MISS SPELL is FINALLY COMING OUT!

In 2010 I began to write the drafts for Miss Spell. I have probably written 100 revisions and changed the story considerably over the years. David Schiedt, an awesome illustrator, who has illustrated my GP series as well as the Drinking Fountain Joe picture book finished the design and art for both the print and ebook versions this past spring. 

Miss Spell is a whimsical, fun homophonic* picture book that will entertain and be an educational tool regarding the homophones in the English language that are often quite confusing for early readers as well as ESL children.

The English language is a mystery in many ways. Why do we have three two, too, to's? Why three their, there, there's? Why is nuclear both catastrophic and the way we view those closest to us? These mysteries cannot go unattended when you have a never silent mind.

Over the years I have treasured the letters I get from children after my school visits or book signings. The ones for Kindies, first graders and second graders are often peppered with homophones. This inspired me to write a picture book (series) about homophones in a fun way that teachers could use and children would enjoy reading.

Dear Mr. Matott

Do you like being a rider?

I think riding a book would be fun.

I reed books all the thyme. (okay, I added the spice, but it represents the meaning)

I hope Miss Spell will become a beloved character because I have literally written five books about her and her magical exploits and would love to see an "Olivia" type of success. 

Please let me know what you think of the book when you see it. Also, there will be a special edition released only on my website which will be numbered 1-100 and signed by both me and David Schiedt. They won't cost more than any other retail book, but will be valuable because they are double-signed if we go all Olivia on the world!

Hear are sum examples of the way the homophones are wound into the tail. (spot the homophones in that last sentence?)

Miss Spell is mischievous by nature. She is a Princess with a magical gift. Her mother wants her to use her gifts for good and tries to inspire her. Miss Spell really tries, but it is just too irresistible when a girl asks for an aunt farm and she gets what she asks for. Then a boy asks for a new toe truck and he gets what he asks for and so on until once again as with many mischievous activities it backfires and Miss Spell learns a valuable lesson as will the reader.

Sew, please dew come join us as Miss Spell begins… COMING AUGUST 14th!

* hom·o·phone

  [hom-uh-fohn, hoh-muh-]  Show IPA noun

1.   Phonetics . a word pronounced the same as another but differing in meaning, whether spelled the same way or not, as heir  and air.

2.   a written element that represents the same spoken unit as another, as ks,  a homophone of x  in English.