As February arrives, I know you might be looking for a great Valentine’s Day read aloud to share with your class or little ones. I think I’ve found a great way to kick off this Valentine’s Day with a book by S. Marie Hawks. She has come up with a combination of a letter pattern book and folk tale to compliment any Valentine’s Day reading unit or celebration. She lives in Northern Utah with her husband and family. Her experience as a preschool teacher has given her a unique perspective on children’s literature, and loves to include her human development background within her books.
“Weasels Do Not Get Valentines” is a book that combines animals, letter patterns, holidays and Valentine’s Day in a unique way. It will help build vocabulary, create discussion about fighting for what you believe in, and put a few smiles on children’s faces. I got a chance to interview S. Marie Hawks on her childhood influences, reading memories, and what future projects she is working on.
1) What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?
S. Marie Hawks: If my mom had a minute she would say, go get a book and I’ll read it to you. I would run to my room and bring back a laundry basket, my toy shopping cart, or a blanket full of books. Never was one book enough.
2) Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?
S. Marie Hawks: As a child, I loved to check out Norman Bridwell’s Clifford the Big Red Dog books. When I started reading on my own, I went crazy on Marc Brown’s Arthur books. I had the entire Arthur book collection and even the stuffed dolls of Arthur and DW. These books were inspiring to me because they focused on learning lessons and kindness, things I love to write about.
3) What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?
S. Marie Hawks: I love to write about happy, healthy joyful things. I have an allergy-friendly/paleo cookbook that I hope to finish up soon. Also, I’m working on multiple children’s books and two adult fiction novels 🙂
“Weasels Do Not Get Valentines” is a wonderful combination of letter patterns, holidays, and folk tales all in one book. It starts with an introduction to how animals celebrate the holidays through the year, leading to how Weasels do not get any Valentines for Valentine’s Day. In which, of course, they decide to lead a movement to make change. It’s a delightful way to create discussion around traditions, vocabulary building, and enjoy a holiday themed book in a new way. This unique story will bring lots of smiles to any child or classroom.
“Weasels Do Not Get Valentines” is available at Amazon.com.
It is available as a print edition or as a Kindle Unlimited title ebook.
The Indie Children's Authors Connection 