I am so inspired by...
Reach Out & Read is a national organization that celebrates empowering families to read aloud with their young children during well-child visits—turning waiting rooms into reading rooms, and doctors into literacy champions!
Join author Karolyn Wallace at the Reach Out & Read Breakfast for Dinner charity event on October 16 in Saugatuck, MI, or check out the organization's brilliant podcast about health and literacy in children on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen.
Rooted in education, inspired by family.
About Karolyn
Karolyn Wallace is a seasoned educator with over twenty years of experience teaching in elementary classrooms across public and private schools in Maryland, Washington, DC, Los Angeles, and New York. Before that, she was a broadcast journalist at local news affiliates in Los Angeles and Flint, Michigan. 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 husband, children, and grandchildren.
About Joey
Joey Wall is a UK-based illustrator whose playful, expressive artwork brings children's stories to life. Influenced by comics and artists like Jon Klassen, he works primarily in Procreate and has illustrated books like I Love It When We Read Together. When he’s not drawing, Joey enjoys time with his wife and two daughters. Check out Joey's other work.
About the Book
I Love It When We Read Together invites reading partners to create their own special rituals with gentle prompts and endearing illustrations that encourage kids to read along, spot animals, and spark lively conversations. This book is perfect for building fluency and connection. Inspired by the literacy challenges of the pandemic, early childhood educator Karolyn Wallace crafts a cozy experience that helps families bring the joy of reading home.
Books We Love to Read Together
Looking for more great stories to share? Karolyn Wallace has put together a thoughtful list of favorite books—perfect for early readers, big conversations, and building connection one page at a time.
Excellent Books for the Beginning of the School Year
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First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg
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Feelings by Aliki
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Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes
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Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes
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Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf by Lois Ehlert
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I Read Signs by Tana Hoban
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Beautiful Oops by Barney Saltzberg
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Photo Ark ABC, An Animal Alphabet in Poetry & Picture by Debbie Levy and Joel Sartore
Crafting the Story
I Love It When We Read Together started out as a series of collages Karolyn put together, and blossomed into the beginning of a beautiful series, with her work brought to life through illustrations by Joey Wall.
Love for the book
“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.”
Ann Friedman, founder of Planet Word
"Few delights can surpass the joy of early reading. The well-chosen words and colorful images on these pages capture the wonder shared by readers and listeners alike as they dialogue together."
Peggy Bessent, educator, Baltimore, Maryland
"I love this book because the pictures are really pretty, and we find the animals and make up stories about the people. I love when mama reads with me!"
Silas, age 4
