This playful book turns reading into an adventure, inviting kids and grown-ups to ask questions, laugh out loud, and dive into stories together!
Teacher and first-time author creates engaging children’s book that inspires active participation and shared experiences
Traverse City, Michigan—After twenty years as an early childhood educator, Karolyn Wallace has heard one question time and time again: “How can I help my child love reading?” In response, Wallace saw an opportunity to develop a book that demonstrates how best to read together, resulting in I Love It When We Read Together, Mission Point Press, (August 12, 2025). “It helps parents and children establish reading as a two-way street, a cozy shared experience that invites them to ask questions, laugh out loud, and dive into stories together,” Wallace said.
The COVID-19 pandemic strained resources and reduced opportunities for “read together” time in a classroom setting. Wallace reflected, “The conversations between partners—whether teacher to student, reading buddy to reading buddy, parent to child, caregiver to child, sibling to sibling—are all memorable for children. My hope is that we continue to encourage talking about the books we read even at a very young age.”
Supporting a Long-Term Love of Reading
I Love It When We Read Together invites reading partners to “grab a book and read together,” creating their own special rituals with gentle prompts and endearing illustrations that encourage kids to read along, spot animals, and spark lively conversations. Using familiar language taught by literacy specialists in schools across the country, family members and caregivers can support the development of lifelong reading comprehension skills and refresh dormant ones. “There’s a reason teachers hope for nightly reading. Simply wondering aloud is a first step toward critical thinking in a world of thought-provoking ideas. My hope is to make the ideas part of any partner reading experience, not just with my book,” Wallace shared.
While Wallace the educator took great pride in developing her book, her experiences as a mother and grandmother were also instrumental. “My book grew from fond memories of nightly reading with my own children. Now a grandmother, I watch my children read with their children every night. I admire the dedication to storytelling, inquiry, and closeness that they nurture whenever and wherever they open a book.”
Advanced Praise
Advance praise for I Love It When We Read Together from Ann Friedman, founder of Planet Word Museum:
“Children will want to read this gently charming book over and over, discovering new worlds and ideas to discuss on every page. This is a book to savor while cuddled up with a teacher, parent, or caregiver.”
The Author
Karolyn Wallace is a seasoned educator with over twenty years of experience. She is currently part of the team at The Children’s Learning Lab, where experienced educators connect with elementary students for online learning. She divides her time between Michigan and California, enjoying the company of her children and grandchildren.
The Illustrator
Joey Wall is celebrated for his vibrant, imaginative illustrations. His work merges playful energy with storytelling that captivates viewers. He takes particular pride in his contributions to I Love It When We Read Together, which honors the joy of reading and the beauty of diverse families.
The Book
I Love It When We Read Together
Karolyn Wallace
34 pages, 8.5 x 8.5 inches, Color
Juvenile Nonfiction, Beginning Readers, Education
ISBN: 978-1-965278-30-7, $22.95 (Hardcover)
ISBN: 978-1-965278-31-4, $16.95 (Softcover)
Mission Point Press, August 12, 2025
Copies are available for preorder at Bookshop.org, Amazon, and other online retailers. On its August 12 publication date, it will be available for purchase wherever books are sold. For information or to arrange for signings and events, contact the author at thebroders@gmail.com.
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