The Literacy Ambassador's New Book, Before They Read, Wins National Award

Celebrate with Me!


Ever get a surprise, a toot on a horn, out of the blue?  It's as refreshing as a hug from a child.  This week I was humbled and honored to learn that, as a result of the interaction and sharing of great preschool teachers like those reading this blog and many years of my own experiences with children getting ready to read, I received such a treat.





A few days ago, on June 11, 2010, the Association of Educational Publishers (AEP) announced their 2010 Distinguished Achievement Awards. Before They Read  published by Maupin House won in the professional development category and was recognized as the top educational product of its kind.

A quick "pick-up-and-read" resource, this title is designed to give busy preschool teachers a BIG picture view of the most important elements of emergent literacy, those that predict later reading achievement:


Oral Language Development
Positive and Varied Experiences with Print,  and
Phonological Awareness


Because I understand the challenges of the preschool classroom, it's also packed with fun "how to do it" ideas and explanations that make you the expert, without pressing children into too high a skill before they are ready.

The best part is that it can be used as an individual read by an individual teacher OR as the focus for a staff development book club (you can even invite your kindergarten teacher friends to join you in one this summer since the book addresses needs of both preschool and kindergarten children).  You can find a free facilitator's guide for doing just that at the book page on my publisher's website.

"Calling all preschool and kindergarten teachers! 

This book will make you a better teacher and raise student achievement scores. 

The age-specific charts make it easy to track reading readiness . . .it's as easy as 1-2-3."

. . . Stacey Kannenberg, author of Let's Get Ready for Kindergarten!

This book will help you discern when the time is prime for each student to begin to read and starting a child at that best, "just right" time is the secret to children not just squeezing by with reading, but becoming proficient in a skill that is essential for the 21st century.

If you'd like to get your own copy, or learn more about this award-winning title, visit Maupin House Publishing.  And while you are at it, share this post with your friends who teach kindergarten or preschool so they will know about it too.