YES, REGAN IS READY!!
Ready, Regan? is my first published book and I couldn’t be more excited to get it into the hands of children (and their parents and teachers). This story idea came from a lesson I used with gifted and talented students in grades 3-6 to set the stage for the year’s enrichment group meetings, but it’s universal message is that learning is supposed to be FUN!
Regan and her best friend, Leslie, are excited to be starting third grade even if first days make Regan a little anxious. At the end of a busy day, their new teacher, the marvelous Ms. Eaton, hands out colorful paper bags for homework. They don’t know it yet, but it’s a tool kit designed to help them embrace and navigate the messy, joyful process of true learning.Regan is a star in the classroom and on the soccer field. She’s hard-working, competitive, and always prepared. But Regan’s new third grade teacher, Ms. Eaton, throws her a bit of a curveball on the first day of school when she hands out tool kits. Since when does homework come wrapped in a colorful paper bag tied with ribbon?
Regan’s best friend, Leslie, isn’t bothered a bit by their unusual homework, but Regan’s orderly world is rocked as she tries to figure out how some very ordinary items can make her a top-notch third grader. It doesn’t help that the class know-it-all, Conor, is in her class for the fourth year in a row and seems more determined than ever to compete with Regan.
As the familiar and funny routines of the first week of school play out, Regan struggles to master Ms. Eaton’s confusing assignment. By Friday, though, she starts to see the tools in use all around her, even on the soccer field and in the kitchen with her dad. Regan learns quickly that she can use her tools to help herself and a new little friend just learning to read.
SNIPPETS FROM MY FAVORITE AMAZON REVIEWS….
This is me with the very first proof of my new book. The feeling that comes from holding an actual book in your hands after years of work is indescribable but utterly delightful.
Jacqueline S: Regan is a third grader who we can all relate to. A little worried, a little shy, very sweet and kind, she wants to be noticed by her teacher, but is afraid she might answer wrong.
Jim D: A compelling story that keeps you wanting to read more, to find out what happens to Regan. I would encourage it for any kid looking to tackle projects, school, life etc. And a few lessons in there for grown-ups as well.
Jake B: This book is a great gift for the straight-A perfectionist always needing to be right as well as for the discouraged student who may find it hard to be right. It's a kid-friendly story that will actually "teach them how to fish" and learn how to learn.
Ryan P: My daughter is in first grade and we had so much fun discovering what each tool could be used for and also talking about how she might apply them at school and at home. Also a great story about friendship and helping others!
Amy O: Regan will appeal to young readers with her enthusiasm, grit, and love of life and family. This is a great read for students getting ready for that first day of school. It reinforces the crucial lesson that being wrong is an important part of life for everyone, and our wrongs often lead to the best rights!