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I’ve always been an avid reader and have read many books to our four kids over the years. One of my favorite things to do is read to my teenagers, and if I can finagle it, the girls might brush my hair during “book club”.
It’s a joy to read good teen lit: quick moving, tightly phrased and to the point. And how sweet it is to introduce little readers to the true works of art and language that great picture books are.
After much research and planning, I decided to write picture books and a book for teens. My Not Really picture book series is unusual in that it teaches skills like counting backward and by twos. Fantastic illustrations and surprise endings will delight children and their readers, as well. They’re wonderful fun, and I hope you’ll enjoy them.
How did I get here? After several college degrees and years of working in business as well as tutoring (primarily) math and writing skills to awe-inspiring teens, I thought it would be fun to run for public office, study math and take writing classes on several continents. What a joy it’s been to travel to forty countries, and it’s my academic background in and love for cultures that inspires my writing. It have had multiple short stories published and won several awards, including Flash Fiction 1st place at the University of Wisconsin Writers' Institute and 3rd place (Nonfiction) in the WI Jade Ring Contest.
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
Have you ever tried counting sheep to help you fall asleep? Some people think it works. But there are other ways to count yourself to sleep. How about just counting from one ginormous candy explosion to ten brave squirrels? And then try it backward. Sound like fun? It is, but it really makes you think, and thinking keeps your brain active and an active brain keeps you awake. Is this really a good way to induce sleep? Perhaps it’s something to do to wake up in the morning.
Nan Evenson’s picture book story, Good Night (Not Really): Let’s Count Forward AND Backward, is a clever and fun way to teach young readers how to count forward and backward, at least up to 10. The title is a clincher, making one wonder why it’s considered a ‘Not Really’ good title. Well, like I said, counting is brain work and a working brain doesn’t let a person fall asleep. The author leads young readers through a series of fun-induced numbering skills that will have them chuckling and wanting to dance around with the protagonists, Lisa and Charlie.
I particularly love the “5 weird broccolis” that “suddenly turned into yummy, green cupcakes.” And the “7 wacky swings” – the illustrations say it all; these swings are definitely wacky, but oh what fun! The font used for the text is bold and attractive for young readers and the numbers certainly stand out, each number as unique and different as the image they accompany. The author and the illustrator certainly know how to entertain. What a fun way to learn numbers!
