Hi Writers!

One of the best–if not THE BEST–part of writing a book FOR KIDS is meeting and talking to ACTUAL KIDS. I have learned so much visiting schools and listening to what kids have to say about school, reading, and creativity. Kids give me HOPE. They share the sparkle! They help each other. And when it comes to reading, they have a ton to teach us.

Many of you already follow Olivia aka @thelivbits. (She has a brand new podcast on Pinna.)

But how many of you have checked out Emmie Enchanted and her blog, Fantastic Books and Where to Find Them? Recently, I got the chance to interview Emmie. 

Here she is!

And here she is with Corabel Shofner (author of Almost Paradise) at her book signing

Here’s our conversation:

Sarah: What was your first favorite book? Tell us about it. What was it like to read the first time? What is the first book you were sure you wouldn’t love, but couldn’t help yourself–you did?

Emmie: My first favorite book was Fancy Nancy and the Delectable Cupcakes. I read it over and over again. It was so awesome. When I was little, I loved trying to pronounce the big words in the book. I actually memorized this book before I learned to read. It helped me learn to read, and when I was able to read it, I saw everything in a whole new way than when I had it memorized. The story came more alive to me because I wasn’t just repeating words but was actually able to read them. (My mom actually took a video of me reading that book – you can see it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCmO96hmsDo)

(1^st Grade Reading Fair Project on Fancy Nancy Sees Stars)

I can’t remember the first book that I was sure I wouldn’t love, but I do remember thinking that I was not going to like Anne of Green Gables when I started out. There were a lot of long words and I couldn’t understand a lot of things that people were saying. Also, Anne of Green Gables was mostly conversation and not adventure. But, I figured out as I went through the story that I was falling more and more in love with this book. I couldn’t possibly put the book down and say ”I’m done.” I realized that Anne had a lot of troubles in her life that I didn’t notice at first because I was so stuck on thinking how much I didn’t like the book. At the end, she got such a happy ending that I couldn’t help but love it.

Tell us about your website. When did you decide to publish your reviews? Who do you hear from? What is your wish list for your site?

My website recommends children’s books for young readers. It has all sorts of things on it like “About Me,” “Favorites,” and “Book Reviews.” You can even search for books by title, genre, rating, or AR points. I started the website in the summer of 2017. A librarian named Tanya Turek, who also has a Children’s Book Review site, had recommended some books for me to read. She also suggested that I start this website and I was so amazed. I can’t really explain it, but amazed comes really close to the word I’m looking for. I felt amazed because not every normal kid gets to start a website and I thought of it as an opportunity even though I knew I would have to work for it.

It takes dedication. I’m really impressed with your reviews! 

I hear from kids who are asking me to review books that they like or are commenting on my reviews that I’ve written, I hear from moms who may ask me if a certain book is appropriate for their kids, and I hear from authors who ask me to review their books on my website.

My wish list for this site is for every child to have a good experience in reading and be able to go onto on my site and find books that they like.

I agree! Finding the right book is the first step to becoming a reader!

If Jacqueline Woodson (the new children’s book ambassador) called you up for a slogan for reading, what would you tell her?

My slogan for reading has always been “Reading is Magical!”

(Gotta say: I love it!) Why magical?

It is magical because it takes you into another world. When you’re stuck at home, you can go to Italy or France, Hogwarts or up in the clouds. You are physically still in your room sitting on your chair or a couch, but you’re climbing Mount Everest or going to a party in Paris or fighting off dragons at Hogwarts.

(LOVE Hermione!!!)

So let’s share some sparkle!

If you could make one wish for the world, what would you wish for? 

I would wish that everybody would be able to survive life’s hard trials and get through to Heaven.

Emmie, that is a BEAUTIFUL WISH. 

Thank you for answering these questions!

Readers: check her out! The blog is FANTASTIC BOOKS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM. 

Want a chance to win a copy of The Wish List #1: The Worst Fairy Godmother Ever AND The Wish List #2: Keep Calm and Sparkle On?

Ask us a question. Or share this post! Or say hi to Emmie!

On 1/11, I’ll choose a winner!!!

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