A Mess of Relatives Coloring Book is designed to support early literacy skills development and a life-long love of reading. The front cover is more illustrated than the back, so it is obvious how to hold the book. Left to right movement of both text and illustrations reinforce directionality. Wonky text placement on page twenty-five supports one-to-one correspondence and develops print awareness. Engaging illustrations support the text while encouraging the reader to turn the page. The text and illustrations flip on pages sixteen to nineteen, encouraging interaction with the reader and further develop print awareness. A simple font with good spacing models the strokes we teach in school - no fancy a or g. Strong patterned text pulls the reader through the story. Word choices develop rich vocabulary skills. The storyline opens opportunities to discuss and accept the messy nature of families. Readers are encouraged to read it again and again and again!
Author Biography:
Kristen Sandoz (Kris) is a wife and mother, but she is also an innovator - someone who has lots of new ideas and tries to make them happen. Kris is the mom of her very own noise of boys, and she can tell you that three boys make a lot of noise! Growing up, Kris loved her messy family with characters like her Harley-riding aunt with tats, her grandpa who had no kneecaps, her uncles who married sisters, and her grandpa who had hairy palms. They made life interesting. Kris and her husband, Joel, live in Oregon. Her biggest dream is to own a carousel where, in her old age, she can sit and watch kids and their families light up with happiness! Jennifer Schulze (Jen) wears many hats; she is a mom, grandma, teacher, principal, and writer. She is also Kris's older sister. Jen and Kris both know what it is like to have a mess of relatives - they have two other sisters, nine aunts and uncles, and too many nieces, nephews, and cousins to count! Jen and her husband Dean have four children who are all grown up. Two are married, and two have children. Sometimes having a big family is hard - like when trying to take a decent family photo - but it is always an adventure. Jen is currently the principal of a small charter school in Oregon. When Jen is done being a principal, she wants to own a hot dog stand, because she likes to visit with and feed people. Plus, hot dogs are a cheap meal for a mess of relatives. Zapryanka Vasileva (Zi) lives in Plovdiv, Bulgaria - which she believes is the greatest city in Europe. Her path to becoming an illustrator began when she and a fellow artist founded the art studio, So Many Stories to Tell. Since then, she has developed her quirky style of illustrating, combining classic drawing, digital coloring, and a bit of craziness. Her passions are drawing, illustration, and photography.
