What have I learned from my book readings?

Some helpful tips

When we launched Little Shark Lulu is Sleeping in October 2022, I was asked to read an extract from the book along with the authors.

My response: hard pass!

I politely declined and said “it’s the authors’ words, and they will do a much better job reading it”. While this was the truth, I was also scared.

I’m not sure why the idea of reading to a room full of people made me so fearful. I’m fine with public speaking, I’ve read countless books aloud to my kids and I’ve attended hundreds of book readings.

I overcame my fear… here’s how…

My first reading of Little Shark Lulu is sleeping - with two wonderful helpers.

After watching Josie Montano read it and some encouragement from the illoguild, I was inspired and realized it was definitely something I could do. So with fresh confidence, I was ready to read at the book launch in Sydney at Harry Hortog, Marrickville. I have also done some school visits and asked other authors for advice.

Here’s what I learned:

• It’s a friendly crowd - the kids want to hear you read the book and everyone from teachers to book store staff and parents want you to succeed.

• Practice using expression, pronouncing the words clearly and pausing appropriately before you read to the audience. You can record yourself and play it back or read to a friend or family member.

• Give an intro before you start reading: Who you are, show the cover, point out anything interesting info about the book or creators.

• Give  the audience something to look out for during the reading so that they pay attention. In ‘Lulu Little Shark is Sleeping’, I always point out that Lulu’s plushy, a remora fish, is hidden on every page and they should look out for it.

• Ask for “helpers” - I ask a few kids to hold copies of the book and turn the pages. This helps the kids in the back to see better. Also, if you have squirmy kids this helps to direct their energy.

• Encouraging interaction works a charm. For Lulu I get all the kids to read the “ssshhh” that appears at the end of every page.

• Leave time for the kids to look at the pictures before turning the page.

• Leave time for questions and comments at the end and encourage creative thoughts. You can always ask some open ended questions, like ‘what did you like about the book?’. I love hearing kid’s perspectives - they are always so entertaining.

• Remember you are human and so is the audience. We all make mistakes with our words- it’s ok to correct yourself. Sometimes someone interrupts the reading- it’s ok to address it.

• Breathe, smile and enjoy it!

I hope that these tips are helpful to you!

I know I would have liked to have this info before my first reading.

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What prompted me to write this? February 1 is #worldreadaloudday

The global effort, created by the non-profit LitWorld and sponsored by Scholastic, is celebrated annually in over 173 countries and is all about bringing people together through the shared connection of reading aloud in all of our communities.

Next newsletter (in 2 weeks) I’ll be answering a question from the illoguild. We are a group of international illustrators that help each other to learn and grow. We share our perspectives each month.

This months question is:

“How do you feel good as an illustrator?”

If you have a newsletter, please let me know - I’d love to read it.

I write this newsletter, every 2nd Monday.

• The first Monday, I answer a question posted by the illoguild.

• The next Monday, I cover a topic relating to the world of being an illustrator.

I provide useful tips and give a behind the scenes view from my own experience to illustrators and creators.