by Julie Rowan-Zoch

“Oh, that’s my dream job!”

That’s the response I get every time I share with other authors that I am a bookseller. And I reply, “It’s a retail job.” My responsibilities and aching feet are not much different. But one advantage—beyond the danger of an employee discount—is the highlight of my week: STORYTIME!

I’ve lucked out over the years with two consistent daycare groups. I’ve learned their names, their likes and dislikes, and how fast that can change as they grow and move on to pre-school. I am challenged to change the content and themes every week, which also keeps me informed of our ever-changing stock to help customers too. Every week I read a LOT of books, looking for titles that will suit my purpose in read-aloud-ability and engagement. My acquired skills help, but I still bomb now and again (read below*)!

Here are some of the bigger lessons I’d like to share as each on its own may aide in the cultivation of ideas this month—and beyond:

READ A LOT: for the bookstore I read at least 20-30 a week (also to post recommendations for upcoming titles). My choices have to be engaging for the age-level, currently 2-3yrs old, and energetic enough to keep some of the babies from crying! Attention spans are very short if I make a mistake.

READ ALOUD: Before I read to kids I read aloud to myself first—it helps me notice which may have content or vocabulary above their level, and helps me gauge the meter and rhythm in rhyming books.

READ IN ORDER: I select 4-5 books for 20 mins of steady listening. I might be able to read more on a good day, but a bad day (windy days!!) will only allow for 3. I read the longest text first and try to balance the rest for pacing—just like in writing!

READ COMPANION TITLES: For efficiency I chose books based on a theme. It also allows me to explore what is currently available on the shelf and to see what the local library has to compliment. This is a writer’s practice too, right? I have found themes with barely any titles—a great prompt to write one myself!

STOP READING: time for fingerplay, food, games, or a craft related to the theme. I love this part because it exercises another area of the creative process and I get a ton of ideas based on their reactions. I like to have two things handy and often throw in 10 (!) rounds of a favorite finger play—they really do love repetition! “Again!!!” Please note: Pick crafts according to skill level and number of adult helpers available!

BE FLEXIBLE: an audience can change on any given day (esp school vacation!). One time I only had a set of grandparents with a baby, so I didn’t read, but we sang a LOT of songs! If older kids join us I can grab a more complex favorite off the shelf to start.

BE FLEXIBLE 2: Like I said, I bomb* occasionally! I may have chosen the wrong books for the mood of the day, or little Tommy just can’t stop crying and everyone else’s attention span is shot! I switch the order of books, change how I read them (will skip text if I must!) or drop ’em cold and go straight to activities. OR I grab a back-up title: ELEPHANT AND PIGGIE almost NEVER disappoint! It’s the DRAMA!

MAKE FRIENDS: with your local librarian(s)! I have learned so much from them about reading to a group. Heck, they are trained!!! They know it’s a hard-earned skill, they have sooo much knowledge, and surprise, surprise—they LOVE to help!

DON’T FORGET: to have FUN! The purpose of storytime is to engage but not to preach. It’s great to share concepts, exercise fine-motor skills (hanging socks on a clothesline is always fun!), and introduce kids to beautiful art, but storytime leaders are like writers too—we are connectors, inspirers, friends!

So, are there any other advantages to working at this retail job?

YES! And I’d love to come back some time for another chat—if you’re game, Tara? (YES, I AM!)

Julie Rowan-Zoch is giving away THREE prizes (to three winners in the US):

  • One copy of LOUIS, written by Tom Lichtenheld, illustrated by Julie
  • One copy of I’M A HARE, SO THERE!, written and illustrated by Julie
  • One copy of NOT ALL SHEEP ARE BORING!, written by Bobby Moynihan, illustrated by Julie

You’re eligible to win if you’re a registered Storystorm 2024 participant and you have commented only once on today’s blog post.

Prizes will be distributed at the conclusion of Storystorm.

Author, illustrator, bookseller, and activist: Julie Rowan-Zoch grew up collecting freckles and chasing hermit crabs in New York, and spent years slicing rich breads in Germany before waking up to 300 days of blue Colorado skies. If she doesn’t answer the door, look in the garden! She is the illustrator of NOT ALL SHEEP ARE BORING!, written by Bobby Moynihan (G.P. Putnam’s, 2022), LOUIS, written by Tom Lichtenheld (Clarion, 2020), and the author-illustrator of I’M A HARE, SO THERE! (Clarion, 2021). Julie is on Instagram @julierowanzoch and her website: JulieRowanZoch.wordpress.com.