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Storybook Connection

Boost
communication &
connection
through
storybooks & play!

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Psst! New
board book
coming Fall 2025!

Access tons of
FREE resources
and companion
activities
subscribing to
our E-mail list!

Welcome to Storybook Connection!

Storybook Connection is an independent publishing company and resource hub

run by a speech-language pathologist (SLP), digital resource creator,

and children's book author.

SLPs are experts on how communication skills develop-- so why aren't kids'

communication milestones and the strategies we use during our speech

therapy sessions common knowledge for families?

Our goal for this page and Instagram account (@StorybookConnection) is to

provide simple tips, ideas, free resources for

building children's speech-language skills using books and play.

Subscribe to our E-mail list to gain instant access to free resources including my

gigantic lists of toy, game, and picture book recommendations.

About

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Books

Free Resources

Social Media

Contact Us

Awards

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Let's Go, Puppy!

Gold Level Recipient

2023

Let's Go, Puppy!

Winner, Best Board Book

2023

Let's Go, Kitty!

Finalist, Best Board Book

2024

Let's Go, Kitty!

Finalist, The Wishing Shelf Book Awards

2024

Recent Instagram Posts

Intagram

My first vendor event featuring all THREE of my books, at a local community open house, is a wrap!

I treated this like a soft launch for 𝙃𝙞, 𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝘼𝙧𝙚 𝙔𝙤𝙪? and received lots of positive feedback! I especially loved getting to see toddlers' reactions when I flipped to the page featuring a stinky diaper 😁

I also enjoyed meeting local business owners @asyintimates and @poppyseed_love_photography ❤️

My Play Expert tee from @play_spark 💫 was the perfect match with the colors/theme.

Now gearing up to exhibit with @byclareshortspeech and @twincitiesspeechtherapy at ASHA!! 🙌 Hope to see you there 🤩

My first vendor event featuring all THREE of my books, at a local community open house, is a wrap!

I treated this like a soft launch for 𝙃𝙞, 𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝘼𝙧𝙚 𝙔𝙤𝙪? and received lots of positive feedback! I especially loved getting to see toddlers' reactions when I flipped to the page featuring a stinky diaper 😁

I also enjoyed meeting local business owners @asyintimates and @poppyseed_love_photography ❤️

My Play Expert tee from @play_spark 💫 was the perfect match with the colors/theme.

Now gearing up to exhibit with @byclareshortspeech and @twincitiesspeechtherapy at ASHA!! 🙌 Hope to see you there 🤩

30+ advanced review copies of 𝙃𝙞, 𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝘼𝙧𝙚 𝙔𝙤𝙪? went out in the mail! 🎉

Can't wait to see what my advanced reviewers think!! 🥰

This is also the look everyone at the post office gave me when they saw how many packages I had 🤦🏻‍♀️

30+ advanced review copies of 𝙃𝙞, 𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝘼𝙧𝙚 𝙔𝙤𝙪? went out in the mail! 🎉

Can't wait to see what my advanced reviewers think!! 🥰

This is also the look everyone at the post office gave me when they saw how many packages I had 🤦🏻‍♀️

𝙃𝙞, 𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝘼𝙧𝙚 𝙔𝙤𝙪? officially launches on December 7th 🙌 and will be available on Amazon and at storybookconnection.com.

Make sure you're following me for updates 👀

(Don't worry, the dogs got treats right after this was filmed 😂)

𝙃𝙞, 𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝘼𝙧𝙚 𝙔𝙤𝙪? officially launches on December 7th 🙌 and will be available on Amazon and at storybookconnection.com.

Make sure you're following me for updates 👀

(Don't worry, the dogs got treats right after this was filmed 😂)

𝙃𝙞, 𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝘼𝙧𝙚 𝙔𝙤𝙪? officially launches on December 7th 🙌 and will be available on Amazon and at storybookconnection.com.

Make sure you're following me for updates 👀

(Don't worry, the dogs got treats right after this was filmed 😂)

Correction: 1505 books arriving by 🚢

𝙃𝙞, 𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝘼𝙧𝙚 𝙔𝙤𝙪? officially launches on December 7th 🙌 and will be available on Amazon and at storybookconnection.com.

Make sure you're following me for updates 👀

(Don't worry, the dogs got treats right after this was filmed 😂)

Correction: 1505 books arriving by 🚢

I realize this post doesn't exactly fit with the theme of my author IG page...

but Crazy Ex Girlfriend IS a comedy, and you COULD consider me a comedy writer for babies and toddlers so... 💁🏻‍♀️

I had the BEST time in NYC at the @cw_crazyxgf 10ish year reunion concert, and it was a dream come true getting to meet the cast afterwards. 🥰

A huge thank you to these icons:
@racheldoesstuff
@vrodrigueziii - who really does take the best selfies!
@donna_lynne_champlin
@gabrielleruiz
@davidhulldavidhull
@scottmfoster
@katmburns

You were all ridiculously nice and SO generous in taking the time to chat with fans. If any of you would like a free copy of my newest board book, I would be happy to hook you up! 🤓✏️

@cxg10year check out my Josh Chan selfie!

I realize this post doesn't exactly fit with the theme of my author IG page...

but Crazy Ex Girlfriend IS a comedy, and you COULD consider me a comedy writer for babies and toddlers so... 💁🏻‍♀️

I had the BEST time in NYC at the @cw_crazyxgf 10ish year reunion concert, and it was a dream come true getting to meet the cast afterwards. 🥰

A huge thank you to these icons:
@racheldoesstuff
@vrodrigueziii - who really does take the best selfies!
@donna_lynne_champlin
@gabrielleruiz
@davidhulldavidhull
@scottmfoster
@katmburns

You were all ridiculously nice and SO generous in taking the time to chat with fans. If any of you would like a free copy of my newest board book, I would be happy to hook you up! 🤓✏️

@cxg10year check out my Josh Chan selfie!

The eBook version of 𝙃𝙞, 𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝘼𝙧𝙚 𝙔𝙤𝙪? has joined 𝙇𝙚𝙩'𝙨 𝙂𝙤, 𝙋𝙪𝙥𝙥𝙮! and 𝙇𝙚𝙩'𝙨 𝙂𝙤, 𝙆𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙮! on Amazon! 🥳

It's available for pre-order now, but you can get the eBook FREE by joining my launch team (just comment JOIN for the link!)

The official launch date of the eBook and board book versions is 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟕𝐭𝐡!! 🙌

The eBook version of 𝙃𝙞, 𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝘼𝙧𝙚 𝙔𝙤𝙪? has joined 𝙇𝙚𝙩'𝙨 𝙂𝙤, 𝙋𝙪𝙥𝙥𝙮! and 𝙇𝙚𝙩'𝙨 𝙂𝙤, 𝙆𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙮! on Amazon! 🥳

It's available for pre-order now, but you can get the eBook FREE by joining my launch team (just comment JOIN for the link!)

The official launch date of the eBook and board book versions is 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟕𝐭𝐡!! 🙌

@ninewise.publishing 🩷Early childhood educators, SLPs, and parents are loving 𝙇𝙚𝙩’𝙨 𝙂𝙤, 𝙆𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙮! —— Even the cats at home 🐱 are getting in on the fun!

🐾🐾🐾

Get your copy today! ✨

Available at ninewisepublishing.com 🛒 and Amazon 🛍️

#new #letsgokitty #newbook #speechpathology #speechlanguagepathology #pediatrics #boardbook #kitty #babies #toddler #earlychildhoodeducation #earlylearning #earlychildhoodeducator #preschool #education #slp #slplife #slpbloggers #speech #speechies #speechtherapy #speechtherapist #speechtherapyideas #speechies #speechandlanguage

@ninewise.publishing 🩷Early childhood educators, SLPs, and parents are loving 𝙇𝙚𝙩’𝙨 𝙂𝙤, 𝙆𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙮! —— Even the cats at home 🐱 are getting in on the fun!

🐾🐾🐾

Get your copy today! ✨

Available at ninewisepublishing.com 🛒 and Amazon 🛍️

#new #letsgokitty #newbook #speechpathology #speechlanguagepathology #pediatrics #boardbook #kitty #babies #toddler #earlychildhoodeducation #earlylearning #earlychildhoodeducator #preschool #education #slp #slplife #slpbloggers #speech #speechies #speechtherapy #speechtherapist #speechtherapyideas #speechies #speechandlanguage

Must-have new board books for babies/toddlers! 🥳

Congrats to SLP authors @byclareshortspeech and @learntotalkwithme 🙌

Comment "books" and I'll send you the links!

Must-have new board books for babies/toddlers! 🥳

Congrats to SLP authors @byclareshortspeech and @learntotalkwithme 🙌

Comment "books" and I'll send you the links!

New board book coming soon! 🥳

Follow my author adventures @storybookconnection

New board book coming soon! 🥳

Follow my author adventures @storybookconnection

Something very exciting was delivered...

Follow my author adventures @storybookconnection 🙌

Something very exciting was delivered...

Follow my author adventures @storybookconnection 🙌

Follow my author adventures @storybookconnection 😎

Follow my author adventures @storybookconnection 😎

Meet some of the characters who will appear in my next board book, 𝙃𝙞, 𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝘼𝙧𝙚 𝙔𝙤𝙪? launching this December! 🐄👻🦉🐈👶🏻

Follow my author adventures @storybookconnection 😎

Meet some of the characters who will appear in my next board book, 𝙃𝙞, 𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝘼𝙧𝙚 𝙔𝙤𝙪? launching this December! 🐄👻🦉🐈👶🏻

Follow my author adventures @storybookconnection 😎

Spooky season is going to be hard this year 🎃

Spooky season is going to be hard this year 🎃

Sharing excerpts from some of the early reviews of 𝙃𝙞, 𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝘼𝙧𝙚 𝙔𝙤𝙪? on #NetGalley 💕

I love reading the positive responses, especially the ones that mention toddlers laughing or wanting to read the book again and again! 🥰

Get the eBook free on NetGalley now, or by signing up for my launch team (comment JOIN or DM me for a link).

𝙃𝙞, 𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝘼𝙧𝙚 𝙔𝙤𝙪? launches December 7th! 🙌

Sharing excerpts from some of the early reviews of 𝙃𝙞, 𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝘼𝙧𝙚 𝙔𝙤𝙪? on #NetGalley 💕

I love reading the positive responses, especially the ones that mention toddlers laughing or wanting to read the book again and again! 🥰

Get the eBook free on NetGalley now, or by signing up for my launch team (comment JOIN or DM me for a link).

𝙃𝙞, 𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝘼𝙧𝙚 𝙔𝙤𝙪? launches December 7th! 🙌

Such a thrill getting to see both of my books in stock at @curiousiguana during Frederick, MD's In the Streets festival! 🌞

If you're in the area, definitely check them out!

Such a thrill getting to see both of my books in stock at @curiousiguana during Frederick, MD's In the Streets festival! 🌞

If you're in the area, definitely check them out!

My upcoming book, 𝙃𝙞, 𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝘼𝙧𝙚 𝙔𝙤𝙪? is now listed on @netgalley through @ibpalovesindies ! 💓

If you're a #netgalleyreviewer who likes picture books, I would love to see your review!!

If you're not already a member, it's free to join, and you can access tons of free books (of all genres) to read before their official release 🙌

My upcoming book, 𝙃𝙞, 𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝘼𝙧𝙚 𝙔𝙤𝙪? is now listed on @netgalley through @ibpalovesindies ! 💓

If you're a #netgalleyreviewer who likes picture books, I would love to see your review!!

If you're not already a member, it's free to join, and you can access tons of free books (of all genres) to read before their official release 🙌

Spooky season is going to be hard this year 🎃

Spooky season is going to be hard this year 🎃

Meet some of the characters who will appear in my next board book, 𝙃𝙞, 𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝘼𝙧𝙚 𝙔𝙤𝙪? -- launching this fall! 👶🏾🐄🦉👻🐈🪲

Illustrations by the incredibly talented Marina Borkun @miraillustrator 🖍️

Follow along @storybookconnection 🙌

Meet some of the characters who will appear in my next board book, 𝙃𝙞, 𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝘼𝙧𝙚 𝙔𝙤𝙪? -- launching this fall! 👶🏾🐄🦉👻🐈🪲

Illustrations by the incredibly talented Marina Borkun @miraillustrator 🖍️

Follow along @storybookconnection 🙌

𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓'𝐒 𝐀 𝐋𝐀𝐔𝐍𝐂𝐇 𝐓𝐄𝐀𝐌?
In short, it's a group of people who support an author and help to make a new book's release a success!

Launch team members 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐬 and 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐬𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝 about a book to increase its early exposure.

𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐊𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆
If you join my team, you'll receive a 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐲 of the book, 𝙃𝙞, 𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝘼𝙧𝙚 𝙔𝙤𝙪? to read and enjoy before anyone else!

You'll also be automatically entered to 𝐰𝐢𝐧 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐬 such as a free signed hardcover copy of the book, gift cards, or book-themed items.

𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 "𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧" 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈'𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧-𝐮𝐩 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐤!

𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓'𝐒 𝐀 𝐋𝐀𝐔𝐍𝐂𝐇 𝐓𝐄𝐀𝐌?
In short, it's a group of people who support an author and help to make a new book's release a success!

Launch team members 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐬 and 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐬𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝 about a book to increase its early exposure.

𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐊𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆
If you join my team, you'll receive a 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐲 of the book, 𝙃𝙞, 𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝘼𝙧𝙚 𝙔𝙤𝙪? to read and enjoy before anyone else!

You'll also be automatically entered to 𝐰𝐢𝐧 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐬 such as a free signed hardcover copy of the book, gift cards, or book-themed items.

𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 "𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧" 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈'𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧-𝐮𝐩 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐤!

Today is launch day for 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝘽𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙞𝙨 𝙑𝙞𝙧𝙖𝙡! 🎉🙌 Congrats to @picturebookdad and @arteelin !!

Here is my review:

Ron Keres and Arthur Lin have added yet another spectacular book to the Finn the Frog series! In this clever and hilarious fifth installment, Finn has let his earlier books' "viral" success go to his head. Unfortunately for him, his young reader is also viral... aka highly contagious.

Fans of Finn (Finn fans?) will love the silly, new depictions of Finn, as he quickly changes from over-confident superstar, to a doctor attempting to diagnose the reader, to the patient-- complete with a slew of ridiculous symptoms. In keeping with tradition, Finn breaks the fourth wall by talking (sometimes shouting) directly to the reader. His expressions, outbursts, and the fact that his book (once again) gets covered in goop will all have kids laughing out loud.

As a pediatric speech-language pathologist, I often use Finn the Frog books during speech therapy sessions with elementary schoolers. I have found that even reluctant readers LOVE them! Like the other books in the Finn collection, This Book is Viral will appeal to SLPs and other educators because it lends itself extremely well to targeting communication skills and language-based academics. The text includes higher-level "tier two" vocabulary (ex: depend, comforting, constantly) and multiple meanings words (ex: viral, fan, safe); plus, there are built-in opportunities to work on critical-thinking skills (ex: making predictions, comparing/contrasting Finns, answering "Why?" questions). The book is also loaded with a range of different emotions to infer and discuss (ex: How do you think he feels? When have you felt that way?), making this book ideal for social-emotional learning.

This book, and the other Finn books, are must-haves for families and therapists/educators who work with kids! I highly recommend it!

Today is launch day for 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝘽𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙞𝙨 𝙑𝙞𝙧𝙖𝙡! 🎉🙌 Congrats to @picturebookdad and @arteelin !!

Here is my review:

Ron Keres and Arthur Lin have added yet another spectacular book to the Finn the Frog series! In this clever and hilarious fifth installment, Finn has let his earlier books' "viral" success go to his head. Unfortunately for him, his young reader is also viral... aka highly contagious.

Fans of Finn (Finn fans?) will love the silly, new depictions of Finn, as he quickly changes from over-confident superstar, to a doctor attempting to diagnose the reader, to the patient-- complete with a slew of ridiculous symptoms. In keeping with tradition, Finn breaks the fourth wall by talking (sometimes shouting) directly to the reader. His expressions, outbursts, and the fact that his book (once again) gets covered in goop will all have kids laughing out loud.

As a pediatric speech-language pathologist, I often use Finn the Frog books during speech therapy sessions with elementary schoolers. I have found that even reluctant readers LOVE them! Like the other books in the Finn collection, This Book is Viral will appeal to SLPs and other educators because it lends itself extremely well to targeting communication skills and language-based academics. The text includes higher-level "tier two" vocabulary (ex: depend, comforting, constantly) and multiple meanings words (ex: viral, fan, safe); plus, there are built-in opportunities to work on critical-thinking skills (ex: making predictions, comparing/contrasting Finns, answering "Why?" questions). The book is also loaded with a range of different emotions to infer and discuss (ex: How do you think he feels? When have you felt that way?), making this book ideal for social-emotional learning.

This book, and the other Finn books, are must-haves for families and therapists/educators who work with kids! I highly recommend it!

Something very exciting was delivered today... 🎉📗

I can't share it with you just yet 🤫 but stay tuned for the COVER REVEAL!!

Something very exciting was delivered today... 🎉📗

I can't share it with you just yet 🤫 but stay tuned for the COVER REVEAL!!

Sharing this super cute board book written by Tim Button and illustrated by Ana Martin Larranaga!

SLPs, educators, and caregivers will love this book because:

🪱 It includes repetition, with characters each posing the same question, "Are you wiggly?"

🪱 It's loaded with verbs (ex: jumping, swimming, spinning) that can be acted out

🪱 The characters are large and great for working on pointing to pictures when named

🪱 It ends with a mirror, perfect for making silly faces or working on imitation of actions, speech sounds, and mouth movements

The illustrations are adorable and have a slightly abstract quality that reminds me of Eric Carle. 🎨

Available now from The Collective Book Studio @thecollectivebookstudio and on Amazon!

Sharing this super cute board book written by Tim Button and illustrated by Ana Martin Larranaga!

SLPs, educators, and caregivers will love this book because:

🪱 It includes repetition, with characters each posing the same question, "Are you wiggly?"

🪱 It's loaded with verbs (ex: jumping, swimming, spinning) that can be acted out

🪱 The characters are large and great for working on pointing to pictures when named

🪱 It ends with a mirror, perfect for making silly faces or working on imitation of actions, speech sounds, and mouth movements

The illustrations are adorable and have a slightly abstract quality that reminds me of Eric Carle. 🎨

Available now from The Collective Book Studio @thecollectivebookstudio and on Amazon!

Super excited to finally announce that my third board book is set to be published this fall! 🎉

I am so lucky to be working with an incredibly talented team including:

⭐Illustrator Marina Borkun @miraillustrator

⭐Editor Jennifer Rees, an editor of the 𝙃𝙪𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧 𝙂𝙖𝙢𝙚𝙨!

⭐Designer Stella Mongodi @stellamaris_illustrator

Make sure you're following me @storybookconnection for updates and giveaways!

Super excited to finally announce that my third board book is set to be published this fall! 🎉

I am so lucky to be working with an incredibly talented team including:

⭐Illustrator Marina Borkun @miraillustrator

⭐Editor Jennifer Rees, an editor of the 𝙃𝙪𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧 𝙂𝙖𝙢𝙚𝙨!

⭐Designer Stella Mongodi @stellamaris_illustrator

Make sure you're following me @storybookconnection for updates and giveaways!

I had a great time participating in My Big Finds' Meet the Authors event during last weekend's Kentands Art Walk! 🎨

Despite the unfortunate weather ☂️forcing us to shift everything indoors, the event was a blast!

I got to meet local families, sign copies of 𝙇𝙚𝙩'𝙨 𝙂𝙤, 𝙋𝙪𝙥𝙥𝙮! and 𝙇𝙚𝙩'𝙨 𝙂𝙤, 𝙆𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙮!, and hang out with author Kim Schwalm @kim.schwalm and artist Michelle Rudd @garnet_paintbrush 🥰

The whole event was pet-themed-- complete with dog and cat children's books, commissioned watercolor pet portraits, and freebies like coloring pages and adoptable plushie pets!

A portion of store sales during the event even benefited Forever Changed Animal Rescue @foreverchangedar, an amazing local group that rescued my two pups, Ivy and Maisy. 🐶

If you're in the DMV, definitely check out My Big Finds in Gaithersburg, MD.

The store is so fun to explore and packed with unique, giftable items-- not to mention that they support local/small businesses, women, and the community. ❤️

I had a great time participating in My Big Finds' Meet the Authors event during last weekend's Kentands Art Walk! 🎨

Despite the unfortunate weather ☂️forcing us to shift everything indoors, the event was a blast!

I got to meet local families, sign copies of 𝙇𝙚𝙩'𝙨 𝙂𝙤, 𝙋𝙪𝙥𝙥𝙮! and 𝙇𝙚𝙩'𝙨 𝙂𝙤, 𝙆𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙮!, and hang out with author Kim Schwalm @kim.schwalm and artist Michelle Rudd @garnet_paintbrush 🥰

The whole event was pet-themed-- complete with dog and cat children's books, commissioned watercolor pet portraits, and freebies like coloring pages and adoptable plushie pets!

A portion of store sales during the event even benefited Forever Changed Animal Rescue @foreverchangedar, an amazing local group that rescued my two pups, Ivy and Maisy. 🐶

If you're in the DMV, definitely check out My Big Finds in Gaithersburg, MD.

The store is so fun to explore and packed with unique, giftable items-- not to mention that they support local/small businesses, women, and the community. ❤️

Just a little shameless self-promotion...

Just a little shameless self-promotion...

Looking for something fun to do in the DMV this Saturday the 31st? 🤸

I'll be signing books with another local children's author, @kim.schwalm at the coolest store, @mybigfinds during the 𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐒𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐀𝐫𝐭 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐤 (in Gaithersburg, MD) from 11-3! 📚

In addition to all of the Art Walk offerings (artists, raffles, crafts for kids, live music), we will be handing out freebies for kids including plushie pets to "adopt" and coloring sheets.

Local artist Michelle Rudd @garnet_paintbrush will be selling custom watercolor pet portraits! 🖌

An incredible local animal rescue (where I adopted my two pups) Forever Changed @foreverchangedar will be in attendance to answer questions about their adoptable pets and provide information about fostering. 🐾

Plus, a portion of purchases made at My Big Finds during the event will go towards supporting FCAR! ❤

I hope to see you there!

Looking for something fun to do in the DMV this Saturday the 31st? 🤸

I'll be signing books with another local children's author, @kim.schwalm at the coolest store, @mybigfinds during the 𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐒𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐀𝐫𝐭 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐤 (in Gaithersburg, MD) from 11-3! 📚

In addition to all of the Art Walk offerings (artists, raffles, crafts for kids, live music), we will be handing out freebies for kids including plushie pets to "adopt" and coloring sheets.

Local artist Michelle Rudd @garnet_paintbrush will be selling custom watercolor pet portraits! 🖌

An incredible local animal rescue (where I adopted my two pups) Forever Changed @foreverchangedar will be in attendance to answer questions about their adoptable pets and provide information about fostering. 🐾

Plus, a portion of purchases made at My Big Finds during the event will go towards supporting FCAR! ❤

I hope to see you there!

Must-have new board books for babies/toddlers! 🥳

Congrats to SLP authors @byclareshortspeech and @learntotalkwithme 🙌

Comment "books" and I'll send you the links!

Must-have new board books for babies/toddlers! 🥳

Congrats to SLP authors @byclareshortspeech and @learntotalkwithme 🙌

Comment "books" and I'll send you the links!

Just ordered this shirt (on sale!) from @play_spark ✨

Seriously, how perfect is this for any pediatric SLP who loves dogs?!

This design and lots more available at 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲-𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐤.𝐜𝐨𝐦!

Just ordered this shirt (on sale!) from @play_spark ✨

Seriously, how perfect is this for any pediatric SLP who loves dogs?!

This design and lots more available at 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲-𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐤.𝐜𝐨𝐦!

Watch now - *it's CeCe TV* on YouTube!

Watch now - *it's CeCe TV* on YouTube!

I was so excited to see both of my board books in CeCe's calming corner, alongside sensory toys from one of my favorite toy brands, @learningresources 🙌

In this new episode, CeCe talks to toddlers about understanding big feelings...

...and provides age-appropriate, evidence-based strategies for regulating their emotions.

As a pediatric SLP, I love the fact that It's CeCe TV supports early learning, including speech-language development!

The videos are highly interactive-- CeCe pauses to encourage children's participation, and the videos incorporate music and movement.

I especially love that CeCe models basic ASL signs!

Definitely check out this new episode and SUBSCRIBE ("it's CeCe tv" on YouTube).

I was so excited to see both of my board books in CeCe's calming corner, alongside sensory toys from one of my favorite toy brands, @learningresources 🙌

In this new episode, CeCe talks to toddlers about understanding big feelings...

...and provides age-appropriate, evidence-based strategies for regulating their emotions.

As a pediatric SLP, I love the fact that It's CeCe TV supports early learning, including speech-language development!

The videos are highly interactive-- CeCe pauses to encourage children's participation, and the videos incorporate music and movement.

I especially love that CeCe models basic ASL signs!

Definitely check out this new episode and SUBSCRIBE ("it's CeCe tv" on YouTube).

Visit the Amazon* link in my bio to check out over 100 books written by speech-language pathologists!

SLPs make incredible authors, and here are just a few reasons why:

*We have specialized knowledge of speech-language (aka communication) development including phonemic awareness skills, literacy skills, and vocabulary instruction.

*We are experts at using books during therapy sessions as tools to target a variety of speech-language skills; we know which book features best support communication and literacy development.

*We provide training to caregivers/educators on how to support speech-language development at home, in the classroom, and in the community-- so who better to provide these recommendations in books?

*We have exposure to a wide variety of books so we know the market and regularly get to see how children react to various stories/elements.

*SLPs have Master's degrees and, since language is a strength, many are exceptional writers!

If you own or purchase any of these books, consider leaving an Amazon review or sharing on social media to support SLP authors. 🙌

*Additional SLP books (available outside of Amazon) are listed on my blog at spiffyspeech.com!

Visit the Amazon* link in my bio to check out over 100 books written by speech-language pathologists!

SLPs make incredible authors, and here are just a few reasons why:

*We have specialized knowledge of speech-language (aka communication) development including phonemic awareness skills, literacy skills, and vocabulary instruction.

*We are experts at using books during therapy sessions as tools to target a variety of speech-language skills; we know which book features best support communication and literacy development.

*We provide training to caregivers/educators on how to support speech-language development at home, in the classroom, and in the community-- so who better to provide these recommendations in books?

*We have exposure to a wide variety of books so we know the market and regularly get to see how children react to various stories/elements.

*SLPs have Master's degrees and, since language is a strength, many are exceptional writers!

If you own or purchase any of these books, consider leaving an Amazon review or sharing on social media to support SLP authors. 🙌

*Additional SLP books (available outside of Amazon) are listed on my blog at spiffyspeech.com!

Here's all the proof you need that 📣 you don't need anything fancy to teach communication skills!

As a speech-language pathologist, I love using toys and games during my speech therapy sessions...

BUT, little ones often gravitate towards and are (weirdly) even more motivated by everyday objects 🤔

Especially things that can be pushed/pulled, opened/closed, or that have buttons!

The key 🔑 is just knowing how to use these objects to work on speech-language skills (like SLPs do!)

Here are some ideas:

💡 Give little ones one-step directions to follow using objects (ex: Turn on, turn off, open, close, push the button)

💡 Model actions (including silly ones) and try to have little ones imitate or go back-and-forth taking turns with you (ex: knock on the door, knock down the water bottle)

💡 Narrate what you/they are doing using simple words AND the more complex description (ex: "Water! Water out! Look, the water is coming out!")

Here are some early sounds/words to practice using the objects shown in this reel:

🗣 Sink: turn, on, off, push, down, water, out, cold, brrr, hot, warm, more, wash, bubbles, wipe, wet, dry, all done

🗣 Bottle: push, fall down, again, roll, away, empty, full, shake shake, oh no!, uh oh, bye bye, go, stop

🗣 Socks and shoes: put, on, take, off, go, in, out, soft, hard, P U!, ew!, toes, all done

🗣 Water cooler: out, in, push, button, water, cold, brrr, cup, full, empty, drink, ahhh (refreshing sound), drip drip, all gone, more

🗣 Hand sanitizer: push, out, on, wash, wet, rub, all done

🗣 Doors: open, close, knock knock, bang bang, hi, bye bye, in, out, go

🗣 Light switches: turn, on, off, push, up, down, again, dark

🗣 Windows: open, close, push, pull (or up, down), look, see, people/objects out window (ex: mama, dada, baby, dog, bird, tweet tweet, plane, up, walk)

🗣 Air purifier (or fan): turn, on, off, push, button, air, blow, out, beep beep, go, stop, aaah! (as air blows hair)

Follow me for more tips!

Here's all the proof you need that 📣 you don't need anything fancy to teach communication skills!

As a speech-language pathologist, I love using toys and games during my speech therapy sessions...

BUT, little ones often gravitate towards and are (weirdly) even more motivated by everyday objects 🤔

Especially things that can be pushed/pulled, opened/closed, or that have buttons!

The key 🔑 is just knowing how to use these objects to work on speech-language skills (like SLPs do!)

Here are some ideas:

💡 Give little ones one-step directions to follow using objects (ex: Turn on, turn off, open, close, push the button)

💡 Model actions (including silly ones) and try to have little ones imitate or go back-and-forth taking turns with you (ex: knock on the door, knock down the water bottle)

💡 Narrate what you/they are doing using simple words AND the more complex description (ex: "Water! Water out! Look, the water is coming out!")

Here are some early sounds/words to practice using the objects shown in this reel:

🗣 Sink: turn, on, off, push, down, water, out, cold, brrr, hot, warm, more, wash, bubbles, wipe, wet, dry, all done

🗣 Bottle: push, fall down, again, roll, away, empty, full, shake shake, oh no!, uh oh, bye bye, go, stop

🗣 Socks and shoes: put, on, take, off, go, in, out, soft, hard, P U!, ew!, toes, all done

🗣 Water cooler: out, in, push, button, water, cold, brrr, cup, full, empty, drink, ahhh (refreshing sound), drip drip, all gone, more

🗣 Hand sanitizer: push, out, on, wash, wet, rub, all done

🗣 Doors: open, close, knock knock, bang bang, hi, bye bye, in, out, go

🗣 Light switches: turn, on, off, push, up, down, again, dark

🗣 Windows: open, close, push, pull (or up, down), look, see, people/objects out window (ex: mama, dada, baby, dog, bird, tweet tweet, plane, up, walk)

🗣 Air purifier (or fan): turn, on, off, push, button, air, blow, out, beep beep, go, stop, aaah! (as air blows hair)

Follow me for more tips!

This FREE 6-page packet includes tips for parents/caregivers for boosting early speech and language skills in babies and toddlers.

Download at 👉 storybookconnection.com

If you're a parent or educator of babies/toddlers, make sure you're following me for more freebies, tips, and book news!

This FREE 6-page packet includes tips for parents/caregivers for boosting early speech and language skills in babies and toddlers.

Download at 👉 storybookconnection.com

If you're a parent or educator of babies/toddlers, make sure you're following me for more freebies, tips, and book news!

I'm excited to announce that 𝙇𝙚𝙩'𝙨 𝙂𝙤, 𝙆𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙮! has been selected as a finalist in The Wishing Shelf Awards' preschool picture book category! 🏅

This UK-based contest differs from others in that teachers and their students are the judges 😻 It makes me so happy to know that kids were the ones who chose my book!

Congrats to the other finalists! Winners will be announced on April 1st 🎉

I'm excited to announce that 𝙇𝙚𝙩'𝙨 𝙂𝙤, 𝙆𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙮! has been selected as a finalist in The Wishing Shelf Awards' preschool picture book category! 🏅

This UK-based contest differs from others in that teachers and their students are the judges 😻 It makes me so happy to know that kids were the ones who chose my book!

Congrats to the other finalists! Winners will be announced on April 1st 🎉

As an SLP, seeing an entire endcap of @msrachelforlittles toys makes me so happy ❤️

As an SLP, seeing an entire endcap of @msrachelforlittles toys makes me so happy ❤️

Sharing two incredible books from author Ben Okon's Mythical Feasts series, 𝙐𝙣𝙞𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙣𝙨 𝙇𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙄𝙘𝙚 𝘾𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙢 and 𝘿𝙞𝙣𝙤𝙨 𝙇𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝘿𝙤𝙣𝙪𝙩𝙨. 😍

🌈 Not only are these books magical, hilarious, and beautifully illustrated, but they're both fantastic for promoting speech-language skills!

Here's why:

🍩 Both include song-like rhythm and rhyme, and are packed with alliteration. This makes them perfect for reaching phonological awareness (i.e., pre-reading) skills.

🍨 The fact that these become tongue-twisters when read quickly makes them ideal for working on speech sound generalization (i.e., have the student read aloud using their sounds!)

🍩 Both books are loaded with tier-two vocabulary and figures of speech, allowing kids to work on definitions, synonyms, and context clues.

🍨 The plots of both books take unexpected turns, so they can be used to work on making predictions (ex: What do you think might happen next?) and answering critical thinking questions (ex: Why do you think that?)

🍩 The wide variety of dinos, unicorns, and desserts can be used to work on comparing and contrasting (i.e., How are they alike? How are they different?)

SLPs, parents, and educators-- check them out at youngermeacademy.com or on Amazon!

Sharing two incredible books from author Ben Okon's Mythical Feasts series, 𝙐𝙣𝙞𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙣𝙨 𝙇𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙄𝙘𝙚 𝘾𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙢 and 𝘿𝙞𝙣𝙤𝙨 𝙇𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝘿𝙤𝙣𝙪𝙩𝙨. 😍

🌈 Not only are these books magical, hilarious, and beautifully illustrated, but they're both fantastic for promoting speech-language skills!

Here's why:

🍩 Both include song-like rhythm and rhyme, and are packed with alliteration. This makes them perfect for reaching phonological awareness (i.e., pre-reading) skills.

🍨 The fact that these become tongue-twisters when read quickly makes them ideal for working on speech sound generalization (i.e., have the student read aloud using their sounds!)

🍩 Both books are loaded with tier-two vocabulary and figures of speech, allowing kids to work on definitions, synonyms, and context clues.

🍨 The plots of both books take unexpected turns, so they can be used to work on making predictions (ex: What do you think might happen next?) and answering critical thinking questions (ex: Why do you think that?)

🍩 The wide variety of dinos, unicorns, and desserts can be used to work on comparing and contrasting (i.e., How are they alike? How are they different?)

SLPs, parents, and educators-- check them out at youngermeacademy.com or on Amazon!

Printable Valentine's featuring Kitty from 𝙇𝙚𝙩'𝙨 𝙂𝙤, 𝙆𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙮! were just added to the Freebie page* of my website 🐱❤️

Head to 👉 storybookconnection.com

*Password to unlock my entire freebie page appears instantly when you sign up for my E-mail list. No spam, unsubscribe anytime!

Printable Valentine's featuring Kitty from 𝙇𝙚𝙩'𝙨 𝙂𝙤, 𝙆𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙮! were just added to the Freebie page* of my website 🐱❤️

Head to 👉 storybookconnection.com

*Password to unlock my entire freebie page appears instantly when you sign up for my E-mail list. No spam, unsubscribe anytime!

I have every book in the Finn the Frog series, so I was very excited for this next installment! 🐸

In This Book Stinks!, Finn is back and ready to take on yet another challenge-- babysitting.

Despite being a self-proclaimed "babysitter extraordinaire," things quickly take a disastrous (and disgusting) turn.

The book is laugh-out-loud funny, with Finn providing running commentary and reacting with the screaming, arm-flailing panic that is his signature.

Just like in previous Finn books, the author, Ron Keres breaks the fourth wall, allowing the reader to feel like they're part of the story.

Parents, and anyone who has worked with young children, will relate to Finn's childcare catastrophes, while kids will crack up at the chaos and especially the dirty diaper.

As a pediatric speech-language pathologist, I love that this book, like the other Finn books, lends itself so well to working on expressive communication skills.

The illustrations by Arthur Lin are great for verbal description, and there is a clear sequence of events for story-retell or taking a picture walk.

The book includes some great "tier two" vocabulary words (ex: certainly, occupied, exhausting) as well as opportunities for answering critical-thinking questions (ex: "How does Finn feel?" "Why is he upset?" "What might happen if he lets the baby blow bubbles?")

This series has easily become one of my favorites, and I highly recommend This Book Stinks! to parents and educators alike!

I have every book in the Finn the Frog series, so I was very excited for this next installment! 🐸

In This Book Stinks!, Finn is back and ready to take on yet another challenge-- babysitting.

Despite being a self-proclaimed "babysitter extraordinaire," things quickly take a disastrous (and disgusting) turn.

The book is laugh-out-loud funny, with Finn providing running commentary and reacting with the screaming, arm-flailing panic that is his signature.

Just like in previous Finn books, the author, Ron Keres breaks the fourth wall, allowing the reader to feel like they're part of the story.

Parents, and anyone who has worked with young children, will relate to Finn's childcare catastrophes, while kids will crack up at the chaos and especially the dirty diaper.

As a pediatric speech-language pathologist, I love that this book, like the other Finn books, lends itself so well to working on expressive communication skills.

The illustrations by Arthur Lin are great for verbal description, and there is a clear sequence of events for story-retell or taking a picture walk.

The book includes some great "tier two" vocabulary words (ex: certainly, occupied, exhausting) as well as opportunities for answering critical-thinking questions (ex: "How does Finn feel?" "Why is he upset?" "What might happen if he lets the baby blow bubbles?")

This series has easily become one of my favorites, and I highly recommend This Book Stinks! to parents and educators alike!

According to my little cousin, I'm the best book creator 🏆 ...unfortunately I also look like purple Gumby. 💁🏻‍♀️

According to my little cousin, I'm the best book creator 🏆 ...unfortunately I also look like purple Gumby. 💁🏻‍♀️

𝓘𝓷𝓴 + 𝙍𝙄𝘿𝘿𝙇𝙀 is magical!!

I love discovering new indie stores, especially ones that carry toys, games, and children's books 😍

@inkandriddle in Clarksburg, MD is especially unique because they carry items from local artists/businesses and offer personalization (which is great for gifting).

Not only that, they provide art workshops, community events like story times, and classes like 3D printing!

If you're in the #dmv area, definitely check them out!! The @clarksburgpremiumoutlets make for the perfect day trip :)

𝓘𝓷𝓴 + 𝙍𝙄𝘿𝘿𝙇𝙀 is magical!!

I love discovering new indie stores, especially ones that carry toys, games, and children's books 😍

@inkandriddle in Clarksburg, MD is especially unique because they carry items from local artists/businesses and offer personalization (which is great for gifting).

Not only that, they provide art workshops, community events like story times, and classes like 3D printing!

If you're in the #dmv area, definitely check them out!! The @clarksburgpremiumoutlets make for the perfect day trip :)

What an honor to see 𝙇𝙚𝙩'𝙨 𝙂𝙤, 𝙆𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙮! on the list of finalists in the Hindi's Libraries 2024 Females of Fiction Awards! 🎉

What an honor to see 𝙇𝙚𝙩'𝙨 𝙂𝙤, 𝙆𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙮! on the list of finalists in the Hindi's Libraries 2024 Females of Fiction Awards! 🎉

𝙄 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙧 𝙉𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚, written by SLP Clay Hadden, is now available through Ninewise Publishing! 🌞

There is so much to love about this adorable board book:

🍂 It's loaded with sound effect words like "crunch," "whoosh," "buzz," and "tweet," that can encourage little ones to imitate

🍂 Lift-the-flaps increase engagement and provide greater opportunities for interaction

🍂 Preschoolers can guess what's making each sound, improving their critical-thinking skills

🍂 It pairs perfectly with nature-themed speech or classroom lessons, and can be read before, during, or after a nature walk to support learning

I especially love that the book includes tips for reading in a playful, interactive way that promotes speech-language development. 🗣️

Snag your copy* today from ninewise.com or Amazon!

*For every book purchased, one copy of the sweet book, 𝘼𝙫𝙖'𝙨 𝙏𝙧𝙞𝙪𝙢𝙥𝙝 will be donated to the Upcountry History Museum's hurricane relief book drive (now through Giving Tuesday).

𝙄 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙧 𝙉𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚, written by SLP Clay Hadden, is now available through Ninewise Publishing! 🌞

There is so much to love about this adorable board book:

🍂 It's loaded with sound effect words like "crunch," "whoosh," "buzz," and "tweet," that can encourage little ones to imitate

🍂 Lift-the-flaps increase engagement and provide greater opportunities for interaction

🍂 Preschoolers can guess what's making each sound, improving their critical-thinking skills

🍂 It pairs perfectly with nature-themed speech or classroom lessons, and can be read before, during, or after a nature walk to support learning

I especially love that the book includes tips for reading in a playful, interactive way that promotes speech-language development. 🗣️

Snag your copy* today from ninewise.com or Amazon!

*For every book purchased, one copy of the sweet book, 𝘼𝙫𝙖'𝙨 𝙏𝙧𝙞𝙪𝙢𝙥𝙝 will be donated to the Upcountry History Museum's hurricane relief book drive (now through Giving Tuesday).

I love this graphic by @positivelypresent 🪅 What will you make today? 🎨🎻🧁✍️

I love this graphic by @positivelypresent 🪅 What will you make today? 🎨🎻🧁✍️

The queen 👑 and the court jester 🤡

The queen 👑 and the court jester 🤡

#authorjokes

#authorjokes

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