve written about this before, but many, many readings have reminded me of the truth of this statement. The best readings I have are the ones where I am revealing of my own oddities, shortcomings and foibles. It may get back to the power-hungry nature of the little guys, but they do love to feel that you’re on equal footing, that the writer is goofball, kid-like participant in the process and not button-up preacher sitting in the adult-sized chair above. What does it mean for writing? It means I’ve learned the joy of letting go a little and using a big brush to write strong, strange things and hope that kids, if not adults, will get it. Or at least enjoy it.
Kids like pictures. Well, duh Dev—of course kids like pictures…they draw them ALL THE TIME…on paper! But seriously, I found when I incorporate images into my reading, even a simple 20 minute reading, they are much more involved and attentive. Examples: I used to just say Mike Boldt illustrated the book…but then I put a funny picture of Mike in a big flowery frame and started bringing it along…they love it. I bring the alternate language versions of my book and pass them around. I draw a little. It’s pretty obvious what this means for writing—it means, think about the pictures! It means letting the pictures do a lot of the work for you, it means present, don’t preach.
So in this year, I’ve sure learned a lot. I’ve come a long way since my first reading when my hands wouldn’t stop shaking and I had notes written on a scrap of paper so I’d know what to say. My writing has changed because of all these kids, parents, librarians and teachers who’ve welcomed into their rooms. In fact, these days when I’m writing a new story, I IMAGINE myself reading it to a room full of kids and I imagine the page turns and pauses and laugh lines, the open space for them to guess and wonder, and the possible reactions to things. Of course, in my head, the kids are all wearing overalls and red converse and yellow rain slickers and have rosy cheeks and bacteria-free hands and speak a little french and go fishing and think I’m terribly cool, like spy cool and that they might want to be like me some day. I digress…
Finally, in case you’re a new author and in the market for a few tips you may not have considered—here now a few Reading Your Picture Book Lessons I’ll offer for free:
- Don’t swear. Seems obvious, right? Harder for some of us than others.
- If you take questions, always ask the kid’s name before he/she talks.
- Bring along a little giveaway, not all kids can afford your book and you’ll feel good if you send em home with something.
- Show up early.
- Send a thank you note to the teacher, book store manager or librarian after.
- Connect with the parents and teachers, let them ask questions too
- .If you make a joke about something like eating bugs, be ready for the possibility that one of the kids in your audience has, and often does eat bugs as part of their culture and then be prepared to feel really, really awkward.
- Seriously, don’t swear.
- When signing books, bring scratch paper to write the names down before you pen them in your book. The kid might say “My name is Max” and that might have an umlaut and a couple h’s these days.
- Finally, remember what the whole point of this writing for kids thing is. It’s to delight, inspire, amuse…kids. I’m just the hired help–another reminder this is the best job on Earth.
Thanks, Dev. These are great tips. (And I second that umlaut warning. Also, don’t say another name while you are writing a name, otherwise a book for Marcie will wind up being a book for Autumn. True story.)
You can win a copy of Dev’s newest book, I DON’T WANT TO BE BIG. Just leave a comment below–include a reading aloud tip if you have one. A winner will be randomly selected in a couple weeks. US addresses only, please. GOOD LUCK!
Dev Petty is the author of I DON’T WANT TO BE A FROG, I DON’T WANT TO BE BIG, and CLAYMATES (L,B & Co. ’17). She is a former visual effects artist who loves writing picture books because they’re like tiny, paper movies. Dev is a Berkeley native, devout Californian, and she’s super good at word jumbles. She’s represented by Jen Rofé of ABLA. Visit her at DevPetty.com.
96 comments
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November 23, 2016 at 8:43 am
Jane Heitman Healy
Great post, Dev! (and great host, Tara!) I will keep these )(%^&** tips handy when working with kids! Seriously, the part about leaving space for kids’ imaginations and intelligence is important. I have learned about this by reading to my granddaughter. Thank you!
November 23, 2016 at 8:49 am
tanyakonerman
Wow…great post chock full of great tips and info! And fun…thanks!
November 23, 2016 at 8:50 am
Lucky Jo Boscarino
!&%$# fabulous advice, Dev. And cool green shoes. Thank you. Another tip, for really little kids: sometimes (okay, most of the time) they don’t have an actual question but do have something to say. I’ll just repeat back to them what they have said to me, in a surprised or inquisitive voice, and they know that I’ve heard and understood them. It’s a nice way to connect.
November 23, 2016 at 8:51 am
meg3450
Above all, really enjoy your read. The kids are exciting. Let them talk and really listen. You just might find the next book to write.
November 23, 2016 at 8:53 am
kirsticall
Great post! When I read aloud to kids I like to let them fill in the blanks, which is especially fun with a rhyming picture book!
I can’t wait to read your newest book!
November 23, 2016 at 8:55 am
tinamcho
My students love acting out picture books, too! Congrats on your new book, and thanks for all the tips!
November 23, 2016 at 8:58 am
Safa
Your post was packed with gems for our writing journey! I substitute teach at the elementary level so the kids can teach me about a thing or two as a write! I read my first manuscript unillustrated (I’m still pre-published) to a Kindergarten class a few weeks ago as part of a “writing workshop” for the day. The kids went back to their desks to illustrate a scene from the book. Oh my it was magical! What their minds created was delightful and helped me see what I’m doing right and how I can improve! My gift from the class was taking the pages home. 🙂 Thank you for sharing, Dev!
November 23, 2016 at 8:59 am
Brittany Orrico
Thank you, Dev! These tips are great! I also like to play around with voices when I’m reading a book with multiple characters.
Best Wishes,
Brittany Orrico
Brittanyorrico@yahoo.com
November 23, 2016 at 9:05 am
Dimity Powell
Hilarious and so very very true!
November 23, 2016 at 9:13 am
Lynne Marie
Thank you — great tips! LOVE your book and can’t wait to get my hands on the next one!
November 23, 2016 at 9:23 am
Sylvia Mary Grech
I loved reading about your experience and thanks for the advice! Unfortunately, I have no tips on reading aloud as I’m still working on getting my break. But when I do, I will surely let you know!
November 23, 2016 at 9:27 am
storyfairy
Wow, these are great tips. I look forward to visiting classrooms someday.
November 23, 2016 at 9:30 am
Kathy Elstad
Great Article! I’m a retired first grade teacher and I have learned so much from the children. I was very lucky to teach in a time where we learned amazing books to teach children and they LOVED it and they love books! I was wondering if you could give some examples of the giveaways that you mentioned in your tips? Thanks for the information!
November 23, 2016 at 9:30 am
supermario6
I love reading I DON’T WANT TO BE A FROG. Amazing! I always ask some background questions before I read. Every kid brings his/ her experience to the book, so having a connection to the story helps.
November 23, 2016 at 9:36 am
Katie Engen
Great insights and tips. Thx!
Along the lines of ‘let kids fill in the blanks,’ my tip is the classic ‘don’t rush.’ Unless the text selection/page is conveying madcap adventure, use a moderate pace. Pauses allow think time and picture studying time, too.
November 23, 2016 at 9:40 am
Carolyn Rohrbaugh
Looks like a great picture book
November 23, 2016 at 9:41 am
Mark Bentz
Thank you Dev…great post! Very helpful,
just signed my first contract I will keep this info. for future use.
November 23, 2016 at 9:43 am
betlw
Great article with lots of tips and information. What a super help for the rest of us. Your book sounds rib-tickling funny.
November 23, 2016 at 10:00 am
lmconnors
Wonderful post Dev! I am printing out and rereading often as I will be presenting my first book next fall. Thanks!
November 23, 2016 at 10:00 am
katmaz2012
Love the reading tips. As a retired kindergarten teacher, I’ll add, if read with enthusiasm, the kids will love anything you read to them. I always read “my favorite book”😉
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November 23, 2016 at 10:01 am
Barbara Cairns
What a great article with some wonderful tips for my next kids’ book signing!
Thank you Dev.
November 23, 2016 at 10:07 am
Wendy
Thank you, Dev, for this informative post. I love your books!
November 23, 2016 at 10:10 am
Wendy
Got so excited-forgot my reading aloud tip! I pull stupid faces of surprise, where appropriate, as if I’m reading the book for the first time.
November 23, 2016 at 10:09 am
Carole Calladine
Thanks, Dev. Wonderful post. Tip: Besides cool shoes, a crazy hat always works. Carole C
November 23, 2016 at 10:27 am
Gail Hedrick
Wonderful, generous post-thanks for all the great tips. Mine? Smile (a lot), and look at the kids. Seems obvious, but nerves can sometimes make you forget. And, include the teacher-kids seem to love that. Enjoy your wild ride~!
November 23, 2016 at 10:27 am
Brianna Zamborsky
I totally would have sworn. Thanks for the great tips. I’m saving this.
November 23, 2016 at 10:34 am
Jan Hoffman
What a cool and amazing journey! When you write to the kids you imagine, you’re never alone. You have an encyclopedia of kid think with you all the time. Most splendid! I won’t forget. Thanks and happy Thanksgiving!
November 23, 2016 at 10:34 am
Jana Eschner (@JanaTheTeacher)
Great read aloud tips! I would add to memorize the story as much as you can so you can hold the book away from yourself to show eager kids the pictures as much as possible. Otherwise you’ll constantly hear, “I can’t see!”
November 23, 2016 at 10:39 am
Victoria Wirkkala
I don’t currently have any tips on this subject as I’m still awaiting the chance to see my book in print, but all of this is such great information!! I hope I can put it to use in the future!
November 23, 2016 at 10:44 am
polly renner
Thank you Dev for your tips! I love your FROG book and can’t wait to read your BIG book next!
November 23, 2016 at 11:02 am
Kristi Veitenheimer (@kdveiten)
Thanks for the tips! Can’t wait to read this one!
November 23, 2016 at 11:03 am
Kris
Good advice!
Congratulations on your success!
November 23, 2016 at 11:18 am
Wendi Silvano
So true about writing the names down first (I bring small sticky notes). Love your books Dev!
November 23, 2016 at 11:34 am
Brenda Huante
I love frogs but I don’t want to be a frog either!
Thank you for your hints.
November 23, 2016 at 11:36 am
Penny Parker Klostermann
Love-Love-Love I DON’T WANT TO BE A FROG. And I’m sure I will Love-Love-Love all of Dev’s books.
Read aloud tip:
Take time to get the kids in character. If you have places where you want them to join in, it’s worth it to practice so that the kids get over their shyness and give it all they’ve got. In schools, they’ve been encouraged to be a polite audience so you have to let them know that speaking boldly when asked is just as polite as sitting quietly when you’re sharing something important that they need to hear. I think this helps them to have fun!
November 23, 2016 at 11:39 am
ptnozell
Thank you Dev & Tara! I have yet to experience the pleasure of reading my own yet-to-be-published work to kids, but will bookmark this post for that day & think more while writing, about that read-aloud experience. A tip: if using a keyboard, beware the autocorrect – I almost addressed this post to Deb! Happy Thanksgiving!
November 23, 2016 at 11:58 am
Buffy Silverman
Love those frog-green sneakers (and the fun advice.) Congratulations on your success!
November 23, 2016 at 12:08 pm
darlene koppel
Excellent advice! I’m looking forward to reading your books.
November 23, 2016 at 12:12 pm
rosiepova
I LOVE these tips, Dev! Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us 🙂
November 23, 2016 at 12:26 pm
Kathy Doherty
Wow! I really appreciate the signing tips. That will be me in 2018. And congratulations on all the darling books!
November 23, 2016 at 12:44 pm
David McMullin
Fantastic! Thanks, Dev, for all of this great advise.
November 23, 2016 at 12:55 pm
Shirley
Thanks for the great tips. Learning from the kids can make a difference to a writer.
November 23, 2016 at 12:59 pm
leeryvolartalleres
Totally great advices! I think asking the name is basic.
November 23, 2016 at 1:03 pm
Gabi Snyder
I love I DON’T WANT TO BE A FROG and it’s one of my daughter’s favorites, too. Thank you, Dev, for sharing these wise (and entertaining) lessons!
November 23, 2016 at 1:05 pm
mariletarobinson
What an excellent, insightful post.
November 23, 2016 at 1:09 pm
Cathy Ogren
Wonderful post! When reading aloud, be animated and expressive!
November 23, 2016 at 1:45 pm
Darshana
Loved this post. Thanks for sharing your “tips”. Will be saving this for reference.
November 23, 2016 at 2:23 pm
Leslie M
Thank you for the read-aloud tips. I’m looking forward to sharing I Don’t Want to Be Big. My younger students loved I Don’t Want to be a Frog.
November 23, 2016 at 2:28 pm
Charlotte Dixon
Thank you, Dev, for this post about reading aloud to kids. I appreciate the awesome tips 🙂
November 23, 2016 at 2:41 pm
Daryl Gottier
Great post! I love the 10 pointers, thanks!
November 23, 2016 at 2:49 pm
Jen P
Yay! Congrats and thanks for the tips!
November 23, 2016 at 3:31 pm
Johnell DeWitt
I love the book. Loved this article too. Thanks.
November 23, 2016 at 3:59 pm
Stacy Couch
Love the post. And Frog! But I have one very important question: Can I KID swear? Because I do that. A lot.
November 23, 2016 at 4:00 pm
pmv2452
These are super helpful, Dev!
Thank you for sharing…and not swearing! *Pam V
November 23, 2016 at 4:25 pm
Wendy
Thanks for the great post! I loved every bit of it 🙂
November 23, 2016 at 4:59 pm
Janet Frenck Sheets
I loved the ending of “I Don’t Want to Be a Frog” — it was a fun surprise. Looking forward to reading your next book.
November 23, 2016 at 5:39 pm
danielle hammelef
I love your book I Don’t Want to be a Frog! Thanks for the reading aloud tips–when I used to volunteer to read during March is Reading month, I always chose funny poetry for older kids and then books like Bears Snores On for the kindergartners so they could say the repeated lines with me.
November 23, 2016 at 6:31 pm
Emily Wayne (@emilywayneart)
Great tips Dev!
November 23, 2016 at 6:34 pm
Kaye Baillie
This is so great for thinking about how kids react during school visits and reading sessions at bookshops. I haven’t done it myself so it’s really helpful for when I do. Thanks, Tara and Dev.
November 23, 2016 at 7:09 pm
Kyle McBride
Great tips for presentations. Thanks
November 23, 2016 at 8:38 pm
Genevieve Petrillo
Love that idea of “open spaces” for the kids to reflect and react. That’s a great way to think of it. Also in case you ever sign, “To John,” instead of, “To Jon,” plan to carry that book around to schools and bookstores for A YEAR AND A HALF before you meet another John.
November 24, 2016 at 1:38 am
Ashley Bankhead
Great post. It was very informative. I really want to read this book. It looks so cute!
November 24, 2016 at 10:59 am
Derick Wilder
Thanks so much for the tips, Dev! This is one of the kids’ favorites in my Reading Giraffe program! We ask them what types of animals they’d like to be (and why)…. then end by asking why they love being who they are!
November 24, 2016 at 11:57 am
Dawnyelle
Brilliant guest post! Does seem odd to not be constantly PiBoIding in the turkey month!
November 24, 2016 at 12:35 pm
Heather Pierce Stigall
Great tips — thanks!
November 24, 2016 at 1:50 pm
Avigayil Perry
I Don’t Want to be a Frog is one of my daughter’s favorite books. A great read aloud tip is to stop periodically and let the kids predict what will happen next.
November 24, 2016 at 5:16 pm
martymi6
Helpful tips. You’ve had a busy year 🙂
November 24, 2016 at 7:50 pm
Jeanna Massman
I am retired teacher librarian so I am still very fond of children’s books. This one sounds great. My tip would involve using lots of eye contact and voice inflection.
November 24, 2016 at 9:32 pm
Nancy Kotkin
I laughed about your alternative spelling of Max, but it’s true. Good tip.
November 24, 2016 at 11:44 pm
Misschappell
Great article! I love to change my voice slightly when reading to my students! They love it!
November 24, 2016 at 11:56 pm
Keila Dawson
Fun post! Great tips and agree there is something to learn at almost every visit. I usually ask the kids to guess who will catch the character in my runaway tale. I visited a school a few weeks ago in a small town with a big prison. One kid answered, “The police!” Had to think quick and let him know escaping a king cake was not a crime. Know thy audience. 😁
November 25, 2016 at 5:02 am
Reena Balding
I love this post! Definitely agree you are learning every time you interact with kids. As well as not swearing, try not to use some phrase that will go right above their head. Be prepared for blank faces and then moving on fast. Thanks for sharing and congratulations on your new book Dev!
November 25, 2016 at 3:30 pm
Anne Boydston
A really great post! I’m saving this info for my hopeful first visit!
November 25, 2016 at 8:46 pm
Michael Karg
Thanks for the great insights! Reading upside-down is a wonderful skill -you can show the book in front of you without any neck-craning, elbow-cramping contortions.
November 27, 2016 at 4:38 pm
ThisKidReviewsBooks
Great advice! I am kind of laughing/am sad that you had to put ‘don’t swear’ down twice… 😉
November 27, 2016 at 9:20 pm
katrinamoorebooks
Great tips, Dev! My first graders LOVED your new book that Mike shared during his skype visit. My favorite read aloud tip is one you already mentioned….let the kids participate…the engagement and fun factor sky rockets.
November 28, 2016 at 11:35 am
Wendy Wahman
Great advice, and fits in with my word for this year, “loosen.” Loved to hear the transformation too, from shaking hands and notes to fill-in-the-word pauses.
November 28, 2016 at 3:24 pm
jsmartz
Hi, I just discovered your blog and it is so helpful! A tip I have for read alouds (from being a teacher) is if you have particular spots in the book where you want to ask questions or have kids act something out or you need a reminder about anything while you’re reading, write them out on sticky notes and put them on the page they pertain to. You can quickly pull them off when you get to that page and you dont have to worry about forgetting voices or predictions, especially if you’re already nervous! My Teacher Ed teacher called them “tiny islands of calm” and they’re life changing!
November 28, 2016 at 4:36 pm
Lhpuppy24
I like to follow the words along underneath when I read aloud. We loooooove “I don’t want to be a frog” and would love reading the new one!!
November 28, 2016 at 5:42 pm
rgstones
I LOVED your first book. Can’t wait to read I Don’t Want to Be Big. 🙂
November 28, 2016 at 7:57 pm
LeeAnn Rizzuti
I hear you, Dev, on what you can learn about writing from reading aloud. I consider all my years as the “Library Lady” who did story time the perfect training ground for a picture book writer. All that immediate feedback!
My tip for reading aloud success: Practice holding the book so the open pages face tbe audience as you read from the side– or upside down if you are really clever. For a large crowd, follow that by panning the book slowly from one side of the group to the other. That way your audience won’t be constantly interrupting with restless “I can’t see” complaints.
November 28, 2016 at 11:34 pm
Carol Gordon Ekster
Fun post, Dev. And good luck with this title. A reading aloud tip I’d suggest, is to leave out an obvious word and let your little listeners fill it in. Keeps them engaged!
November 29, 2016 at 12:01 am
Sheri Radovich
This was very helpful to me as I start reading along and forget to stop for a reaction or information. I love reading aloud books that are not my ideas but have a refrain until they can say it back to me or fill in the blanks. I am looking for the I Don’t Want to be Big book now. Thanks, I love seeing who the author is and connect it to the name.
November 29, 2016 at 2:30 pm
Kassy Keppol
So cute, can’t wait to see it.
November 29, 2016 at 2:42 pm
kryanuiuc
I found the “I don’t want to be a frog” to be really helpful in helping me sort out a ms problem I was having. My granddaughters loved “I don’t want to be a frog” and shout out Frog! in the exact spot you mentioned. I can’t wait to read them this new book!
November 29, 2016 at 10:30 pm
Jennifer Cole Judd
Great post, Dev. I love your list, too–the part about the embarrassing eating bugs comment made me laugh out loud. Writing for kids is the best job ever. I can’t wait to read your new book!
November 30, 2016 at 1:40 pm
Lisa Riddiough
Thanks, Dev. My biggest read aloud tip is simply to slow down. In picture books, we get to spend a little time with each word. And that is a joy!
December 1, 2016 at 11:10 am
Anna Gateley-Stanton
Great tips, Dev. I’ll practice my reading voice so I’m better prepared. Thanks for the great post.
December 1, 2016 at 10:41 pm
Maureen Morrison
Great post, great advice, great green shoes! I’m still practicing holding the book so kids can see the words, so there’s my advice.
December 1, 2016 at 10:44 pm
hermanator33
Great post, great advice, great green shoes! I’m still working on holding the book so kids can see the words, so practicing that skill would be my advice. P.S. I don’t want to be big either.
December 1, 2016 at 11:17 pm
Pam Miller
Thank you for the tips, especially “don’t swear.” A small child, just realizing that there are “bad words” and bold enough to say a few is looking for just one more adult example to verify his utterance. And one not only shouldn’t but doesn’t have to.
Once I was approaching the end of the 3 pigs story. The wolf burnt his ____ on the boiling water in the pigs’ kettle. What word was the right word to say to an innocent Pre-K group? I imagined several cutesy, funny, parental protective words. But I needed a word every child knew. So, I said, “He burnt his you know what.” Their instant recognition and laughter told me I was saved.
December 2, 2016 at 6:32 pm
Sandy Perlic
I can’t wait to read the newest Dev Petty book: I Don’t Want to Be a Frog is a favorite of mine! Thanks for the great tips, Dev.
December 2, 2016 at 10:06 pm
Michele Helsel
Power hungry . . . yes. I love this. You’re so right. They like to tell us how it’s going to be. Just like my kids.
December 12, 2016 at 9:58 pm
learnbookblog
Really enjoyed the read and best of luck with your books!
Its amazing how much we can learn when we actually go through doing something. Some of us here in India are trying to make learning English words easier and more fun. One little thing we observed that using gif images made our post more fun than just using an image. We would not have realised this if we had not started with our journey on “learning”.
P.S.: India needs great, fun books at affordable prices for its kids. Enough of stuff which bores.
January 8, 2017 at 12:54 pm
angiecal76
Very wise and witty advice, Dev!
January 12, 2017 at 8:52 pm
Jefna M. Cohen
Dev! You are so awesome. I want to come to one of your readings. I can tell I will learn a few things about how to do a good school visit AND laugh. I hope you will come to Portland. Oregon, that is. I’m not sure I’m a registered participant this year. I tried but, you know, technical foibles. I’m writing anyway because I wanted to tell you I loved this post and I can tell you really GET kids. I am going to try to draft something in which kids can answer/yell a portion of the story. Gosh, to they love that!